The Gentleman Magazine Issue 14 | April 2019 | Page 21
FUTURE JAGUAR LAND ROVER MODELS COULD
HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF SUPERBUGS
The car of the future could help win the battle against superbugs
– according to Jaguar Land Rover.
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.
By integrating UV-C, Jaguar Land Rover believes it could help
to stop bacteria and harmful viruses, known as pathogens,
from surviving in the 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.
Jaguar Land Rover is exploring UV-C technology as part of its
vision to create a tranquil sanctuary inside each of its luxury
vehicles. The manufacturer is piloting a wide range of driver
and passenger wellbeing features, as it looks towards a self-
driving future.
Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer, said:
“The average motorist spends as much as 300 hours per year
behind the wheel. 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 solutions.”
Jaguar Land Rover is already actively seeking to neutralise
pathogens in its latest generation Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, available across the range
including the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE and Range Rover
Sport. 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 combatting pathogens,
the ions also act upon odour molecules and allergens in a
similar way.
Dr Iley said: “In the colder months infections are spread more
easily, it’s reassuring to know that in your car at least, you can
be confident that harmful pathogens are being neutralised.”
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.
Immunology expert, Dr. Hellmut Münch, CEO at Medical
Enzyme Research Association, said: “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.”
The Gentleman Magazine | 21