Microwave irradiation for airborne virus inactivation: Evidence and future perspectives

Abstract

Non-thermal microwave (MW) irradiation has emerged as a promising approach for inactivating airborne viruses by exploiting their vibrational properties through selective resonant energy transfer (SRET). In this narrative review, we synthesize current evidence on the antiviral efficacy of non-thermal microwave (MW) technologies, evaluate their feasibility for indoor infection control, and highlight existing limitations as well as future research directions. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published between January 1, 2015, and March 7, 2025, using keywords related to MW irradiation, SRET, and airborne viruses. The evidence was organized into three key themes: mechanistic foundations of the technology, effectiveness against airborne viruses, and regulatory and safety considerations. The available data indicate that MW irradiation disrupts viral structures through vibrational resonance mechanisms, with effectiveness varying by viral type and depending on optimized frequency and exposure duration. Regulatory authorities recently acknowledged its potential to reduce airborne transmission, contingent on meeting stringent safety standards for electromagnetic compatibility, specific absorption rates, and power density. In summary, non-thermal MW irradiation offers a scalable solution for reducing airborne respiratory virus transmission. Pending further real-world validation, integrating this technology into public health strategies offers a promising approach to strengthen infection prevention and control in both healthcare settings and indoor environments, effectively targeting both human and zoonotic infections.

Keywords: Airborne transmission; Microwave irradiation; Respiratory viruses; Selective resonant energy transfer.