Chiral zirconium quantum dots: A new class of nanocrystals for optical detection of coronavirus

Drug Nanocrystals: A Delivery Channel for Antiviral Therapies

Viral infections represent a significant threat to global health due to their highly communicable and potentially lethal nature. Conventional antiviral interventions encounter challenges such as drug resistance, tolerability issues, specificity concerns, high costs, side effects, and the constant mutation of viral proteins. Consequently, the exploration of alternative approaches is imperative. Therefore, nanotechnology-embedded drugs excelled as a novel approach purporting severe life-threatening viral disease. Integrating nanomaterials and nanoparticles enables ensuring precise drug targeting, improved drug delivery, and fostered pharmacokinetic properties. Notably, nanocrystals (NCs) stand out as one of the most promising nanoformulations, offering remarkable characteristics in terms of physicochemical properties (higher drug loading, improved solubility, and drug retention), pharmacokinetics (enhanced bioavailability, dose reduction), and optical properties (light absorptivity, photoluminescence). These attributes make NCs effective in diagnosing and ameliorating viral infections. This review comprises the prevalence, pathophysiology, and resistance of viral infections along with emphasizing on failure of current antivirals in the management of the diseases. Moreover, the review also highlights the role of NCs in various viral infections in mitigating, diagnosing, and other NC-based strategies combating viral infections. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies evident for the effectiveness of NCs against viral pathogens are also discussed.

Optical Biosensors for the Diagnosis of COVID-19 and Other Viruses-A Review

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge concern globally because of the astounding increase in mortality rates worldwide. The medical imaging computed tomography technique, whole-genome sequencing, and electron microscopy are the methods generally used for the screening and identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The main aim of this review is to emphasize the capabilities of various optical techniques to facilitate not only the timely and effective diagnosis of the virus but also to apply its potential toward therapy in the field of virology. This review paper categorizes the potential optical biosensors into the three main categories, spectroscopic-, nanomaterial-, and interferometry-based approaches, used for detecting various types of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Various classifications of spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy are discussed in the first part. The second aspect highlights advances related to nanomaterial-based optical biosensors, while the third part describes various optical interferometric biosensors used for the detection of viruses. The tremendous progress made by lab-on-a-chip technology in conjunction with smartphones for improving the point-of-care and portability features of the optical biosensors is also discussed. Finally, the review discusses the emergence of artificial intelligence and its applications in the field of bio-photonics and medical imaging for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The review concludes by providing insights into the future perspectives of optical techniques in the effective diagnosis of viruses.

Nanostructures for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral respiratory infections: from influenza virus to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Viruses are a major cause of mortality and socio-economic downfall despite the plethora of biopharmaceuticals designed for their eradication. Conventional antiviral therapies are often ineffective. Live-attenuated vaccines can pose a safety risk due to the possibility of pathogen reversion, whereas inactivated viral vaccines and subunit vaccines do not generate robust and sustained immune responses. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of strategies that combine nanotechnology concepts with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of viral infectious diseases. The present review provides a comprehensive introduction to the different strains of viruses involved in respiratory diseases and presents an overview of recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of viral infections based on nanotechnology concepts and applications. Discussions in diagnostic/therapeutic nanotechnology-based approaches will be focused on H1N1 influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza virus type 3 infections, as well as COVID-19 infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus Delta variant and new emerging Omicron variant.

Anti-Viral Surfaces in the Fight against the Spread of Coronaviruses

This review is conducted against the background of nanotechnology, which provides us with a chance to effectively combat the spread of coronaviruses, and which primarily concerns polyelectrolytes and their usability for obtaining protective function against viruses and as carriers for anti-viral agents, vaccine adjuvants, and, in particular, direct anti-viral activity. This review covers nanomembranes in the form of nano-coatings or nanoparticles built of natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes--either alone or else as nanocomposites for creating an interface with viruses. There are not a wide variety of polyelectrolytes with direct activity against SARS-CoV-2, but materials that are effective in virucidal evaluations against HIV, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV are taken into account as potentially active against SARS-CoV-2. Developing new approaches to materials as interfaces with viruses will continue to be relevant in the future.

Magnetic biosensors for identification of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, HIV, and Ebola viruses: a review

Infectious diseases such as novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Influenza, HIV, Ebola, etc kill many people around the world every year (SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, Ebola in 2013, HIV in 1980, Influenza in 1918). For example, SARS-CoV-2 has plagued higher than 317 000 000 people around the world from December 2019 to January 13, 2022. Some infectious diseases do not yet have not a proper vaccine, drug, therapeutic, and/or detection method, which makes rapid identification and definitive treatments the main challenges. Different device techniques have been used to detect infectious diseases. However, in recent years, magnetic materials have emerged as active sensors/biosensors for detecting viral, bacterial, and plasmids agents. In this review, the recent applications of magnetic materials in biosensors for infectious viruses detection have been discussed. Also, this work addresses the future trends and perspectives of magnetic biosensors.

New insights from nanotechnology in SARS-CoV-2 detection, treatment strategy, and prevention

The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 resulted into the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has made a profound impact on mankind and the world health care system. SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted within the population via symptomatic carriers, enters the host cell via ACE2 and TMPSSR2 receptors and damages the organs. The standard diagnostic tests and treatment methods implemented lack required efficiency to beat SARS-CoV-2 in the race of its spreading. The most prominently used diagnostic test,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (a nucleic acid-based method), has limitations including a prolonged time taken to reveal results, limited sensitivity, a high rate of false negative results, and lacking specificity due to a homology with other viruses. Furthermore, as part of the treatment, antiviral drugs such as remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine, daclatasvir, atazanavir, and many more have been tested clinically to check their potency for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 but none of these antiviral drugs are the definitive cure or suitable prophylaxis. Thus, it is always required to combat SARS-CoV-2 spread and infection for a better and precise prognosis. This review answers the above mentioned challenges by employing nanomedicine for the development of improved detection, treatment, and prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2. In this review, nanotechnology-based detection methods such as colorimetric assays, photothermal biosensors, molecularly imprinted nanoparticles sensors, electrochemical nanoimmunosensors, aptamer-based biosensors have been discussed. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based treatment strategies involving polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and nanocarrier-based antiviral siRNA delivery have been depicted. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 prevention strategies, which include the nanotechnology for upgrading personal protective equipment, facemasks, ocular protection gears, and nanopolymer-based disinfectants, have been also reviewed. This review will provide a one-site informative platform for researchers to explore the crucial role of nanomedicine in managing the COVID-19 curse more effectively.

Recent Developments in Nanotechnology-Based Biosensors for the Diagnosis of Coronavirus

The major challenge in today's world is that medical research is facing the existence of a vast number of viruses and their mutations, which from time to time cause outbreaks. Also, the continuous and spontaneous mutations occurring in the viruses and the emergence of resistant virus strains have become serious medical hazards. So, in view of the growing number of diseases, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has caused the deaths of millions of people, there is a need to improve rapid and sensitive diagnostic strategies to initiate timely treatment for such conditions. In the cases like COVID-19, where a real cure due to erratic and ambiguous signs is not available, early intervention can be life-saving. In the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, nanotechnology has evolved exponentially and can overcome multiple obstacles in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. Nanotechnology has developed exponentially in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields and can overcome numerous challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. At the nano stage, the molecular properties of materials such as gold, silver, carbon, silica, and polymers get altered and can be used for the creation of reliable and accurate diagnostic techniques. This review provides insight into numerous diagnostic approaches focused on nanoparticles that could have been established for quick and early detection of such diseases.

Surface decorated quantum dots: Synthesis, properties and role in herbal therapy

Quantum dots are the serendipitous outcome of materials research. It is the tiny carbonaceous nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 1 to 10 nm. This review is a brief discussion of the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applicability of quantum dots, especially in herbal therapy. As quantum dots are highly polar, they can be surface decorated with several kinds of polar functionalities, such as polymeric molecules, small functional molecules, and so on. The review also consists of the basic physical and optical properties of quantum dots and their excitation-dependent properties in the application section. We focus on therapeutics, where quantum dots are used as drugs or imaging probes. Nanoprobes for several diagnostics are quite new in the biomedical research domain. Quantum dot-based nanoprobes are in high demand due to their excellent fluorescence, non-bleaching nature, biocompatibility, anchoring feasibility for several analytes, and fast point-of-care sensibility. Lastly, we also included a discussion on quantum dot-based drug delivery as phytomedicine.

Outlook of various diagnostics and nanodiagnostic techniques for COVID-19

The sudden outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought to the fore the existing threat of disease-causing pathogens that affect public health all over the world. It has left the best healthcare systems struggling to contain the spread of disease and its consequences. Under challenging circumstances, several innovative technologies have emerged that facilitated quicker diagnosis and treatment. Nanodiagnostic devices are biosensing platforms developed using nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, etc. These devices have the edge over conventional techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) because of their ease of use, quicker analysis, possible miniaturization, and scope for use in point-of-care (POC) treatment. This review discusses the techniques currently used for COVID-19 diagnosis, emphasizing nanotechnology-based diagnostic devices. The commercialized nanodiagnostic devices in various research and development stages are also reviewed. The advantages of nanodiagnostic devices over other techniques are discussed, along with their limitations. Additionally, the important implications of the utility of nanodiagnostic devices in COVID-19, their prospects for future development for use in clinical and POC settings, and personalized healthcare are also discussed.

State-of-art high-performance Nano-systems for mutated coronavirus infection management: From Lab to Clinic

The emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants made emerging novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic/endemic/or both more severe and difficult to manage due to increased worry about the efficacy and efficiency of present preventative, therapeutic, and sensing measures. To deal with these unexpected circumstances, the development of novel nano-systems with tuneable optical, electrical, magnetic, and morphological properties can lead to novel research needed for (1) COVID-19 infection (anti-microbial systems against SARS-CoV-2), (2) early detection of mutated SARS-CoV-2, and (3) targeted delivery of therapeutics using nano-systems, i.e., nanomedicine. However, there is a knowledge gap in understanding all these nano-biotechnology potentials for managing mutated SARS-CoV-2 on a single platform. To bring up the aspects of nanotechnology to tackle SARS-CoV-2 variants related COVID-19 pandemic, this article emphasizes improvements in the high-performance of nano-systems to combat SARS-CoV-2 strains/variants with a goal of managing COVID-19 infection via trapping, eradication, detection/sensing, and treatment of virus. The potential of state-of-the-art nano-assisted approaches has been demonstrated as an efficient drug delivery systems, viral disinfectants, vaccine productive cargos, anti-viral activity, and biosensors suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. Furthermore, the process linked with the efficacy of nanosystems to neutralize and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 is extensively highligthed in this report. The challenges and opportunities associated with managing COVID-19 using nanotechnology as part of regulations are also well-covered. The outcomes of this review will help researchers to design, investigate, and develop an appropriate nano system to manage COVID-19 infection, with a focus on the detection and eradication of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. This article is unique in that it discusses every aspect of high-performance nanotechnology for ideal COVID pandemic management.

Novel and Alternative Therapeutic Strategies for Controlling Avian Viral Infectious Diseases: Focus on Infectious Bronchitis and Avian Influenza

The growth of poultry farming has enabled higher spread of infectious diseases and their pathogens among different kinds of birds, such as avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian influenza virus (AIV). IBV and AIV are a potential source of poultry mortality and economic losses. Furthermore, some pathogens have the ability to cause zoonotic diseases and impart human health problems. Antiviral treatments that are used often lead to virus resistance along with the problems of side effects, recurrence, and latency of viruses. Though target hosts are being vaccinated, the constant emergence and re-emergence of strains of these viruses cause disease outbreaks. The pharmaceutical industry is gradually focusing on plant extracts to develop novel herbal drugs to have proper antiviral capabilities. Natural therapeutic agents developed from herbs, essential oils (EO), and distillation processes deliver a rich source of amalgams to discover and produce new antiviral drugs. The mechanisms involved have elaborated how these natural therapeutics agents play a major role during virus entry and replication in the host and cause inhibition of viral pathogenesis. Nanotechnology is one of the advanced techniques that can be very useful in diagnosing and controlling infectious diseases in poultry. In general, this review covers the issue of the poultry industry situation, current infectious diseases, mainly IB and AI control measures and, in addition, the setup of novel therapeutics using plant extracts and the use of nanotechnology information that may help to control these diseases.

Forecasting the Post-Pandemic Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Using the Bullwhip Phenomenon Alongside Use of Nanosensors for Disease Containment and Cure

The COVID-19 pandemic has the tendency to affect various organizational paradigm alterations, which civilization hasyet to fully comprehend. Personal to professional, individual to corporate, and across most industries, the spectrum of transformations is vast. Economically, the globe has never been more intertwined, and it has never been subjected to such widespread disruption. While many people have felt and acknowledged the pandemic's short-term repercussions, the resultant paradigm alterations will certainly have long-term consequences with an unknown range and severity. This review paper aims at acknowledging various approaches for the prevention, detection, and diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using nanomaterials as a base material. A nanostructure is a material classification based on dimensionality, in proportion to the characteristic diameter and surface area. Nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanowires (NW), carbon nanotubes (CNT), thin films, and nanocomposites are some examples of various dimensions, each acting as a single unit, in terms of transport capacities. Top-down and bottom-up techniques are used to fabricate nanomaterials. The large surface-to-volume ratio of nanomaterials allows one to create extremely sensitive charge or field sensors (electrical sensors, chemical sensors, explosives detection, optical sensors, and gas sensing applications). Nanowires have potential applications in information and communication technologies, low-energy lightning, and medical sensors. Carbon nanotubes have the best environmental stability, electrical characteristics, and surface-to-volume ratio of any nanomaterial, making them ideal for bio-sensing applications. Traditional commercially available techniques have focused on clinical manifestations, as well as molecular and serological detection equipment that can identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Scientists are expressing a lot of interest in developing a portable and easy-to-use COVID-19 detection tool. Several unique methodologies and approaches are being investigated as feasible advanced systems capable of meeting the demands. This review article attempts to emphasize the pandemic's aftereffects, utilising the notion of the bullwhip phenomenon's short-term and long-term effects, and it specifies the use of nanomaterials and nanosensors for detection, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy in connection to the SARS-CoV-2.

Quantum dots against SARS-CoV-2: diagnostic and therapeutic potentials

The application of quantum dots (QDs) for detecting and treating various types of coronaviruses is very promising, as their low toxicity and high surface performance make them superior among other nanomaterials; in conjugation with fluorescent probes they are promising semiconductor nanomaterials for the detection of various cellular processes and viral infections. In view of the successful results for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2, functional QDs could serve eminent role in the growth of safe nanotherapy for the cure of viral infections in the near future; their large surface areas help bind numerous molecules post-synthetically. Functionalized QDs with high functionality, targeted selectivity, stability and less cytotoxicity can be employed for highly sensitive co-delivery and imaging/diagnosis. Besides, due to the importance of safety and toxicity issues, QDs prepared from plant sources (e.g. curcumin) are much more attractive, as they provide good biocompatibility and low toxicity. In this review, the recent developments pertaining to the diagnostic and inhibitory potentials of QDs against SARS-CoV-2 are deliberated including important challenges and future outlooks. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Nanomaterials for virus sensing and tracking

The effect of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic on global healthcare systems has underlined the importance of timely and cost-effective point-of-care diagnosis of viruses. The need for ultrasensitive easy-to-use platforms has culminated in an increased interest for rapid response equipment-free alternatives to conventional diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction, western-blot assay, etc. Furthermore, the poor stability and the bleaching behavior of several contemporary fluorescent reporters is a major obstacle in understanding the mechanism of viral infection thus retarding drug screening and development. Owing to their extraordinary surface-to-volume ratio as well as their quantum confinement and charge transfer properties, nanomaterials are desirable additives to sensing and imaging systems to amplify their signal response as well as temporal resolution. Their large surface area promotes biomolecular integration as well as efficacious signal transduction. Due to their hole mobility, photostability, resistance to photobleaching, and intense brightness, nanomaterials have a considerable edge over organic dyes for single virus tracking. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of combining carbon-allotrope, inorganic and organic-based nanomaterials with virus sensing and tracking methods, starting with the impact of human pathogenic viruses on the society. We address how different nanomaterials can be used in various virus sensing platforms (e.g. lab-on-a-chip, paper, and smartphone-based point-of-care systems) as well as in virus tracking applications. We discuss the enormous potential for the use of nanomaterials as simple, versatile, and affordable tools for detecting and tracing viruses infectious to humans, animals, plants as well as bacteria. We present latest examples in this direction by emphasizing major advantages and limitations.

An impedimetric biosensor for COVID-19 serology test and modification of sensor performance via dielectrophoresis force

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant global morbidity and mortality. The serology test that detects antibodies against the disease causative agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has often neglected value in supporting immunization policies and therapeutic decision-making. The ELISA-based antibody test is time-consuming and bulky. This work described a gold micro-interdigitated electrodes (IDE) biosensor for COVID antibody detection based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) responses. The IDE architecture allows easy surface modification with the viral structure protein, Spike (S) protein, in the gap of the electrode digits to selectively capture anti-S antibodies in buffer solutions or human sera. Two strategies were employed to resolve the low sensitivity issue of non-faradic impedimetric sensors and the sensor fouling phenomenon when using the serum. One uses secondary antibody-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates to further distinguish anti-S antibodies from the non-specific binding and obtain a more significant impedance change. The second strategy consists of increasing the concentration of target antibodies in the gap of IDEs by inducing an AC electrokinetic effect such as dielectrophoresis (DEP). AuNP and DEP methods reached a limit of detection of 200 ng/mL and 2 μg/mL, respectively using purified antibodies in buffer, while the DEP method achieved a faster testing time of only 30 min. Both strategies could qualitatively distinguish COVID-19 antibody-positive and -negative sera. Our work, especially the impedimetric detection of COVID-19 antibodies under the assistance of the DEP force presents a promising path toward rapid, point-of-care solutions for COVID-19 serology tests.

Therapeutic significance of nano- and biosensor technology in combating SARS-CoV-2: a review

The diagnosis of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has gained the spotlight of the world's scientific community since December 2019 and it remains an important issue due to the emergence of novel variants around the globe. Early diagnosis of coronavirus is captious to prevent and hard to control. This pandemic can be eradicated by implementing suppressing strategies which can lead to better outcomes and more lives being saved. Therefore, the analysis showed that COVID-19 can only be managed by adopting public health measures, such as testing, isolation and social distancing. Much work has been done to diagnose coronavirus. Various testing technologies have been developed, opted and modified for rapid and accurate detection. The advanced molecular diagnosis relies on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 as it has been considered the main causative agent of this pandemic. Studies have shown that several molecular tests are considered essential for the confirmation of coronavirus infection. Various serology-based tests are also used in the detection and diagnosis of coronavirus including point-of-care assays and high-throughput enzyme immunoassays that aid in the diagnosis of COVID-19. Both these assays are time-consuming and have less diagnostic accuracy. Nanotechnology has the potential to develop new strategies to combat COVID-19 by developing diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we have focused on the nanotechnology-based detection techniques including nanoparticles and biosensors to obstruct the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Advancement in Nanoparticle-Based Biosensors for Point-of-Care In Vitro Diagnostics

Abstract:

Recently, there has been great progress in the field of extremely sensitive and precise detection of bioanalytes. The importance of the utilization of nanoparticles in biosensors has been recognized due to their unique properties. Specifically, nanoparticles of gold, silver, and magnetic plus graphene, quantum dots, and nanotubes of carbon are being keenly considered for utilizations within biosensors to detect nucleic acids, glucose, or pathogens (bacteria as well as a virus). Taking advantage of nanoparticles, faster and sensitive biosensors can be developed. Here we review the nanoparticles' contribution to the biosensors field and their potential applications.

COVID-19: A systematic review and update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Since the rapid onset of the COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the world in 2019, extensive studies have been conducted to unveil the behavior and emission pattern of the virus in order to determine the best ways to diagnosis of virus and thereof formulate effective drugs or vaccines to combat the disease. The emergence of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques considering the multiplicity of reports from one side and contradictions in assessments from the other side necessitates instantaneous updates on the progress of clinical investigations. There is also growing public anxiety from time to time mutation of COVID-19, as reflected in considerable mortality and transmission, respectively, from delta and Omicron variants. We comprehensively review and summarize different aspects of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. First, biological characteristics of COVID-19 were explained from diagnosis standpoint. Thereafter, the preclinical animal models of COVID-19 were discussed to frame the symptoms and clinical effects of COVID-19 from patient to patient with treatment strategies and in-silico/computational biology. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of nanoscience/nanotechnology in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 were discussed. This review covers almost all SARS-CoV-2-related topics extensively to deepen the understanding of the latest achievements (last updated on January 11, 2022).

A minireview on nanoparticle-based sensors for the detection of coronaviruses

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a class of viruses that cause respiratory tract infections in birds and mammals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome are pathogenic human viruses. The ongoing coronavirus causing a pandemic of COVID-19 is a recently identified virus from this group. The first step in the control of spreading the disease is to detect and quarantine infected subjects. Consequently, the introduction of rapid and reliable detection methods for CoVs is crucial. To date, several methods were reported for the detection of coronaviruses. Nanoparticles play an important role in detection tools, thanks to their high surface-to-volume ratio and exclusive optical property enables the development of susceptible analytical nanoparticle-based sensors. The studies performed on using nanoparticles-based (mainly gold) sensors to detect CoVs in two categories of optical and electrochemical were reviewed here. Details of each reported sensor and its relevant analytical parameters are carefully provided and explained.

Micro/nanotechnology-inspired rapid diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases

Humans have suffered from a variety of infectious diseases since a long time ago, and now a new infectious disease called COVID-19 is prevalent worldwide. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to research of the effective methods of diagnosing respiratory infectious diseases, which are important to reduce infection rate and help the spread of diseases be controlled. The onset of COVID-19 has led to the further development of existing diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Furthermore, this has contributed to the further development of micro/nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods, which have advantages of high-throughput testing, effectiveness in terms of cost and space, and portability compared to conventional diagnosis methods. Micro/nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods can be largely classified into (1) nanomaterials-based, (2) micromaterials-based, and (3) micro/nanodevice-based. This review paper describes how micro/nanotechnologies have been exploited to diagnose respiratory infectious diseases in each section. The research and development of micro/nanotechnology-based diagnostics should be further explored and advanced as new infectious diseases continue to emerge. Only a handful of micro/nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods has been commercialized so far and there still are opportunities to explore.

Tracking SARS-CoV-2: Novel Trends and Diagnostic Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on economies and health systems globally, therefore a top priority is the development of increasingly better diagnostic and surveillance alternatives to slow down the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In order to establish massive testing and contact tracing policies, it is crucial to have a clear view of the diagnostic options available and their principal advantages and drawbacks. Although classical molecular methods such as RT-qPCR are broadly used, diagnostic alternatives based on technologies such as LAMP, antigen, serological testing, or the application of novel technologies such as CRISPR-Cas for diagnostics, are also discussed. The present review also discusses the most important automation strategies employed to increase testing capability. Several serological-based diagnostic kits are presented, as well as novel nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods. In summary, this review provides a clear diagnostic landscape of the most relevant tools to track COVID-19.

Nanotechnology based solutions to combat zoonotic viruses with special attention to SARS, MERS, and COVID 19: Detection, protection and medication

Zoonotic viruses originate from birds or animal sources and responsible for disease transmission from animals to people through zoonotic spill over and presents a significant global health concern due to lack of rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The Corona viruses (CoV) were known to be transmitted in mammals. Early this year, SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of corona virus, was identified as the causative pathogen of an outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The disease later named corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), subsequently spread across the globe rapidly. Nano-particles and viruses are comparable in size, which serves to be a major advantage of using nano-material in clinical strategy to combat viruses. Nanotechnology provides novel solutions against zoonotic viruses by providing cheap and efficient detection methods, novel, and new effective rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The prospective of nanotechnology in COVID 19 is exceptionally high due to their small size, large surface-to-volume ratio, susceptibility to modification, intrinsic viricidal activity. The nano-based strategies address the COVID 19 by extending their role in i) designing nano-materials for drug/vaccine delivery, ii) developing nano-based diagnostic approaches like nano-sensors iii) novel nano-based personal protection equipment to be used in prevention strategies.This review aims to bring attention to the significant contribution of nanotechnology to mitigate against zoonotic viral pandemics by prevention, faster diagnosis and medication point of view.

State-of-the-art colloidal particles and unique interfaces-based SARS-CoV-2 detection methods and COVID-19 diagnosis

In March 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-based infections were declared 'COVID-19 pandemic' by the World Health Organization. Pandemic raised the necessity to design and develop genuine and sensitive tests for precise specific SARS-CoV-2 infections detection. Nanotechnological methods offer new ways to fight COVID-19. Nanomaterials are ideal for unique sensor platforms because of their chemically versatile properties and they are easy to manufacture. In this context, selected examples for integrating nanomaterials and distinct biosensor platforms are given to detect SARS-CoV-2 biological materials and COVID-19 biomarkers, giving researchers and scientists more goals and a better forecast to design more relevant and novel sensor arrays for COVID-19 diagnosis.

A Review of THz Technologies for Rapid Sensing and Detection of Viruses including SARS-CoV-2

Virus epidemics such as Ebola virus, Zika virus, MERS-coronavirus, and others have wreaked havoc on humanity in the last decade. In addition, a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and its continuously evolving mutants have become so deadly that they have forced the entire technical advancement of healthcare into peril. Traditional ways of detecting these viruses have been successful to some extent, but they are costly, time-consuming, and require specialized human resources. Terahertz-based biosensors have the potential to lead the way for low-cost, non-invasive, and rapid virus detection. This review explores the latest progresses in terahertz technology-based biosensors for the virus, viral particle, and antigen detection, as well as upcoming research directions in the field.

Applications of nanomaterials in COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents one of the biggest global health threats in the last two decades, so researchers around the world are searching for solutions and treatments for COVID-19. At the time of writing, there are no specific drugs that have demonstrated suitable effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The current challenge involves designing tools for the prevention, rapid and accurate diagnosis, drug delivery, and effective treatment of this novel coronavirus. In this short review, we discuss how nanotechnology offers new ways to combat COVID-19, and how nanomaterials can be applied to control the COVID-19 outbreak. We also summarize relevant studies regarding the use of nanomaterials for preventing viral spread, preparing vaccines, and diagnosing coronavirus, as well as studies that show how nanoparticles can be used as drug delivery systems for the treatment of viral infections. Research on nanotechnology-based diagnosis, drug delivery, and antiviral therapy is currently in the early stages. However, the unique chemical properties of some nanomaterials highlight the broad prospect of nanomaterials in the future, and we propose that they will play an important role in the fight against COVID-19.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Emerging nanotechnology role in the development of innovative solutions against COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak is creating severe impressions on all facets of the global community. Despite strong measures worldwide to try and re-achieve normalcy, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to survive sturdy ecological settings may contribute to its rapid spread. Scientists from different aspects of life are working together to develop effective treatment strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Apart from using clinical devices for patient recovery, the key focus is on developing antiviral drugs and vaccines. Given the physical size of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and with the vaccine delivery platform currently undergoing clinical trials, the link between nanotechnology is clear, and previous antiviral research using nanomaterials confirms this link. Nanotechnology based products can effectively suppress various pathogens, including viruses, regardless of drug resistance, biological structure, or physiology. Thus, nanotechnology is opening up new dimensions for developing new strategies for diagnosing, preventing, treating COVID-19 and other viral ailments. This article describes the application of nanotechnology against the COVID-19 virus in terms of therapeutic purposes and vaccine development through the invention of nanomaterial based substances such as sanitizers (handwashing agents and surface disinfectants), masks and gowns, amongst other personal protective equipment, diagnostic tools, and nanocarrier systems, as well as the drawbacks and challenges of nanotechnology that need to be addressed.

Role of different types of nanomaterials against diagnosis, prevention and therapy of COVID-19

In 2019, a novel type of coronavirus emerged in China called SARS-COV-2, known COVID-19, threatens global health and possesses negative impact on people's quality of life, leading to an urgent need for its diagnosis and remedy. On the other hand, the presence of hazardous infectious waste led to the increase of the risk of transmitting the virus by individuals and by hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, in this review, we survey previous researches on nanomaterials that can be effective for guiding strategies to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic and also decrease the hazardous infectious waste in the environment. We highlight the contribution of nanomaterials that possess potential to therapy, prevention, detect targeted virus proteins and also can be useful for large population screening, for the development of environmental sensors and filters. Besides, we investigate the possibilities of employing the nanomaterials in antiviral research and treatment development, examining the role of nanomaterials in antiviral- drug design, including the importance of nanomaterials in drug delivery and vaccination, and for the production of medical equipment. Nanomaterials-based technologies not only contribute to the ongoing SARS- CoV-2 research efforts but can also provide platforms and tools for the understanding, protection, detection and treatment of future viral diseases.

Could Nanotechnology Help to End the Fight Against COVID-19? Review of Current Findings, Challenges and Future Perspectives

A serious viral infectious disease was introduced to the globe by the end of 2019 that was seen primarily from China, but spread worldwide in a few months to be a pandemic. Since then, accurate prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies are not yet outlined. There is no approved drug to counter its worldwide transmission. However, integration of nanostructured delivery systems with the current management strategies has promised a pronounced opportunity to tackle the pandemic. This review addressed the various promising nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the pandemic. The pharmaceutical, pharmacoeconomic, and regulatory aspects of these systems with currently achieved or predicted beneficial outcomes, challenges, and future perspectives are also highlighted.

A review on plasmonic and metamaterial based biosensing platforms for virus detection

Due to changes in our climate and constant loss of habitat for animals, new pathogens for humans are constantly erupting. SARS-CoV-2 virus, become so infectious and deadly that they put new challenge to the whole technological advancement of healthcare. Within this very decade, several other deadly virus outbreaks were witnessed by humans such as Zika virus, Ebola virus, MERS-coronavirus etc. and there might be even more infectious and deadlier diseases in the horizon. Though conventional techniques have succeeded in detecting these viruses to some extent, these techniques are time-consuming, costly, and require trained human-resources. Plasmonic metamaterial based biosensors might pave the way to low-cost rapid virus detection. So this review discusses in details, the latest development in plasmonics and metamaterial based biosensors for virus, viral particles and antigen detection and the future direction of research in this field.

Nanobased Platforms for Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: From Benchtop to Bedside

Human respiratory viral infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Among the various respiratory viruses, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) have created the greatest challenge and most frightening health threat worldwide. Human coronaviruses typically infect the upper respiratory tract, causing illnesses that range from common cold-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory infections. Several promising vaccine formulations have become available since the beginning of 2021. Nevertheless, achievement of herd immunity is still far from being realized. Social distancing remains the only effective measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanobiotechnology enables the design of nanobiosensors. These nanomedical diagnostic devices have opened new vistas for early detection of viral infections. The present review outlines recent research on the effectiveness of nanoplatforms as diagnostic and antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The biological properties of coronavirus and infected host organs are discussed. The challenges and limitations encountered in combating SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted. Potential nanodevices such as nanosensors, nanobased vaccines, and smart nanomedicines are subsequently presented for combating current and future mutated versions of coronaviruses.

Green chemistry and coronavirus

The novel coronavirus pandemic has rapidly spread around the world since December 2019. Various techniques have been applied in identification of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 infection including computed tomography imaging, whole genome sequencing, and molecular methods such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This review article discusses the diagnostic methods currently being deployed for the SARS-CoV-2 identification including optical biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics that are on the horizon. These innovative technologies may provide a more accurate, sensitive and rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 to manage the present novel coronavirus outbreak, and could be beneficial in preventing any future epidemics. Furthermore, the use of green synthesized nanomaterials in the optical biosensor devices could leads to sustainable and environmentally-friendly approaches for addressing this crisis.

Nanomedicine for COVID-19: the role of nanotechnology in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Although nearly two decades have passed since the emergence of pandemics such as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no effective drug against the CoV family has yet been approved, so there is a need to find newer therapeutic targets. Currently, simultaneous research across the globe is being performed to discover efficient vaccines or drugs, including both conventional therapies used to treat previous similar diseases and emerging therapies like nanomedicine. Nanomedicine has already proven its value through its application drug delivery and nanosensors in other diseases. Nanomedicine and its components can play an important role in various stages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and research related to COVID-19. Nano-based antimicrobial technology can be integrated into personal equipment for the greater safety of healthcare workers and people. Various nanomaterials such as quantum dots can be used as biosensors to diagnose COVID-19. Nanotechnology offers benefits from the use of nanosystems, such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and micelles, for drug encapsulation, and facilitates the improvement of pharmacological drug properties. Antiviral functions for nanoparticles can target the binding, entry, replication, and budding of COVID-19. The toxicity-related inorganic nanoparticles are one of the limiting factors of its use that should be further investigated and modified. In this review, we are going to discuss nanomedicine options for COVID-19 management, similar applications for related viral diseases, and their gap of knowledge.

A short review on nanotechnology interventions against COVID-19

The COVID-19 has affected all major aspects of the society in a global perspective. The role of nanotechnology is much sought after in fighting this pandemic. Advanced materials based on nanotechnology are the basis of several technologies starting from masks and personal protection equipment to specific diagnostic tools that could diminish the impact of COVID-19. Development of nanotechnology-based products is therefore an absolute necessity for fight against COVID-19. We examine the fundamental concepts related to virology, histopathologic findings and how nanotechnology can help in fighting the disease. In this review we discuss the state of the art and ongoing nanotechnology-based strategies like antiviral coatings, 3D printing and therapeutics to fight against this deadly disease. The importance of using nanoparticles in point of care tests and biosensors is also highlighted.

Applications of nanotechnology in virus detection, tracking, and infection mechanisms

Viruses are among the most infectious pathogens, responsible for the highest death toll around the world. Lack of effective clinical drug for most of the viruses emphasizes the rapid and accurate diagnosis at early stages of infection to prevent rapid spread of the pathogens. Nanotechnology is an emerging field with applications in various domains, where nano‐biomedical science has many significant contributions such as effective delivery of drugs/therapeutic molecules to specific organs, imaging, sensitive detection of virus, and their accurate tracking in host cells. The nanomaterials reported for virus detection and tracking mainly include magnetic and gold NPs, ZnO/Pt‐Pd, graphene, and quantum dots (QDs). In addition, the single virus tracking technology (SVT) allowed to track the life cycle stages of an individual virus for better understanding of their dynamics within the living cells. Inorganic as well as non‐metallic fluorescent materials share the advantages of high photochemical stability, a wide range of light absorption curves and polychromatic emission. Hence, are considered as potential fluorescent nano‐probes for SVT. However, there are still some challenges: (i) clinical false positive rate of some detection methods is still high; (ii) in the virus tracking process, less adaptability of QDs owing to larger size, flicker, and possible interference with virus function; and (iii) in vivo tracking of a single virus, in real time needs further refinement. In the future, smaller, non‐toxic, and chemically stable nanomaterials are needed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of detection, and monitoring of virus infections to curb the mortalities.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures

FEAST of biosensors: Food, environmental and agricultural sensing technologies (FEAST) in North America

We review the challenges and opportunities for biosensor research in North America aimed to accelerate translational research. We call for platform approaches based on: i) tools that can support interoperability between food, environment and agriculture, ii) open-source tools for analytics, iii) algorithms used for data and information arbitrage, and iv) use-inspired sensor design. We summarize select mobile devices and phone-based biosensors that couple analytical systems with biosensors for improving decision support. Over 100 biosensors developed by labs in North America were analyzed, including lab-based and portable devices. The results of this literature review show that nearly one quarter of the manuscripts focused on fundamental platform development or material characterization. Among the biosensors analyzed for food (post-harvest) or environmental applications, most devices were based on optical transduction (whether a lab assay or portable device). Most biosensors for agricultural applications were based on electrochemical transduction and few utilized a mobile platform. Presently, the FEAST of biosensors has produced a wealth of opportunity but faces a famine of actionable information without a platform for analytics.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic has been validated as an extreme clinical calamity and has affected several socio-economic activities globally. Proven transmission of this virus occurs through airborne droplets from an infected person. The recent upsurge in the number of infected individuals has already exceeded the number of intensive care beds available to patients. These extraordinary circumstances have elicited the need for the development of diagnostic tools for the detection of the virus and, hence, prevent the spread of the disease. Early diagnosis and effective immediate treatment can reduce and prevent an increase in the number of cases. Conventional methods of detection such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and chest computed tomography scans have been used extensively for diagnostic purposes. However, these present several challenges, including prolonged assay requirements, labor-intensive testing, low sensitivity, and unavailability of these resources in remote locations. Such challenges urgently require fast, sensitive, and accurate diagnostic techniques for the timely detection and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Point-of-care biosensors that include paper- and chip-based diagnostic systems are rapid, cost-effective, and user friendly. In this article nanotechnology-based potential biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis are discussed with particular emphasis on a lateral flow assay, a surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based biosensor, a localized surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor, Förster resonance energy transfer, an electrochemical biosensor, and artificial intelligence-based biosensors. Several biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, antibodies/enzymes, or aptamers, can serve as potential detection molecules on an appropriate platform, such as graphene oxide, nanoparticles, or quantum dots. An effective biosensor can be developed by using appropriate combinations of nanomaterials and technologies.

Silver-Based Nanomaterials as Therapeutic Agents Against Coronaviruses: A Review

Since the identification of the first human coronavirus in the 1960s, a total of six coronaviruses that are known to affect humans have been identified: 229E, OC43, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), NL63, HKU1, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Presently, the human world is affected by a novel version of the coronavirus family known as SARS-CoV-2, which has an extremely high contagion rate. Although the infection fatality rate (IFR) of this rapidly spreading virus is not high (ranging from 0.00% to 1.54% across 51 different locations), the increasing number of infections and deaths has created a worldwide pandemic situation. To provide therapy to severely infected patients, instant therapeutic support is urgently needed and the repurposing of already approved drugs is presently in progress. In this regard, the development of nanoparticles as effective transporters for therapeutic drugs or as alternative medicines is highly encouraged and currently needed. The size range of the viruses is within 60-140 nm, which is slightly larger than the diameters of nanoparticles, making nanomaterials efficacious tools with antiviral properties. Silver-based nanomaterials (AgNMs) demonstrate antimicrobial and disinfectant effects mostly by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are presently considered as a versatile tool for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Other metal-based nanoparticles have been primarily reported as delivery agents or surface modifying agents, vaccine adjuvant against coronavirus. The present review summarizes and discusses the possible effectiveness of various surface-modified AgNMs against animal coronaviruses and presents a concept for AgNM-based therapeutic treatment of SARS-CoV-2 in the near future.

Realization of novel corona virus kit using silicon based 2D photonic structure via finite difference time domain method

The present research proposes the novel corona virus kit using silicon based two (2D) photonic structure. The basic principle of the estimation of different corona viruses relies on the computation of reflectance, absorbance, and transmittance at the signal of 412 nm. Here reflectance is investigated through the analysis of photonic band gap where absorbance is calculated using analytical treatment. The present investigation is made for different corona virus such as N5H1, N5H2, H9N2, H4N6, FAdV, and IBV. The numerical analysis indicates that the sample could be affected by novel corona virus if the transmitted signal lies with red spectrum. Similarly, sample could be normal viruses if the transmitted signal would green spectrum.

Nanotechnology-based promising strategies for the management of COVID-19: current development and constraints

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 pandemic has been declared as a global emergency by the World Health Organization which has mounted global pressure on the healthcare system. The design and development of rapid tests for the precise and early detection of infection are urgently needed to detect the disease and also for bulk screening of infected persons. The traditional drugs moderately control the symptoms, but so far, no specific drug has been discovered. The prime concern is to device novel tools for rapid and precise diagnosis, drug delivery, and effective therapies for coronavirus. In this context, nanotechnology offers novel ways to fight against COVID-19.

AREA COVERED

This review includes the use of nanomaterials for the control of COVID-19. The tools for diagnosis of coronavirus, nano-based vaccines, and nanoparticles as a drug delivery system for the treatment of virus infection have been discussed. The toxicity issues related to nanoparticles have also been addressed.

EXPERT OPINION

The research on nanotechnology-based diagnosis, drug delivery, and antiviral therapies is at a preliminary stage. The antiviral nanomedicine therapies are cost-effective and with high quality. Nanoparticles are a promising tool for prevention, diagnosis, antiviral drug delivery, and therapeutics, which may open up new avenues in the treatment of COVID-19.

A proposal for testing kit of corona viruses using 3D photonic structure

Design of corona virus testing kit is proposed in this paper using silicon based 3D photonic structure through zirconium quantum dot solution at the signal of 412 nm. The principle of measurement depends on the computation of reflectance, absorbance and transmittance of virus based quantum dot solution. In this paper, the reflectance is studied through the analysis of photonic band gap and absorbance is made through its numerical treatment. Further, the numerical investigation shows that the transmitted energy through photonic structure would determine the type of corona virus. For example; if the transmitted energy lies within the visible spectrum the sample would be normal corona virus. However, the sample could be IBV (SARS COV-2) if the transmitted energy would be Infrared.

A label-free electrochemical assay for coronavirus IBV H120 strain quantification based on equivalent substitution effect and AuNPs-assisted signal amplification

A label-free electrochemical strategy is proposed combining equivalent substitution effect with AuNPs-assisted signal amplification. According to the differences of S1 protein in various infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains, a target DNA sequence that can specifically recognize H120 RNA forming a DNA-RNA hybridized double-strand structure has been designed. Then, the residual single-stranded target DNA is hydrolyzed by S1 nuclease. Therefore, the content of target DNA becomes equal to the content of virus RNA. After equivalent coronavirus, the target DNA is separated from DNA-RNA hybridized double strand by heating, which can partly hybridize with probe 2 modified on the electrode surface and probe 1 on AuNPs’ surface. Thus, AuNPs are pulled to the surface of the electrode and the abundant DNA on AuNPs’ surface could adsorb a large amount of hexaammineruthenium (III) chloride (RuHex) molecules, which produce a remarkably amplified electrochemical response. The voltammetric signal of RuHex with a peak near − 0.28 V vs. Ag/AgCl is used as the signal output. The proposed method shows a detection range of 1.56e⁻⁹ to 1.56e⁻⁶ μM with the detection limit of 2.96e⁻¹⁰ μM for IBV H120 strain selective quantification detection, exhibiting good accuracy, stability, and simplicity, which shows a great potential for IBV detection in vaccine research and avian infectious bronchitis diagnosis.

Nanoparticle-Based Strategies to Combat COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the worst pandemic disease of the current millennium. This disease is caused by the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which first exhibited human-to-human transmission in December 2019 and has infected millions of people within months across 213 different countries. Its ability to be transmitted by asymptomatic carriers has put a massive strain on the currently available testing resources. Currently, there are no clinically proven therapeutic methods that clearly inhibit the effects of this virus, and COVID-19 vaccines are still in the development phase. Strategies need to be explored to expand testing capacities, to develop effective therapeutics, and to develop safe vaccines that provide lasting immunity. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used in many medical applications, such as biosensing, drug delivery, imaging, and antimicrobial treatment. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus with particle-like characteristics and a diameter of 60-140 nm. Synthetic NPs can closely mimic the virus and interact strongly with its proteins due to their morphological similarities. Hence, NP-based strategies for tackling this virus have immense potential. NPs have been previously found to be effective tools against many viruses, especially against those from the Coronaviridae family. This Review outlines the role of NPs in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccination for the other two epidemic coronaviruses, the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus and the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus. We also highlight nanomaterial-based approaches to address other coronaviruses, such as human coronaviruses (HCoVs); feline coronavirus (FCoV); avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV); coronavirus models, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV); and other viruses that share similarities with SARS-CoV-2. This Review combines the salient principles from previous antiviral studies with recent research conducted on SARS-CoV-2 to outline NP-based strategies that can be used to combat COVID-19 and similar pandemics in the future.

The Potential of Various Nanotechnologies for Coronavirus Diagnosis/Treatment Highlighted through a Literature Analysis

With the current COVID-19 outbreak, it has become essential to develop efficient methods for the treatment and detection of this virus. Among the new approaches that could be tested, that relying on nanotechnology finds one of its main grounds in the similarity between nanoparticle (NP) and coronavirus (COV) sizes, which promotes NP-COV interactions. Since COVID-19 is very recent, most studies in this field have focused on other types of coronavirus than COVID-19, such as those involved in MERS or SARS diseases. Although their number is limited, they have led to promising results on various COV using a wide range of different types of nanosystems, e.g., nanoparticles, quantum dos, or nanoassemblies of polymers/proteins. Additional efforts deserve to be spent in this field to consolidate these findings. Here, I first summarize the different nanotechnology-based methods used for COV detection, i.e., optical, electrical, or PCR ones, whose sensitivity was improved by the presence of nanoparticles. Furthermore, I present vaccination methods, which comprise nanoparticles used either as adjuvants or as active principles. They often yield a better-controlled immune response, possibly due to an improved antigen presentation/processing than in non-nanoformulated vaccines. Certain antiviral approaches also took advantage of nanoparticle uses, leading to specific mechanisms such as the blocking of virus replication at the cellular level or the reduction of a COV induced apoptotic cellular death.

Why have nanotechnologies been underutilized in the global uprising against the coronavirus pandemic?

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.

Application of nanomaterials in treatment, anti-infection and detection of coronaviruses

Nanotechnology and nanomedicine have excellent potential in dealing with a range of different health problems, including viruses, which are considered to be a serious challenge in the medical field. Application of nanobiotechnology could represent a new avenue for the treatment or disinfection of viruses. There is increasing concern regarding the control of coronaviruses, among these, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 are well known and dangerous examples. This article aims to provide an overview of recent studies on the effectiveness of nanoparticles as diagnostic or antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The possibilities of effectively using nanomaterials as vaccines and nanosensors in this field are also presented.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology-Associated Innovations against Viral Infections with a Focus on Coronaviruses

Viral infections have recently emerged not only as a health threat to people but rapidly became the cause of universal fatality on a large scale. Nanomaterials comprising functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) and quantum dots and nanotechnology-associated innovative detection methods, vaccine design, and nanodrug production have shown immense promise for interfacing with pathogenic viruses and restricting their entrance into cells. These viruses have been scrutinized using rapid diagnostic detection and therapeutic interventional options against the caused infections including vaccine development for prevention and control. Coronaviruses, namely SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have endangered human life, and the COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has become a perilous challenge to public health globally with huge accompanying morbidity rates. Thus, it is imperative to expedite the drug and vaccine development efforts that would help mitigate this pandemic. In this regard, smart and innovative nano-based technologies and approaches encompassing applications of green nanomedicine, bio-inspired methods, multifunctional bioengineered nanomaterials, and biomimetic drug delivery systems/carriers can help resolve the critical issues regarding detection, prevention, and treatment of viral infections. This perspective review expounds recent nanoscience advancements for the detection and treatment of viral infections with focus on coronaviruses and encompasses nano-based formulations and delivery platforms, nanovaccines, and promising methods for clinical diagnosis, especially regarding SARS-CoV-2.