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

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2021 Mar;16(6):497-516. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0441. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Abstract

COVID-19, as an emerging infectious disease, has caused significant mortality and morbidity along with socioeconomic impact. No effective treatment or vaccine has been approved yet for this pandemic disease. Cutting-edge tools, especially nanotechnology, should be strongly considered to tackle this virus. This review aims to propose several strategies to design and fabricate effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against COVID-19 by the aid of nanotechnology. Polymeric, inorganic self-assembling materials and peptide-based nanoparticles are promising tools for battling COVID-19 as well as its rapid diagnosis. This review summarizes all of the exciting advances nanomaterials are making toward COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; diagnosis; nanotechnology; treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / therapeutic use*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / therapeutic use
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / therapeutic use
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Polymers
  • Proteins