Oral SARS-CoV-2 reduction by local treatment: A plasma technology application?

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Biophysics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the critical need for effective hygiene and disinfection strategies.
• Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through aerosols released from oral and nasopharyngeal cavities, where the virus replicates efficiently.
• The oral and nasopharyngeal epithelium are key sites for SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of plasma technology for reducing mucosal viral loads in the oral and nasopharyngeal cavities.
• To investigate plasma treatment as an additional measure to decrease patient infectivity.
• To conceptualize treatment strategies based on known antiviral actions of plasma.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual exploration of plasma technology applications.
• Review of existing knowledge on the antiviral mechanisms of plasma.
• Outlining potential treatment concepts for mucosal viral load reduction.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment presents a promising avenue for directly targeting and reducing SARS-CoV-2 in the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosa.
• The antiviral properties of plasma suggest its efficacy in inactivating airborne viruses.
• Conceptual frameworks for applying plasma technology in clinical settings were developed.

Conclusions:

• Plasma technology offers a novel, localized approach to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
• Reducing mucosal viral loads via plasma treatment could significantly lower patient infectivity.
• Further research and development are warranted to translate these conceptual ideas into practical interventions.