Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover reckons cars could one day help win the battle against superbugs.
Future models could help stop the spread of colds and flu thanks to innovative ultraviolet light technology (UV-C) borrowed from the medical industry, where it has been used for more than 70 years, the automaker claims.
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Integrating UV-C could help stop bacteria and harmful viruses, known as pathogens, from surviving in the vehicle cabin. UV-C is currently widely used for disinfecting water, filtering air and sterilising surfaces by utilising wavelengths of light between 200-280 nanometres.
Exposing pathogens to UV-C within the air conditioning system breaks down the molecular structure of the DNA, neutralising them. Clean air is then released into the cabin. The technology could even help in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs.
JLR is exploring UV-C technology as part of a wide range of driver and passenger wellbeing features for a self-driving future.
"The average motorist spends as much as 300 hours per year behind the wheel," said Steve Iley, JLR's chief medical officer.
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By GlobalData"There is a clear opportunity to better utilise cars for administering preventative healthcare.
"The implementation of individual wellbeing measures as part of our 'tranquil sanctuary' research promises to not only improve quality of life for our customers but in this case, offers clear advantages in reducing pathogen spread – protecting the overall population from the threat of disease; particularly as we move towards shared mobility."
JLR is already actively seeking to neutralise pathogens in its latest generation HVAC systems. The current four-zone climate control and cabin air ionisation system works by using high voltage to create trillions of nano-sized negatively charged particles (ions) coated in water molecules. These ions deactivate pathogens, forming larger particles which are removed from the air as they are brought back into the filter. As well as combating pathogens, the ions also act upon odour molecules and allergens in a similar way.
Recent medical trials suggest the use of UV-C could be even more effective as it has been shown to cut the transmission of four major superbugs by up to 30%. Researchers focused on four drug-resistant organisms: MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), C difficile and acinetobacter.
"The rise of superbugs and allergens is one of the largest threats we face as a species today. Investment in immunology is vital in ensuring that our immune systems stay ahead of the race against microorganisms, which are evolving far quicker than traditional pharmaceuticals can keep pace with. It is important that we continue to take an innovative look at how we can adapt our environment to help prevent the spread of the most harmful pathogens – which is why this research is paramount," said Hellmut Munch, CEO at the Medical Enzyme Research Association.
