Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil discovered that high-frequency ultrasound waves can rupture SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 viruses [1, 2].
This development suggests a potential new method for inactivating respiratory viruses without relying on chemical agents or damaging the surrounding human biological tissue [1, 2].
The study conducted this month at the University of São Paulo focused on the use of acoustic resonance to target viral structures [1, 2]. By applying specific high-frequency ultrasound waves, the team was able to trigger structural changes within the viruses. These changes lead to the physical rupture of the viral particles, effectively neutralizing their ability to infect cells [1, 2].
A critical component of the findings is the selectivity of the process. The researchers said that the ultrasound waves targeted the viruses specifically, while human cells remained intact during the procedure [1, 2]. This distinction is vital for any potential medical application, as it indicates the technology could potentially be used in a clinical setting without causing collateral damage to the patient's own cells [1, 2].
The research targeted both the virus responsible for COVID-19 and the H1N1 flu virus [1, 2]. Because these viruses have different structures but were both susceptible to the ultrasound treatment, the method may be applicable to a broader range of enveloped viruses [1, 2].
While the results are promising, the experiments were conducted in laboratory settings [1, 2]. The team is now looking at how these findings can be transitioned from a controlled environment to practical health applications. The process relies on the physical properties of the virus rather than a chemical reaction, meaning it may not be subject to the same resistance patterns seen with antiviral drugs [1, 2].
“High-frequency ultrasound waves can rupture SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 viruses without damaging human cells.”
If these laboratory results translate to clinical use, ultrasound-based inactivation could provide a non-pharmacological tool to reduce viral loads in patients. By using physical resonance to destroy viruses rather than chemical inhibitors, this approach could potentially bypass the issue of viral mutation and drug resistance, though significant testing is required to ensure safety in living human tissue.
