Antiviral nanopharmaceuticals: Engineered surface interactions and virus-selective activity

The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired large research investments from the global scientific community in the study of viral properties and antiviral technologies (e.g., self-cleaning surfaces, virucides, antiviral drugs, and vaccines). Emerging viruses are a constant threat due to the substantial variation in viral structures, limiting the potential for expanded broad-spectrum antiviral agent development, and the complexity of targeting multiple and diverse viral species with unique characteristics involving their virulence. Multiple, more infectious variants of SARS-CoV2 (e.g., Delta, Omicron) have already appeared, necessitating research into versatile, robust control strategies in response to the looming threat of future viruses. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have played a vital role in addressing current viral threats, from mRNA-based vaccines to nanoparticle-based drugs and nanotechnology enhanced disinfection methods. Rapid progress in the field has prompted a review of the current literature primarily focused on nanotechnology-based virucides and antivirals. In this review, a brief description of antiviral drugs is provided first as background with most of the discussion focused on key design considerations for high-efficacy antiviral nanomaterials (e.g., nanopharmaceuticals) as determined from published studies as well as related modes of biological activity. Insights into potential future research directions are also provided with a section devoted specifically to the SARS-CoV2 virus. This article is categorized under: Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomediciney > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease.