One possible substitute for the current disinfection strategies that have certain drawbacks is nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles induced by an electrospray device that Panasonic Corporation developed.
As specified in a Phys.org report, the present disinfection strategies have major drawbacks. The World Health Organization is not recommending routine spraying or fogging of "biological agents, or UV light sterilization" in occupied places.
Essentially, the water particles contain reactive oxygen species or ROS that impair protein, lipid, and DNA and are reported to disinfect numerous bacterial and viral species.
In their previous study, the team of Professor Mayo Yasugi showed that nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are disinfecting SARS-CoV-2, although the mechanism stayed a mystery.
ALSO READ: Welsh Scientists Invent a Solvent-Free Machine That Can Safely Clean Toxic Chemicals in Water
Beautician Sejal Rao takes a pair of scissors exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for disinfection at the 'The Beauty Room' parlor after the government eased a nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Ahmedabad on May 19, 2020.
UVC Light
A UCI Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Center said that "UVC has a track record" for its efficacy "against SARS-CoV-1 and MERS," both close relatives of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that's causing COVID-19.
Some studies, which include reports cited by the Food and Drug Administration, have shown that UVC light may have the same efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, although many of them have not been extensively peer-reviewed.
More so, there is limited published data in terms of wavelength, duration, and dose of UVC radiation needed to inactivate the virus, according to the FDA.
This means that more studies are needed before anyone can officially, not to mention safely recommend UVC light as a trusted approach for destroying. COVID-19.
Atomized Water Particles
In the new research published in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research, the authors described the damage they observed when SARS-CoV-2 was exposed to the nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles.
Specifically, they revealed that the atomized water particles decreased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 to cells while they observed the impairment of the virus.
Describing their research, the associate professor said they observed that the nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles impaired the envelope, protein, and RNA, making them unable to attach to host cells.
The researchers observed that the phenomena are considered the main mechanism by which the nano-sized electronic atomized water particles disinfect the said virus.
Destroying SARS-CoV-2
They found, too, that the water of the water particles is not the exact viral-specific structure or particular proteins.
Since the water particles affect the viral envelope, RNA, and protein, they may infect other enveloped viral species.
Whereas this proof of concept exemplifies how the nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are destroying SARS-CoV-2, their application's full extent remains to be seen.
The study authors said they do not know the exact factor destroying SARS-CoV-2. ROS in the particles may be that factor due to ROS damaging lipid, DNA/RNA, and protein through oxidation.
Efficacy of the New Approach
The research team also said that their studies revealed that water particles disinfect SARS-CoV on surfaces beneath closed experimental circumstances.
However, a similar Bioegineer.org report said that the efficiency of the nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles could change depending on the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
For this approach to be practical, it would need to work in several environments, explained Yasugi. He added that future studies would focus on the ROS mechanism of action and test "if the nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles" work against airborne SARS-CoV-2.
Related information about nano disinfectants is shown on Akash Shara's YouTube video below:
RELATED ARTICLE: Nanomaterial-Based Devices Potential for Reducing Cardiovascular Diseases and Even Death
Check out more news and information on Nanotechnology Medicine & Health in Science Times.