AI-Driven Design System for Fabrication of Inhalable Nanocatchers for Virus Capture and Neutralization

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Virology

Background:

• Global pandemics pose significant threats with limited rapid-response solutions for early virus spread.
• Current strategies lack effective methods for preventing early-stage airborne virus dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an AI-driven entry-blocker design system (AIEB) for fabricating inhalable virus-like nanocatchers (VLNCs).
• To create VLNCs fused with entry-blocking peptides (EBPs) to counter pandemic viruses, specifically targeting SARS-CoV-2.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of these novel nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Development of an AI-driven entry-blocker design system (AIEB).
• Fabrication of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-mimic domain-fused VLNCs (ACE2@VLNCs).
• Analysis of ACE2@VLNCs interaction with SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and aerosol-based efficacy tests.

Main Results:

• ACE2@VLNCs demonstrated persistence in air for over 70 minutes and neutralized pseudoviruses within 30 minutes.
• In vivo studies showed ACE2@VLNCs mitigated over 67% of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
• Biosafety evaluations confirmed no significant damage or immune response in eyes, skin, lungs, or trachea.

Conclusions:

• The AI-driven system successfully created ACE2@VLNCs with potential to hinder SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• ACE2@VLNCs show significant promise in reducing airborne virus transmission and mitigating infections.
• This nanotechnology offers a novel and safe strategy for pandemic prevention and treatment.