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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.11.21.517338

Ultrasound treatment inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity

Veras, F. P.·Martins, R.·Arruda, E.·Cunha, F. Q.·Bruno, O. M.
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Abstract

The global spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new variants underscore the ongoing need to develop new vaccines and antiviral drugs. While electromagnetic and acoustic waves have well-known virucidal properties, their application in therapeutic settings has been limited due to harming effects in biological matter. Here, we investigates the potential of ultrasound to interfere with SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, we study the effects of acoustic waves in the 1-20 MHz frequency range to determine their impact on the viral envelope of SARS-CoV-2. Our in vitro experiments demonstrate ultrasound exhibits a virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2 without production of heat or cavitation. This study offers a promising physics-based approach to combat SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other spherical viruses, broadening the scope of antiviral treatments.

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Veras, F. P., Martins, R., Arruda, E., Cunha, F. Q., Bruno, O. M.. 2022-11-21. Ultrasound treatment inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.21.517338

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