A research team from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UI) at the University of Indonesia has developed two prototype devices to kill disease-causing viruses and bacteria using ultraviolet (UV) light.

The two devices, a hand-held device and a wall-mounted device (room sterilizer), are specifically designed for medical use. These devices will significantly assist hospitals currently struggling to obtain disinfectant supplies due to shortages and the soaring price of liquid disinfectants amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Haris, stated, “Managing the COVID-19 outbreak is a shared responsibility of the entire nation. Therefore, we are mobilizing a team of experts and researchers within UI to collaboratively develop instruments that can assist our healthcare workers in carrying out their duties amidst the outbreak that has hit various regions in Indonesia and has claimed many lives.

This UV-light disinfectant instrument was developed by researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at UI, in collaboration with other researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Nursing, under the coordination of the UI Innovation Directorate and the UI Science Techno Park. Six prototype units of both devices are currently being prepared for testing at the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI).”