Application of Nanotechnology in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been prevalent worldwide for almost a year. In early 2000, there was an outbreak of SARS-CoV, and in early 2010, a similar dissemination of infection by MERS-CoV occurred. However, no clear explanation for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and a massive increase in the number of infections has yet been proposed. The best solution to overcome this pandemic is the development of suitable and effective vaccines and therapeutics. Fortunately, for SARS-CoV-2, the genome sequence and protein structure have been published in a short period, making research and development for prevention and treatment relatively easy. In addition, intranasal drug delivery has proven to be an effective method of administration for treating viral lung diseases. In recent years, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have been applied to intranasal drug delivery to overcome various limitations that occur during mucosal administration, and advances have been made to the stage where effective drug delivery is possible. This review describes the accumulated knowledge of the previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infections and aims to help understand the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, it elucidates the achievements in developing COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to date through existing approaches. Finally, the applicable nanotechnology approach is described in detail, and vaccines and therapeutic drugs developed based on nanomedicine, which are currently undergoing clinical trials, have presented the potential to become innovative alternatives for overcoming COVID-19.

Nanomedicine: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to COVID-19

“…Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves could be upgraded with nanoparticles that have antimicrobial or antiviral capabilities. Iron-oxide nanoparticles (IO-NPs) and Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been shown to neutralize various strains of Influenza and Coronaviruses by physically binding to the SARS-CoV-2 virion and preventing internalization into host cells (166,167,170,171). Moreover, Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CO-NPs) possess antimicrobial capabilities against a plethora of respiratory tract pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (172).…”

Could Nanotechnology Help to End the Fight Against COVID-19? Review of Current Findings, Challenges and Future Perspectives

“…However, these are associated with statistically insignificant clinical outcomes, complicated mortality/morbidity data reports, and unconfirmed clinical effects which prohibited the trustful use of those drugs. 33,34 In Figure 1 COVID-19 entry point and possible target point of repurposed drug. Copied from Ahmad MZ, Ahmad J, Aslam M, Khan MA, Alasmary MY, Abdel-WAHAB BA.…”

“…However, these are associated with statistically insignificant clinical outcomes, complicated mortality/morbidity data reports, and unconfirmed clinical effects which prohibited the trustful use of those drugs. 33 , 34 In contrast, the new drug discovery approach is more complicated and time-consuming. However, it has the highest potential to find new pharmaceuticals which have unique advantageous properties for unique viral pandemic events.…”

“…Nanotechnology-based research and development now appears to be essential to end the pandemic effectively and shortly. 34 Nano-based detection with nanowire biosensor chips, graphene derivatives, and other types of nanostructures have been developed. 9 Nano-based systems are effective for inhibiting pathogens and minimizing drug resistance profiles.…”

An update on novel approaches for diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection

“…Nano-based technologies for drug encapsulation and drug delivery to the infected cells have been investigated for the treatment of viral infections such as influenza, HIV, HBV (Hepatitis B virus) or HCV (Hepatitis C virus) to increase the specificity and efficacy of the antivirals and various nanomedicines [ 82 , 83 ]. Dexamethasone nanomedicine that is used previously for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis was proposed to administer for COVID-19 patients [ 84 ].…”