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Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds
Published on: October 29, 2015
Antiviral Activity of Nanomaterials against Coronaviruses
Wali Muhammad1, Zihe Zhai1, Changyou Gao1
1W. Muhammad, Z. Zhai, Prof. C. Gao, MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
Abstract:
One of the challenges facing by world nowadays is the generation of new pathogens that cause public health issues. Coronavirus (CoV) is one of the severe pathogens that possess the RNA (ribonucleic acid) envelop, and extensively infect humans, birds, and other mammals. The novel strain "SARS-CoV-2" (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) causes deadly infection all over the world and presents a pandemic situation nowadays. The SARS-CoV-2 has 40 different strains that create a worrying situation for health authorities. The virus develops serious pneumonia in infected persons and causes severe damage to the lungs. There is no vaccine available for this virus up to present. To cure this type of infections by making vaccines and antiviral drugs is still a major challenge for researchers. Nanotechnology covering a multidisciplinary field may find the solution to this lethal infection. The interaction of nanomaterials and microorganisms is considered as a potential treatment method because the nanomaterials owe unique physicochemical properties. The aim of this review is to present an overview of previous and recent studies of nanomaterials against coronaviruses and to provide possible new strategies for upcoming research using the nanotechnology platform.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers promising solutions for combating coronaviruses (CoVs), including SARS-CoV-2. This review explores nanomaterials
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Microbiology
- Virology
Background:
- Coronaviruses (CoVs), particularly SARS-CoV-2, pose significant global public health threats, causing severe pneumonia and lacking vaccines.
- The emergence of novel CoV strains and their extensive infectivity in humans and animals present a critical challenge for researchers.
- Current antiviral drug development and vaccine creation for CoVs remain significant hurdles for the scientific community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing and recent research on the application of nanomaterials against coronaviruses.
- To explore the potential of nanotechnology as a platform for developing novel therapeutic strategies against CoVs.
- To identify future research directions for utilizing nanomaterials in combating coronavirus infections.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating nanomaterial-coronavirus interactions.
- Analysis of the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials relevant to antimicrobial applications.
- Synthesis of information on previous and current research findings.
Main Results:
- Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that enable interaction with microorganisms, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
- Evidence suggests that nanomaterial-antimicrobial interactions can be a viable strategy for treating viral infections.
- The review highlights the growing body of research supporting nanotechnology's role in combating viral pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology presents a promising multidisciplinary approach to address the challenges posed by coronavirus infections.
- Further research into nanomaterial-based strategies is crucial for developing effective treatments and countermeasures against CoVs.
- The unique properties of nanomaterials offer novel avenues for future therapeutic interventions against emerging viral threats.
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