Ultrasound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro

The global spreading of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new variants underscore the ongoing need to develop new vaccines and antiviral drugs. While electromagnetic and acoustic waves have well-known virucidal properties, their application in therapeutic settings has been limited due to harming effects in biological matter. Here, we investigates the potential of ultrasound to interfere with SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, we study the effects of acoustic waves in the 1-20 MHz frequency range to determine their impact on the viral envelope of SARS-CoV-2. Our in vitro experiments demonstrate ultrasound exhibits a virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2 without production of heat or cavitation. This study offers a promising physics-based approach to combat SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other spherical viruses, broadening the scope of antiviral treatments.