From the environment to the cells: An overview on pivotal factors which affect spreading and infection in COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Several factors ranging from environmental risks to the genetics of the virus and that of the hosts, affect the spread of COVID-19. The impact of physicochemical variables on virus vitality and spread should be taken into account in experimental and clinical studies. Another avenue to explore is the effect of diet and its interaction with the immune system on SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality rate. Past year have witnessed extensive studies on virus and pathophysiology of the COVID-19 disease and the cellular mechanisms of virus spreading. However, our knowledge has not reached a level where we plan an efficient therapeutic approach to prevent the virus entry to the cells or decreasing the spreading and morbidity in severe cases of disease. The risk of infection directly correlates with the control of virus spreading via droplets and aerosol transmission, as well as patient immune system response. A key goal in virus restriction and transmission rate is to understand the physicochemical structure of aerosol and droplet formation, and the parameters that affect the droplet-borne and airborne in different environmental conditions. The lifetime of droplets on different surfaces is described based on the contact angle. Hereby, we recommend regular use of high-quality face masks in high temperature and low humidity conditions. However, in humid and cold weather conditions, wearing gloves and frequently hand washing, gain a higher priority. Additionally, social distancing rules should be respected in all aforementioned conditions. We will also discuss different routes of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cells and how multiple genetic factors play a role in the spread of the virus. Given the role of environmental and nutritional factors, we discuss and recommend some strategies to prevent the disease and protect the population against COVID-19. Since an effective vaccine can prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and abolish pandemics, we added a brief review of candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Lockdown Amid COVID-19 Ascendancy over Ambient Particulate Matter Pollution Anomaly

“…As an airborne transmission pandemic, the severity of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection has been found to be impacted by climate and air pollutants [ 176 ]. When viruses adhere to inanimate things, temperature and humidity affect their survival and persistence [ 177 ]. The ideal temperature and ultraviolet sun index significantly impact virus transmission and community illnesses [ 178 ].…”

Nano-sized Metal Oxides and Their use as a Surface Disinfectant Against COVID-19: (Review and Perspective)

“…15-25 A person may get COVID-19 if they come into contact with a surface or object that has been infected with the virus because aerosol particles have the potential to float in the air or travel beyond a conversational distance. [26][27][28][29][30] In the past few decades, nanotechnology and nanostructured materials significantly assisted the progress of scientific and technological fields. The study of nanomaterials, including graphene, nanotubes, metal and polymer nanoparticles, has received much attention.…”