Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Coronavirus Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deactivating coronaviruses in public spaces are either complex, require extended treatment durations, or produce undesirable thermal loads, making them unsuitable for safe and efficient use in occupied areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) applied between spaced electrodes to effectively deactivate coronaviruses by permeabilizing their lipid envelopes, preventing viral replication without causing boiling or thermal hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic fields are used to neutralize microbes, then coronavirus deactivation is achieved, but thermal loads are produced which are undesirable in laboratory and clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) instead of continuous electromagnetic fields. The pulsed nature delivers high-intensity electric field bursts at nanosecond intervals, achieving viral envelope permeabilization and coronavirus deactivation while allowing thermal dissipation between pulses, thereby avoiding excessive thermal accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the electric field application by using nanosecond-duration pulses with specific frequency and duty cycle characteristics. This parameter modification enables effective coronavirus inactivation through mechanical stress on the viral envelope while minimizing thermal energy deposition that would occur with continuous field application
2Reliability
If ultraviolet and chemical treatments are used, then coronavirus deactivation is effective, but they are unsafe in the presence of humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and ultraviolet treatments with a purely physical electric field-based mechanism. The nsPEF induces mechanical stress and electrostriction forces that permeabilize the viral envelope, achieving deactivation without using harmful chemicals or ionizing radiation, making it safe for use around humans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the vulnerability of the lipid envelope to electric field-induced mechanical forces. By applying nanosecond pulses, the viral envelope experiences stress beyond its mechanical strength, causing controlled breakdown that neutralizes the virus while leaving human cells intact due to their larger size and different membrane properties
3Reliability
If existing sterilization methods are used, then coronavirus deactivation is achieved, but the systems are complex and require extended treatment durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and applies only the essential component needed for coronavirus deactivation: the nanosecond pulsed electric field generation system. By focusing on this single mechanism rather than complex multi-component sterilization systems, the invention achieves effective coronavirus inactivation with reduced system complexity and shorter treatment times
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nsPEF method efficiently deactivates coronaviruses by inducing mechanical breakdown of the viral envelope, achieving high inactivation rates while maintaining safety and efficiency, even in the presence of humans, without causing boiling or thermal issues.
Implementation Method 1
applying an effective amount of nanosecond duration electric pulses (nsEPs) from the power supply to thereby substantially deactivate the coronavirus
Implementation Method 2
A compact apparatus using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) applied between spaced electrodes to effectively deactivate coronaviruses by permeabilizing their lipid envelopes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for deactivating coronavirus from a liquid having entrained coronavirus. The apparatus comprises a nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) generator which imparts nsPEF energy to the through the solution to the coronavirus. The nsPEF disrupts the viral membrane, deactivating the virus. The apparatus may be static using a reservoir for batch treatment of viral solution, or may be dynamic using a closed loop for continuous treatment of viral solution. Total energy input may be less than 3500 kVns providing an efficient and effective process. The method and apparatus according to the present invention advantageously avoid boiling.