COVID-19 mitigation: nanotechnological intervention, perspective, and future scope

Abstract

COVID-19 infections and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have caused an unprecedented health crisis across the globe with numerous deaths, as well as causing a tremendous economic crash worldwide. To combat this acute pathogenic coronavirus strain, a vital strategy of safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic measures is highly important and demanding at present. Instead of conventional diagnosis tools, nanotechnology offers inspiring options for therapeutic applications that can ward off the disease from spreading further and remove the threat of this virus causing future pandemics. Physicochemically tuned nanomaterials can be exploited in upgrading detection schemes for viral antigens, nano-vaccines, and inhibitors of the cytokine storm, which are vital in the fight against COVID-19. The one-of-a-kind nanoscale biosynthesis of synthetic nanoparticles can efficiently imitate and interact with the structurally similar spike proteins present on the viral surface. Given this, we envision the precise and concurrent amalgamation of nanoscience and nanotechnology, leading to new avenues that can disrupt the development of viruses and limit the length of the viral lifespan. Current and developing nanotechnology approaches enable the development of therapeutic and precautionary pathways to curb this disease and identify crucial methods in the field of nanoscience for developing upcoming antiviral systems. In this review article, we also present a synopsis of the latest studies on the efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) as antiviral or diagnostic devices against most viruses. Engineered NPs capable of tempering the patient's immune response can have a pronounced impact in mitigating inflammatory reactions as well as the design of potent nano-vaccines and drugs against viral pandemics such as COVID-19. In summary, state-of-the-art approaches based on nanotechnology can be critically deployed to counter future pandemics including COVID-19 and function at the forefront in tackling various new dangerous viral threats.