Multidimensional futuristic approaches to address the pandemics beyond COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Virology
• Biotechnology
• Pandemic preparedness

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused immense global mortality and morbidity.
• Effective pandemic management requires advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Existing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies face limitations in speed, cost, and scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in molecular tools for viral diagnostics and therapeutics.
• To propose novel, rapid, and cost-effective methods for viral detection.
• To discuss innovative strategies for future pandemic preparedness and disease management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and emerging viral diagnostic techniques.
• Proposal of novel non-PCR-based nucleic acid detection methods (RNA mimics, nuclease-based).
• Exploration of Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices integrated with cyber-physical systems.
• Discussion of underexplored antiviral strategies (ribozymes, plant-based platforms).
• Investigation of vaccine repurposing, particularly Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

Main Results:

• Identified limitations in current viral diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
• Proposed novel non-PCR methods for rapid, single-step viral nucleic acid detection.
• Highlighted the potential of miniaturized Lab-on-Chip devices for integrated diagnostics.
• Showcased advancements in plant-based platforms for scalable antiviral production and delivery.
• Emphasized the potential of repurposing existing vaccines, like BCG, for new applications.

Conclusions:

• Novel molecular tools offer promising avenues for rapid viral diagnostics and effective therapeutics.
• Innovative approaches like non-PCR detection, LoC devices, and plant-based platforms can enhance pandemic response.
• Repurposing existing vaccines presents a viable strategy for broad-spectrum protection and future pandemic preparedness.