Exploring the Potential of Gold Nanoparticle Technology and the Pan-Coronavirus Vaccine

Abstract

When facing the threat of viral COVID-19 mutations, current objectives remain rooted in creating a universal vaccine, or a pan-coronavirus vaccine, that is effective against all COVID-19 variants. While most current COVID-19 vaccines use mRNA, nonreplicating viral vectors, inactivated vaccines, and protein subunits, nanotechnology is emerging as a viable resource for developing protective immunity against COVID-19. With the possibility of new COVID-19 variants emerging, increasing funds to further gold nanoparticle research is as crucial as technological innovation. This study hypothesizes that using a combination of “push” and “pull” methods to increase R&D incentives in gold nanoparticle research can take pan-coronavirus vaccine developments one step closer to boosting long-term immunization and universal applicability. This study's limitations include the immediacy of the COVID-19 pandemic and an inability to evaluate nanotechnology vaccinations after they have been put on the market. With its emphasis on funding gold nanotechnology research via “push” and “pull” incentives, this study’s implications include furthering global partnerships and contributing to the pan-coronavirus vaccine development with sensitivity to the rising risk of mutations and immunocompromised individuals.