Investigation of the effect of low-power, low-frequency ultrasound application on SARS-COV-2

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Numerous studies have been conducted on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which remains a global health concern. Low-frequency and low-dose ultrasound can help eradicate the virus from the air and the environment. Our research aims to determine how altering ultrasonic waves frequencies and low power affects the virulence and replication rate of a virus. Methods The virus was identified using atomic force microscopy before the initiation of laboratory tests. The experimental environment was exposed to 8 W of ultrasound at frequencies of 40 KHz, 25, 50, and 110 MHz. The cycle threshold (Ct) of the samples before and after ultrasonography was evaluated using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Before and during ultrasonography, the VERO E6 Cell line was employed to determine whether the virus was still alive. Results Following the RT-PCR results, the application of 40 KHz ultrasonic waves frequency enhanced the Ct values of the virus while concurrently inhibiting its growth rate in the cell culture. Conclusions Our findings suggest that employing ultrasound to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 and possibly other closed and single-stranded RNA viruses from the environment is feasible.