Nanotechnology against the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2): diagnosis, treatment, therapy and future perspectives

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), as an emerging infectious disease, has caused significant mortality and morbidity along with socioeconomic impact. No effective treatment or vaccine has been approved yet for this pandemic disease. Cutting-edge tools, especially nanotechnology, should be strongly considered to tackle this virus. This review aims to propose several strategies to design and fabricate effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against COVID-19 by the aid of nanotechnology. Polymeric, inorganic self-assembling materials and peptide-based nanoparticles are promising tools for battling COVID-19 as well as its rapid diagnosis. This review summarizes all of the exciting advances nanomaterials are making toward COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis and therapy. Lay abstract The emergence of the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people around the world and has become a serious threat to human life. To date, nanotechnology-based tools have been effective in preclinical studies against a variety of pathogens, including respiratory viruses, herpes virus, human papillomavirus and HIV. Nanoparticles, particles smaller than a micrometer, have drawn particular interest in the management of COVID-19 disease due to their unique properties (easy preparation, low cost, easy modification, appropriate size, etc). Nanotechnology-based strategies for COVID-19 disease management include the development of tools for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis, production of effective disinfectants, delivery of mRNA vaccines into human cells and delivery of antiviral agents into the body.

Automated summary

COVID-19, an emerging infectious disease, has caused significant impact on global health. Nanotechnology offers promising tools for designing effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against the virus, showing potential in disease management.