Insights From Nanotechnology in COVID-19: Prevention, Detection, Therapy and Immunomodulation

Abstract

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection has presented the world with an urgent demand for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics to prevent, treat and control the spread of infection. Nanotechnology seems to be highly relevant in this emergency due to the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials which offer versatile chemical functionalization to create advanced biomedical tools. Here, nano-intervention is discussed for designing effective strategies in developing advanced personal protective equipment kits, disinfectants, rapid and cost-effective diagnostics and therapeutics against the infection. We have also highlighted the nanoparticle-based vaccination approaches and how nanoparticles can regulate the host immune system against infection. Overall, this review discusses various nanoformulations that have shown clinical relevance or can be explored in the fight against COVID-19.

Emerging importance of nanotechnology-based approaches to control the COVID-19 pandemic; focus on nanomedicine iterance in diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients

“…Exact analyses need effective and sufficient isolation of RNA from samples to prevent infection or false-negative results. Table 4 provide a summary of the NPs used in the diagnostic detection of CoVs [ [185] , [186] , [187] , [188] , [189] , [190] ].…”

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

“…173,174 NP-based vaccine development is now on the way in various pharmaceutical companies and research institutes. [175][176][177] Table 4 demonstrates some of the WHO-listed nanovaccines which are in clinical and preclinical phases. 177 Most NPs for use in nanovaccines are known to be biodegradable, biocompatible, and less toxic and, therefore, they can be safe and effective alternatives to the conventional vaccines.…”

“… 212 The main challenges encountered by conventional PPE are associated with their poor antitoxicity, difficulty in breathability, heat dissipation, and reusability. 176 Uncertainties are also rising on which, how, and how much they permit COVID-19 transmitability, especially in workplace settings and densely populated gathering areas which necessitates more trustworthy, cost-effective, efficient, and reusable PPE development. 213 Appropriate understanding of the role and the usage of PPE by the health staff and the public and ensuring an adequate supply system are considerable factors for imminent prevention of the pandemic.…”

“… 72 , 214 For these purposes, nanomaterials with intrinsic antiviral activity, such as AgNPs, graphene oxide (GO), CuO NPs, two-dimensional carbides, and nitrides that can capture and inactivate viruses are being investigated. 176 , 215 Furthermore, a fluorescent NP penetrant inspection can be used for the detection of inner defects in used masks, to provide necessary data for the development of reusable masks, structural optimization, and evaluation standards. 216 Less material consumption and reduced supply problems, efficient filtration due to large surface areas, cost-effective transmission control, and virus neutralization due to functionalization with chemically active groups are the main features of PPE modifications by using nanomaterials and nanotechnology.…”

“…For this to be true, in-depth investigational study, experience-sharing, and exchange of knowledge among different countries, different departments, and different companies including regulatory agencies are essential. 9 , 176 Early stage regulatory guidelines with a mid and long-term research on positive opportunities and about factors that limit their applicability are needed. This can enable the global medical practice against the current and future pandemics.…”