Chitin and chitosan as tools to combat COVID-19: A triple approach

Abstract

The progressive and fatal outbreak of the newly emerged coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, necessitates rigorous collaboration of all health care systems and researchers from all around the world to bring such a devastating pandemic under control. As there is so far no officially approved drug or ideal vaccine for this disease, investigations on this infectious disease are actively pursued. Chitin and chitosan have shown promising results against viral infections. In this review, we first delve into the problematic consequences of viral pandemics followed by an introduction on SARS-CoV-2 taxonomical classification. Then, we elaborate on the immunology of COVID-19. Common antiviral therapies and their related limitations are described and finally, the potential applicability of chitin and chitosan to fight this overwhelming viral pandemic is addressed.

Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan and Its Derivatives: A Concise Review

“…Recently, Sharma et al speculated the potential of using chitosan as a potential molecule against SARS-Cov-2 virus, the mechanism proposed being related to targeting CD 147 receptors, a novel route for invasion of the virus into cells [ 78 , 79 ].…”

Potential of mucoadhesive chitosan glutamate microparticles as microbicide carriers – antiherpes activity and penetration behavior across the human vaginal epithelium

“…This capability of increasing the pharmacological action of an antimicrobial agent provides the opportunity for combination therapy in which chitosan acts as the effective excipient and simultaneously takes an active part in the treatment process. Apart from antifungal activity, chitosan has gained attention as an antiviral adjunctive directly impacting virus infectivity (Russo et al, 2014 ; Loutfy et al, 2020 ; He et al, 2021 ; Safarzadeh et al, 2021 ). In our previous studies, we observed that upon contact with vaginal fluid, chitosan creates a swellable hydrogel matrix which may serve as a barrier and additionally support mucosal tissue from the risk of infection (Szymanska et al, 2019 ).…”

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Antiviral Drug Delivery: A Novel Route for COVID-19 Treatment

“… 7 , 9 Based on our previous work on Conjugation of EGCG and Chitosan NPs, 8 a reasonable hypothesis would be to investigate the features and advantages of chitosan as a nano-carrier for antiviral drug delivery in the fight against recent (like COVID 19) and future coronaviruses. Very recently Safarzadeh et al 35 in a review article just published, have shown the potential applicability of chitin and chitosan to fight this overwhelming viral pandemic by overviewing the potential application of these materials in terms of their direct antiviral activities, the immune system associated effects and also as vehicles for targeted delivery of antiviral drugs. 35 …”