UV-B Light at 295 nm
Light for photochemical applications, vitamin D synthesis, and biotechnology
Radiation at 295 nm lies in the transition region between UV-C and UV-B. While shorter UV-C wavelengths are primarily used for disinfection, 295 nm shows its strengths mainly in photochemical conversion processes, biological photostimulation, and targeted molecular reactions.
In this spectral range, direct absorption by DNA is significantly lower than at, for example, 260–265 nm. Instead, many organic molecules, sterols, proteins, and certain photoreactive compounds respond particularly effectively to radiation around 295 nm. This makes this wavelength ideal for applications where the primary goal is not microbial inactivation, but rather:
-
targeted photochemical transformations
-
vitamin D formation
-
biochemical activation of molecules
-
controlled photostimulation in biological systems
With modern UV-LED systems, radiation can also be generated with very high spectral precision, enabling significantly better control in many processes compared to broadband UV light sources.
Typical application areas include vitamin D enrichment of foods, plant cultivation, the chemical industry, biotechnology and research.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Food Enrichment and Vitamin D Formation
One of the most important applications of 295 nm is the targeted vitamin D enrichment of foods and raw materials.
Under UV-B radiation, certain sterols can be photochemically converted into vitamin D compounds. A classic example is the conversion of ergosterol into vitamin D₂. Through controlled UV-B irradiation, mushrooms can significantly increase their natural vitamin D content.
This reaction is used, among others, in:
-
UV treatment of edible mushrooms
-
production of vitamin D-enriched foods
-
manufacturing of dietary supplements
Typical applications:
-
treatment of button mushrooms and edible fungi
-
UV enrichment of plant-based raw materials
-
industrial production of vitamin D supplements
The precise spectral excitation at 295 nm enables efficient photoconversion with minimal side reactions.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Milk and Beverage Treatment
Another growing field of application is the UV-based treatment of liquids.
In specialized flow-through reactors, beverages or liquid foods can be selectively irradiated as they are continuously passed through an irradiation zone to trigger photochemical effects.
Typical applications:
-
vitamin D enrichment of milk
-
treatment of plant-based beverages
-
production of functional foods
-
specialized nutritional supplements
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Indoor Farming
UV-B radiation is also playing an increasingly important role in modern plant production.
In controlled cultivation systems, UV radiation can be used specifically to activate certain metabolic processes in plants.
Typical goals:
-
increase of vitamin D precursors
-
formation of secondary plant metabolites
-
improved stress resistance
-
enhancement of crop quality
This is particularly relevant for technologies such as:
-
indoor farming
-
greenhouse production
-
vertical farming
Thanks to the precise spectral control of LED systems, plants can be treated with specific UV doses without negatively affecting growth processes.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Photochemical Reactors and Inline Synthesis
In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, light-driven synthesis is becoming increasingly important.
UV-LED systems at 295 nm can be used for:
-
photochemical transformations
-
controlled isomerizations
-
selective molecular activation
-
specialized polymer reactions
Due to their compact design, LEDs can be easily integrated into reactor architectures with high irradiation intensity. Such systems drive chemical reactions using light energy.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Surface Irradiation of Yeasts
Yeasts also contain sterols that can be photochemically converted under UV-B radiation.
In industrial biotechnology, UV-B is used for:
-
activation of specific metabolic processes
-
controlled vitamin D formation in yeast cultures
-
targeted modification of microorganisms
This is particularly relevant for the production of:
-
functional foods
-
health-promoting ingredients
-
fermentation-based active compounds
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Research and Biotechnology
295 nm is frequently used in scientific applications, especially for dose-controlled photoconversion processes.
Typical research areas:
-
cell and skin models
-
vitamin D synthesis studies
-
molecular photobiology
-
photochemical signaling pathways
UV-B radiation is also investigated in dermatological studies, for example in the context of biological processes related to vitamin D.
Spectral selectivity
-
very narrowband emission
-
targeted molecular excitation
-
fewer unwanted side reactions
Pulsed operation possible
-
precise dose control
-
energy-efficient photochemistry
-
process optimization
Compact design
-
integration into small reactors
-
inline processes possible
-
modular scalability
Instant readiness for operation
-
no warm-up time
-
simple electronic control
-
high process stability
Advantages of 295 nm UV-B LEDs
UV LED luminaire VIOLET
Professional UV-B specialty luminaire with 295 nm wavelength
The VIOLET series offers high-performance UV-B LED technology for professional applications – with wavelengths of 295 nm available in four sizes.
It features a robust anodized aluminum profile with excellent heat dissipation, LEDiL specialty optics made from UV-resistant materials, and control LEDs for safe operation at 30 V constant voltage. It is supplied ready for connection with a 10 m cable
Simplified handling for luminaire manufacturers
The new Z-Flex product series enables large-area lighting and is of particular interest to luminaire manufacturers and other users. The modules are produced from roll to roll and therefore do not need to be individually packaged. This greatly reduces logistics costs. There is no need to screw them together during installation, as adhesive strips on the back make them easier to attach. In addition, a large part of the cabling work is eliminated.
The Z-Flex 280×20 flexible LED modules are based on the widespread Zhaga standard of modules with a length of one foot and are therefore compatible with many linear luminaire types.
The flexible matrix modules Z-Flex 280×280, on the other hand, are suitable for large-area applications, such as installation in grid ceiling luminaires or as backlighting for fabric-covered luminous ceilings.
The new Z-Flex product series enables large-area lighting and is of particular interest to luminaire manufacturers and other users. The modules are produced from roll to roll and therefore do not need to be individually packaged. This greatly reduces logistics costs. There is no need to screw them together during installation, as adhesive strips on the back make them easier to attach. In addition, a large part of the cabling work is eliminated.
The Z-Flex 280×20 flexible LED modules are based on the widespread Zhaga standard of modules with a length of one foot and are therefore compatible with many linear luminaire types.
The flexible matrix modules Z-Flex 280×280, on the other hand, are suitable for large-area applications, such as installation in grid ceiling luminaires or as backlighting for fabric-covered luminous ceilings.
CONTACT
Enquire about your project!
Do not hesitate to contact our UV LED expert.
Paul Sparenborg – Sales Manager –
Tel. +49 7471 96014 – 77
E-Mail ps@leds.de
CONTACT
Enquire about your project!
Do not hesitate to contact our LED module expert.
Daniel Görike – Key Account Manager –
Tel. +49 7471 96014 – 73
E-Mail dg@leds.de