Design of a UV-C-LED-Based Prototype for Disinfecting Small Surfaces in Public Transport System under Uncertain Epidemiological Conditions

16th International Scientific Conference on Sustainable, Modern and Safe Transport (TRANSCOM 2025): Transportation Research Procedia 2025
Antons Patļins, Klāvs Vabulnieks, Linda Mežule, Pāvels Gavrilovs

This study introduces a prototype designed for disinfecting small surfaces in public transport using UV-C LEDs with wavelengths optimized for effective microbial inactivation. Structural components were created in Autodesk Fusion 360, and the PCB was developed in Autodesk Eagle. Spectral properties of the UV-C LEDs were analyzed at the University of Latvia, while microbiological tests at Riga Technical University confirmed high disinfection efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus. The prototype includes a safety system that deactivates the device when human presence is detected. Laboratory results suggest that with minor modifications, the prototype can be effectively applied in real-world conditions, enhancing hygiene in public transport.

Keywords
UV-C-LED disinfection; small surface sanitation; public transport hygiene; uncertain epidemiological risks; ultraviolet light disinfection; compact germicidal technologies; LED-based sanitation; pathogen mitigation strategies; epidemic-response innovations; surface hygiene in transit systems.

Patļins, A., Vabulnieks, K., Mežule, L., Gavrilovs, P. Design of a UV-C-LED-Based Prototype for Disinfecting Small Surfaces in Public Transport System under Uncertain Epidemiological Conditions. In: 16th International Scientific Conference on Sustainable, Modern and Safe Transport (TRANSCOM 2025): Transportation Research Procedia, Slovakia, High Tatra Mountains, Horný Smokovec., 21-23 May, 2025. Žilina: University of Žilina, 2025, pp.1-6.

Publication language
English (en)