On the Efficacy of ZnO Nanostructures against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

In 2019, the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), started spreading around the word, giving rise to the world pandemic we are still facing. Since then, many strategies for the prevention and control of COVID-19 have been studied and implemented. In addition to pharmacological treatments and vaccines, it is mandatory to ensure the cleaning and disinfection of the skin and inanimate surfaces, especially in those contexts where the contagion could spread quickly, such as hospitals and clinical laboratories, schools, transport, and public places in general. Here, we report the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against SARS-CoV-2. NPs were produced using an ecofriendly method and fully characterized; their antiviral activity was tested in vitro against SARS-CoV-2, showing a decrease in viral load between 70% and 90%, as a function of the material’s composition. Application of these nano-antimicrobials as coatings for commonly touched surfaces is envisaged.

A review on 2D-ZnO nanostructure based biosensors: from materials to devices

“…As a result, ZnO nanoparticles are found to regulate medication dosage on the SARS-CoV-2 target. Later Sportelli et al 274 reported the experimental approach for the ZnO nanoparticles to lower the antigen of SARS-CoV-2 by about 90%. The ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized with the galvanostatic approach in the presence of different stabilizers.…”

Chloroquine chaos and COVID-19: Smart delivery perspectives through pH sensitive polymers/micelles and ZnO nanoparticles

“…The most likely mechanism includes a potential attachment with viral virions (spike proteins) and blocking the host receptors ACE2 for interaction, internalization of ZnO NPs inhibit early viral replication cycle followed by the release of zinc ions which disturb the plasmid/viral integrity; lastly, reactive oxygen species are produced photo catalytically to potentially deprive lipid/ protein, and nucleic structure of SARS CoV2. At very low concentrations (10µM), zinc ions can inhibit ACE2's capacity to metabolize substrates to provide antiviral effects ( Sportelli et al, 2022 ).…”

Nanoscale Technologies in the Fight against COVID-19: From Innovative Nanomaterials to Computer-Aided Discovery of Potential Antiviral Plant-Derived Drugs

“…When tested in vitro, the PDDA-ZnO NPs induced a decrease in viral load between 70% and 90%; however no contribution was given by PDDA itself to the antiviral activity of the system. Then, PDDA-ZnO NPs were embedded into polyethylene oxide (a biodegradable and non-toxic polymer) film to reach a coating for frequently touched surfaces, with promising results, despite the polymeric material limiting the active surface of ZnO NPs to exert ionic release and subsequent antiviral activity [ 123 ].…”