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Non-Markovian Quantum State Diffusion for the tunnelling in SARS-COVID-19 virus
Muhammad Waqas Haseeb1, Mohamad Toutounji2
1Department of Physics, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
|June 27, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a quantum model for SARS-CoV-2 infection, inspired by olfaction mechanisms. It reveals persistent electron tunneling in viral spike proteins, crucial for understanding infection dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Biology
- Virology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Biological processes often lack complete theoretical frameworks, unlike physics.
- Olfaction, explained by the lock and key model, has unexplained phenomena.
- Vibration-assisted electron tunneling is a proposed alternative/complementary model for olfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for electron tunneling in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To investigate these quantum processes within a non-Markovian framework.
- To compare findings with Markovian models and explore implications for olfaction.
Main Methods:
- Solving the non-Markovian quantum stochastic Schrödinger equation.
- Conceptualizing the spike protein and GPCR receptor as a dimer.
- Utilizing the spin-Boson model to describe electron tunneling.
Main Results:
- Electron tunneling persists in intermediate and strong coupling limits.
- This contrasts with Markovian models, which predict unphysical negative probabilities.
- Non-Markovian dynamics are crucial for accurate modeling.
Conclusions:
- The developed model enhances understanding of viral infection mechanisms.
- It provides deeper insights into the quantum biological processes of olfaction.
- Non-Markovian dynamics are essential for accurate quantum biological modeling.
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