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A materials-science perspective on tackling COVID-19.
Zhongmin Tang1, Na Kong1, Xingcai Zhang2
1Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA.
Nature Reviews. Materials
|October 20, 2020
Summary
Materials science offers vital tools for antiviral research, aiding in virus detection, drug delivery, and vaccine development. These advancements are crucial for combating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and preparing for future viral threats.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Virology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscored the critical role of materials science in antiviral strategies.
- Previous materials science efforts focused on imaging, microfluidics, and detection platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review materials science contributions to antiviral research and treatment development.
- To explore future applications of materials science in combating viral diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on materials science in antiviral research.
- Analysis of materials' roles in imaging, microfluidics, detection, drug delivery, and PPE manufacturing.
Main Results:
- Materials science has enabled advanced imaging systems and microfluidic devices for real-time viral investigation.
- Development of material platforms for virus detection, drug/vaccine delivery, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Conclusions:
- Materials science is essential for current SARS-CoV-2 research and future pandemic preparedness.
- Future directions include materials for organoids-on-a-chip, advanced drug delivery, and novel medical equipment production.
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