Potential activity of nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2 and mucormycosis coinfection
Chinmaya Mahapatra1, Sakshi Jadhav2, Prasoon Kumar2
1Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, India.
Introduction:
Mucormycosis, popularly known as the black fungus, has become a worldwide concern in the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, causing increased morbidity and death in immunocompromised people. Due to multi-drug resistance and the limited number of antifungals, surgical interventions, including the excision of infected tissue, remain a standard treatment option. Surgical treatment usually results in the loss of organs or their function, long-term intensive care, and a significant risk of reinfection during the procedure. A comprehensive approach is needed to treat the disease, and nanomaterials can be a powerful alternative therapeutic approach.
Areas Covered:
We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with the keywords 'emerging role of nanomaterials,' and 'combating COVID-19-related mucormycosis,' and reviewed the related research paper. Antifungal nanomaterials and their delivery can significantly impact the treatment of COVID-19-related fungal infections like mucormycosis. However, the therapeutic options for mucormycosis are limited and drug resistance is also reported.
Expert Opinion:
The current review encompasses a detailed overview of the recent developments in antifungal/antiviral nanomaterials and the properties of these therapeutic nanomaterials that may contribute to formulating an efficient strategy against invasive mucormycosis. Further extensive research is needed to develop nano-based therapeutics for the management of mucormycosis-viral coinfection with a definitive end-point.
Insights
Nanomaterials show promise for treating mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection linked to COVID-19. This review explores their potential as an alternative to limited antifungal drugs and invasive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Nanomedicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mucormycosis, or black fungus, is a severe threat during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
- Current treatments like surgery have significant drawbacks, including organ loss and high reinfection risk.
- Limited antifungal options and emerging drug resistance necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of nanomaterials in combating COVID-19-associated mucormycosis.
- To explore the properties of antifungal/antiviral nanomaterials for treating invasive mucormycosis.
- To highlight the need for nano-based therapeutics in managing mucormycosis-viral coinfections.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Keywords used: 'emerging role of nanomaterials,' 'combating COVID-19-related mucormycosis.'
- Review of related research papers on antifungal nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- Antifungal nanomaterials and their targeted delivery show potential impact in treating COVID-19-related fungal infections.
- Nanomaterials offer a promising alternative approach to conventional treatments for mucormycosis.
- Recent developments in therapeutic nanomaterials are discussed for their potential against invasive mucormycosis.
Conclusions:
- Nanomaterials represent a powerful alternative therapeutic approach for mucormycosis.
- Further research is essential to develop effective nano-based therapeutics for mucormycosis management.
- Developing nano-based therapeutics is crucial for addressing mucormycosis-viral coinfections.
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