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. 2023 Jun 1;13(1):8886.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-36030-6.

Electromagnetic deactivation spectroscopy of human coronavirus 229E

Hayden Banting  1 , Ian Goode  2 , Carla E Gallardo Flores  3 , Che C Colpitts  3 , Carlos E Saavedra  2
Affiliations

Electromagnetic deactivation spectroscopy of human coronavirus 229E

Hayden Banting et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

An investigation of the deactivation of pathogens using electromagnetic waves in the microwave region of the spectrum is achieved using custom-built waveguide structures. The waveguides feature sub-wavelength gratings to allow the integration of an air cooling system without disturbing the internal propagating fields. The waveguides are tapered to accommodate an experimental sample internally with sufficient surrounding airflow. The proposed methodology allows for precise control over power densities due to the well-defined fundamental mode excited in each waveguide, in addition to temperature control of the sample due to microwave exposure over time. Human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) is investigated over the 0-40 GHz range, where a peak 3-log viral reduction is observed in the 15.0-19.5 GHz sub-band. We conclude HCoV-229E has an intrinsic resonance in this range, where nonthermal structure damage is optimal through the structure-resonant energy transfer effect.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Top and (b) Side view of a waveguide sensor showing the dimensions of the feed (a and b) and the dimensions of the waveguide around the test tube. Image generated from the CAD model of the waveguides designed in Dassault Systemes Solidworks (Version 2021).
Figure 2
Figure 2
General assembly of waveguide sensor. Image generated from the CAD model of the waveguides designed in Dassault Systemes Solidworks (Version 2021). Models for the WR90 launchers were provided for free from .
Figure 3
Figure 3
Images of assembled waveguide components and power amplifier used to complete the viral deactivation experiments, each of the waveguides was designed and printed by the group, and the amplifier was assembled by the group using off the shelf components.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Simulated field intensities at the center of the test tube when the test tube was filled with (a) air or (b) reduced-serum media.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Dielectric model of reduced-serum medium compared to deionized (DI) water.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Virus Inactivation in Response to Microwave Exposure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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