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Serrano-Aroca Á. Antiviral Characterization of Advanced Materials: Use of Bacteriophage Phi 6 as Surrogate of Enveloped Viruses Such as SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105335. [PMID: 35628148 PMCID: PMC9141689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacteriophage phi 6 is a virus that belongs to a different Baltimore group than SARS-CoV-2 (group III instead of IV). However, it has a round-like shape and a lipid envelope like SARS-CoV-2, which render it very useful to be used as a surrogate of this infectious pathogen for biosafety reasons. Thus, recent antiviral studies have demonstrated that antiviral materials such as calcium alginate hydrogels, polyester-based fabrics coated with benzalkonium chloride (BAK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) coated with BAK and polyester-based fabrics coated with cranberry extracts or solidified hand soap produce similar log reductions in viral titers of both types of enveloped viruses after similar viral contact times. Therefore, researchers with no access to biosafety level 3 facilities can perform antiviral tests of a broad range of biomaterials, composites, nanomaterials, nanocomposites, coatings and compounds against the bacteriophage phi 6 as a biosafe viral model of SARS-CoV-2. In fact, this bacteriophage has been used as a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2 to test a broad range of antiviral materials and compounds of different chemical natures (polymers, metals, alloys, ceramics, composites, etc.) and forms (films, coatings, nanomaterials, extracts, porous supports produced by additive manufacturing, etc.) during the current pandemic. Furthermore, this biosafe viral model has also been used as a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2 and other highly pathogenic enveloped viruses such as Ebola and influenza in a wide range of biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain
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Foladori P, Cutrupi F, Cadonna M, Manara S. Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in sewerage and their removal: Step by step in wastewater treatment plants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112204. [PMID: 34656637 PMCID: PMC8516124 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The fate of Coronaviruses (CoVs) and in particular SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has not been completely understood yet, but an adequate knowledge on the removal performances in WWTPs could help to prevent waterborne transmission of the virus that is still under debate. CoVs and SARS-CoV-2 are discharged from faeces into the sewer network and reach WWTPs within a few hours. This review presents the fate of SARS-CoV-2 and other CoVs in the primary, secondary and tertiary treatments of WWTPs as well as in sludge treatments. The viral loads decrease progressively along with the treatments from 20 to 3.0E+06 GU/L (Genomic Units/L) in the influent wastewater to concentrations below 2.50E+05 GU/L after secondary biological treatments and finally to negative concentrations (below detection limit) in disinfected effluents. Reduction of CoVs is due to (i) natural decay under unfavourable conditions (solids, microorganisms, temperature) for relatively long hydraulic retention times and (ii) processes of sedimentation, filtration, predation, adsorption, disinfection. In primary and secondary settling, due to the hydrophobic properties, a partial accumulation of CoVs may occur in the separated sludge. In secondary treatment (i.e. activated sludge) CoVs and SARS-CoV-2 loads can be reduced only by about one logarithm (∼90%). To enhance this removal, tertiary treatment with ultrafiltration (Membrane Bioreactors) and chemical disinfection or UV light is needed. CoVs and SARS-CoV-2 in the sludge (1.2E+04-4.6E+08 GU/L) can be inactivated significantly in the thermophilic digestion (55 °C), while mesophilic temperatures (33-37 °C) are not efficient. Additional studies are required to investigate the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in WWTPs, especially in view of increasing interest in wastewater reclamation and reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Foladori
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM) - University of Trento, via Mesiano, n. 77, 38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cutrupi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM) - University of Trento, via Mesiano, n. 77, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Cadonna
- ADEP - Agenzia per la Depurazione, Autonomous Province of Trento, via Gilli, n. 3, 38121, Trento, Italy
| | - Serena Manara
- Department of Cellular Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) - University of Trento, via Sommarive, n. 9, 38123, Trento, Italy
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Guo Y, Sivakumar M, Jiang G. Decay of four enteric pathogens and implications to wastewater-based epidemiology: Effects of temperature and wastewater dilutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152000. [PMID: 34843787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of pathogens in raw wastewater from a population within certain sewer catchments can provide quantitative information on public health status within the sampled urban area. This so-called wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach has the potential of becoming a powerful tool to monitor pathogen circulation and support timely intervention during outbreaks. However, many WBE studies failed to account for the pathogen decay during wastewater transportation in back calculating the disease prevalence. Various sewer process factors, including water temperature and infiltration/inflow, can lead to the variation of pathogen decay rates. This paper firstly reviewed the effects of temperature and types of water, i.e., wastewater, freshwater, and saline water, on the decay of four selected enteric pathogens, i.e., Campylobacter, Salmonella, Norovirus, and Adenovirus. To elucidate the importance of the pathogen decay rates (measured by culture and molecular methods) to WBE, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the back-calculation equation for infection prevalence with decay rates collected from published literature. It was found that WBE back-calculation is more sensitive to decay rates under the condition of high wastewater temperature (i.e., over 25 °C) or if wastewater is diluted by saline water (i.e., sewer infiltration or use of seawater as an alternative source of freshwater constituting around 1/3 household water demand in some cities). Stormwater dilution of domestic wastewater (i.e., sewer inflow might achieve 10 times volumetric dilution) was shown to play a role in increasing the sensitivity of WBE back-calculation to bacterial pathogens, but not viral pathogens. Hence, WBE back-calculation in real sewers should account for in-sewer decay of specific pathogen species under different wastewater temperatures and dilutions. Overall, this review contributes to a better understanding of pathogen decay in wastewater which can lead to improved accuracy of WBE back-calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guo
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Muttucumaru Sivakumar
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
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Monteiro S, Rente D, Cunha MV, Marques TA, Cardoso E, Vilaça J, Coelho N, Brôco N, Carvalho M, Santos R. Discrimination and surveillance of infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 in wastewater using cell culture and RT-qPCR. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152914. [PMID: 34999067 PMCID: PMC8733236 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA has been extensively detected in raw wastewater in studies exploring wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for early warning purposes. Nonetheless, only a few limited studies investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in treated wastewaters to determine the potential health risks across the water cycle. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been done mostly by RT-qPCR and ddPCR, which only provides information on the presence of nucleic acids rather than information on potential infectivity. In this study, we set to develop and evaluate the use of viability RT-qPCR for the selective discrimination and surveillance of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in secondary-treated wastewater. Enzymatic (nuclease) and viability dye (Reagent D) pretreatments were applied to infer infectivity through RT-qPCR using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a CoV surrogate. Infectivity tests were first performed on PEDV purified RNA, then on infectious and heat-inactivated PEDV, and finally on heat inactivated PEDV spiked in concentrated secondary-treated wastewater. The two viability RT-qPCR methods were then applied to 27 secondary-treated wastewater samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA at the outlet of five large urban wastewater treatment plants in Portugal. Reagent D pretreatment showed similar behavior to cell culture for heat-inactivated PEDV and both viability RT-qPCR methods performed comparably to VERO E6 cell culture for SARS-CoV-2 present in secondary-treated wastewater, eliminating completely the RT-qPCR signal. Our study demonstrated the lack of infectious SARS-CoV-2 viral particles on secondary-treated wastewater through the application of two pretreatment methods for the rapid inference of infectivity through RT-qPCR, showing their potential application in environmental screening. This study addressed a knowledge gap on the public health risks of SARS-CoV-2 across the water cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Monteiro
- Laboratorio de Análises, Tecnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Rente
- Laboratorio de Análises, Tecnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica V Cunha
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago A Marques
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, The Observatory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9LZ, Scotland; Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Departamento de Biologia Ambiental, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eugénia Cardoso
- Águas do Tejo Atlântico, Fábrica de Águas de Alcântara, Avenida de Ceuta, 1300-254 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Vilaça
- SIMDOURO, ETAR de Gaia Litoral, 4400-356 Canidelo, Portugal
| | | | - Nuno Brôco
- AdP VALOR, Serviços Ambientais, S.A., Rua Visconde de Seabra, 3, 1700-421 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Carvalho
- AdP VALOR, Serviços Ambientais, S.A., Rua Visconde de Seabra, 3, 1700-421 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Laboratorio de Análises, Tecnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Shi J, Li X, Zhang S, Sharma E, Sivakumar M, Sherchan SP, Jiang G. Enhanced decay of coronaviruses in sewers with domestic wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:151919. [PMID: 34826473 PMCID: PMC8610560 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent outbreaks caused by coronaviruses and their supposed potential fecal-oral transmission highlight the need for understanding the survival of infectious coronavirus in domestic sewers. To date, the survivability and decay of coronaviruses were predominately studied using small volumes of wastewater (normally 5-30 mL) in vials (in-vial tests). However, real sewers are more complicated than bulk wastewater (wastewater matrix only), in particular the presence of sewer biofilms and different operational conditions. This study investigated the decay of infectious human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), two typical surrogate coronaviruses, in laboratory-scale reactors mimicking the gravity (GS, gravity-driven sewers) and rising main sewers (RM, pressurized sewers) with and without sewer biofilms. The in-sewer decay of both coronaviruses was greatly enhanced in comparison to those reported in bulk wastewater through in-vial tests. 99% of HCoV-229E and FIPV decayed within 2 h under either GS or RM conditions with biofilms, in contrast to 6-10 h without biofilms. There is limited difference in the decay of HCoV and FIPV in reactors operated as RM or GS, with the T90 and T99 difference of 7-10 min and 14-20 min, respectively. The decay of both coronaviruses in sewer biofilm reactors can be simulated by biphasic first-order kinetic models, with the first-order rate constant 2-4 times higher during the first phase than the second phase. The decay of infectious HCoV and FIPV was significantly faster in the reactors with sewer biofilms than in the reactors without biofilms, suggesting an enhanced decay of these surrogate viruses due to the presence of biofilms and related processes. The mechanism of biofilms in virus adsorption and potential inactivation remains unclear and requires future investigations. The results indicate that the survivability of infectious coronaviruses detected using bulk wastewater overestimated the infectivity risk of coronavirus during wastewater transportations in sewers or the downstream treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Shi
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Xuan Li
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Shuxin Zhang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Elipsha Sharma
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Muttucumaru Sivakumar
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
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Gomes M, Bartolomeu M, Vieira C, Gomes ATPC, Faustino MAF, Neves MGPMS, Almeida A. Photoinactivation of Phage Phi6 as a SARS-CoV-2 Model in Wastewater: Evidence of Efficacy and Safety. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030659. [PMID: 35336234 PMCID: PMC8954818 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The last two years have been marked by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. This virus is found in the intestinal tract; it reaches wastewater systems and, consequently, the natural receiving water bodies. As such, inefficiently treated wastewater (WW) can be a means of contamination. The currently used methods for the disinfection of WW can lead to the formation of toxic compounds and can be expensive or inefficient. As such, new and alternative approaches must be considered, namely, photodynamic inactivation (PDI). In this work, the bacteriophage φ6 (or, simply, phage φ6), which has been used as a suitable model for enveloped RNA viruses, such as coronaviruses (CoVs), was used as a model of SARS-CoV-2. Firstly, to understand the virus’s survival in the environment, phage φ6 was subjected to different laboratory-controlled environmental conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, and solar and UV-B irradiation), and its persistence over time was assessed. Second, to assess the efficiency of PDI towards the virus, assays were performed in both phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a commonly used aqueous matrix, and a secondarily treated WW (a real WW matrix). Third, as WW is generally discharged into the marine environment after treatment, the safety of PDI-treated WW was assessed through the determination of the viability of native marine water microorganisms after their contact with the PDI-treated effluent. Overall, the results showed that, when used as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, phage φ6 remains viable in different environmental conditions for a considerable period. Moreover, PDI proved to be an efficient approach in the inactivation of the viruses, and the PDI-treated effluent showed no toxicity to native aquatic microorganisms under realistic dilution conditions, thus endorsing PDI as an efficient and safe tertiary WW disinfection method. Although all studies were performed with phage φ6, which is considered a suitable model of SARS-CoV-2, further studies using SARS-CoV-2 are necessary; nevertheless, the findings show the potential of PDI for controlling SARS-CoV-2 in WW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gomes
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.G.); (M.B.); (C.V.)
| | - Maria Bartolomeu
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.G.); (M.B.); (C.V.)
| | - Cátia Vieira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.G.); (M.B.); (C.V.)
| | - Ana T. P. C. Gomes
- Center for Interdisciplinary Investigation (CIIS), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3504-505 Viseu, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.T.P.C.G.); (M.A.F.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Maria Amparo F. Faustino
- Department of Chemistry and LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (A.T.P.C.G.); (M.A.F.F.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Adelaide Almeida
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.G.); (M.B.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (A.T.P.C.G.); (M.A.F.F.); (A.A.)
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Factors Impacting Persistence of Phi6 Bacteriophage, an Enveloped Virus Surrogate, on Fomite Surfaces. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0255221. [PMID: 35285710 PMCID: PMC9004354 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02552-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistence of Phi6 (Φ6) bacteriophage on surfaces commonly encountered in consumer-facing environments was evaluated. Φ6 has been utilized as a surrogate for enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2—the causative agent of COVID-19—due to structural similarities, biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) status, and ease of use. Φ6 persistence on fomites was evaluated by characterizing the impact of the inoculum matrix (artificial saliva, phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], tripartite), inoculum level (low and high), and surface type (nonporous—aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, touchscreen, vinyl; porous—wood). Φ6 was inoculated onto surfaces at low and high inoculum levels for each inoculum matrix and incubated (20.54 ± 0.48°C) for up to 168 h. Φ6 was eluted from the surface and quantified via the double agar overlay assay to determine virus survival over time. For nonporous surfaces inoculated with artificial saliva and PBS, significantly higher D values were observed with high inoculum application according to the 95% confidence intervals. In artificial saliva, D values ranged from 1.00 to 1.35 h at a low inoculum and 4.44 to 7.05 h at a high inoculum across inoculation matrices and surfaces. D values for Φ6, regardless of the inoculum level, were significantly higher in tripartite than in artificial saliva and PBS for nonporous surfaces. In contrast with artificial saliva or PBS, D values in tripartite at low inoculum (D values ranging from 45.8 to 72.8 h) were greater than those at high inoculum (D values ranging from 26.4 to 45.5 h) on nonporous surfaces. This study characterized the impact of the inoculum matrix, inoculum level, and surface type on Φ6 survival on various surfaces relevant to fomite transmission in public settings. IMPORTANCE An important consideration in virus contact transmission is the transfer rate between hands and surfaces, which is driven by several factors, including virus persistence on inanimate surfaces. This research characterized Φ6 persistence on surfaces commonly encountered in public settings based on various factors. The inoculum matrix, which simulates the route of transmission, can impact virus persistence, and three separate matrices were evaluated in this study to determine the impact on Φ6 persistence over time. The number of microorganisms has also been suggested to impact persistence, which was evaluated here to simulate real-world contamination scenarios on six surface types. Results from this study will guide future research utilizing Φ6 or other surrogates for enveloped viruses of public health concern.
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Evaluation of UV-C Radiation Efficiency in the Decontamination of Inanimate Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment Contaminated with Phage ϕ6. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030593. [PMID: 35336168 PMCID: PMC8954440 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To help halt the global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), appropriate disinfection techniques are required. Over the last years, the interest in Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation as a method to disinfect inanimate surfaces and personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased, mainly to efficiently disinfect and prevent SARS-CoV-2 from spreading and allow for the safe reuse of said equipment. The bacteriophage ϕ6 (or simply phage ϕ6) is an RNA virus with a phospholipid envelope and is commonly used in environmental studies as a surrogate for human RNA-enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The present study investigated the use of two new UV irradiation systems ((2)2.4W and (8)5.5W)) constituted by conventional mercury UV-C lamps with a strong emission peak at ~254 nm to potentially inactivate phage ϕ6 on different surfaces (glass, plastic, stainless steel, and wood) and personal protective equipment, PPE, (surgical and filtering facepiece 2, FFP2, masks, a clear acetate visor, and disposable protective clothing). The results showed that both UV-C systems were effective in inactivating phage ϕ6, but the UV-C sterilizing chamber (8)5.5W had the best disinfection performance on the tested surfaces. The inactivation effectiveness is material-dependent on all surfaces, reaching the detection limit of the method at different times (between 60 and 240 s of irradiation). The glass surface needed less time to reduce the virus (30 s) when compared with plastic, stainless, and wood surfaces (60 s). The virus inactivation was more effective in the disposable surgical and FFP2 masks (60 and 120 s, respectively) than in the disposable vest and clear acetate visor (240 s). Overall, this study suggests that UV-C lamps with peak emission at ~254 nm could provide rapid, efficient, and sustainable sanitization procedures to different materials and surfaces. However, dosage and irradiation time are important parameters to be considered during their implementation as a tool in the fight against human coronaviruses, namely against SARS-CoV-2.
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Habtewold J, McCarthy D, McBean E, Law I, Goodridge L, Habash M, Murphy HM. Passive sampling, a practical method for wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112058. [PMID: 34516976 PMCID: PMC8433097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In search of practical and affordable tools for wastewater-based surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), three independent field experiments were conducted using three passive sampler sorbents (electronegative membrane, cotton bud, and gauze) in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Total daily cases during this study ranged from 2 to 17/100,000 people and 43/54 traditionally collected wastewater samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 with mean detectable concentrations ranging from 8.4 to 1780 copies/ml. Viral levels on the passive samplers were assessed after 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs of deployment in the wastewater and 43/54 membrane, 42/54 gauze, and 27/54 cotton bud samples were positive. A linear accumulation rate of SARS-CoV-2 on the membranes was observed up to 48 hours, suggesting the passive sampler could adequately reflect wastewater levels for up to two days of deployment. Due the variability in accumulation observed for the cotton buds and gauzes, and the pre-processing steps required for the gauzes, we recommend membrane filters as a simple cost-effective option for wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemaneh Habtewold
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David McCarthy
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Australia
| | - Edward McBean
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ilya Law
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Larry Goodridge
- Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Marc Habash
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Heather M Murphy
- Water, Health and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Yang W, Cai C, Dai X. Interactions between virus surrogates and sewage sludge vary by viral analyte: Recovery, persistence, and sorption. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:117995. [PMID: 34998072 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge, as a reservoir of viruses, may pose threats to human health. Understanding how virus particles interact with sludge is the key to controlling virus exposure and transmission. In this study, we investigated the recovery, survivability, and sorption of four typical virus surrogates with different structures (Phi6, MS2, T4, and Phix174) in sewage sludge. The most effective elution method varies by viral analyte, while the ultrafiltration method could significantly reduce the recovery loss for all four viruses. Compared with nonenveloped viruses, the poor recoveries of Phi6 during elution (<15%) limited its efficient detection. The inactivation kinetics of four viruses in solid-containing sludge were significantly faster than those in solid-removed samples at 25 °C, indicating that the solid fraction of sludge played an important role in virus inactivation. Although enveloped Phi6 was more vulnerable in both solid-removed and solid-containing sludge samples, it could remain viable for several hours at 25 °C and several days at 4 °C, which may pose an infection risk during sludge collection, transportation, and treatment process. The adsorption and desorption behavior of viruses in sludge could be affected by virus envelope structure, capsid proteins, and virus particle size. Phi6 adsorption to sludge was great with log KF of 6.51 ± 0.53, followed by Phix174, MS2, and T4. Additionally, more than 95% of Phi6, MS2, and T4 adsorbed to sludge were strongly bound, and a considerable fraction of strongly-bound virus was confirmed to retain viability. These results shed light on the environmental behavior of viruses in sewage sludge and provide a theoretical basis for the risk assessment for sludge treatment and disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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61
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Angel DM, Gao D, DeLay K, Lin EZ, Eldred J, Arnold W, Santiago R, Redlich C, Martinello RA, Sherman JD, Peccia J, Godri Pollitt KJ. Development and Application of a Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Passive Air Sampler to Assess Personal Exposure to SARS-CoV-2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2022; 9:153-159. [PMID: 37566382 PMCID: PMC8768000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exhaled respiratory droplets and aerosols can carry infectious viruses and are an important mode of transmission for COVID-19. Recent studies have been successful in detecting airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor settings using active sampling methods. The cost, size, and maintenance of these samplers, however, limit their long-term monitoring ability in high-risk transmission areas. As an alternative, passive samplers can be small, lightweight, and inexpensive and do not require electrical power or maintenance for continual operation. Integration of passive samplers into wearable designs can be used to better understand personal exposure to the respiratory virus. This study evaluated the use of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based passive sampler to assess personal exposure to aerosol and droplet SARS-CoV-2. The rate of uptake of virus-laden aerosol on PDMS was determined in lab-based rotating drum experiments to estimate time-weighted averaged airborne viral concentrations from passive sampler viral loading. The passive sampler was then embedded in a wearable clip design and distributed to community members across Connecticut to surveil personal SARS-CoV-2 exposure. The virus was detected on clips worn by five of the 62 participants (8%) with personal exposure ranging from 4 to 112 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA/m3, predominantly in indoor restaurant settings. Our findings demonstrate that PDMS-based passive samplers may serve as a useful exposure assessment tool for airborne viral exposure in real-world high-risk settings and provide avenues for early detection of potential cases and guidance on site-specific infection control protocols that preempt community transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl M. Angel
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United
States
| | - Dong Gao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - Kayley DeLay
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United
States
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - Elizabeth Z. Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
| | - Jacob Eldred
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials
Science, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United
States
| | - Wyatt Arnold
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United
States
| | - Romero Santiago
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale
School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
| | - Carrie Redlich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale
School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
| | - Richard A. Martinello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale
School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
- Department of Infection Prevention, Yale
New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
| | - Jodi D. Sherman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of
Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United
States
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United
States
| | - Krystal J. Godri Pollitt
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale
University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United
States
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences,
Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06520,
United States
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62
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Rapid assembly of colorless antimicrobial and anti-odor coatings from polyphenols and silver. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2071. [PMID: 35136104 PMCID: PMC8826873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of antimicrobial fabrics and textiles that can sustainably inhibit a broad spectrum of microbes is crucial for protecting against pathogens in various environments. However, engineering antimicrobial textiles is challenging due to issues with discoloration and inhibited breathability, the use of harmful or harsh reagents and synthesis conditions, and complex and/or time-consuming processing. Herein, we develop a facile and rapid approach to deposit antimicrobial coatings using universally adherent plant polyphenols and antimicrobial silver ions. Importantly, the coatings are colorless, thin (< 10 nm), rapidly assembled (< 20 min), and can be deposited via immersion or spraying. We demonstrate that these metal-phenolic coatings on textiles can inhibit lipid-enveloped viruses over one thousand times more efficiently than coatings composed of other metal ions, while maintaining their efficacy even after 5 washes. Moreover, the coatings also inhibit Gram positive and negative bacteria, and fungi, and can prevent odors on clothes for at least 10 washes. Collectively, the ease of synthesis, use of simple and safe precursors, and amenability to at-home and industrial application suggests that the coatings will find practical application in various settings.
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63
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Molan K, Rahmani R, Krklec D, Brojan M, Stopar D. Phi 6 Bacteriophage Inactivation by Metal Salts, Metal Powders, and Metal Surfaces. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020204. [PMID: 35215798 PMCID: PMC8877498 DOI: 10.3390/v14020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of phages with abiotic environmental surfaces is usually an understudied field of phage ecology. In this study, we investigated the virucidal potential of different metal salts, metal and ceramic powders doped with Ag and Cu ions, and newly fabricated ceramic and metal surfaces against Phi6 bacteriophage. The new materials were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and/or selective laser melting (SLM) techniques and had different surface free energies and infiltration features. We show that inactivation of Phi6 in solutions with Ag and Cu ions can be as effective as inactivation by pH, temperature, or UV. Adding powder to Ag and Cu ion solutions decreased their virucidal effect. The newly fabricated ceramic and metal surfaces showed very good virucidal activity. In particular, 45%TiO2 + 5%Ag + 45%ZrO2 + 5%Cu, in addition to virus adhesion, showed virucidal and infiltration properties. The results indicate that more than 99.99% of viruses deposited on the new ceramic surface were inactivated or irreversibly attached to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Molan
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Ramin Rahmani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Daniel Krklec
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (D.K.)
| | - Miha Brojan
- Laboratory for Nonlinear Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - David Stopar
- Department of Microbiology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.M.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence:
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64
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Phi 6 recovery from inoculated fingerpads based on elution buffer and methodology. J Virol Methods 2022; 299:114307. [PMID: 34606796 PMCID: PMC9757907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Phi 6 (Φ6) bacteriophage is a proposed surrogate to study pathogenic enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2-the causative agent of COVID-19-based on structural similarities, BSL-1 status, and ease of use. To determine the role of virus-contaminated hands in disease transmission, an enhanced understanding of buffer and method performance for Φ6 recovery needs to be determined. Four buffer types and three methodologies were investigated for the recovery of Φ6 from human fingerpads over a 30 min duration. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), PBS + 0.1 % Tween, 0.1 M glycine + 3% beef extract, and viral transport medium were evaluated as buffers for recovery of Φ6 via a dish, modified glove juice, and vigorous swabbing method. Φ6 concentrations on fingerpads were determined at 0-, 5-, 10-, and 30-min post-inoculation. While there were observed differences in virus recovery across buffer and method types depending on the time point, log PFU recovery based on buffer type or methodology was not significantly different at any time point (P > 0.05). The results presented in this study will allow for future work on Φ6 persistence, transfer between hands and surfaces, and efficacy of hand hygiene methods to be performed using a well-characterized and validated recovery method.
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65
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Population balance modeling of homogeneous viral aggregation. Chem Eng Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.117035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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66
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Nastasi N, Renninger N, Bope A, Cochran SJ, Greaves J, Haines SR, Balasubrahmaniam N, Stuart K, Panescu J, Bibby K, Hull NM, Dannemiller KC. Persistence of viable MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophages on carpet and dust. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12969. [PMID: 34882845 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Resuspension of dust from flooring is a major source of human exposure to microbial contaminants, but the persistence of viruses on dust and carpet and the contribution to human exposure are often unknown. The goal of this work is to determine viability of MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophages on cut carpet, looped carpet, and house dust both over time and after cleaning. Bacteriophages were nebulized onto carpet or dust in artificial saliva. Viability was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 h and after cleaning by vacuum, steam, hot water extraction, and disinfection. MS2 bacteriophages showed slower viability decay rates in dust (-0.11 hr-1 ), cut carpet (-0.20 hr-1 ), and looped carpet (-0.09 hr-1 ) compared to Phi6 (-3.36 hr-1 , -1.57 hr-1 , and -0.20 hr-1 , respectively). Viable viral concentrations were reduced to below the detection limit for steam and disinfection for both MS2 and Phi6 (p < 0.05), while vacuuming and hot water extraction showed no significant changes in concentration from uncleaned carpet (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophages can remain viable in carpet and dust for several hours to days, and cleaning with heat and disinfectants may be more effective than standard vacuuming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Nastasi
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nicole Renninger
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ashleigh Bope
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Samuel J Cochran
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Justin Greaves
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Sarah R Haines
- Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Neeraja Balasubrahmaniam
- Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Katelyn Stuart
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jenny Panescu
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kyle Bibby
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Natalie M Hull
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Karen C Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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67
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Bailey ES, Curcic M, Biros J, Erdogmuş H, Bac N, Sacco A. Essential Oil Disinfectant Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 Microbial Surrogates. Front Public Health 2021; 9:783832. [PMID: 34970529 PMCID: PMC8712468 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.783832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports of COVID-19 cases potentially attributed to fomite transmission led to the extensive use of various disinfectants to control viral spread. Alternative disinfectants, such as essential oils, have emerged as a potential antimicrobial. Four essential oil blends were tested on three different surfaces inoculated with a coronavirus surrogate, bacteriophage Phi 6, and a bacterial indicator, Staphylococcus aureus. Log10 concentration reductions were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software. Data collected in this study show that the application of dilute essential oil disinfectants using a spray delivery device is an effective way to reduce concentrations of bacterial and viral microorganisms on ceramic, stainless steel, and laminate surfaces. Surrogate viruses were reduced up to 6 log10 PFU and bacterial were reduced up to 4 log10 CFU. Although surfaces are no longer considered a high risk fomite for COVID-19 transmission, the disinfection of microorganisms on surfaces remains an important consideration for high touch areas in hospitals, waiting rooms, etc. The application of spray disinfectants, based on essential oil blends, provides a rapid and effective means to reduce microbial contamination on high-touched surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Bailey
- Julia Jones Matthews Department of Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, United States
| | - Marina Curcic
- Julia Jones Matthews Department of Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, United States
| | - Jnev Biros
- Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | | | - Nurcan Bac
- Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Albert Sacco
- Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
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68
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Vernon J, Black E, Dennis T, Devine D, Fletcher L, Wood D, Nattress B. Dental Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Aerosolization of SARS-CoV-2. J Dent Res 2021; 100:1461-1467. [PMID: 34338580 PMCID: PMC8649409 DOI: 10.1177/00220345211032885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Limiting infection transmission is central to the safety of all in dentistry, particularly during the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) are crucial to the practice of dentistry; it is imperative to understand the inherent risks of viral dispersion associated with AGPs and the efficacy of available mitigation strategies. In a dental surgery setting, crown preparation and root canal access procedures were performed with an air turbine or high-speed contra-angle handpiece (HSCAH), with mitigation via rubber dam or high-volume aspiration and a no-mitigation control. A phantom head was used with a 1.5-mL min-1 flow of artificial saliva infected with Φ6-bacteriophage (a surrogate virus for SARS-CoV-2) at ~108 plaque-forming units mL-1, reflecting the upper limits of reported salivary SARS-CoV-2 levels. Bioaerosol dispersal was measured using agar settle plates lawned with the Φ6-bacteriophage host, Pseudomonas syringae. Viral air concentrations were assessed using MicroBio MB2 air sampling and particle quantities using Kanomax 3889 GEOα counters. Compared to an air turbine, the HSCAH reduced settled bioaerosols by 99.72%, 100.00%, and 100.00% for no mitigation, aspiration, and rubber dam, respectively. Bacteriophage concentrations in the air were reduced by 99.98%, 100.00%, and 100.00% with the same mitigations. Use of the HSCAH with high-volume aspiration resulted in no detectable bacteriophage, both on nonsplatter settle plates and in air samples taken 6 to 10 min postprocedure. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report the aerosolization in a dental clinic of active virus as a marker for risk determination. While this model represents a worst-case scenario for possible SARS-CoV-2 dispersal, these data showed that the use of HSCAHs can vastly reduce the risk of viral aerosolization and therefore remove the need for clinic fallow time. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the use of particle analysis alone cannot provide sufficient insight to understand bioaerosol infection risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.J. Vernon
- Division of Oral Biology, School
of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - E.V.I. Black
- Division of Oral Biology, School
of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - T. Dennis
- Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds
Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - D.A. Devine
- Division of Oral Biology, School
of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - L. Fletcher
- School of Civil Engineering,
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - D.J. Wood
- Division of Oral Biology, School
of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - B.R. Nattress
- Division of Restorative
Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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69
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String GM, White MR, Gute DM, Mühlberger E, Lantagne DS. Selection of a SARS-CoV-2 Surrogate for Use in Surface Disinfection Efficacy Studies with Chlorine and Antimicrobial Surfaces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:995-1001. [PMID: 37566364 PMCID: PMC8491555 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Initial recommendations for surface disinfection to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission were developed using previous evidence from potential surrogates. To the best of our knowledge, no appropriate surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 has been identified or confirmed for chlorine and antimicrobial surface disinfection. We completed a study to evaluate the efficacy of two hypothesized antimicrobial surfaces, and four chlorine solutions on nonporous and porous surfaces, against SARS-CoV-2 and three potential SARS-CoV-2 surrogates [coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and bacteriophages Phi6 and MS2], to identify a BSL-1 or BSL-2 virus to use in future studies. We found SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced >4 log10 on porous and nonporous surfaces within 30 s upon exposure to 0.5% NaOCl. The results indicate coronavirus MHV-GFP is inactivated faster than SARS-CoV-2 (MHV-GFP ≥ 6.08 log10; SARS-CoV-2 = 0.66 log10 at 30 s with 0.05% NaOCl on steel) and MS2 is inactivated more slowly. Phi6 is inactivated like SARS-CoV-2, and we propose Phi6 as a slightly conservative surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 chlorine disinfection. Additionally, disinfection of bacteriophages on wood was challenging, and exposure to antimicrobial surfaces had no disinfection efficacy as tested. We recommend using 0.5% chlorine on surfaces for a minimum of 30 s of contact to disinfect SARS-CoV-2 and recommend additional research on Phi6 disinfection with varied surfaces and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M. String
- Lancon Environmental, LLC,
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
- Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford,
Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Mitchell R. White
- Department of Microbiology, Boston
University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118,
United States
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories,
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118,
United States
| | - David M. Gute
- Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford,
Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Elke Mühlberger
- Department of Microbiology, Boston
University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118,
United States
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories,
Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118,
United States
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70
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Silverman AI, Boehm AB. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Persistence of Enveloped Viruses in Environmental Waters and Wastewater in the Absence of Disinfectants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14480-14493. [PMID: 34665598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Enveloped viruses are characterized by a lipid-containing envelope that encapsulates the virion, and they have been the cause of major outbreaks and pandemics. Some enveloped viruses are excreted in feces and other bodily fluids of infected people and animals, raising the question of their fate in the aquatic environment. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the decay rate constants (k) of enveloped viruses from 12 families (i.e., Coronaviridae, Cystoviridae (specifically Phi6), Filoviridae, Hepadnaviridae, Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Pneumoviridae, Poxviridae, Retroviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Togaviridae) in environmental waters and wastewater to evaluate their decay kinetics and identify the environmental and virus characteristics that influence k. A total of 812 k that met inclusion criteria were identified in the literature, with the number of k for each family ranging from 0 to 560, and the virus family averaged values of k ranging from 0.11 d-1 and 1.85 d-1. Virus type (i.e., genus, species, subspecies, or subtype), method of virus enumeration (i.e., culture-based or (RT-)QPCR), and experimental water matrix type, temperature and sterility were found to have significant effects on k. Additionally, enveloped viruses were found to have statistically significantly greater k than nonenveloped viruses. Multiple linear regression models that allow prediction of log10k as a function of virus type, enumeration method, water temperature, and water type are provided for six virus families that had sufficient data available for model fitting (i.e., Coronaviridae, Phi6, Herpesviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Togaviridae). Compiled log10k and multiple regression models can be used to inform management of human and animal waste, operation of water and wastewater facilities, and exposure risks to treatment plant workers and communities living in regions that lack treatment facilities. Given limited data available for some enveloped virus families with a potential water-related transmission route, there is need for additional data collection to aid academic researchers, public health agencies, and water and wastewater professionals involved in outbreak response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea I Silverman
- Department of Civil and Urban Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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71
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Gharoon N, Dewan A, Li L, Haak L, Mazurowski L, Guarin T, Pagilla K. Removal of SARS-CoV-2 viral markers through a water reclamation facility. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:2819-2827. [PMID: 34528319 PMCID: PMC8661921 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
There have been multiple reports of COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in influent wastewater of water reclamation facilities (WRFs) across the world. In this study, the removal of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was investigated in a WRF by collecting samples from various stages relayed to hydraulic retention time (HRT) and analyzed for viral RNA (N1 and N2) gene markers and wastewater characteristics. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 28 out of 28 influent wastewater and primary effluent samples. Secondary effluent showed 4 out of 9 positive samples, and all tertiary and final effluent samples were below the detection limit for the viral markers. The reduction was significant (p value < 0.005, one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] test) in secondary treatment, ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 log10 removal. Adjusted N1 viral marker had a positive correlation with total suspended solids, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and ammonia concentrations (Spearman's ρ = 0.61, 0.67, and 0.53, respectively, p value < 0.05), while demonstrating a strongly negative correlation with HRT (Spearman's ρ = -0.58, p value < 0.01). PRACTITIONER POINTS: Viral RNA was present in all samples taken from influent and primary effluent of a WRF. SARS-CoV-2 gene marker was detected in secondary effluent in 4 out of 9 samples. Tertiary and final effluent samples tested nondetect for SARS-CoV-2 gene markers. Up to 0.5 and 2.0 log10 virus removal values were achieved by primary and secondary treatment, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Gharoon
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Aimee Dewan
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Laura Haak
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Lauren Mazurowski
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Tatiana Guarin
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
| | - Krishna Pagilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Nevada RenoRenoNVUSA
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72
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Ma B, Gundy PM, Gerba CP, Sobsey MD, Linden KG. UV Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 across the UVC Spectrum: KrCl* Excimer, Mercury-Vapor, and Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) Sources. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0153221. [PMID: 34495736 PMCID: PMC8552892 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01532-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective disinfection technology to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can help reduce viral transmission during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and in the future. UV devices emitting UVC irradiation (200 to 280 nm) have proven to be effective for virus disinfection, but limited information is available for SARS-CoV-2 due to the safety requirements of testing, which is limited to biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratories. In this study, inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in thin-film buffered aqueous solution (pH 7.4) was determined across UVC irradiation wavelengths of 222 to 282 nm from krypton chloride (KrCl*) excimers, a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp, and two UVC light-emitting diodes. Our results show that all tested UVC devices can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2, among which the KrCl* excimer had the best disinfection performance (i.e., highest inactivation rate). The inactivation rate constants of SARS-CoV-2 across wavelengths are similar to those for murine hepatitis virus (MHV) from our previous investigation, suggesting that MHV can serve as a reliable surrogate of SARS-CoV-2 with a lower BSL requirement (BSL2) during UV disinfection tests. This study provides fundamental information on UVC's action on SARS-CoV-2 and guidance for achieving reliable disinfection performance with UVC devices. IMPORTANCE UV light is an effective tool to help stem the spread of respiratory viruses and protect public health in commercial, public, transportation, and health care settings. For effective use of UV, there is a need to determine the efficiency of different UV wavelengths in killing pathogens, specifically SARS-CoV-2, to support efforts to control the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and future coronavirus-caused respiratory virus pandemics. We found that SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated effectively using a broad range of UVC wavelengths, and 222 nm provided the best disinfection performance. Interestingly, 222-nm irradiation has been found to be safe for human exposure up to thresholds that are beyond those effective for inactivating viruses. Therefore, applying UV light from KrCl* excimers in public spaces can effectively help reduce viral aerosol or surface-based transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ma
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Patricia M. Gundy
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Charles P. Gerba
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mark D. Sobsey
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karl G. Linden
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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73
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Watts S, Ramstedt M, Salentinig S. Ethanol Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses: Structural and Surface Chemistry Insights into Phi6. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:9557-9563. [PMID: 34581569 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-enveloped viruses, such as Ebola, influenza, or coronaviruses, are a major threat to human health. Ethanol is an efficient disinfectant that is widely used to inactivate these viruses and prevent their transmission. However, the interactions between ethanol and enveloped viruses leading to their inactivation are not yet fully understood. This study demonstrates the link between ethanol-induced viral inactivation and the nanostructural and chemical transformations of the model virus Phi6, an 85 nm diameter lipid-enveloped bacterial virus that is commonly used as surrogate for human pathogenic viruses. The virus morphology was investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering and was related to its infectivity. The Phi6's surface chemistry was characterized by cryogenic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the modifications in protein structure were assessed by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Ethanol-triggered structural modifications were found in the lipid envelope, detaching from the protein capsid and forming coexisting nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Watts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Salentinig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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74
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Haji Ali B, Shahin MS, Masoumi Sangani MM, Faghihinezhad M, Baghdadi M. Wastewater aerosols produced during flushing toilets, WWTPs, and irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater as indirect exposure to SARS-CoV-2. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 9:106201. [PMID: 34405082 PMCID: PMC8361049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw and treated wastewater can open up a fresh perspective to waterborne and aerosolized wastewater as a new transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the current pandemic. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater aerosols formed during toilet flushing, plumbing failure, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal wastewater reuse for irrigation. Moreover, how these aerosols might increase the risk of exposure to this novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA). This article supplies a review of the literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in untreated wastewater, as well as the fate and stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. We also reviewed the existing literatures on generation and transmission of aerosolized wastewater through flush a toilet, house's plumbing networks, WWTPs, wastewater reuse for irrigation of agricultural areas. Finally, the article briefly studies the potential risk of infection with exposure to the fecal bioaerosols of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for the people who might be exposed through flushing toilets or faulty building plumbing systems, operators/workers in wastewater treatment plants, and workers of fields irrigated with treated wastewater - based on current knowledge. Although this review highlights the indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through wastewater aerosols, no research has yet clearly demonstrated the role of aerosolized wastewater in disease transmission regarding the continuation of this pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for additional studies on wastewater aerosols in transmission of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Haji Ali
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohsen Faghihinezhad
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Baghdadi
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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75
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Fernandez de la Mora J, Angel DM, Peccia J. How Narrow Is the Gas Phase Mobility Distribution of Enveloped Viruses? The Case of the Φ6 Bacteriophage. Anal Chem 2021; 93:12938-12943. [PMID: 34520175 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We use the Φ6 bacteriophage previously exploited as a BSL-1 surrogate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus to obtain the first high-resolution gas phase mobility spectra of an enveloped virus. The relative full width at half-maximum found for the viral mobility distribution (FWHMZ < 3.7%) is substantially narrower than that reported by prior mobility or microscopy studies with other enveloped viruses. It is nevertheless not as narrow as that recently found for several non-enveloped viruses (FWHMZ ≈ 2%), presumably due to particle to particle variability of enveloped viruses. This 3.7% is an upper bound to the actual width. Nevertheless, the well-defined mobility peaks obtained indicate that gas phase mobility analysis is a more discriminating methodology than that previously demonstrated for physically based non-genetic viral diagnostic of enveloped viruses. These results are obtained by analysis of the original cell culture medium containing the virus, purified only by passage through a 0.22 μm filter and by dialysis into a 10 mM aqueous ammonium acetate buffer. We confirmed that this buffer exchange preserves infectivity. Therefore, the 63.7 nm mobility diameter found, although smaller than the 75 nm previously inferred by microscopy, corresponds to the full particle including the envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Fernandez de la Mora
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, Mason Laboratory, 9 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Darryl Marissa Angel
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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76
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Feroz H, Cetnar D, Hewlett R, Sharma S, Holstein M, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Surrogate model to screen for inactivation-based clearance of enveloped viruses during biotherapeutics process development. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2100176. [PMID: 34506679 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Viral surrogates to screen for virus inactivation (VI) can be a faster, cheaper and safer alternative to third-party testing of pathogenic BSL2 (Biosafety level 2) model viruses. Although the bacteriophage surrogate, Ø6, has been used to assess low pH BSL2 VI, it has not been used for evaluation of detergent-mediated VI. Furthermore, Ø6 is typically assayed through host cell infectivity which introduces the risk of cross-contaminating other cell lines in the facility. To circumvent contamination, we developed an in-house RT-qPCR (Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction) assay for selective detection of active Ø6 from a population of live and dead phage. The RT-qPCR assay was used to evaluate Ø6 inactivation in cell culture fluid of monoclonal antibody and fusion protein. Complementary Ø6 infectivity was also conducted at a third-party testing facility. The Ø6 RT-qPCR and infectivity data was modeled against VI of three BSL2 viruses, X- MuLV, A- MuLV and HSV-1 in corresponding therapeutics. Both Ø6 methods demonstrate that any VI agent showing Ø6 clearance of a minimum of 2.5 logs would demonstrate complete BSL2 VI of ≥ 4.0 logs. Compared to BSL2 virus testing, this in-house Ø6 RT-qPCR tool can screen VI agents at 5% the cost and a turnaround time of 2 to 3 days vs. 4 to 7 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasin Feroz
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Cetnar
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Hewlett
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Satish Sharma
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa Holstein
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
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77
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Scott LC, Aubee A, Babahaji L, Vigil K, Tims S, Aw TG. Targeted wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 on a university campus for COVID-19 outbreak detection and mitigation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111374. [PMID: 34058182 PMCID: PMC8163699 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Targeted wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been proposed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Wastewater Surveillance System as a complementary approach to clinical surveillance to detect the presence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at high-density facilities and institutions such as university campuses, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of targeted wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA together with individual-level testing for outbreak mitigation on a university campus during Fall 2020 semester. Wastewater samples (n = 117) were collected weekly from manholes or sewer cleanouts that receive wastewater inputs from dormitories, community-use buildings, and a COVID-19 isolation dormitory. Quantitative RT-PCR N1 and N2 assays were used to measure SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid genes in wastewater. Due to varying human waste input in different buildings, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMV) RNA was also measured in all samples and used to normalize SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 RNA wastewater concentrations. In this study, temporal trends of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples mirrored trends in COVID-19 cases detected on campus. Normalizing SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations using human fecal indicator, PMMV enhanced the correlation between N1 and N2 gene abundances in wastewater with COVID-19 cases. N1 and N2 genes were significant predictors of COVID-19 cases in dormitories, and the N2 gene was significantly correlated with the number of detected COVID-19 cases in dormitories. By implementing several public health surveillance programs include targeted wastewater surveillance, individual-level testing, contact tracing, and quarantine/isolation facilities, university health administrators could act decisively during an outbreak on campus, resulting in rapid decline of newly detected COVID-19 cases. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is a proactive outbreak monitoring tool for university campuses seeking to continue higher education practices in person during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Scott
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alexandra Aubee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Layla Babahaji
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Katie Vigil
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Scott Tims
- Campus Health and Student Services, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tiong Gim Aw
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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78
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Flood MT, D'Souza N, Rose JB, Aw TG. Methods Evaluation for Rapid Concentration and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in Raw Wastewater Using Droplet Digital and Quantitative RT-PCR. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:303-315. [PMID: 34296387 PMCID: PMC8297606 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09488-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging public health tool to understand the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in communities. The performance of different virus concentration methods and PCR methods needs to be evaluated to ascertain their suitability for use in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. We evaluated ultrafiltration and polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation methods to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 from sewage in wastewater treatment plants and upstream in the wastewater network (e.g., manholes, lift stations). Recovery of viruses by different concentration methods was determined using Phi6 bacteriophage as a surrogate for enveloped viruses. Additionally, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in all wastewater samples was determined using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR), targeting three genetic markers (N1, N2 and E). Using spiked samples, the Phi6 recoveries were estimated at 2.6-11.6% using ultrafiltration-based methods and 22.2-51.5% using PEG precipitation. There was no significant difference in recovery efficiencies (p < 0.05) between the PEG procedure with and without a 16 h overnight incubation, demonstrating the feasibility of obtaining same day results. The SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers were more often detected by RT-ddPCR than RT-qPCR with higher sensitivity and precision. While all three SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers were detected using RT-ddPCR, the levels of E gene were almost below the limit of detection using RT-qPCR. Collectively, our study suggested PEG precipitation is an effective low-cost procedure which allows a large number of samples to be processed simultaneously in a routine wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2. RT-ddPCR can be implemented for the absolute quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers in different wastewater matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Flood
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Nishita D'Souza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tiong Gim Aw
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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79
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Moresco V, Oliver DM, Weidmann M, Matallana-Surget S, Quilliam RS. Survival of human enteric and respiratory viruses on plastics in soil, freshwater, and marine environments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111367. [PMID: 34029551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The public health significance of plastics and microplastics in different environmental matrices has mainly focused on the toxicological effects of human ingestion. But these pollutants can also harbour pathogenic bacteria as the surfaces of plastics in the environment quickly become colonised by microbial biofilm. This novel microbial habitat has been termed the 'plastisphere' and could facilitate the survival and dissemination of important bacterial and fungal pathogens. Importantly, however, the role of plastic pollution as a secondary pathway for the transmission of human pathogenic viruses has never been addressed. Due to the high prevalence of both enteric and respiratory viruses in the population and in the environment, there is significant potential for human viruses to become associated with the plastisphere. In this review we critically evaluate current knowledge on the interaction of human enteric and respiratory viruses with plastic surfaces and identify the main environmental conditions and plastic characteristics that could affect virus survival and persistence in the environment. Our hypothesis is that the plastisphere can enhance the adhesion, survival and dissemination of human pathogenic viruses and potentially lead to more effective transfer and transmission of viral diseases within the environment. We identify key research questions needed to more fully assess the potential human health risks associated with viruses on plastic surfaces. These include understanding, (1) the mechanisms of viral attachment to either naked or biofilm-colonised plastic (2) how the structural characteristics of viruses (e.g., enveloped, or non-enveloped), affect their persistence in the plastisphere, (3) whether the plastisphere offers protection and increases the persistence of infectious viruses in soil, freshwater, and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Moresco
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - David M Oliver
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Manfred Weidmann
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Senftenberg, D-01968, Germany
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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80
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Palika A, Armanious A, Rahimi A, Medaglia C, Gasbarri M, Handschin S, Rossi A, Pohl MO, Busnadiego I, Gübeli C, Anjanappa RB, Bolisetty S, Peydayesh M, Stertz S, Hale BG, Tapparel C, Stellacci F, Mezzenga R. An antiviral trap made of protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:918-925. [PMID: 34083772 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-00920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Minimizing the spread of viruses in the environment is the first defence line when fighting outbreaks and pandemics, but the current COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how difficult this is on a global scale, particularly in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Here we introduce and develop a sustainable and biodegradable antiviral filtration membrane composed of amyloid nanofibrils made from food-grade milk proteins and iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles synthesized in situ from iron salts by simple pH tuning. Thus, all the membrane components are made of environmentally friendly, non-toxic and widely available materials. The membrane has outstanding efficacy against a broad range of viruses, which include enveloped, non-enveloped, airborne and waterborne viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, H1N1 (the influenza A virus strain responsible for the swine flu pandemic in 2009) and enterovirus 71 (a non-enveloped virus resistant to harsh conditions, such as highly acidic pH), which highlights a possible role in fighting the current and future viral outbreaks and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Palika
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonius Armanious
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Akram Rahimi
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- BluAct Technologies GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Medaglia
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Gasbarri
- Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Handschin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Rossi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie O Pohl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Idoia Busnadiego
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Gübeli
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sreenath Bolisetty
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- BluAct Technologies GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohammad Peydayesh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silke Stertz
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin G Hale
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Tapparel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Stellacci
- Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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81
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Wang W, Kang S, Vikesland PJ. Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Bacterial Metabolites for Bacterial Growth Monitoring and Diagnosis of Viral Infection. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9119-9128. [PMID: 34133126 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial metabolites are intermediate products of bacterial metabolism and their production reflects metabolic activity. Herein, we report the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for detection of both volatile and nonvolatile metabolites and the application of this approach for bacterial growth quantification and diagnosis of viral infection. The time-dependent SERS signal of the volatile metabolite dimethyl disulfide in the headspace above bacteria growing on an agar plate was detected and quantified. In addition, SERS signals arising from the plate reflected nutrient consumption and production of nonvolatile metabolites. The measurement of metabolite accumulation can be used for bacterial quantification. In the presence of bacteriophage virus, bacterial metabolism is suppressed, and the relative decrease in SERS intensity reflects the initial virus concentration. Using multivariate analysis, we detect viral infection with a prediction accuracy of 93%. Our SERS-based approach for metabolite production monitoring provides new insights toward viral infection diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Virginia Tech Institute of Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) Sustainable Nanotechnology Center (VTSuN), Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Seju Kang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Virginia Tech Institute of Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) Sustainable Nanotechnology Center (VTSuN), Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Peter J Vikesland
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Virginia Tech Institute of Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) Sustainable Nanotechnology Center (VTSuN), Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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82
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Li X, Zhang S, Shi J, Luby SP, Jiang G. Uncertainties in estimating SARS-CoV-2 prevalence by wastewater-based epidemiology. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 415:129039. [PMID: 33642938 PMCID: PMC7896122 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.129039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising approach for estimating population-wide COVID-19 prevalence through detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in wastewater. However, various methodological challenges associated with WBE would affect the accuracy of prevalence estimation. To date, the overall uncertainty of WBE and the impact of each step on the prevalence estimation are largely unknown. This study divided the WBE approach into five steps (i.e., virus shedding; in-sewer transportation; sampling and storage; analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in wastewater; back-estimation) and further summarized and quantified the uncertainties associated with each step through a systematic review. Although the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA varied greatly between COVID-19 positive patients, with more than 10 infected persons in the catchment area, the uncertainty caused by the excretion rate became limited for the prevalence estimation. Using a high-frequency flow-proportional sampling and estimating the prevalence through actual water usage data significantly reduced the overall uncertainties to around 20-40% (relative standard deviation, RSD). And under such a scenario, the analytical uncertainty of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater was the dominant factor. This highlights the importance of using surrogate viruses as internal or external standards during the wastewater analysis, and the need for further improvement on analytical approaches to minimize the analytical uncertainty. This study supports the application of WBE as a complementary surveillance strategy for monitoring COVID-19 prevalence and provides methodological improvements and suggestions to enhance the reliability for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Shuxin Zhang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jiahua Shi
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Stephen P Luby
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, United States
| | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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83
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Hong MS, Lu AE, Ou RW, Wolfrum JM, Springs SL, Sinskey AJ, Braatz RD. Model-based control for column-based continuous viral inactivation of biopharmaceuticals. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3215-3224. [PMID: 34101159 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Batch low-pH hold is a common processing step to inactivate enveloped viruses for biologics derived from mammalian sources. Increased interest in the transition of biopharmaceutical manufacturing from batch to continuous operation resulted in numerous attempts to adapt batch low-pH hold to continuous processing. However, control challenges with operating this system have not been directly addressed. This article describes a low-cost, column-based continuous viral inactivation system constructed with off-the-shelf components. Model-based, reaction-invariant pH controller is implemented to account for the nonlinearities with Bayesian estimation addressing variations in the operation. The residence time distribution is modeled as a plug flow reactor with axial dispersion in series with a continuously stirred tank reactor, and is periodically estimated during operation through inverse tracer experiments. The estimated residence time distribution quantifies the minimum residence time, which is used to adjust feed flow rates. Controller validation experiments demonstrate that pH and minimum residence time setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection are achieved with fast and accurate response and no instability. Viral inactivation testing demonstrates tight control of logarithmic reduction values over extended operation. This study provides tools for the design and operation of continuous viral inactivation systems in service of increasing productivity, improving product quality, and enhancing patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moo Sun Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amos E Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rui Wen Ou
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Wolfrum
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stacy L Springs
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony J Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard D Braatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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84
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McMinn BR, Korajkic A, Kelleher J, Herrmann MP, Pemberton AC, Ahmed W, Villegas EN, Oshima K. Development of a large volume concentration method for recovery of coronavirus from wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145727. [PMID: 33607441 PMCID: PMC7870434 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Levels of severe acute respiratory coronavirus type 2 (SARS CoV 2) RNA in wastewater could act as an effective means to monitor coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within communities. However, current methods used to detect SARS CoV 2 RNA in wastewater are limited in their ability to process sufficient volumes of source material, inhibiting our ability to assess viral load. Typically, viruses are concentrated from large liquid volumes using two stage concentration, primary and secondary. Here, we evaluated a dead-end hollow fiber ultrafilter (D-HFUF) for primary concentration, followed by the CP Select™ for secondary concentration from 2 L volumes of primary treated wastewater. Various amendments to each concentration procedure were investigated to optimally recover seeded OC43 (betacoronavirus) from wastewater. During primary concentration, the D-HFUF recovered 69 ± 18% (n = 29) of spiked OC43 from 2 L of wastewater. For secondary concentration, the CP Select™ system using the Wastewater Application settings was capable of processing 100 mL volumes of primary filter eluates in <25 min. A hand-driven syringe elution proved to be significantly superior (p = 0.0299) to the CP Select™ elution for recovering OC43 from filter eluates, 48 ± 2% compared to 31 ± 3%, respectively. For the complete method (primary and secondary concentration combined), the D-HFUF and CP select/syringe elution achieved overall 22 ± 4% recovery of spiked OC43 through (n = 8) replicate filters. Given the lack of available standardized methodology confounded by the inherent limitations of relying on viral RNA for wastewater surveillance of SARS CoV 2, it is important to acknowledge these challenges when interpreting this data to estimate community infection rates. However, the development of methods that can substantially increase sample volumes will likely allow for reporting of quantifiable viral data for wastewater surveillance, equipping public health officials with information necessary to better estimate community infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R McMinn
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - Asja Korajkic
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Julie Kelleher
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Michael P Herrmann
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Adin C Pemberton
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Eric N Villegas
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Kevin Oshima
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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85
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Franke G, Knobling B, Brill FH, Becker B, Klupp EM, Belmar Campos C, Pfefferle S, Lütgehetmann M, Knobloch JK. An automated room disinfection system using ozone is highly active against surrogates for SARS-CoV-2. J Hosp Infect 2021; 112:108-113. [PMID: 33864891 PMCID: PMC8046700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of coronaviruses on surfaces in the patient environment is a potential source of indirect transmission. Manual cleaning and disinfection measures do not always achieve sufficient removal of surface contamination. This increases the importance of automated solutions in the context of final disinfection of rooms in the hospital setting. Ozone is a highly effective disinfectant which, combined with high humidity, is an effective agent against respiratory viruses. Current devices allow continuous nebulization for high room humidity as well as ozone production without any consumables. AIM In the following study, the effectiveness of a fully automatic room decontamination system based on ozone was tested against bacteriophage Φ6 (phi 6) and bovine coronavirus L9, as surrogate viruses for the pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. METHODS For this purpose, various surfaces (ceramic tile, stainless steel surface and furniture board) were soiled with the surrogate viruses and placed at two different levels in a gas-tight test room. After using the automatic decontamination device according to the manufacturer's instructions, the surrogate viruses were recovered from the surfaces and examined by quantitative cultures. Then, reduction factors were calculated. FINDINGS The ozone-based room decontamination device achieved virucidal efficacy (reduction factor >4 log10) against both surrogate organisms regardless of the different surfaces and positions confirming a high activity under the used conditions. CONCLUSION Ozone is highly active against SARS-CoV-2 surrogate organisms. Further investigations are necessary for a safe application and efficacy in practice as well as integration into routine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Franke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Knobling
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F H Brill
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - B Becker
- Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - E M Klupp
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Belmar Campos
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Pfefferle
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Lütgehetmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J K Knobloch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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86
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Ma B, Linden YS, Gundy PM, Gerba CP, Sobsey MD, Linden KG. Inactivation of Coronaviruses and Phage Phi6 from Irradiation across UVC Wavelengths. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2021; 8:425-430. [PMID: 37566360 PMCID: PMC7986976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) devices emitting UVC irradiation (200-280 nm) have proven to be effective for virus disinfection, especially on surfaces and in air, due to their rapid effectiveness and limited to no material corrosion. Numerous studies of UV-induced inactivation focused on nonenveloped viruses. Little is known about UVC action on enveloped viruses across UVC wavelengths. In this study, we determined inactivation efficiencies of two coronaviruses (ssRNA) and an enveloped dsRNA bacteriophage surrogate in buffered aqueous solution (pH 7.4) using five commonly available UVC devices that uniquely emit light at different wavelengths spanning 222 nm emitting krypton chloride (KrCl*) excimers to 282 nm emitting UVC LEDs. Our results show that enveloped viruses can be effectively inactivated using UVC devices, among which the KrCl* excimer had the best disinfection performance (i.e., highest inactivation rate) for all three enveloped viruses. The coronaviruses exhibited similar sensitivities to UV irradiation across the UVC range, whereas the bacteriophage surrogate was much more resistant and exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to the Far UVC (<230 nm) irradiation. This study provides necessary information and guidance for using UVC devices for enveloped virus disinfection, which may help control virus transmission in public spaces during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ma
- Department of Civil, Environmental,
and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado
Boulder, 4001 Discovery Dr., Boulder, Colorado
80303, United States
| | - Yarrow S. Linden
- Department of Civil, Environmental,
and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado
Boulder, 4001 Discovery Dr., Boulder, Colorado
80303, United States
| | - Patricia M. Gundy
- Department of Environmental Science,
University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle
Agua Nueva, Tucson, Arizona 85745, United
States
| | - Charles P. Gerba
- Department of Environmental Science,
University of Arizona, 2959 W. Calle
Agua Nueva, Tucson, Arizona 85745, United
States
| | - Mark D. Sobsey
- Department of Environmental Science and
Engineering, Gillings School of Public Health, University
of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
27599, United States
| | - Karl G. Linden
- Department of Civil, Environmental,
and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado
Boulder, 4001 Discovery Dr., Boulder, Colorado
80303, United States
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87
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Panchal D, Prakash O, Bobde P, Pal S. SARS-CoV-2: sewage surveillance as an early warning system and challenges in developing countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:22221-22240. [PMID: 33733417 PMCID: PMC7968922 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in humans happens either through airway exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected patient or by touching the virus contaminated surface or objects (fomites). Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human feces and its passage to sewage system is an emerging concern for public health. Pieces of evidence of the occurrence of viral RNA in feces and municipal wastewater (sewage) systems have not only warned reinforcing the treatment facilities but also suggest that these systems can be monitored to get epidemiological data for checking trend of COVID-19 infection in the community. This review summarizes the occurrence and persistence of novel coronavirus in sewage with an emphasis on the possible water environment contamination. Monitoring of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) via sewage-based epidemiology could deliver promising information regarding rate of infection providing a valid and complementary tool for tracking and diagnosing COVID-19 across communities. Tracking the sewage systems could act as an early warning tool for alerting the public health authorities for necessary actions. Given the impracticality of testing every citizen with limited diagnostic resources, it is imperative that sewage-based epidemiology can be tested as an early warning system. The need for the development of robust sampling strategies and subsequent detection methodologies and challenges for developing countries are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Panchal
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Om Prakash
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
| | - Prakash Bobde
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India
- Department of Research & Development, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Sukdeb Pal
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
- Wastewater Technology Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020, India.
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88
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de Oliveira LC, Torres-Franco AF, Lopes BC, Santos BSÁDS, Costa EA, Costa MS, Reis MTP, Melo MC, Polizzi RB, Teixeira MM, Mota CR. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 in river water and wastewater at different temperatures and solids content. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 195:117002. [PMID: 33714910 PMCID: PMC7927590 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 patients can excrete viable SARS-CoV-2 virus via urine and faeces, which has raised concerns over the possibility of COVID-19 transmission via aerosolized contaminated water or via the faecal-oral route. These concerns are especially exacerbated in many low- and middle-income countries, where untreated sewage is frequently discharged to surface waters. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in river water (RW) and raw wastewater (WW) samples. However, little is known about SARS-CoV-2 viability in these environmental matrices. Determining the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in water under different environmental conditions is of great importance for basic assumptions in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). In this study, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 was assessed using plaque assays following spiking of RW and WW samples with infectious SARS-CoV-2 that was previously isolated from a COVID-19 patient. These assays were carried out on autoclaved RW and WW samples, filtered (0.22 µm) and unfiltered, at 4 °C and 24 °C. Linear and nonlinear regression models were adjusted to the data. The Weibull regression model achieved the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and was hence chosen to estimate T90 and T99 (time required for 1 log and 2 log reductions, respectively). SARS-CoV-2 remained viable longer in filtered compared with unfiltered samples. RW and WW showed T90 values of 1.9 and 1.2 day and T99 values of 6.4 and 4.0 days, respectively. When samples were filtered through 0.22 µm pore size membranes, T90 values increased to 3.3 and 1.5 days, and T99 increased to 8.5 and 4.5 days, for RW and WW samples, respectively. Remarkable increases in SARS-CoV-2 persistence were observed in assays at 4 °C, which showed T90 values of 7.7 and 5.5 days, and T99 values of 18.7 and 17.5 days for RW and WW, respectively. These results highlight the variability of SARS-CoV-2 persistence in water and wastewater matrices and can be highly relevant to efforts aimed at quantifying water-related risks, which could be valuable for understanding and controlling the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Camilo de Oliveira
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andrés Felipe Torres-Franco
- Deparment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Coelho Lopes
- Deparment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Erica Azevedo Costa
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - César Rossas Mota
- Deparment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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89
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Anand U, Adelodun B, Pivato A, Suresh S, Indari O, Jakhmola S, Jha HC, Jha PK, Tripathi V, Di Maria F. A review of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and airborne particulates and its use for virus spreading surveillance. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110929. [PMID: 33640498 PMCID: PMC7906514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
According to the WHO, on October 16, 2020, the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, reached 235 countries and territories, and resulting in more than 39 million confirmed cases and 1.09 million deaths globally. Monitoring of the virus outbreak is one of the main activities pursued to limiting the number of infected people and decreasing the number of deaths that have caused high pressure on the health care, social, and economic systems of different countries. Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE), already adopted for the surveillance of life style and health conditions of communities, shows interesting features for the monitoring of the COVID-19 diffusion. Together with wastewater, the analysis of airborne particles has been recently suggested as another useful tool for detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in given areas. The present review reports the status of research currently performed concerning the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 spreading by WBE and airborne particles. The former have been more investigated, whereas the latter is still at a very early stage, with a limited number of very recent studies. Nevertheless, the main results highlights in both cases necessitate more research activity for better understating and defining the biomarkers and the related sampling and analysis procedures to be used for this important aim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Alberto Pivato
- DICEA - Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - S Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, 462 003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Omkar Indari
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shweta Jakhmola
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, 453552, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Jha
- Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Tripathi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Francesco Di Maria
- LAR(5) Laboratory - Dipartimento di Ingegneria - University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 93, 06125, Perugia, Italy.
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90
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Ge Y, Zhang X, Shu L, Yang X. Kinetics and Mechanisms of Virus Inactivation by Chlorine Dioxide in Water Treatment: A Review. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 106:560-567. [PMID: 33629148 PMCID: PMC7904506 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2), an alternative disinfectant to chlorine, has been widely applied in water and wastewater disinfection. This paper aims at presenting an overview of the inactivation kinetics and mechanisms of ClO2 with viruses. The inactivation efficiencies vary greatly among different virus species. The inactivation rates for different serotypes within a family of viruses can differ by over 284%. Generally, to achieve a 4-log removal, the exposure doses, also being referred to as Ct values (mutiplying the concentration of ClO2 and contact time) vary in the range of 0.06-10 mg L-1 min. Inactivation kinetics of viruses show two phases: an initial rapid inactivation phase followed by a tailing phase. Inactivation rates of viruses increase as pH or temperature increases, but show different trends with increasing concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Both damages in viral proteins and in the 5' noncoding region within the genome contribute to virus inactivation upon ClO2 disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexian Ge
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses whose ubiquity in nature and remarkable specificity to their host bacteria enable an impressive and growing field of tunable biotechnologies in agriculture and public health. Bacteriophage capsids, which house and protect their nucleic acids, have been modified with a range of functionalities (e.g., fluorophores, nanoparticles, antigens, drugs) to suit their final application. Functional groups naturally present on bacteriophage capsids can be used for electrostatic adsorption or bioconjugation, but their impermanence and poor specificity can lead to inconsistencies in coverage and function. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored both genetic and chemical modifications to enable strong, specific bonds between phage capsids and their target conjugates. Genetic modification methods involve introducing genes for alternative amino acids, peptides, or protein sequences into either the bacteriophage genomes or capsid genes on host plasmids to facilitate recombinant phage generation. Chemical modification methods rely on reacting functional groups present on the capsid with activated conjugates under the appropriate solution pH and salt conditions. This review surveys the current state-of-the-art in both genetic and chemical bacteriophage capsid modification methodologies, identifies major strengths and weaknesses of methods, and discusses areas of research needed to propel bacteriophage technology in development of biosensors, vaccines, therapeutics, and nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie M. Goddard
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sam R. Nugen
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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92
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Hamouda M, Mustafa F, Maraqa M, Rizvi T, Aly Hassan A. Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: Lessons learnt from recent studies to define future applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143493. [PMID: 33190883 PMCID: PMC7648500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is successful in the detection of the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This review examines the methods used and results of recent studies on the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. WBE becomes essential, especially with virus transmission path uncertainty, limitations on the number of clinical tests that could be conducted, and a relatively long period for infected people to show symptoms. Wastewater surveillance was used to show the effect of lockdown on the virus spread. A WBE framework tailored for SARS-CoV-2 that incorporates lessons learnt from the reviewed studies was developed. Results of the review helped outline challenges facing the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. A comparison between the various studies with regards to sample concentration and virus quantification was conducted. Five different primers sets were used for qPCR quantification; however, due to limited data availability, there is no consensus on the most sensitive primer. Correlating the slope of the relationship between the number of gene copies vs. the cumulative number of infections normalized to the total population served with the average new cases, suggests that qPCR results could help estimating the number of new infections. The correlation is improved when a lag period was introduced to account for asymptomatic infections. Based on lessons learnt from recent studies, it is recommended that future applications should consider the following: 1) ensuring occupational safety in managing sewage collection and processing, 2) evaluating the effectiveness of greywater disinfection, 3) measuring viral RNA decay due to biological and chemical activities during collection and treatment, 4) assessing the effectiveness of digital PCR, and 5) conducting large scale international studies that follow standardized protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hamouda
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Munjed Maraqa
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Tahir Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ashraf Aly Hassan
- Civil and Environmental Engineering and the National Water Center, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, 900 N 16th St., Lincoln, NE 68588-0531, USA.
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93
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Kim K, Jothikumar N, Sen A, Murphy JL, Chellam S. Removal and Inactivation of an Enveloped Virus Surrogate by Iron Conventional Coagulation and Electrocoagulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:2674-2683. [PMID: 33533250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It is imperative to understand the behavior of enveloped viruses during water treatment to better protect public health, especially in the light of evidence of detection of coronaviruses in wastewater. We report bench-scale experiments evaluating the extent and mechanisms of removal and/or inactivation of a coronavirus surrogate (ϕ6 bacteriophage) in water by conventional FeCl3 coagulation and Fe(0) electrocoagulation. Both coagulation methods achieved ∼5-log removal/inactivation of ϕ6 in 20 min. Enhanced removal was attributed to the high hydrophobicity of ϕ6 imparted by its characteristic phospholipid envelope. ϕ6 adhesion to freshly precipitated iron (hydr)oxide also led to envelope damage causing inactivation in both coagulation techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed oxidative damages to ϕ6 lipids only for electrocoagulation consistent with electro-Fenton reactions. Monitoring ϕ6 dsRNA by a novel reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method quantified significantly lower viral removal/inactivation in water compared with the plaque assay demonstrating that relying solely on RT-qPCR assays may overstate human health risks arising from viruses. Transmission electron microscopy and computationally generated electron density maps of ϕ6 showed severe morphological damages to virus' envelope and loss of capsid volume accompanying coagulation. Both conventional and electro- coagulation appear to be highly effective in controlling enveloped viruses during surface water treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungho Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3136, United States
| | - Narayanan Jothikumar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Anindito Sen
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2257, United States
| | - Jennifer L Murphy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, United States
| | - Shankararaman Chellam
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3136, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3122, United States
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Elsamadony M, Fujii M, Miura T, Watanabe T. Possible transmission of viruses from contaminated human feces and sewage: Implications for SARS-CoV-2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142575. [PMID: 33022459 PMCID: PMC7522648 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Humanity has experienced outbreaks by viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) in 2003, Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, Ebola virus in 2014 and nowadays SARS-CoV-2. While clinicians seek for a vaccine to reduce the epidemic outbreak, environmental engineers need to understand consequence of virus entity in sewage given the reported persistency of viruses in human feces and sewage environments for more than days. Herein, we discuss about concerns associated with virus occurrence in human feces and sewage, with attention to the possible SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes, based on the review of recent studies on SARS-CoV-2 as well as the previous pandemic events. Given the reported environmental stability of coronavirus, the feces- and sewage-derived transmission routes may be of importance to prevent unprecedented spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) particularly in developing countries. However, so far, limited number of studies detected infectious SARS-CoV-2 even in human feces, whereas a number of virus RNA copies were identified in both feces and sewage specimens. Therefore, uncertainty remains in the possibility of this transmission pathway, and further investigation is warranted in future studies, for example, by increasing the number of specimens, examining the effectiveness of methods for viral viability test, considering the patient medical history, and so forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elsamadony
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan; Department of Public Works Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, 31521 Tanta City, Egypt.
| | - Manabu Fujii
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Miura
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6 Minami, Wako, Saitama 351-0197, Japan.
| | - Toru Watanabe
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23 Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-8555, Japan.
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95
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Mohan SV, Hemalatha M, Kopperi H, Ranjith I, Kumar AK. SARS-CoV-2 in environmental perspective: Occurrence, persistence, surveillance, inactivation and challenges. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 405:126893. [PMID: 32901196 PMCID: PMC7471803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.126893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is depicting the distressing pandemic consequence on human health, economy as well as ecosystem services. So far novel coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks were associated with SARS-CoV-2 (2019), middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV, 2012), and SARS-CoV-1 (2003) events. CoV relates to the enveloped family of Betacoronavirus (βCoV) with positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA). Knowing well the persistence, transmission, and spread of SARS-CoV-2 through proximity, the faecal-oral route is now emerging as a major environmental concern to community transmission. The replication and persistence of CoV in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and shedding through stools is indicating a potential transmission route to the environment settings. Despite of the evidence, based on fewer reports on SARS-CoV-2 occurrence and persistence in wastewater/sewage/water, the transmission of the infective virus to the community is yet to be established. In this realm, this communication attempted to review the possible influx route of the enteric enveloped viral transmission in the environmental settings with reference to its occurrence, persistence, detection, and inactivation based on the published literature so far. The possibilities of airborne transmission through enteric virus-laden aerosols, environmental factors that may influence the viral transmission, and disinfection methods (conventional and emerging) as well as the inactivation mechanism with reference to the enveloped virus were reviewed. The need for wastewater epidemiology (WBE) studies for surveillance as well as for early warning signal was elaborated. This communication will provide a basis to understand the SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viruses in the context of the environmental engineering perspective to design effective strategies to counter the enteric virus transmission and also serves as a working paper for researchers, policy makers and regulators.
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Key Words
- (h+), Photoholes
- +ssRNA, Positive Sense Single-Stranded RNA
- A-WWTS, Algal-WWTS
- ACE2, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- AH, Absolute Humidity
- AOPs, Advanced Oxidation Processes
- ASP, Activate Sludge Process
- Aerosols
- BCoV, Bovine Enteric Coronavirus)
- BSL, Biosafety Level
- BVDV1, Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Type 1
- BVDV2, Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Type 2
- BoRv, Bovine Rotavirus Group A
- CCA, Carbon Covered Alumina
- CNT, Carbon Nanotubes
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019
- CRFK, Crandell Reese feline kidney cell line (CRFK)
- CVE, Coxsackievirus B5
- ClO2, Chlorine dioxide
- Cl−, Chlorine
- Cys, Cysteine
- DBP, Disinfection by-products
- DBT, L2 and Delayed Brain Tumor Cell Cultures
- DMEM, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium
- DNA, deoxyribose nucleic acid
- Disinfection
- E gene, Envelope protein gene
- EV, Echovirus 11
- Enteric virus
- Enveloped virus
- FC, Free Chlorine
- FFP3, Filtering Face Piece
- FIPV, Feline infectious peritonitis virus
- GI, Gastrointestinal tract
- H2O2, Hydrogen Peroxide
- H3N2, InfluenzaA
- H6N2, Avian influenza virus
- HAV, Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
- HAdV, Human Adenovirus
- HCoV, Human CoV
- HEV, Hepatitis E virus
- HKU1, Human CoV1
- ICC-PCR, Integrated Cell Culture with PCR
- JCV, JCV polyomavirus
- MALDI-TOF MS, Mass Spectrometry
- MBR, Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)
- MERS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
- MHV, Murine hepatitis virus
- MNV-1, Murine Norovirus
- MWCNTs, Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
- Met, Methionine
- N gene, Nucleocapsid protein gene
- NCoV, Novel coronavirus
- NGS, Next generation sequencing
- NTP, Non-Thermal Plasma
- O2, Singlet Oxygen
- O3, Ozone
- ORF, Open Reading Frame
- PAA, Para Acetic Acid
- PCR, Polymerase Chain Reaction
- PEC, Photoelectrocatalytical
- PEG, Polyethylene Glycol
- PFU, Plaque Forming Unit
- PMMoV, Pepper Mild Mottle Virus
- PMR, Photocatalytic Membrane Reactors
- PPE, Personal Protective Equipment
- PTAF, Photocatalytic Titanium Apatite Filter
- PV-1, Polivirus-1
- PV-3, Poliovirus 3
- PVDF, Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- Qβ, bacteriophages
- RH, Relative Humidity
- RNA, Ribose nucleic acid
- RONS, Reactive Oxygen and/or Nitrogen Species
- RT-PCR, Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RVA, Rotaviruses A
- SARS-CoV-1, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
- SBR, Sequential Batch Reactor
- SODIS, Solar water disinfection
- STP, Sewage Treatment Plant
- Sewage
- T90, First order reaction time required for completion of 90%
- T99.9, First order reaction time required for completion of 99.9%
- TGEV, Porcine Coronavirus Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus
- TGEV, Transmissible Gastroenteritis
- Trp, Tryptophan
- Tyr, Tyrosine
- US-EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency
- UV, Ultraviolet
- WBE, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
- WWT, Wastewater Treatment
- WWTPs, Wastewater Treatment Plants
- dPCR, Digital PCR
- ds, Double Stranded
- dsDNA, Double Stranded DNA
- log10, logarithm with base 10
- qRT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR
- ss, Single Stranded
- ssDNA, Single Stranded DNA
- ssRNA, Single Stranded RNA
- αCoV, Alphacoronavirus
- βCoV, Betacoronavirus
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Affiliation(s)
- S Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Campus, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Manupati Hemalatha
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Campus, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Harishankar Kopperi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - I Ranjith
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - A Kiran Kumar
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad 500007, India
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Dispensary, Hyderabad 500007, India
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96
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Eftekhari A, Alipour M, Chodari L, Maleki Dizaj S, Ardalan M, Samiei M, Sharifi S, Zununi Vahed S, Huseynova I, Khalilov R, Ahmadian E, Cucchiarini M. A Comprehensive Review of Detection Methods for SARS-CoV-2. Microorganisms 2021; 9:232. [PMID: 33499379 PMCID: PMC7911200 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in China and its subsequent spread across the world has caused numerous infections and deaths and disrupted normal social activity. Presently, various techniques are used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with various advantages and weaknesses to each. In this paper, we summarize promising methods, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), serological testing, point-of-care testing, smartphone surveillance of infectious diseases, nanotechnology-based approaches, biosensors, amplicon-based metagenomic sequencing, smartphone, and wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) that can also be utilized for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we discuss principles, advantages, and disadvantages of these detection methods, and highlight the potential methods for the development of additional techniques and products for early and fast detection of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Eftekhari
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh 5515878151, Iran;
| | - Mahdieh Alipour
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Leila Chodari
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia 571478334, Iran;
| | - Solmaz Maleki Dizaj
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Mohammadreza Ardalan
- Kidney Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.Z.V.)
| | - Mohammad Samiei
- Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran;
| | - Simin Sharifi
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Sepideh Zununi Vahed
- Kidney Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.Z.V.)
| | - Irada Huseynova
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnologies, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, 11 Izzat Nabiyev, Baku AZ 1073, Azerbaijan;
| | - Rovshan Khalilov
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Baku State University, Baku AZ 1148, Azerbaijan;
- Joint Ukraine-Azerbaijan International Research and Education Center of Nanobiotechnology and Functional Nanosystems, 82100 Drohobych, Ukraine
| | - Elham Ahmadian
- Kidney Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166615731, Iran; (M.A.); (S.Z.V.)
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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97
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Zucker I, Lester Y, Alter J, Werbner M, Yecheskel Y, Gal-Tanamy M, Dessau M. Pseudoviruses for the assessment of coronavirus disinfection by ozone. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 19:1779-1785. [PMID: 33462542 PMCID: PMC7805571 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-020-01160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted public health worldwide. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via aerosols and surfaces has highlighted the need for efficient indoor disinfection methods. For instance, the use of ozone gas as a safe and potent disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 virus is of particular interest. Here we tested the use of pseudoviruses as a model for evaluating ozone disinfection of the coronavirus at ozone concentrations of 30, 100, and 1000 ppmv. Results show that ozone disinfection rate of pseudoviruses was similar to that of coronavirus 229E (HuCoV-229E) at short contact times, below 30 min. Viral infection decreased by 95% following ozone exposure for 20 min at 1000 ppmv, 30 min at 100 ppmv and about 40 min at 30 ppmv. This findings mean that ozone is a powerful disinfectant toward the enveloped pseudovirus even at low ozone exposure. We also showed that viral disinfection occurs on various contaminated surfaces, with a positive association between disinfection and surface hydrophilicity. Infected surfaces made of aluminum alloy, for example, were better disinfected with ozone as compared to brass, copper, and nickel surfaces. Lastly, we demonstrate the advantage of ozone over liquid disinfectants by showing similar viral disinfection on top, side, bottom, and interior surfaces. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential use of ozone gas disinfection to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Zucker
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Porter School of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaal Lester
- Department of Materials Engineering, Azrieli College of Engineering, 9103501 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joel Alter
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Michal Werbner
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yinon Yecheskel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Porter School of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Moshe Dessau
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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98
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Zucker I, Lester Y, Alter J, Werbner M, Yecheskel Y, Gal-Tanamy M, Dessau M. Pseudoviruses for the assessment of coronavirus disinfection by ozone. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 19:1779-1785. [PMID: 33462542 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-020-01160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted public health worldwide. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via aerosols and surfaces has highlighted the need for efficient indoor disinfection methods. For instance, the use of ozone gas as a safe and potent disinfectant against SARS-CoV-2 virus is of particular interest. Here we tested the use of pseudoviruses as a model for evaluating ozone disinfection of the coronavirus at ozone concentrations of 30, 100, and 1000 ppmv. Results show that ozone disinfection rate of pseudoviruses was similar to that of coronavirus 229E (HuCoV-229E) at short contact times, below 30 min. Viral infection decreased by 95% following ozone exposure for 20 min at 1000 ppmv, 30 min at 100 ppmv and about 40 min at 30 ppmv. This findings mean that ozone is a powerful disinfectant toward the enveloped pseudovirus even at low ozone exposure. We also showed that viral disinfection occurs on various contaminated surfaces, with a positive association between disinfection and surface hydrophilicity. Infected surfaces made of aluminum alloy, for example, were better disinfected with ozone as compared to brass, copper, and nickel surfaces. Lastly, we demonstrate the advantage of ozone over liquid disinfectants by showing similar viral disinfection on top, side, bottom, and interior surfaces. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential use of ozone gas disinfection to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Zucker
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Porter School of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaal Lester
- Department of Materials Engineering, Azrieli College of Engineering, 9103501 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joel Alter
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Michal Werbner
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yinon Yecheskel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Porter School of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Moshe Dessau
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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99
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Fedorenko A, Grinberg M, Orevi T, Kashtan N. Survival of the enveloped bacteriophage Phi6 (a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) in evaporated saliva microdroplets deposited on glass surfaces. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22419. [PMID: 33376251 PMCID: PMC7772334 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79625-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of respiratory viral pathogens in expelled saliva microdroplets is central to their transmission, yet the factors that determine survival in such microdroplets are not well understood. Here we combine microscopy imaging with virus viability assays to study survival of three bacteriophages suggested as good models for respiratory pathogens: the enveloped Phi6 (a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2), and the non-enveloped PhiX174 and MS2. We measured virus viability in human saliva microdroplets, SM buffer, and water following deposition on glass surfaces at various relative humidities (RH). Saliva and water microdroplets dried out rapidly, within minutes, at all tested RH levels (23%, 43%, 57%, and 78%), while SM microdroplets remained hydrated at RH ≥ 57%. Generally, the survival of all three viruses in dry saliva microdroplets was significantly greater than those in SM buffer and water under all RH (except PhiX174 in water under 57% RH survived the best among 3 media). Thus, atmosphere RH and microdroplet hydration state are not sufficient to explain virus survival, indicating that the virus-suspended medium, and association with saliva components in particular, likely play a role in virus survival. Uncovering the exact properties and components that make saliva a favorable environment for the survival of viruses, in particular enveloped ones like Phi6, is thus of great importance for reducing transmission of viral respiratory pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Fedorenko
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maor Grinberg
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tomer Orevi
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Kashtan
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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100
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Fedorenko A, Grinberg M, Orevi T, Kashtan N. Survival of the enveloped bacteriophage Phi6 (a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) in evaporated saliva microdroplets deposited on glass surfaces. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22419. [PMID: 33376251 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.15.152983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival of respiratory viral pathogens in expelled saliva microdroplets is central to their transmission, yet the factors that determine survival in such microdroplets are not well understood. Here we combine microscopy imaging with virus viability assays to study survival of three bacteriophages suggested as good models for respiratory pathogens: the enveloped Phi6 (a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2), and the non-enveloped PhiX174 and MS2. We measured virus viability in human saliva microdroplets, SM buffer, and water following deposition on glass surfaces at various relative humidities (RH). Saliva and water microdroplets dried out rapidly, within minutes, at all tested RH levels (23%, 43%, 57%, and 78%), while SM microdroplets remained hydrated at RH ≥ 57%. Generally, the survival of all three viruses in dry saliva microdroplets was significantly greater than those in SM buffer and water under all RH (except PhiX174 in water under 57% RH survived the best among 3 media). Thus, atmosphere RH and microdroplet hydration state are not sufficient to explain virus survival, indicating that the virus-suspended medium, and association with saliva components in particular, likely play a role in virus survival. Uncovering the exact properties and components that make saliva a favorable environment for the survival of viruses, in particular enveloped ones like Phi6, is thus of great importance for reducing transmission of viral respiratory pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Fedorenko
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maor Grinberg
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tomer Orevi
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Kashtan
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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