Smart and Sustainable Nanotechnological Solutions in a Battle against COVID-19 and Beyond: A Critical Review

Abstract

The variety of available biocidal features make nanomaterials promising for fighting infections. To effectively battle COVID-19, categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), materials scientists and biotechnologists need to combine their knowledge to develop efficient antiviral nanomaterials. By design, nanostructured materials (spherical, twodimensional, hybrid) can express a diverse bioactivity and unique combination of specific, nonspecific, and mixed mechanisms of antiviral action. It can be related to the material's specific features and their multiple functionalization strategies. This is a complex guiding approach in which an interaction target is constantly moving and quickly changing. On the other hand, in such a rush, sustainability may be put aside. Therefore, to elucidate the most promising nanotechnological solutions, we critically review available data within the frame of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other types of viruses. We highlight solutions that are, or could be, more sustainable and less toxic. In this regard, reduction of the number of synthetic routes, organic solvents, byproducts, and residues is highly recommended. Such efficient, green solutions may be further used for the prevention of virion−host interactions, treatment of the already developed infection, reducing inflammation, and finally, protecting healthcare professionals with masks, fabrics, equipment, and in other associated areas. Further translation into the market needs putting on the fast track with respect to principles of green chemistry, feasibility, safety, and the environment.

A Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial and Antiviral Membrane Inactivates SARS‐CoV‐2 in Minutes

“…The most impactful application of AVM during this pandemic would be inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2. [ 14 ] Therefore, we evaluated the antiviral activity of AVM against different viruses including SARS‐CoV‐2. We first chose a FCV, a surrogate for human norovirus [ 15 ] which is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide.…”

Prospecção Bibliométrica e Patentária de Agentes Antimicrobianos em Têxteis

“…As patentes com datas de prioridade em 2020, CN111172749 (GUANGCHUAN et al, 2020), CN111455493 (LOU, 2020) e CN111424420 (GUANGCHUAN et al, 2020), relatam o uso de nanopartículas como tecnologia para tornar os têxteis antimicrobianos. Os nanomateriais são promissoras ferramentas com possibilidades ampliadas de interação com os vírus, formando barreiras de entrada nos hospedeiros (JASTRZEBSKA; VASILCHENKO, 2021). A patente CN111455655 (ZHOU et al, 2020) utiliza a pandemia da COVID-19 como justificativa para sua concessão.…”

Nanomedicine, Viral Infection and Cytokine Stor

“…The authors are covering the impactful profiles and effectiveness of macrophage-targeted nanomedicines, and the same phenomenon can be utilized to hinder the frequency of cytokine storms and to intersperse pro-inflammatory responses [10]. These cytokines present in the cells and tissues in the form of small proteins enable cell communication routes and disturb the immune systems [11]. At the stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the cytokine storms enter the lungs and later on induced damages [12].…”