Nanotechnology and COVID-19: quo vadis?

An overview on recent patents and technologies on nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery

INTRODUCTION

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics offer groundbreaking potential for treating genetic diseases and advancing next-generation vaccines. Despite their promise, challenges in efficient delivery persist due to the properties of nucleic acids. Nanoparticles (NPs) serve as vital carriers, facilitating effective delivery to target cells, and addressing these challenges. Understanding the global landscape of patents in this field is essential for fostering innovation and guiding decision-making for researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a comprehensive overview of patent compositions, applications, and manufacturing aspects concerning NPs as nucleic acid delivery systems. It delves into temporal trends, protection locations, market dynamics, and the most influential technological domains. In this work, we provide valuable insights into the advancements and potential of NP-based nucleic acid delivery systems, with a special focus on their pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge therapeutic solutions.

EXPERT OPINION

Investment in NPs for nucleic acid delivery has significantly surged in recent years. However, translating these therapies into clinical practice faces obstacles, including the need for robust clinical evidence, regulatory compliance, and streamlined manufacturing processes. To address these challenges, our review article summarizes recent advances. We aim to engage researchers worldwide in the development of these promising technologies.

Nanotechnology-based theranostic and prophylactic approaches against SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has been an unpredicted burden on global healthcare system by infecting over 700 million individuals, with approximately 6 million deaths worldwide. COVID-19 significantly impacted all sectors, but it very adversely affected the healthcare system. These effects were much more evident in the resource limited part of the world. Individuals with acute conditions were also severely impacted. Although classical COVID-19 diagnostics such as RT-PCR and rapid antibody testing have played a crucial role in reducing the spread of infection, these diagnostic techniques are associated with certain limitations. For instance, drawback of RT-PCR diagnostics is that due to degradation of viral RNA during shipping, it can give false negative results. Also, rapid antibody testing majorly depends on the phase of infection and cannot be performed on immune compromised individuals. These limitations in current diagnostic tools require the development of nanodiagnostic tools for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has necessitated the development of specific, responsive, accurate, rapid, low-cost, and simple-to-use diagnostic tools at point of care. In recent years, early detection has been a challenge for several health diseases that require prompt attention and treatment. Disease identification at an early stage, increased imaging of inner health issues, and ease of diagnostic processes have all been established using a new discipline of laboratory medicine called nanodiagnostics, even before symptoms have appeared. Nanodiagnostics refers to the application of nanoparticles (material with size equal to or less than 100 nm) for medical diagnostic purposes. The special property of nanomaterials compared to their macroscopic counterparts is a lesser signal loss and an enhanced electromagnetic field. Nanosize of the detection material also enhances its sensitivity and increases the signal to noise ratio. Microchips, nanorobots, biosensors, nanoidentification of single-celled structures, and microelectromechanical systems are some of the most modern nanodiagnostics technologies now in development. Here, we have highlighted the important roles of nanotechnology in healthcare sector, with a detailed focus on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. We outline the different types of nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices for SARS-CoV-2 and the possible applications of nanomaterials in COVID-19 treatment. We also discuss the utility of nanomaterials in formulating preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2 including their use in manufacture of protective equipment, formulation of vaccines, and strategies for directly hindering viral infection. We further discuss the factors hindering the large-scale accessibility of nanotechnology-based healthcare applications and suggestions for overcoming them.

Protein subunit vaccines: Promising frontiers against COVID-19

The emergence of COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented global health crisis, challenging the healthcare systems worldwide. Amidst the rapid development of several vaccine formulations, protein subunit vaccines have emerged as a promising approach. This article provides an in-depth evaluation of the role of protein subunit vaccines in the management of COVID-19. Leveraging viral protein fragments, particularly the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, these vaccines elicit a targeted immune response without the risk of inducing disease. Notably, the robust safety profile of protein subunit vaccines makes them a compelling candidate in the management of COVID-19. Various innovative approaches, including reverse vaccinology, virus like particles, and recombinant modifications are incorporated to develop protein subunit vaccines. In addition, the utilization of advanced manufacturing techniques facilitates large-scale production, ensuring widespread distribution. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as the requirement for cold-chain storage and the necessity for booster doses. This article evaluates the formulation and applications of protein subunit vaccines, providing a comprehensive overview of their clinical development and approvals in the context of COVID-19. By addressing the current status and challenges, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing protein subunit vaccines for effective pandemic control.