Utilizing nanozymes for combating COVID-19: advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures

Abstract

The emergence of human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses significant challenges to global public health. Despite the extensive efforts of researchers worldwide, there remains considerable opportunities for improvement in timely diagnosis, specific treatment, and effective vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. This is due, in part, to the large number of asymptomatic carriers, rapid virus mutations, inconsistent confinement policies, untimely diagnosis and limited clear treatment plans. The emerging of nanozymes offers a promising approach for combating SARS-CoV-2 due to their stable physicochemical properties and high surface areas, which enable easier and multiple nano-bio interactions in vivo. Nanozymes inspire the development of sensitive and economic nanosensors for rapid detection, facilitate the development of specific medicines with minimal side effects for targeted therapy, trigger defensive mechanisms in the form of vaccines, and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in the environment for prevention. In this review, we briefly present the limitations of existing countermeasures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We then reviewed the applications of nanozyme-based platforms in the fields of diagnostics, therapeutics and the prevention in COVID-19. Finally, we propose opportunities and challenges for the further development of nanozyme-based platforms for COVID-19. We expect that our review will provide valuable insights into the new emerging and re-emerging infectious pandemic from the perspective of nanozymes.

Keywords: COVID-19; Nanomedicine; Nanozymes; SARS-CoV-2.

Fig. 1

Summary of nanozyme-based platforms in combating COVID-19. A Nanozyme chemiluminescent paper assay for SARS-CoV-2 antigen in diagnosis. B Possible mechanism of nanozyme-based medicines preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in therapeutic. C Nanozyme‐based mucosal vaccines are necessary to prevent COVID-19. Created with BioRender.com

Fig. 2

Nanozyme-based detection of SARS-CoV-2. A Schematic illustration of the Co–Fe@hemin nanozyme chemiluminescent paper test for SARS-CoV-2. B Screening of paired antibodies using a Co–Fe@hemin nanozyme colorimetric strip. A positive signature was rated by 100 ng/mL of S-RBD protein. C A protocol for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using the CRISPR‒Cas12a system based on the ssDNA-MnO₂-MB reporter. D Detecting differing levels of SARS-CoV-2 E pseudovirus based on the RPA-conjugated MnO₂ nanozyme-mediated CRISPR‒Cas12a system. (Copyright 2020. Biosens Bioelectron, Copyright 2022, ACS Appl Mater Interfaces)

Fig. 3

Possible mechanism of nanozyme-based medicines preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. A Inhibiting the endocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 by nanozymes. B Blocking SARS-CoV-2 replication by nanozymes. C Blocking SARS-CoV-2 assembly and proliferation by nanozymes. Created with BioRender.com

Fig. 4

Schematic diagram of Ag-TiO₂ SAN against SARS-CoV-2. The SAN Ag atom is tightly bound to both cysteine and asparagine, inhibiting the interaction between the S1 RBD and its receptor ACE2. (Copyright 2021, Nano Today)

Fig. 5

Cu-nanozymes for photoactive antiviral face masks. The manufacturing principle of the self-cleaning mask was as follows: the nebulizer was conceived to intermix CuNPs, shellac and pressurized air at the intersection. After solar irradiation, through photothermal effect and photocatalytic effect processes, the mask inactivates the virus and becomes self-cleaning. Created with BioRender.com