Application of UV LED in the medical field

UV LEDs are divided into UVA, UVB, UVC according to different wavelengths. UVC LEDs can destroy the DNA in the cells of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma) and are mainly used for disinfection in the medical field; UVA and UVB are mainly used to treat skin diseases ( Vitiligo, psoriasis, T-cell lymphoma, etc.) and bone diseases (rickets, rickets, osteoporosis, etc.).

UV LED for orthopedic disease treatment

Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and damage to the microstructure of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and prone to fractures.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, rickets and other metabolic bone diseases. Studies have shown that adequate vitamin D supplementation is the key to the treatment of osteoporosis. Vitamin D can be obtained quickly and effectively through drugs, but it may lead to vitamin D poisoning, hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, and regular calcium and phosphorus testing is required. Vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, which is economical and convenient. Single area, aging skin, uncontrollable light intensity.

Artificial light source to treat osteoporosis

At this stage, artificial light sources are mainly used to treat osteoporosis through the use of 280-350nm fluorescent lamps, which can significantly increase vitamin D levels. However, fluorescent lamps have a broad spectrum and cannot shield unfavorable wavelengths. The wavelength is fixed and the optimal wavelength cannot be selected. The phototherapy equipment is large in size. , The irradiation site is limited, and the treatment of osteoporosis requires a better artificial light source.

With the development of UV LED technology, UVB LEDs make up for the shortcomings of fluorescent lamps. The LED wavelength is narrow (10nm), which shields unfavorable wavelengths. The optimal wavelength can be selected, and the life is longer, low energy consumption, stable and reliable; use UV LED The phototherapy instrument can be wearable, safe and comfortable, simple and controllable.

Research by the Institute of Medical-Industrial Fusion of Beijing Institute of Technology has shown that the optimal wavelength of UV LEDs for adjusting osteoporosis is 293nm. Compared with sunlight, the light emitted by 293nm UV LEDs can more effectively produce vitamin D3 in skin samples. Skin samples exposed to UV LEDs for just 0.52 minutes produced more than twice as much vitamin D3 as samples exposed to sunlight for 32.5 minutes. Wavelength 293nm, power 0.4mW/cm² irradiation for 1000s is a safe dose of narrow-band UV LED irradiation, no harm to the skin, can realize non-invasive phototherapy to treat osteoporosis.

Medicine Department in Boston University School has tested UV LEDs of different sources and different wavelengths. The 293nm LED showed the greatest potential for vitamin D3 production in the shortest time. This research will bring a new generation of photopharmacological technology. The use of LEDs with specific wavelengths can cause specific biological effects in human skin and help treat and prevent chronic diseases.