The virus as a communication molecule: modeling of viral infection by aerosol

How long will the virus-charged particles last in the elevator after the person with COVID-19 leaves? And is there a way to detect these particles? A group of electricians and computer scientists from KAUST attempted to answer these questions using mathematical hydrodynamic equations.

“We found that particles containing the virus could be detected even a few minutes after a short elevator ride by an infected person,” says KAUST electrician, Osamaamine.

The team’s equations and breathing simulations suggest that placing particles on the walls of an elevator that can reflect them improves the biosensor’s ability to detect viruses. You can also reduce the amount of particles in the air by making the other three walls absorbent to protect future residents.

Amin from KAUST and his colleagues worked on the development of a non-traditional communication concept called “breath communication”. The conceptual model is made up of chemicals. Biomolecule Exhaled as if it were an information carrier Communication system This can be detected by a “receptor” (in this case a biosensor) at the other end.

“This type of research requires the contribution of researchers with varied expertise in theoretical channel modeling, system design and integration, and machine learning schemes,” explains Amin.

In previous studies, they have used equations to understand how exhaled molecules disperse in open space. They also came up with a detection system that could detect molecules exhaled by people’s breathing during mass gatherings.

In their current study, they have developed models and simulations that explain what happens to molecules exhaled in a closed room in space and time. Their modeling took into account the capacity of the wall to absorb or reflect the particles. As their model became able to describe, solve, and simulate the concentrations of viral particles in small rooms in space and time, researchers began to calculate the likelihood that biosensors could detect these particles. It was.

The calculations envision the deployment of biosensors that use antibodies to bind to specific viruses and initiate signals. We also took into account parameters such as the duration and amount of aerosol sampling, the efficiency of the sampling, and the likelihood of the antibody binding to the virus.

“Our research provides the mathematical and simulation material that is essential to our primary research on communication through breathing. It will be used for further analysis and system design. I hope, ”says Basem Shihada, IT specialist at KAUST.

The team is currently developing prototype aerosol sampling and detection for organic chemicals exhaled during exhalation. “We also plan to come up with mechanisms that reduce the potential for infection in tight spaces, such as ventilation mechanisms, regular air disinfection, and absorption and reflection wall designs,” says Shibata.