nn0c04006_si_001.pdf (350.1 kB)
Nanotechnology for COVID-19: Therapeutics and Vaccine Research
journal contribution
posted on 2020-06-30, 00:29 authored by Gaurav Chauhan, Marc J. Madou, Sourav Kalra, Vianni Chopra, Deepa Ghosh, Sergio O. Martinez-ChapaThe
current global health threat by the novel coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) requires an urgent deployment of advanced therapeutic
options available. The role of nanotechnology is highly relevant to
counter this “virus” nano enemy. Nano intervention is
discussed in terms of designing effective nanocarriers to counter
the conventional limitations of antiviral and biological therapeutics.
This strategy directs the safe and effective delivery of available
therapeutic options using engineered nanocarriers, blocking the initial
interactions of viral spike glycoprotein with host cell surface receptors,
and disruption of virion construction. Controlling and eliminating
the spread and reoccurrence of this pandemic demands a safe and effective
vaccine strategy. Nanocarriers have potential to design risk-free
and effective immunization strategies for severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine candidates such as protein constructs
and nucleic acids. We discuss recent as well as ongoing nanotechnology-based
therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to fight against this pandemic,
outlining the key areas for nanoscientists to step in.