Silanna, established in 2006, develops far UV-C LEDs using MBE equipment and proprietary epitaxy technology. According to Prof. Gabriele Messina's research at the University of Siena, the company's far UV-C LEDs can effectively inactivate multiple H5N1 avian influenza virus strains within seconds. TrendForce was honored to conduct an exclusive interview with Jimmy Weng, the Director of Sales & Marketing from Silanna and Prof. Gabriele Messina from the University of Siena to discuss these impressive findings.

Jimmy Weng, the Director of Sales & Marketing from Silanna

Prof. Gabriele Messina from University of Siena

Weng indicated that, unlike traditional 254 nm mercury lamps, far UV-C LEDs (220–240 nm) are generally considered lower-risk when operated within applicable exposure limits. They have very limited penetration into the outer layers of the skin or eyes, when applied responsibly and within regulatory exposure limits, which may support continuous disinfection in confined spaces such as poultry houses, food-processing facilities, and clinical environments. These characteristics attracted Silanna’s attention to develop 235 nm far UV-C LEDs.

The University of Siena's Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine oversaw the joint research, conducted at a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory in Italy in 2025. Prof. Gabriele Messina indicated that the research results have confirmed that 235nm far UV-C LED irradiation achieves multi-log10 reductions (up to 99.9999%) viral reduction within 20-90 seconds (details in table) under the tested BLS-3 conditions. These findings suggest potential for far UV‑C LEDs as a biosecurity tool, subject to validation in real‑world settings, minimizing viral contamination risks in industrial and public health settings.

According to the research, the surface disinfection module uses a 25 LED array of 235 nm Far UV C LEDs developed by Silanna. At a 10 cm test distance, mean H5N1 inactivation exceeded 99% within 20 seconds and increased with exposure time, reaching up to ~99.9999% by 90 seconds, depending on strain and exposure duration (The Indonesia/5/2005 WT and A/Texas/37/2025 H5N1 strains were tested).

Regarding the 235 nm UV-C LED market outlook, Prof. Gabriele Messina indicated that Silanna’s Far UV-C LEDs support applications in public health protection, pandemic preparedness, and agricultural biosecurity. As UV-C LED’s wall-plug efficiency (WPE) improves and cost per mW decreases, a broader adoption is expected; timelines depend on reliability and application requirements.

Weng noted that Silanna’s mercury-free approach, improved optical design, and longer product lifetime have opened the door to UV-C LED applications in the disinfection and sterilization markets. With technological progress made by suppliers, UV-C LEDs are expected to accelerate the replacement of mercury lamps. Moreover, flowing water sterilization and large-scale surface sterilization projects will likely contribute to growth. Silanna has seen particular interest from Europe and Australia after the official press release. Looking forward, by validating the sterilization capabilities of 235 nm UV‑C LEDs, Silanna’s research will highlight the technology’s potential impact on society.

Author: Joanne / TrendForce

TrendForce 2025 Deep UV LED Market Trend and Product Analysis
Release: 31 March, 30 September 2025
Language: Traditional Chinese / English
Format: PDF / EXCEL
Page: 50-60 / Semi-Annual

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