The researchers tested ultrasound frequencies in the 3 to 20 MHz range for viruses using equipment currently used in hospitals.
The results showed that the microscopic vibrations created by sound waves were enough to rupture the virus's outer membrane. Scientists describe this situation as “fighting the virus by screaming” and compare it to the popcorn phenomenon.
The acoustic resonance method is used
The basis of the method lies in the principle of “acoustic resonance”. The energy accumulation that occurs when the frequency of the sound wave matches the natural vibration frequency of the virus membrane only targets the structure of the virus.
The experiments found that the temperature and pH of the surrounding cells remained constant and therefore only viruses could be destroyed without damaging healthy cells.
Odemir Martinez Bruno, one of the researchers, explained that the phenomenon is completely geometric and that viruses with a spherical structure absorb ultrasound energy more effectively. Thanks to this physical approach, it is predicted that even if viruses mutate, they cannot escape this method as long as their shape does not change.
Environmentally friendly and resistance-free solution
Experts say that the development of traditional antiviral drugs requires complex processes and point out that the ultrasound method offers a “green” solution as it does not generate waste and does not cause viral resistance.
While emphasizing that the method is far from clinical use and has not been tested on animals, the team has already started working on other viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
The results of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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