Waterborne viruses such as MS2 and T4 can survive conventional disinfection, posing challenges to public health systems. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can destroy viral structures, offering promising disinfection solutions. However, the susceptibility of viruses with different genomes and envelopes to specific ROS remains poorly understood. Previous research has shown that single-stranded RNA viruses are more easily oxidized than DNA viruses, but the kinetics and mechanisms behind these variations are unclear. The complex interactions between viral components—proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—and ROS still lack systematic characterization. Based on these challenges, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the heterogeneous susceptibility of structurally distinct viruses to various ROS.
Researchers from Jilin University and Zhejiang University have uncovered how viruses with distinct structural and genomic features respond differently to oxidative stress. The study (DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100178), published on August 20, 2025, in Eco-Environment & Health, demonstrates the kinetic and biological mechanisms underlying virus inactivation by ROS generated through visible-light photocatalysis. Using four bacteriophage models—MS2, phi6, phix174, and T4—the team quantified their susceptibility to hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, and superoxide radicals, revealing key structural determinants that govern oxidative resistance and susceptibility in viruses.
The study employed visible-light catalytic systems using g-C3N4, TiO2, and C60 nanomaterials to generate dominant ROS species (•O2⁻, •OH, and 1O2). Quantitative kinetic modeling showed significant variation in second-order inactivation rate constants, ranging from 105 to 1010 M⁻1 s⁻1. The viruses exhibited a consistent susceptibility ranking of phi6 > MS2 > phix174 > T4, reflecting their distinct envelopes and genome types. Hydroxyl radicals displayed broad-spectrum oxidative power, while singlet oxygen selectively oxidized capsid proteins, and superoxide radicals preferentially damaged RNA. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ROS exposure caused capsid distortion, head-tail separation, and envelope collapse, depending on the viral structure. Protein assays, nucleic acid degradation measurements, and lipid peroxidation analyses confirmed that the structural complexity of viral proteins and the double-stranded nature of DNA confer greater resistance. Furthermore, tests in natural water matrices showed that dissolved organic matter and pH significantly reduced inactivation efficiency, with 1O2 proving the most stable and environmentally compatible oxidant.
“Understanding how different ROS interact with viral structures allows us to design more targeted and efficient disinfection systems,” said Professor Cong Lyu, the study’s corresponding author. “Our results highlight that viral resistance is not random—it’s rooted in molecular architecture. Enveloped and single-stranded RNA viruses are inherently more susceptible to oxidative attack, while complex double-stranded DNA viruses exhibit remarkable resistance. This knowledge provides a scientific foundation for improving AOPs in real-world water treatment, ensuring both safety and sustainability.”
This research offers a mechanistic framework for optimizing water disinfection technologies based on virus type and environmental conditions. By linking viral structure to ROS reactivity, it establishes predictive principles for designing selective and energy-efficient oxidation systems. The findings suggest that singlet oxygen–dominated photocatalysis, owing to its stability and selectivity, is particularly suitable for complex water environments. Integrating these insights into advanced oxidation technologies could enhance the safety of municipal and wastewater treatment, support emergency epidemic control, and reduce chemical disinfectant usage—advancing sustainable and resilient public health protection strategies.
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References
DOI
10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100178
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100178
Funding Information
The present work was funded by the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, China (No. 20220101214JC).
About Eco-Environment & Health (EEH)
Eco-Environment & Health (EEH) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal designed for publications on the frontiers of the ecology, environment and health as well as their related disciplines. EEH focuses on the concept of “One Health” to promote green and sustainable development, dealing with the interactions among ecology, environment and health, and the underlying mechanisms and interventions. Our mission is to be one of the most important flagship journals in the field of environmental health.