Inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy

A system includes one or more radio frequency (RF) emitters configured to transmit RF energy into a specified area in order to inactivate one or more specified microorganisms in the specified area. The system also includes a control system configured to control the one or more RF emitters in order to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters. The control system is configured to obtain information identifying different types of microorganisms that are or might be present in the specified area over time and to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters in order to target the different types of microorganisms for inactivation over time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to directed energy systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy.

BACKGROUND

The repercussions of airborne pathogens are well documented. In particular, exposure to infectious bio-aerosols results in the deposition of pathogens into the respiratory tracts of human hosts, causing disease and immunological response. As a consequence, airborne pathogens (such as COVID-19) result in immeasurable costs to public health, including death. This problem is prevalent in nearly any environment and poses significant danger in open areas, such as airports, malls, schools, and other places where large numbers of people congregate, and in places where heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems routinely move air between locations.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to the inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy.

In a first embodiment, a system includes one or more radio frequency (RF) emitters configured to transmit RF energy into a specified area in order to inactivate one or more specified microorganisms in the specified area. The system also includes a control system configured to control the one or more RF emitters in order to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters. The control system is configured to obtain information identifying different types of microorganisms that are or might be present in the specified area over time and to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters in order to target the different types of microorganisms for inactivation over time.

In a second embodiment, a method includes transmitting RF energy from one or more RF emitters into a specified area in order to inactivate one or more specified microorganisms in the specified area. The method also includes obtaining information identifying different types of microorganisms that are or might be present in the specified area over time. The method further includes controlling the one or more RF emitters in order to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters, where the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters is adjusted in order to target the different types of microorganisms for inactivation over time.

In a third embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium contains instructions that when executed cause at least one processor to initiate transmission of RF energy by one or more RF emitters into a specified area in order to inactivate one or more specified microorganisms in the specified area. The medium also contains instructions that when executed cause the at least one processor to obtain information identifying different types of microorganisms that are or might be present in the specified area over time. The medium further contains instructions that when executed cause the at least one processor to control the one or more RF emitters in order to adjust the RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters. The RF energy transmitted by the one or more RF emitters is adjustable in order to target the different types of microorganisms for inactivation over time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, the repercussions of airborne pathogens are well documented. In particular, exposure to infectious bio-aerosols results in the deposition of pathogens into the respiratory tracts of human hosts, causing disease and immunological response. As a consequence, airborne pathogens (such as COVID-19) result in immeasurable costs to public health, including death. This problem is prevalent in nearly any environment and poses significant danger in open areas, such as airports, malls, schools, and other places where large numbers of people congregate, and in places where heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems routinely move air between locations.

Several reports indicate that radio frequency (RF) energy can change, disrupt, or destroy viruses, possibly even COVID-19. Also, a recent study investigated the structure resonance energy transfer (SRET) from microwave signals to confined acoustic vibrations (CAVs) of the H3N2 virus in water-based solutions. However, to date, there is no evidence to suggest this phenomenon has been demonstrated for airborne COVID-19 or other pathogens in situ. Structure resonance energy transfer and other techniques have the potential to neutralize different pathogen target materials (including COVID-19) and change, disrupt, or destroy microorganisms without harming healthy material surrounding the target material.

This disclosure provides systems and methods for using structure resonance energy transfer or other techniques to inactivate microorganisms such as pathogens in situ. As described in more detail below, the systems and methods implement a solution to neutralize microorganisms such as airborne pathogens in situ by applying targeted microwave or other RF energy to damage the microorganisms' structures without harming the surrounding environment. Among other things, the systems and methods support features such as (i) inactivation of pathogens that occurs in airborne droplets using structure resonance energy transfer or other technique through the transmission of microwave or other RF energy, (ii) a self-adjusting solution that is software-controlled or otherwise controlled for pathogen inactivation based on environmental factors (like humidity, temperature, and pressure), and (iii) application of pulsed microwave or other RF energy to minimize power consumption and increase safety levels. Also, multi-pathogen neutralization can be achieved by modifying the resonant frequency, field strength, irradiation distance, and power level of the microwave or other RF energy using software or other automation, such as via artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). Overall, these systems and methods support the use of directed energy to inactive microorganisms, and this can be accomplished at RF field strength levels that satisfy IEEE or other safety standards.

There are various techniques that may be used to inactivate microorganisms using directed energy. For example, a resonance can be created between RF signals and acoustic modes within viral particles, which can induce fractures of the viral particles' capsid layers (this is also known as structure resonance energy transfer). As another example, dielectric heating of airborne water droplets by RF pulses can generate ultra/hyper-sonic signals within the water droplets, damaging the capsid layers of suspended viral particles. Similar techniques may be used with other microorganisms. Either approach has the potential for large area/volume deployment, depending on the overall coupling efficiencies, operating frequencies, and necessary power levels of the RF transmitters used. Note, however, that any other suitable mechanism for inactivating microorganisms using directed energy may be supported.

In some embodiments, since these approaches use directed energy to inactivate microorganisms like COVID-19, software/firmware or other controls can be used to adjust resonant frequency energy levels or other parameters to neutralize any number of microorganisms. For example, the directed energy can be customized to inactivate one or more specific types of pathogens being detected in a given area, and the specific types of pathogens being detected in that area can vary over time (so the directed energy can also vary over time). In this way, the systems and methods are adaptive and can respond to changes in the microorganisms being detected for a given area.

Specific implementations of these approaches can involve the use of a device or system that includes various components, such as a frequency generator, a transmitter, a power supply, and related elements. The device or system can also include a control unit (implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software/firmware) that is self-adjusting to modify transmission frequency, energy level, etc. needed to inactivate different microorganisms in situ. This provides a self-adjusting platform that applies energy to inactivate different airborne pathogens, including viruses or bacteria, or other microorganisms. This inactivation can be accomplished in real-time and without harm to the environment.

FIG.1illustrates an example system100for inactivating aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy according to this disclosure. As shown inFIG.1, the system100is used with a specified area102that may be occupied by a number of people. The specified area102may represent an airport, mall, other business, religious building, or other location where a number of people104can congregate. The specified area102may also include varying amounts of airborne pathogens or other microorganisms106, which are shown in exaggerated form inFIG.1. In some cases, the microorganisms106may represent bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens contained in aerosolized or other airborne water droplets. In any adequately-large population, for example, it is common for at least some of the people104in the specified area102to be suffering from one or more types of respiratory illnesses, in which case the microorganisms106may include bacteria or viruses in airborne aerosolized droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. It is also possible for environmental factors to produce the microorganisms106, such as when the microorganisms106include fungi spores.

The specified area102represents any suitable area in which microorganisms106may be inactivated as described below. In this example, the specified area102represents a large open area, but the size of the specified area102can vary in different applications. For example, in other instances, the specified area102may represent an area into which an HVAC system moves air from another location or from which the HVAC system moves air to another location, in which case the microorganisms106may originate in the specified area102or another area. The microorganisms106represent any of a number of pathogens that may cause illness in people104or other microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

In order to help inactivate the microorganisms106, one or more RF emitters108a-108bare positioned in or near the specified area102. Each RF emitter108a-108bis configured to generate microwave or other RF signals that can be used to inactivate the microorganisms106within the specified area102(meaning the microorganisms106are inactivate “in situ”). Each RF emitter108a-108bincludes any suitable structure configured to generate and transmit microwave or other RF signals. Each RF emitter108a-108bcan also be controllable so as to adjust the transmission or resonant frequency, power level/energy level/field strength, irradiation distance, or other parameters of the RF signals being generated. Among other things, this may allow the one or more RF emitters108a-108bto generate microwave or other RF signals that are targeted at inactivating one or more specific types of microorganisms106and to change the microwave or other RF signals generated over time in order to inactivate different types of microorganisms106over time. Note that while two RF emitters108a-108bare shown here, the number of RF emitters can vary based on a number of factors, such as the size of the specified area102. Thus, the system may include a single RF emitter or more than two RF emitters. Also, each RF emitter108a-108bmay be located at any suitable position in or near the specified area102.

As shown inFIG.1, each RF emitter108a-108bis associated with a near-field range110in which the emitted RF signals may have an unsafe field strength level (meaning the field strength may exceed an IEEE or other safety standard). At a farther distance from each RF emitter108a-108bis a far-field range112in which the emitted RF signals may have a safe field strength level (meaning the field strength may not exceed an IEEE or other safety standard). Because of this, each RF emitter108a-108bmay be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the typical locations where people104may normally be found. This may be accomplished, for example, by mounting each RF emitter108a-108bat a suitable distance above the ground or other location(s) where people104may normally be found. Depending on the arrangement of multiple RF emitters108a-108b, there may be one or more regions114in which the far-field ranges112of two or more RF emitters108a-108boverlap. In some cases, these regions114may represent areas in which the combined field strength from the two or more RF emitters108a-108bis still within a safe level. This may be accomplished, for instance, by ensuring that the region114is located far enough from the RF emitters108a-108bso that the collective field strength remains below an IEEE or other safety standard.

The exact characteristics of the RF energy generated by the RF emitters108a-108bcan vary based on a number of factors. For example, higher energy levels may be needed to inactivate one or more types of microorganisms106if the microorganisms106are farther from the RF emitters108a-108b. This would expand the size of the near-field range110, which may be accommodated by positioning the RF emitters108a-108bat locations farther from where the people104are normally located. The energy levels may also vary depending on the specific type or types of microorganisms106to be inactivated, since some types of microorganisms106may be inactivated at lower energy levels compared to other types of microorganisms106. As another example, the frequency of the RF energy may vary depending on the specific type or types of microorganisms106to be inactivated. For instance, different bacteria, viruses, and fungi spores typically require different resonant frequencies for damage to occur (assuming the mode of inactivation is structure resonance energy transfer). As still another example, the RF energy-to-sound energy conversion efficiency for the RF energy to the microorganisms106can vary based on environmental factors like air temperate, barometric pressure, and humidity.

For these and other reasons, a control system116may be used to control the operation of the RF emitters108a-108b. For example, the control system116may receive inputs from various sensors, such as one or more sensors118. The sensors118may include one or more biological sensors118configured to sense the various pathogens or other microorganisms106that are currently present in the specified area102. The sensors118may also or alternatively include one or more environmental sensors configured to measure characteristics like air temperate, barometric pressure, and humidity. The sensors118may also or alternatively include one or more RF field strength sensors configured to measure the field strength of RF energy at one or more locations in the specified area102. In general, any suitable type(s) of sensor(s)118may be used in the system100, and each sensor118may be positioned in a suitable location based (among other things) on its intended function.

The control system116may use any suitable logic to control the operation of the RF emitters108a-108b. For example, the control system116may receive measurement data from the sensors118and identify which pathogen(s) or other types of microorganisms106are most common, most dangerous, or should otherwise be targeted for inactivation, and the control system116can control the RF emitters108a-108bto emit suitable RF energy in order to accomplish this. The control system116may also interact with an external source to identify one or more illnesses or other microorganisms106that might be present in the specified area102given recent local, national, or international trends, and the control system116may configure one or more sensors118to search for those specific types of microorganisms106(assuming the one or more sensors118can be reconfigured in this manner, which they may not be) or control the RF emitters108a-108bto emit suitable RF energy in order to target those specific types of microorganisms106. The control system116may further use environmental data to control the generation of RF energy by the RF emitters108a-108b.

The control system116includes any suitable structure configured to control the operation of one or more RF emitters. For example, the control system116may include one or more computing devices, such as one or more desktop computers, laptop computers, or server computers. Note that while the control system116is shown here as being local to the specified area102, at least part of the functionality of the control system116may be implemented elsewhere, such as in a remote server or computing cloud.

In some embodiments, the control system116uses artificial intelligence or other machine learning. For example, the control system116may identify how the measured levels of different types of microorganisms106change in response to different characteristics of the RF energy generated by the RF emitters108a-108b, and the control system116may learn over time which RF energy characteristics (such as power levels, transmission or resonant frequencies, field strengths, and/or irradiation distances) are more effective at inactivating different types of microorganisms106. The control system116may also consider and learn how different environmental or other factors affect the inactivation of the microorganisms106. Example factors that may be considered and learned by the control system116include airflow distribution, ventilation system operation, air temperature, barometric pressure, air velocity, occupancy level, and relative humidity. Input from one or more RF field strength sensors118can be used by the control system116to help learn which RF energy characteristics do or do not cause the measured field strength to become too high (which is unsafe) or too low (which fails to provide adequate inactivation).

Note that it is also possible for this machine learning to occur in another device or system outside the system100, such as when the control system116communicates with an external server, computing cloud, or other device or system that can process data from the control system116. In some cases, this may allow machine learning to occur using data collected from multiple environments, such as data from multiple control systems116associated with multiple areas102. As a particular example of this, the external device or system may be able to collect larger amounts of data from numerous control systems116and more effectively identify how specific microorganisms106can be targeted using RF energy.

Also note that the applied RF energy from the RF emitters108a-108btypically needs to achieve a certain level of efficacy in order to successfully inactivate specific pathogens or other microorganisms106while remaining within IEEE or other safety standards. For example, the IEEE microwave safety standard requires that the spatial averaged value of power density in open public spaces not exceed the equivalent power density (P) of 100(f/3)1/5W/m2at frequencies between 3 GHz and 96 GHz. The H3N2 virus is known to resonate at frequencies ranging between 8 GHz and 10 GHz, and recent findings show that COVID-19 has close structural similarities to the H3N2 virus. Thus, there is a good possibility that H3N2 and COVID-19 can achieve resonance at these frequencies if the correct field strength is obtained. The actual effectiveness of the applied RF energy can be confirmed in various ways, such as by using plaque assay, titer testing, or real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, to ensure inactivation of the microorganisms106in the specified area102. Also, one or more RF field strength sensors118can be used to help measure the field strength to identify applied RF energy characteristics that result in acceptable (safe and effective) field strengths.

This approach therefore supports the inactivation of microorganisms106without negatively impacting the environment (such as humans, animals, and plants). This approach can be more effective in disinfecting the air as compared to other approaches, such as chemical processing, ultraviolet irradiation, ionization, acoustic/ultrasound treatment, laser usage, and heat processing. Moreover, this approach may avoid problems associated with other approaches, such as the avoidance of immunological responses like skin cancer.

AlthoughFIG.1illustrates one example of a system100for inactivating aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy, various changes may be made toFIG.1. For example, the system100may be associated with any number(s) and type(s) of area(s)102, and each area102may have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. Also, each area102may be associated with any number of RF emitters in any suitable arrangement. In addition, various components inFIG.1may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIGS.2and3illustrate example mechanisms200,300by which aerosolized microorganisms can be inactivated using directed energy according to this disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, the mechanism200uses structure resonance energy transfer to inactivate microorganisms106contained in aerosolized or other airborne water droplets202. As shown here, incident RF energy204from one or more RF emitters108a-108bis applied to the water droplets202. The incident RF energy204resonantly couples to acoustic modes in the microorganisms106, such as via interactions with dipole moments in viral structures. This induces damaging vibrations to the microorganisms106, such as to capsid shells of virus particles. This results in damaged and deactivated microorganisms106′ in the water droplets202, which are generally unable to infect or otherwise negatively affect anyone. As a particular example of this, the vibrations can destroy the capsid shells of COVID-19 virus particles, which inactivates the viral particles since the viruses' RNA is no longer held within capsid shells that provide ACE-2 matching protein spikes.

As shown inFIG.3, the mechanism300uses dielectric heating of aerosolized or other airborne water droplets302to inactivate microorganisms106. As shown here, incident RF energy304from one or more RF emitters108a-108bis pulsed, which repeatedly induces micro-degree heating of the water droplets302. This heating creates pulsed volume changes in the water droplets302, which result in ultra/hyper-sonic acoustic waves resonating within the water droplets302. The acoustic waves damage the microorganisms106, such as by damaging the capsid shells of virus particles. This results in damaged and deactivated microorganisms106′ in the water droplets302, which are generally unable to infect or otherwise negatively affect anyone. Again, as a particular example of this, the acoustic waves can destroy the capsid shells of COVID-19 virus particles, which inactivates the viral particles since the viruses' RNA is no longer held within capsid shells that provide ACE-2 matching protein spikes.

Note that either mechanism200or300(or some other mechanism of inactivation) may be supported in the system100. In some cases, the pulsed nature of the thermo-acoustic approach used in the mechanism300may prove to be efficacious at lower power levels, which may increase applicability and utility. However, this may not necessarily be the case in all instances, and either mechanism200or300or some other mechanism may be used by the system100.

AlthoughFIGS.2and3illustrate examples of mechanisms200,300by which aerosolized microorganisms can be inactivated using directed energy, various changes may be made toFIGS.2and3. For example, an environment may include any number of water droplets or other aerosolized/airborne droplets each with any number of microorganisms106. Also, the described mechanisms200,300may be used to inactivate microorganisms106that are located on the surfaces of objects in a specified area102.

FIG.4illustrates an example graph400showing field strengths for directed energy used to inactivate aerosolized microorganisms according to this disclosure. In particular, the graph400includes a line402that indicates how the field strength of an RF emitter108a-108bcan vary with distance from the RF emitter108a-108b.

As can be seen inFIG.4, the distance from the RF emitter108a-108bis divided into three ranges, namely an unsafe range404, an effective inactivation range406, and an ineffective inactivation range408. The unsafe range404includes the distances from the RF emitter108a-108bat which the RF field strength is unsafe or above an IEEE or other safety standard threshold410. The effective inactivation range406includes the distances from the RF emitter108a-108bat which the RF field strength is (i) safe or below the threshold410and (ii) effective at inactivating a specific microorganism106because the field strength remains above an inactivation threshold412. The ineffective inactivation range408includes the distances from the RF emitter108a-108bat which the RF field strength is (i) safe or below the threshold410but (ii) ineffective at inactivating the specific microorganism106because the field strength is below the inactivation threshold412.

Note that the graph400can vary based on a number of factors, such as (i) the specific RF emitter108a-108bbeing used and (ii) the specific microorganism106being inactivated. For example, the specific RF emitter108a-108bbeing used may have different or adjustable power levels that can alter the field strength being produced, so the line402can vary based on the actual power level in use (which can affect the size of the ranges404,406,408). As another example, the specific microorganism106to be inactivated may have its own unique inactivation threshold412. Also note that the information contained in the graph400(and similar graphs) may be used in any suitable manner. For instance, the control system116may use the information contained in the graph400to identify a desired transmit power for the RF emitter108a-108bgiven a specific microorganism106to be inactivated, and the specific transmit power can be selected to be within the range406(and possibly learned using AI/ML or otherwise established).

AlthoughFIG.4illustrates one example of a graph400showing field strengths for directed energy used to inactivate aerosolized microorganisms, various changes may be made toFIG.4. For example, the graph400can vary as described above, and the specific graph400shown inFIG.4is for illustration and explanation only.

FIG.5illustrates an example device or system500supporting the inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy according to this disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more functions related to the approaches described above (such as the control and self-adaptive functionality of the system100) are performed using the device or system500. The device or system500may, for example, be used to implement at least part of the control system116.

As shown inFIG.5, the device or system500may include at least one processing device502, at least one storage device504, at least one communications unit506, and at least one input/output (I/O) unit508. The processing device502may execute instructions that can be loaded into a memory510. The processing device502includes any suitable number(s) and type(s) of processors or other processing devices in any suitable arrangement. Example types of processing devices502include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or discrete circuitry.

The memory510and a persistent storage512are examples of storage devices504, which represent any structure(s) capable of storing and facilitating retrieval of information (such as data, program code, and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis). The memory510may represent a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device(s). The persistent storage512may contain one or more components or devices supporting longer-term storage of data, such as a read only memory, hard drive, Flash memory, or optical disc.

The communications unit506supports communications with other systems or devices. The communications unit206may support communications through any suitable physical or wireless communication link(s), such as a network or dedicated connection(s). As a particular example, the communications unit506may support communication with the RF emitters108a-108b(used to transmit and receive RF signals) or sensors118(used to measure humidity, temperature, pressure, or other characteristics in an environment).

The I/O unit508allows for input and output of data. For example, the I/O unit508may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touchscreen, or other suitable input device. The I/O unit508may also send output to a display or other suitable output device. Note, however, that the I/O unit508may be omitted if the device or system500does not require local I/O, such as when the device or system500represents a server or other component that can be accessed remotely over a network.

AlthoughFIG.5illustrates one example of a device or system500supporting the inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy, various changes may be made toFIG.5. For example, computing devices and systems come in a wide variety of configurations, andFIG.5does not limit this disclosure to any particular device or system. Also, various components inFIG.5may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.

FIG.6illustrates a more specific example system600for inactivating aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy according to this disclosure. The system600may, for example, represent one specific implementation of the system100. As shown inFIG.6, the system600includes one or more biosensors602, which may represent one or more sensors118that are designed to detect one or more specific types of microorganisms106. For example, the one or more biosensors602may represent wireless or other sensors that collect samples of air for sensing of one or more specific types of microorganisms106in the sampled air.

Measurements from the one or more biosensors602are provided to an ASIC or other processor604, which may represent at least a portion of the control system116. In this example, the ASIC or other processor604may receive bio-data from the one or more biosensors602and compare it against information in a pathogen data store606, which can be used to store information associated with known microorganisms106and provide information about inactivating those microorganisms106(such as by identifying their resonant frequencies and associated emitter power levels). The ASIC or other processor604can retrieve specific information608for one or more detected types of microorganisms106and forward the information608to a signal generator610. The signal generator610uses the information608to generate a signal having a suitable waveform, such as a continuous-wave or pulsed waveform. A modulator612modulates the signal from the signal generator610using an appropriate RF oscillator614(which may be selected based on the desired frequency and power level). The resulting signal is filtered using a filter616and amplified using a power amplifier618. The amplified signal is transmitted via one or more antennas620in order to inactivate the detected type(s) of microorganisms106. The components604,606,610-620may, for example, represent at least part of one or more RF emitters108a-108b.

In this example, a wireless or other device622can collect information about pathogens or other microorganisms106from one or more external sources and provide that information to the ASIC or other processor604and/or the one or more biosensors602. For example, the device622may obtain information from a national or other microbial pathogen data store624, a national or other viral genome data store626, or other suitable external source of information. This type of information may be useful in identifying likely pathogens or other microorganisms106currently being sensed in the system600.

AlthoughFIG.6illustrates one more specific example of a system600for inactivating aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy, various changes may be made toFIG.6. For example, various components inFIG.6may be combined, further subdivided, replicated, omitted, or rearranged and additional components may be added according to particular needs.