Lasers: inactivation techniques

Laser radiation can be used to destroy microorganisms rapidly and effectively. The salient laser characteristics and their parameters are described to sufficiently understand the protocols and methodologies often used in this field. The effects of laser parameters on decontamination efficiency against a range of microorganisms are shown. Scanning laser inactivation systems and typical results from such systems are described, and the effects of the substrate material and environmental parameters on laser inactivation are quantified. Finally, the results from combining lasers with other decontaminating technologies are briefly presented