Design of an Automated UV-C Disinfection Capsule Prototype

Verme-Ochoa M.; Castro-Vargas C. · International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering (2025) · DOI: 10.18280/ijsse.150903

Resumen

Rapid and safe disinfection of frequently used objects is a critical requirement in hospitals, offices, and public transport, where chemical methods generate toxic residues, entail high costs, and require manual application. To overcome these limitations, this study presents the design and implementation of an automated UV-C disinfection capsule equipped with safety interlocks and microbiological validation. The system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, proximity sensors, and a servo-based locking mechanism to prevent accidental exposure, ensuring a reliable and autonomous operation. Microbiological assays using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on agar plates demonstrated a 90% reduction in bacterial load after only 10 s of exposure at 254 nm, and more than 99% inactivation after 60 s. Compared with commercial devices and chemical disinfection, the prototype achieved shorter disinfection times, lower fabrication cost (USD 120), and complete elimination of toxic residues. These findings confirm that the UV-C capsule is a viable and efficient biosecurity alternative for high-traffic environments, with potential for further improvement through optimized light distribution and intelligent monitoring in future iterations.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte