Recent Progress in Nanotechnology for COVID-19 Prevention, Diagnostics and Treatment

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently an unprecedented public health threat. The rapid spread of infections has led to calls for alternative approaches to combat the virus. Nanotechnology is taking root against SARS-CoV-2 through prevention, diagnostics and treatment of infections. In light of the escalating demand for managing the pandemic, a comprehensive review that highlights the role of nanomaterials in the response to the pandemic is highly desirable. This review article comprehensively discusses the use of nanotechnology for COVID-19 based on three main categories: prevention, diagnostics and treatment. We first highlight the use of various nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, carbon-based nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles for COVID-19. We critically review the benefits of nanomaterials along with their applications in personal protective equipment, vaccine development, diagnostic device fabrication and therapeutic approaches. The remaining key challenges and future directions of nanomaterials for COVID-19 are briefly discussed. This review is very informative and helpful in providing guidance for developing nanomaterial-based products to fight against COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; diagnostics; nanomaterials; prevention; treatment.

Figure 1

Applications of nanotechnology in COVID-19 prevention, diagnostics and treatment.

Figure 2

The application of nanoparticle for disease prevention. Lipid nanoparticles are used in nucleic acid-based vaccines. For instance, it has been used in mRNA vaccine development for COVID-19. They act as a carrier to introduce mRNA into host cells and protect mRNA from degradation. Adapted with permission from reference [59] © Springer Nature (2020).

Figure 3

The application of nanoparticles for COVID-19 diagnostics. (A) Magnetic particles were used for viral RNA extraction for COVID-19 diagnostics. Adapted with permission from reference [88] Taylor & Francis © (2021). (B) The use of a single wall carbon nanotube-based optical sensor for fluorescent detection of COVID-19. Adapted with permission from reference [89] Creative Commons Attribution License © (2021). (C) A wireless graphene-based telemedicine platform (SARS-CoV-2 rapidplex) for rapid and multiplex electrochemical detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, antibodies (IgG and IgM) and inflammatory biomarker c-reactive protein (CRP) in blood and saliva samples. Adapted with permission from reference [90] Elsevier © (2020). (D) Development of nanozyme-based chemiluminescent paper-based biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Adapted with permission from reference [91] Elsevier © (2021).

Figure 4

The application of nanoparticles for potential COVID-19 treatment. (A) Carbon quantum dots inhibit binding of S protein receptor of coronavirus to host cells and prevent viral RNA genome amplification. Adapted with permission from reference [106] © Creative Commons Attribution License (2020). (B) Triazole-based carbon quantum dots were suggested for use as an antiviral agent to treat COVID-19. Adapted with permission from reference [162] © Elsevier (2020). (C) Semiconductor nanoparticles, including quantum dots can generate antiviral radicals by interacting with light. Adapted with permission from reference [9] © Creative Commons Attribution License (2020). (D) Nanoceria inhibits cytokine storm due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects, serving as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Adapted with permission from reference [163] © Creative Commons Attribution License (2020).