Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Shows Promise in Attenuating COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology have found that cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma has a profound effect on protein-protein interactions, specifically in the deactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This discovery could lead to the development of plasma-based disinfection systems that are environmentally safer and more effective than traditional chemical-based methods. The study, published in RSC Advances, highlighted the deactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by CAP plasma treatment, which could have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that CAP plasma can deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein within an exposure time of 5 minutes, correlated to the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide formation due to the interaction with reactive oxygen species present in the plasma.
  • The researchers established that CAP plasma can also degrade RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, linked to the hydrogen peroxide concentration.
  • The process is green and generates no chemical waste, making it advantageous from an environmental safety perspective.
  • The results of this work could be useful in designing plasma-based disinfection systems that are more effective and safer than traditional chemical-based methods.
  • The study was funded by the Department of Science & Technology (India) and the Department of Science & Technology (India).
  • The research was conducted by Heremba Bailung, Rakesh Ruchel Khanikar, Parismita Kalita, Kamatchi Sankaranarayanan, Monalisa Kalita, Bhaswati Kashyap, Santanu Das, and Mojibur R. Khan.

Statistics:

  • 5 minutes: the exposure time required for the deactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by CAP plasma treatment.
  • 9466: the article number in the RSC Advances journal publication.
  • 897: the page number in the Respiratory Therapeutics Week publication.
  • 12: the issue number of the RSC Advances journal publication (volume 12, issue 15).
  • 15: the issue number of the RSC Advances journal publication (volume 12, issue 15).

Sources:

  • "Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Attenuation of Sars-cov-2 Spike Protein Binding To Ace2 Protein and the Rna Deactivation." RSC Advances 2022;12(15):9466-9472.
  • Royal Society of Chemistry. "RSC Advances." pubs.rsc.org/en/journals/journalissues/ra.
  • NewsRx LLC. "Researchers from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology Report Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of COVID-19 (Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Attenuation of Sars-cov-2 Spike Protein Binding To Ace2 Protein and ...)." Respiratory Therapeutics Week. April 25, 2022; p 897.