Research and Patents on Coronavirus and COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is a global problem that requires the point of view of basic sciences and medicine as well as social, economics and politics disciplines. Viral particles of coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 as well as other enveloped viruses like influenza virus could be considered as an approximation to functional core-shell nanoparticles and therefore, their study enters the realm of nanotechnology. In this context, nanotechnology can contribute to alleviate some of the current challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The present analysis contributed to diverse sources of general information, databases on scientific literature and patents to produce a review affording information on relevant areas where as nanotechnology has offered response to coronavirus challenges in the past and may be relevant now, and has offered an update of the current information on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 issues.

Results: This review contribution includes specific information including: 1) An introduction to current research on nanotechnology and related recent patents for COVID-19 responses; 2) Analysis of nonimmunogenic and immunogenic prophylaxis of COVID-19 using Nanotechnology; 3) Tools devoted to detection & diagnosis of coronaviruses and COVID-19: the role of Nanotechnology; and 4) A compilation on the research and patents on nanotechnology dealing with therapeutics & treatments of COVID-19.

Conclusion: Among the increasing literature on COVID-19, there are few works analyzing the relevance of Nanotechnology, and giving an analysis on patents dealing with coronaviruses that may provide useful information on the area. This review offers a general view of the current research investigation and recent patents dealing with aspects of immunogenic and non-immunogenic prophylaxis, detection and diagnosis as well as therapeutics and treatments.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; detection; diagnosis; nanoparticles; prophylaxis; treatment; vaccines.