Nanoscience versus Viruses: The SARS‐CoV‐2 Case

Abstract

The outbreak of the coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, its rapid spread, and its fatal consequences clearly showed mankind the overwhelming power of nature, and the importance of interdisciplinary research to counter it. Herein, it will be pointed out what challenges arise in fighting nanosized viruses, which feature an outstanding ability to alter their structure and properties to adapt to infection processes, and why nanoscience is extremely powerful to address them. To learn from the past and to be best prepared for the future, this review highlights how the incredible potential of nanoscience can be tapped by mimicking natures’ viruses for the development of maximally efficient pharmaceuticals, e.g., COVID‐19 vaccines, by designing preventive and protective equipment, e.g., face masks, as well as developing nanosensors for early detection of infections.

The emerging significance of nanomedicine-based approaches to fighting COVID-19 variants of concern: A perspective on the nanotechnology’s role in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment

“…Nanoparticles can be used to combat SARS-CoV-2 by targeting mechanisms that affect the viral entry inside the host until they get activated. By blocking the surface proteins on the virus, the virus gets inactivated, so nanoparticles are designed specifically for virus-expressed proteins and could diminish viral internalization (Goscianska et al, 2022). Metal nanoparticles can block the virus's attachment to the host cell, thereby inhibiting the internalization of the virus and impairing the replication of the virus during viral entry.…”

Modification of face masks with zeolite imidazolate framework-8: A tool for hindering the spread of COVID-19 infection

“…Additionally, the work analyzes the efficiency of ZIF-8-based coating against dangerous microbial pathogens and SARS-CoV-2’s surrogates which provides fresh insights into the field and to already successfully developed solutions [47] , [48] , [49] . The research contributes to the global response to addressing COVID-19 by examining a potentially effective solution for reusable protective materials capable of deactivating SARS-CoV-2 virus and other respiratory viruses [50] , [51] , [52] .…”

Layer-by-Layer Assembly of a Polysaccharide “Armor” on the Cell Surface Enabling the Prophylaxis of Virus Infection

“…Spike proteins on the surface of the coronaviruses can recognize some cell receptors and facilitate virion entry into the host cells . Nasal sprays that can either inactivate the viruses or block its entry into cells are the potent alternatives for preventing the viral spread to the lung or the surrounding people. − These attempts include nanobodies, − nanodecoys, , nanoenzymes, and antiseptics. − Previous publications have demonstrated that inhalation of angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) nanodecoys derived from human lung spheroid cells (LSCs) can bind and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, protect the host lung cells from infection, and accelerate clearance of SARS-CoV-2 mimics from the lungs . The nanodecoys were found to reside in the lungs for over 72 h post-delivery.…”