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Author Spotlight: Studying Host-Virus Interactions with Pseudotyped Viruses
Published on: November 21, 2023
Efficient disinfection of SARS-CoV-2-like coronavirus, pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses using cold
Hongbo Qin1, Hengju Qiu2, Shi-Ting He3
1College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide public health emergency, and the high transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised serious concerns. Efficient disinfection methods are crucial for the prevention of viral transmission. Herein, pulse power-driven cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a novel sterilization strategy, was found to potently inactivate SARS-CoV-2-like coronavirus GX_P2V, six strains of major epidemic SARS-CoV-2 variants and even swine coronavirus PEDV and SADS-CoV within 300 s (with inhibition rate more than 99%). We identified four dominant short-lived reactive species, ONOO-, 1O2, O2- and·OH, generated in response to CAP and distinguished their roles in the inactivation of GX_P2V and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), which is responsible for recognition and binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Our study provides detailed evidence of a novel surface disinfection strategy for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
Insights
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses within 300 seconds. This novel disinfection method shows high inhibition rates, offering a promising strategy against viral transmission.
Area of Science:
- virology
- plasma physics
- disinfection technologies
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 necessitates effective disinfection strategies.
- High transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 variants pose ongoing public health challenges.
- Need for novel and efficient methods to inactivate coronaviruses on surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a disinfection method against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
- To identify the reactive species generated by CAP responsible for viral inactivation.
- To investigate the mechanism of CAP inactivation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD).
Main Methods:
- Application of pulse power-driven cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to viral samples.
- Quantification of viral inactivation rates for various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Identification and characterization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) produced by CAP.
- Analysis of the effect of CAP-generated species on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD.
Main Results:
- CAP achieved over 99% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-like GX_P2V, six major SARS-CoV-2 variants, PEDV, and SADS-CoV within 300 seconds.
- Four dominant short-lived reactive species (ONOO-, 1O2, O2-, ·OH) were identified in CAP.
- The roles of these reactive species in the inactivation of GX_P2V and the SARS-CoV-2 RBD were elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a potent and rapid disinfection strategy for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
- CAP-generated reactive species are key mediators of viral inactivation.
- This study offers a novel surface disinfection approach for controlling coronavirus transmission.
