2D materials as a diagnostic platform for the detection and sensing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: a bird's-eye view

Abstract

Worldwide infection and fatality by SARS-CoV-19 virus and its variants responsible for COVID 19 have impeded economic growth of developing nations beyond repair, General public in several nations have lost...

Protective Face Masks: Current Status and Future Trends

“…In addition, this group confirmed the antiviral function of these natural composites that can be used in order to enhance the barrier effect of surgical masks [130]. They demonstrated that human viruses such as human adenovirus HAdV5 or human coronavirus HCoV229E were sensitive to compounds with a valuable content of polyphenols, such as hydroalcoholic extracts of clove blossoms, olive leaves, or green tea [130] (see excellent antiviral properties [49,50]. However, further studies are warranted for the functionalization of these materials on communal objects (e.g., mask, door handles, elevator buttons, gas pumps, and railings) to reduce both disease transmission and fear of touching objects.…”

“…The threat of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has prompted researchers to combine their work in interdisciplinary areas. In this regard, materials science and nanotechnology have significantly contributed to the fight against virus outbreaks, by successfully synthesizing different types of materials with excellent antiviral properties. , However, further studies are warranted for the functionalization of these materials on communal objects (e.g., masks, door handles, elevator buttons, gas pumps, and railings) or other protective equipment such as face shields, goggles, helmets, plastic masks, and space separation screens like those used for counters or vehicles to reduce both disease transmission and anxiety with regard to touching objects. The face mask industry is progressing very rapidly by incorporating a broad range of technological advances.…”

“…Furthermore, the composition and nanostructure of these filters can be tailored to achieve other important functions such as antimicrobial activity, transparency and degradability, and highlights the importance of materials science and nanotechnology research on tackling microbial diseases such as COVID-19 [46][47][48][49][50][51]. Thus, in this systematic review, we present the most important types of commercial face masks, classified according to their breathability, bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), or inward leakage, and the new trend towards the development of advanced antimicrobial face masks or smart masks capable of inactivating a virus such as SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, including the multidrug-resistant strains.…”

“…Nonetheless, face masks made of PP or other non-biodegradable materials are widely used, and their waste is causing a serious threat to the environment . To mitigate the environmental damage, it will be necessary to tailor the composition and nanostructure of these face mask fabrics to achieve biodegradability and/or other important functions such as antimicrobial activity and transparency, which highlights the importance of materials science and nanotechnology research in tackling microbial diseases such as COVID-19. ,− Some progress in face mask manufacturing, filtration mechanisms, manufacturing methods, and antimicrobial approaches has been reported. ,− However, this is a rapidly evolving research field, and staying abreast of the developments requires continuous monitoring. To aid in this effort, we herein describe the most important types of commercial face masks and their characteristics, and the new trend toward the development of advanced antimicrobial face masks capable of inactivating viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains.…”

Reusable and highly sensitive SERS immunoassay utilizing gold nanostars and a cellulose hydrogel-based platform

“…The relevance of biosensors that are both highly sensitive and specific, with easy translation into portable health applications, has been particularly highlighted by the need for rapid screening of large populations during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic 1 . Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-based immunosensors are especially suited to fulfil the criteria of highly sensitive and specific analyte detection, with easy adaptation to a variety of point-of-care testing (POCT) formats.…”