Deactivation of Coronavirus Using Ozone

Anatomy of a Coronavirus and Ozone Oxidation

Ozone inactivates lipid-coated viruses through oxidation of cell structures

1. Initial (instant) Ozone Reaction – Peplomers

Peplomers are finely-tuned receptor mechanisms of the viral cell and are designed to initiate binding to host cells. Peplomers work with a double bond process and as such even slight oxidative damage to these structures will render the virus non-pathogenic.
Peplomers provide the reactive surface for highly energetic O3 molecules and account for initial or “instant” ozone reaction with the viral cell. Chain of inference equates to 2 to 3-log reduction at this stage.

2. Secondary Reaction – Lipid Membrane

In a healthy Coronavirus cell, the lipid membrane provides protection for and enables transference of the Viral RNA to the host cell. Coronavirus lipid membranes are made up of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins which are also highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Any lipid membrane damage ensures RNA transfer to a host cell cannot take place. Chain of inference equates to 2 to 3-log reduction at this stage.

3. Destruction of Viral RNA

The last oxidative reaction in the viral cell is the interior RNA structure. Testing for lipid or peplomer damage is not practical. However, if RNA is degraded or damaged, the two above-noted reactive processes must have occurred. There is no way for RNA damage to occur on the inside of the cell without destruction of the outer cell structures. Chain of inference equates to 2 to 3-log reduction at this stage.

4. Field Testing

Envron’s protocol provides field testing of the percentage degradation of viral RNA in relation to standard Covid samples using commercial ISO-certified lab tests. Typical RNA degradation is measured at +90% compared to standard samples. Laboratory measurement of RNA damage indicates successful oxidation and inactivation of peplomers and penetration of the lipid membrane in addition to the damage to the viral RNA itself. CONTACT US for information on ISO-certified testing.

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