Why have nanotechnologies been underutilized in the global uprising against the coronavirus pandemic?
Nanomedicine (Lond)
; 15(17): 1719-1734, 2020 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-401502
ABSTRACT
Prior research on nanotechnologies in diagnostics, prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections is reviewed. Gold nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots in colorimetric and immunochromatographic assays, silica nanoparticles in the polymerase chain reaction and spike protein nanospheres as antigen carriers and adjuvants in vaccine formulations present notable examples in diagnostics and prevention, while uses of nanoparticles in coronavirus infection treatments have been merely sporadic. The current absence of antiviral therapeutics that specifically target human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, might be largely due to the underuse of nanotechnologies. Elucidating the interface between nanoparticles and coronaviruses is timely, but presents the only route to the rational design of precisely targeted therapeutics for coronavirus infections. Such a fundamental approach is also a viable prophylaxis against future pandemics of this type.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Nanotechnology
/
Pandemics
/
Betacoronavirus
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Nanomedicine (Lond)
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Nnm-2020-0163
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