The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic increased the attention for preventing contamination with airborne pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria and fungi) by reducing their concentration. Filtration, UV or ionization technologies could contribute to air purification of the indoor environment and inactivation of microorganisms. The aim of this study is to identify the relevant literature and review the scientific evidence presented on the efficacy of filter and germicidal technologies (e.g. non-physical technologies) in air purification applications used to capture and inactivate microorganisms and airborne viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, influenzavirus) in practice. A scoping review was performed to collect literature. Adopting exclusion criteria resulted in a final number of 75 studies to be included in this research. Discussion is presented on inactivation efficiencies of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and ionization applications in laboratory studies and in practice. Specific attention is given to studies relating the use of UVGI and ionization to inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Based on the consulted literature, no unambiguous conclusions can be drawn for the effectiveness of air purification technologies in practice. The documented and well controled laboratory studies are not adequately representing the practical situation in which the purifier systems are used.