- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
A Concise Review of The Role of Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine Play in The Diagnostics, Vaccination and Treatment Options For COVID-19
Dr. Bharti Sharma*
Consultant Scientist and Epidemiologist, Head of Research Department, Duallinks International, India
Submission: May 09, 2023; Published: May 22, 2023
*Corresponding author: Dr. Bharti Sharma, Consultant Scientist and Epidemiologist, Head of Research Department, Duallinks International. 24, I. P. Extension, New Delhi-110092, India, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7621-8047, Email: duallinks_3@yahoo.com
How to cite this article: Sharma B. A Concise Review of The Role of Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine Play in The Diagnostics, Vaccination and Treatment Options For COVID-19. Int J Pul & Res Sci. 2023; 6(4): 555692. DOI: 10.19080/IJOPRS.2023.06.555692
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, we have been combating the health challenges caused by the multiple waves of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic caused by the mutated variants of concern of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The key to successfully combating the COVID-19 pandemic remains prevention by vaccination, rapid as well as timely detection and diagnosis, with proper treatment of infection cases. The previously used and standardized viral diagnostics and therapeutics have not been effective in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus as observed during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nanotechnology and it’s applications in nanomedicine have been very effective and valuable as applied in drug delivery, vaccines and nanosensor technology in various diseases. In the last three years, nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine have played a very significant role in the prevention, diagnostics, treatment options and vaccination associated with the COVID-19 infection. In this concise review, the most recent developments on the role played by nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in the diagnostics, vaccination and treatment options for COVID-19 have been highlighted. .
Keywords: Nanotechnology; COVID-19 nanotechnology-based vaccines; COVID-19 and nanoparticles; Nanomedicine in COVID-19; Nanoparticles
Abbreviations: COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019; SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2; WHO: World Health Organization
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Introduction and Background
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) to have become a global pandemic. COVID-19 is the third world-wide pandemic in human history and the causative agent is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is transmitted through the oral route (mouth) and through contact of infected fluids via the eyes and the nose [1,2]. The WHO documented figures have validated that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 633 million cases of active infections and 64.9 million mortalities until the end of the year 2022 [3]. SARSCoV-2 is from the Corona viridae family of viruses and has a single stranded RNA and exists in the beta form. The origins of the human disease of COVID-19 continue to be debatable but the epidemic started in Wuhan China and then spread all over the world.
The COVID-19 virus structure shows it to an enveloped, positive-sense, and single-stranded RNA virus while the genome is 30kb with a diameter of just between 60 to 140nm, thus confirming the very tiny size of this virus [4,5]. The genomic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found to have a 79.5% match with the SARS-CoV-1 virus which was the causative agent of an epidemic in the year 2002 [3,4]. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 virus exhibits a 96% genome similarity to RaTG13 which is a species of a bat coronavirus [3,4,6]. As validated by evolutionary research and due to the genomic similarity, the bat is now considered to be the main biological host of SARS-CoV-2 virus. In order to successfully prevent and manage COVID-19 infections, there is need to understand it’s viral protein structure as well as the links between its functions and the interactions with the human host machinery during pathogenesis [4-8].
Structurally the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been documented as being a sphere in shape while the diameter as mentioned above is in a nanoscale measure although a bigger and pleomorphic particulate shape is also prevalently found (see Figure 1 below) [3]. Since the COVID-19 infection is highly transmissible, there is need for efficient measures of prevention, timely diagnosis, treatment of active infections and containment of the spread through use of effective PPE (personal protective equipment). As the conventionally used viral drugs, testing methodologies and vaccines proved to be ineffective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, since 2020 there has been an ongoing research and innovative nanotechnology, nanoparticle and nanomedicine based solutions for tackling the COVID-19 infection.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
Due to the extremely tiny size of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, all prevention, containment, diagnostics, therapeutics as well as management methodology has to be correspondingly within the “nano” measure as it is then targeted and very efficacious [4-8] In the last two decades, nanotechnology, use of nanoparticles and nanomedicine clinical approaches have given viable options to counteract viral diagnosis, vaccines and therapies [9-21]. Nanotechnology refers to the field that studies and applies nanomaterials and nanoparticles (materials that have a diameter of less than 100nm). Nanotechnology-based uses in COVID-19 medicine include the field of drug discoveries, targeted drug delivery testing, prevention and containment. Nanotechnology has found applications in different methods of designing and developing tools, testing kits, detection protocols and strategies, COVID-19 diagnostics as well treatment drugs and the innovative development of mRNA and other COVID-19 vaccines and PPE [3,9-21].
Since 2020, nanotechnology has boosted the designing of special sensors for the quick and extremely sensitive diagnosis of COVID-19 infections [15,19,21], the creation of effective sanitizers [11], the development and delivery mechanisms of extracellular antigenic components in the form of the mRNA-based vaccines [3,13,14,16,17] as well as the development and targeted delivery of COVID-19 specific antiretroviral drugs for human use (see Figure 2 below) [9-21].
The use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles based nanomedicine is vast in clinical practice because of the unique characteristics of nanomaterials like provision of increased surface area to volume ratios (attributed to the nano measure size), helping with multifunctional clinical protocols, enhanced ability to dissolve and capacity of better surface adaptability. These characteristics of nanomaterials have been very useful in the development of targeted COVID-19 treatments, the innovative creation of novel drugs, improved as well as swift COVID-19 diagnostic tools and nanomedicine applications for patient personalized treatment. All these nanotechnologies based COVID-19 management aspects are far more efficient in mitigation and containment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus [1,7-9]. In this concise review article, we present the most current as well as in trial developments in the last 2-3 years in terms of the use of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in the management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
In this review article, we have carried out a quick review of the latest published research on COVID-19 nanotechnology-based viral prevention, treatment and containment protocols. The aim is to present a summary of how nanotechnology based applications have been useful in the following three perspectives of COVID-19 management. We have reviewed the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles in swift, accurate and easy detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19 diagnostics). Next, we have reviewed the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles in the development of COVID-19 specific antiviral treatments. Thirdly, we have reviewed the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles in COVID-19 prevention strategies (vaccines) and containment (PPE, sanitizers, air filters etc).
This research study methodology made use of the follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) checklist requirements to carry out a qualitative review of appropriate published articles to provide findings for the three nanotechnology-based COVID-19 aspects mentioned above [22-24]. A search was carried out on PubMed as well as Google Scholar databases for relevant articles (published in peer-reviewed journals) on the role of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in the management of COVID-19 infection as well as pandemic.
A number of MeSH (medical subject headings) and terminology were utilized to carry out the search on the two databases (PubMed and Google scholar) and these were: combinations of these key search phrases and synonyms “nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in COVID-19,” “nanotechnology-based applications in COVID-19” and “Nanomedicine in COVID-19.” The abstracts of all the obtained titles from the search results were assessed for relevance in terms of the most current findings. After this, the articles were examined to ensure that they examined one of these aspects: role of nanotechnology, nanoparticles or nanomedicine based aspects of COVID-19 diagnostics, vaccines, treatment or prevention and containment strategies. The abstracts of the relevant reviewable articles were than examined once again to exclude duplicates. The final set of qualifying articles was reviewed for the purposes of this concise review.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Only studies published between 2020- 2023 on the three nanotechnology-based COVID-19 aspects were included. Furthermore, only studies published in the English were included in this concise review.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Results
The PRISMA flowchart (see Figure 3 below) and the key emerging themes with validated findings are presented below. The findings from the reviewed articles showed that the following key themes emerged in the perspective of the role of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine based approaches in COVID-19 management.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
Nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine based applications in faster and cost effective COVID-19 diagnostics are an emerging field with many clinical trials of COVID-19 specific diagnostics and detection strategies underway [3,5,9,11,21]. PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) as well as real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are the most accurate testing and diagnosis protocols with a very high sensitivity and specificity for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The main drawback as seen in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is that these diagnostic tests need multiple use and are quite long in duration, making them costly. In a pandemic situation, high-cost and lengthy diagnostics that also have limitations like providing false-negative results often cause delays in isolation and treatment of active COVID-19 infections. Thus, the need for low-cost, faster and more accurate COVID-19 diagnostics have brought use of nanotechnology in this aspect into focus [3,5,9,11,14-18,21].
The use of plasmonic nanoparticles as the basis of developing cutting-edge, novel and highly sensitive COVID-19 detection tools is an emerging field [2,3,10,12,13,19,22-27]. These new biosensors may become a low-cost and reliable option in future COVID-19 diagnostics. Many clinical trials are underway for the testing of real-time biosensor platforms made using the special features of plasmonic nanoparticles including gold, copper and silver nanoparticles as their working principle (see Figure 4 below) [3]. Many nanomaterials have been used to make detection platforms which can provide fast as well as precise detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These include colorimetric assays made using nanoparticles, new optical sensors, nano immune-sensors for COVID-19, novel immune-chromatographic assays, aptamer based COVID-19 assays as well as bio-barcode assays [3]. Some of the nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine based other applications as well as uses of in COVID-19 diagnostics and detection are presented in (see Figure 5 and 6 below) (see Table 1 below) [28-38].
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
Although we have a much better understanding of antiviral protocols as well as the structural details of COVID-19’s causative virus, the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2023, the currently conventional antiviral drugs that have been used in COVID-19 treatment are not very effective and they have massive side effects. Nanotechnology and nanoparticle-based protocols have found a lot of overlapping use in many of the COVId-19 management aspects strategies of treatment, disinfection, prevention, diagnosis and containment (see Figure 7 below) [3]. Nanotechnology makes use of nanoparticle-based nanomaterials that fall in the 1 to 100 nm size region. Nanotechnology utilizes cutting-edge technology which customizes the synthesis and application of various nanomaterials based on the special physical, chemical, mechanical, optical and electronic characteristics as compared to the larger particles used in clinical medical applications [2,3].
Nanoparticle-based materials have found use in creation of advanced COVID-19 bio-sensors, bio-imaging protocols, targeted drug delivery systems, COVID-19 therapeutics [2]. Nanomaterials have found use both as drug delivery systems and in the nano-encapsulation of antiviral active compounds that need timed as well as targeted release to work as treatment options. Utilization of nanotechnology-based strategies in COVID-19 therapy usually emphasize on attaining the inhibition of one or several viral pathogenesis pathways such as disruption of the interaction of viral proteins with the host cell, preventing the fusion process of the viral with the host cell membranes, deactivating viral protein synthesis that allows them to stick to human cell surfaces and ultimately mitigating the viral replication pathways [3,5,6,9,11,21]. One of the major issues faced in the clinical use of existing anti-viral drugs in treating the COVID-19 infection is their non-specificity and the fact that they have severe cytotoxic effects in human cells.
Most of the anti-COVID-19 drugs (examined for clinical use in trials) such as remdesivir, chloroquine, favipiravir, atazanavir, lopinavir or ritonavir as well as daclatasvir have not shown any validated potential for either being efficient cures or even appropriate prophylaxis [3]. The combination of such drugs with nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems has the potential of increasing the solubility, bio-distribution, as well reducing the half-life of the drug when used in COVID-19 therapy. As the need arose, new nanotechnology based therapeutics have been developed for treatment of active COVID-19 infections. The most prevalent nanoparticles that have until date been utilized in antiviral treatment are metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanoparticles, quantum dots, polymeric nanoparticles and lipid-based nanoparticles that have validated antimicrobial, antiviral characteristics as well as serving as effective drug delivery carriers [2,21].
The use of nanotechnology-based nanomedicine has been instrumental in the development of drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 disease that have lower cytotoxicity, higher specificity and improved efficiency. Nanoparticle use contributes to attainment of desirable features like higher biocompatibility, improved efficacy and highly targeted specificity in COVID-19 drugs [2,21]. Nanotechnology-based solutions and nanoparticles have proven to be very versatile as targeted drug carrier systems and given the needed options in COVID-19 nanomedicine practice. Inactivating pathways of the SARS-CoV-2 virus right at the entry point to the human host cell is a potential, highly potent mechanism that has been explored with use of nanoparticles. Furthermore, nanotechnology provides improved pharmacokinetics with better bio-distribution, which gives overall effective antiviral drugs [3].
The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has given approval for the following nanomaterials to be used in COVID-19 drug development: polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles and dendrimers [3]. These are being used in the encapsulation of antiviral drugs for delayed release and long-term circulation, the combined delivery of many drugs to get effective action against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (see Figure 8 and 9 below) (see Table 2 below) [3,5,6,9,11,21].
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
Most of the strategies designed to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus in treatment protocols make use (to some degree) of nanotechnology-based nanoparticles that serve as adjuvants or medicine carrier systems in COVID-19 vaccines [3,6]. The main aim in this COVID-19 aspect has been development of an effective vaccine which can provide high levels of boosted immunity and has low levels of cytotoxicity or other undesirable side effects to fight the infection without causing any side effects [2]. Several clinical trials are using lipid-based nanoparticles as the carrier of the vaccine parts in a stable and efficient nano delivery system, examples are the BioNTech & Pfizer developed the nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine, BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®) fort COVID-19. BNT162b2 refers to an mRNA vaccine that uses lipid-based nanoparticles and this resulted in an improved 95% efficiency against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moderna utilized lipid-based nanoparticles in the delivery platform for their COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1893 (see Figure 10 below) [1-7,10,13,14,16-21,25-28].
In the last three years, the role of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in the prevention and development of nanotechnology-based COVID-19 vaccines has been phenomenal. The FDA has authorized utilization of nano-crystal formulations, polymer-based nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles and non-polymer nanoparticles as well as metallic, inorganic, and protein-based nanoparticles as COVID-19 vaccine and drug delivery applications [11-13,15-18,21]. At present, COVID-19 vaccines have been developed to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The use of nanoparticle-based vaccines is of two kinds on the basis of their antigen loading protocols.
The first kind are the antigen presenting (attached to the surface) nanoparticles while the second type are the nanoparticles which are encapsulated onto the vaccine antigen. A schematic illustration showing pros and cons of different vaccines classified depending upon the antigen loading strategies are shown in (see Figure 11 below). Many types of COVID-19 vaccines including the BioNTech & Pfizer mRNA vaccine, the Moderna lipid-nanoparticles based COVID-19 vaccines (already in clinical use) and some experimental nanoparticles-based nasal vaccines are still in various phases of clinical trials [3,11,21].
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
As with any viral pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus needs effective containment measures to prevent further spread of the infection and to provide protection to those who have to work in close quarters with high exposure to the virus. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials based PPE gear have played an important role in the containment aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive and containment measures for the SARS-CoV-2 virus without vaccines have been attained through use of traditional viral infection control standards like maintaining hand hygiene with soaps and sanitizers, carrying out environmental sanitization using strong surface disinfectants, implementing social distancing and above all the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and caregivers who have exposure to high viral loads from active COVID-19 patients.
The use of PPE serves as the provision of a physical barrier against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The most frequently utilized PPE gear include filtering face piece respirator masks (N kinds, R kinds and P kinds), surgical face masks, surgical gowns, nurse aprons, gloves, eye shields, goggles as well as totally closed work shoes and boots (see Figure 12 below) [1,5,6,8,9,12-14,23,39]. The uses of nanotechnology and nanoparticle-based materials in the amplifications of the protective features of the PPEs provide enhancements like UV (ultraviolet) protection, antiviral characteristics as well as fire retarding properties [9]. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based applications help in the production of hydrophobic as well as comfortable PPE gear that is better in protection against the COVID-19 infection (see Figure 12 below) [6,9,17]. In this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have emerged as being the first line of defence and vital for preventing exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other pathogenic organisms through the oral and nasal route.
The mask provides protection to the person wearing it and also gives some degree of protection the surroundings. Masks used as PPE have been placed into 3 groups as per the types of filters they have: disposable one-use masks, respirator masks as well as surgical masks (see Figure 13 above) [5,6,40-45]. The gold standards in a mask have the ability of filtering out bio-aerosols efficiently while giving the person wearing it proper comfort. At the same time, when designing a PPE mask, several other factors such as levels of humidity, ambient temperature, the airflow patterns and most importantly the properties of the material used as all this has a significant impact on the mask’s filtration effectiveness and quality. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nanomaterials combined with textiles of choice, provided efficient options for constructing effective masks [5,6,40-45].
Furthermore, they showed a direct effect on the survival times and rates of the SARS-CoV-2 virus after coming into contact with the surface of the mask. As an example, nano-fibers and nanoparticles were able to enhance the antiviral characteristics, filtration ability and the breathability features of the COVID-19 masks. Nano-fibers produced through electro-spinning technologies have proven to be extremely useful materials as their average fiber diameters fall within the nanometer range and they have high surface area to volume ratio which gives the needed functional properties of an ideal anti-COVID face mask [5,6,40-45]. The different types of nanotechnology-based nanoparticles being used in the various prevention and COVID-19 PPE gear is shown in summary in (see Figure 14 below) [1,43].
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Conclusion and Future Prospects
As shown in this concise review, the most recent applications of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine in combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are many and in different aspects. Due to the very unique properties of nanoparticles, they are able to be provided desirable features against like the SARS-CoV-2 virus in clinical nanomedicine practice. These properties include their incredibly small nanoscale size and the consequent extra surface area to a volume ratio, providing multifunctional uses, enhanced solubility as well as the capacity to adapt to different media and surfaces.
The potential of harnessing these properties in the development of targeted COVID-19 treatment regimes, examination of new, novel drug options, faster, low-cost detection and COVID-19 diagnostic tools, use of nanomedicine protocols to personalize patient therapy medicines have all improved our chances against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The possibilities of enhanced COVID-19 clinical practice, better vaccines and PPE gear, as well as effective drugs in the future are unlimited using applications of nanotechnology. The most important applications of nanotechnology in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which have emerged from the findings of this review are:
1. Useful in multi-route administration of water-insoluble drugs, vaccines and other pharmaceuticals.
2. Nanoparticles help in increasing the duration of circulation and timed release of drugs in the human body fluids.
3. The use of nanoparticles as delivery platforms of both drugs as well as vaccines is one of the best preventive strategy uses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
4. The development and use of a variety of nanoparticles in the form of nanofibers has helped in making of enhanced PPE gear that is more efficient in filtering out bio-aerosols containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus while simultaneously being comfortable, long-lasting and antiviral in nature (thus reducing the viral load in the ambient environment also).
At present, we do have improved insights on the application of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and nanomedicine applications against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Nanotechnology-based strategies can be utilized in a variety of ways for combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including prevention, diagnostics, containment and treatment strategies or options. However future innovation, development and studies are required in the fields of the safety of nanotechnology-based COVID-19 uses.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
Acknowledgment
I thank Mr. Bharat Sharma for his extended support in data collection and authentication of the validity of the sources during this study.
- Review Article
- Abstract
- Introduction and Background
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine
- Literature Review Search Methodology and Analysis
- Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
- Results
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Treatment
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Prevention (Vaccination) Measures
- Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles and Nanomedicine in COVID-19 Containment Measures
- Conclusion and Future Prospects
- Acknowledgment
- References
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