High-Voltage Low-Frequency Electric Field Exposure as an Antiviral Strategy: Effects on Viral Infectivity and Host Cell Viability

This study explores the antiviral properties of high-voltage low-frequency electric field exposure on the replication of human viruses, including Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1), Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV OC43), and Influenza A virus (A H1N1). Using the Healectrics^TM device (model S02), which operates by applying high-voltage direct current (30 - 50 kV) with a polarity change frequency of ~0.2 Hz, we investigated the impact on viral infectivity and host cell viability. Virus cultures were exposed to electric fields during different stages: virion adsorption (0 - 1 hour), intracellular replication (1 - 8 hours), and both stages. Viral infectivity was assessed through titration, and cytotoxic effects were evaluated using MTT assays. Electric field exposure significantly reduced viral infectivity, particularly during the combined sorption and replication stages, with up to a 90% decrease in viral activity. Among the viruses tested, HCoV OC43 showed the least sensitivity, with a reduction in viral activity by a factor of 5. Comparisons revealed statistically significant reductions for influenza and herpes viruses, and a trend towards significance for HCoV OC43. The electric field treatment did not significantly affect the viability of Vero and MDCK cells, indicating the method’s safety. Our findings suggest that high-voltage low-frequency electric fields can effectively reduce viral infectivity and may serve as a potential therapeutic and preventive measure against a wide range of membrane-bound viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.