Donald Tam

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped respiratory β coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), leading to a deadly pandemic that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 genome also codes for non-structural proteins (NSPs). These NSPs are found within open reading frame 1a (ORF1a) and open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and encode NSP1 to NSP11 and NSP12 to NSP16, respectively. This study aimed to collect the available literature regarding NSP inhibitors. In addition, we searched the natural product database looking for similar structures. The results showed that similar structures could be tested as potential inhibitors of the NSPs.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an effective disinfection technology, able to inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. A safer UV wavelength of 222 nm, also known as far‐UVC, has been proposed to minimize these harmful effects while retaining the light’s disinfection capability. This study is aimed at exploring the antimicrobial activity of filtered far‐UVC (222 nm) on a panel of pathogens commonly found in nosocomial installations. A panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and yeast pathogens was tested. Microorganisms were deposited on a plastic surface, allowing them to dry before exposure to the far‐UVC light at a distance of 50 cm. Results showed that far‐UVC light successfully inhibits the growth of the tested pathogens, although at different exposure times. In conclusion, the results of this study provide fundamental information to achieve reliable disinfection performance with far‐UVC lamps with potential applications in healthcare facilities like hospitals and long‐term care homes.