Minimal Amount of Current Needed to Render Pathogens Harmless

  • Thread starter Frank1952
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In summary, the use of micro-currents to destroy bacteria and viruses has been explored as a potential method for sterilizing water and potentially blood as well. While it may offer some advantages in terms of cost or convenience, it would not be suitable for medical use as it would also harm healthy tissue.
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Frank1952
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Bacteria and viruses should require only micro-currents to destroy them or render them harmless. Can such an approach be used to sterilize water...or perhaps even blood (en-vitro or even en-vivo)?
 
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Frank1952 said:
Bacteria and viruses should require only micro-currents to destroy them or render them harmless.
Why?
 
  • #3
Purifying water with an electric filter has been investigated:
http://web.stanford.edu/group/knowledgebase/cgi-bin/2010/09/02/purifying-water-by-electrocuting-pathogens/ [Broken]

I'm not sure why this would be any better than standard UV and 0.2um filters but perhaps it might turn out cheaper or more convenient in some circumstances. In terms of medical use it's not going to have any use trying to kill pathogens inside the body. Simply because this type of thing would kill healthy tissue as well.
 
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What is the minimal amount of current needed to render pathogens harmless?

The minimal amount of current needed to render pathogens harmless varies depending on the type of pathogen and the specific conditions of the experiment. However, studies have shown that a current of 20-50 milliamperes (mA) for at least 30 seconds can be effective in reducing or eliminating certain types of pathogens.

How does electricity render pathogens harmless?

Electricity can render pathogens harmless through a process called electroporation, in which the electric current creates small pores in the cell membrane of the pathogen. This disrupts the pathogen's ability to function and replicate, ultimately leading to its death.

What types of pathogens can be rendered harmless with electricity?

Many types of pathogens can be rendered harmless with electricity, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, the effectiveness of electricity may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the pathogen, such as its size and cell structure.

Is using electricity to render pathogens harmless safe for humans?

When used properly and under controlled conditions, using electricity to render pathogens harmless is generally considered safe for humans. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions and protocols to avoid any potential harm or injury.

What are the potential benefits of using electricity to render pathogens harmless?

There are several potential benefits of using electricity to render pathogens harmless, including its effectiveness in reducing or eliminating pathogens, its low cost compared to other methods, and its potential for use in various industries such as food and water sanitation, medical treatment, and biotechnology research.

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