Abstract This work emphasized the importance of quantum principles in Biological systems. Specially theoretically explained the mechanisms of infectious disease according to the laws of quantum mechanics, focusing on quantum tunneling. It determines the role of quantum events in microbial processes and demonstrates Schrödinger's prophetic view of quantum theory. Interactions between viruses and cells, as well as enzyme function and binding, are not well explained by traditional lock-and-key methods, while quantum tunneling, which is used to pass electrons through this method, can best demonstrate the function of spiked proteins with cellular receptors.
Abstract This work emphasized the importance of quantum principles in Biological systems. Specially theoretically explained the mechanisms of infectious disease according to the laws of quantum mechanics, focusing on quantum tunneling. It determines the role of quantum events in microbial processes and demonstrates Schrödinger's prophetic view of quantum theory. Interactions between viruses and cells, as well as enzyme function and binding, are not well explained by traditional lock-and-key methods, while quantum tunneling, which is used to pass electrons through this method, can best demonstrate the function of spiked proteins with cellular receptors.
Biologists and physicists are starting to demonstrate linkages between various quantum principles like quantum tunneling, entanglement and coherence in biological processes illustrating that nature has exerted some level quantum control to optimize various processes in living organisms. In this article we explore the role of quantum events in microbial processes and endeavor to show that after nearly 67 years, Schrodinger was prophetic and visionary in his view of quantum theory and its connection with some of the fundamental mechanisms of life.
Emerging infectious viral diseases are a major threat to humankind on earth, containing emerging and re-emerging pathogenic physiognomies has raised great public health concern. This study aimed at investigating the global prevalence, biological and clinical characteristics of novel Corona-virus, Wuhan China (2019-nCoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-virus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona-virus (MERS-CoV) infection outbreaks [1]. Currently, novel Corona-virus disease COVID-2019 is already pandemic and causing havoc throughout the world. Scientific community is still struggling to come out with concrete therapeutic measures against this disease and development of its vaccine is far off from sight in the immediate near future. However, humanity will be put to such pressures very often in the near future and given the present circumstances, what we can expect from the scientific world now? I think QIT (Quantum Information Theory) has an answer to this question. One of the very basic mechanisms that every infectious virus follows to infect is the entry of the virus through cell surface receptors, engulfing, un-coating of viral genome and its transcription to form multiple copies and translation to form viral proteins and coating of viral genome to form multiple copies of the viral particles and then of course the cell bursting to infect other cells. This very basic mechanism does not occur randomly but through a regulated and more dynamic process which we may call coding and decoding of information through reduction in error or noise.
The continuous manifestations of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases across the world is championed by microorganisms particularly, viruses and bacteria. These manifestations consistently keep researchers at work in establishing approaches towards minimising the burden of infectious diseases both locally and internationally. Microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, possess very disparate features like the presence of sensors, in-built biological engines, immaculate communication means, processing architecture, among others. Researchers are introducing these biological entities into the quantum theory network where their dynamical physical properties and concepts can be used to develop response mechanisms during infection stages. This article aims to review and present an account of quantum approaches derived from quantum mechanics as an emerging fundamental enabler and a novel concept in the treatment of infectious diseases. It also looks at the possible application of these quantum approaches in revolutionising discovery, development, and production of vaccines at a quantum scale and speed. A descriptive review of the literature was conducted by searching these electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO. Findings in this article show that through the advent of single-particle approaches and high-resolution techniques, viral dynamics can be scrutinised during and after their assembly towards studying their infection development pathway. Additionally, quantum information in biological entities has been found to provide hereditary information insights supporting genetic studies in relation to infectious diseases. The introduction of quantum-inspired genetic algorithms towards predicting the secondary structures of RNA depicts certain superiority over strategies currently in existence. Ongoing research is putting quantum-based studies in an ideal direction towards shaping the understanding and perhaps treatment of infectious diseases.
Quantum microbiology is s trailblazing field that integrates the principles of quantum mechanics with microbial investigation at a fundamental level, redefining our comprehension of microbial functions, at atomic and molecular levels. This arena primarily delves into the quantum phenomena, for instance, superposition, entanglement, and tunneling, that are fundamental to biological processes like enzyme catalysts within microbial cells, transfer of energy in photosynthesis, and electron transport in cellular respiration. By employing quantum physics notions in the domain of microbiology, this approach provides an innovative understanding of the adaptability, efficiency, and survival mechanisms of microbes. The significance of quantum microbiology extends beyond academic curiosity, unveiling possible merits in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and medical sciences. It opens up novel possibilities for designing microbial systems introduced by quantum physics that are more effective for various industries, healthcare, and environmental contexts. As this field advances, it pledges to challenge the existing biological paradigms and deepen our comprehension of the quantum universe. The fusion of quantum with microbiology not only broadens the scope of scientific inquiry but also holds the promise of innovative breakthroughs that could alter multiple dimensions of biotechnology and medicine. This chapter first presents a detailed explanation of quantum mechanics, then quantum biology, and finally explores the realm of quantum microbiology as a frontier of scientific inquiry with the potential to revolutionize our approach to microbial research and biotechnology.
Quantum biology, at the intersection of quantum mechanics and biology, investigates the involvement of quantum phenomena in biological processes. A pivotal focus is quantum tunneling, wherein particles traverse energy barriers, a phenomenon with potential significance in various biological contexts. This article introduces a new class of linear potential functions for studying quantum tunneling in biological processes. The simplicity of linear potentials enables analytical solutions to the Schrödinger equation, offering efficiency compared to more complex numerical methods. The proposed linear potential functions are derived using parabolic curves, providing an analytical form with physical interpretations. The corresponding energy function and transmission coefficients are presented, facilitating a simplified understanding of tunneling behavior. Theoretical implications of the proposed model are discussed, emphasizing the ease of parameter variation and its applicability to diverse biological scenarios. In the numerical demonstration, two case studies are presented: (1) examining proton tunneling in DNA point mutations and (2) exploring electron tunneling in biological receptors, specifically the ACE2 receptor in the context of SARS-CoV-2.
Findings related to quantum mechanics over the last century have had a pivotal role in our understanding of key physical, chemical, and biological features. Using manipulations of Schrödinger’s wavefunction, we describe electron tunneling through orbits. We extend our findings to a biological setting where we theorize an imbalance in exothermic biochemical reactions may contribute to protein damage. Additionally, we posit the cellular environment encourages electron binding among higher principal quantum orbits than traditionally assumed. This model can be one of many explanations for the sporadic nature of neurodegenerative disease where protein damage, misfolding, or aggregation is a key characteristic.