The Significance and Implications of Nanotechnology in COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a worldwide health hazard that has been classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The task of developing efficient prevention and treatment measures for this pandemic is unparalleled. Due to nano-material's unique physicochemical features and controlled nano-bio interactions, nanotechnology has demonstrated significant potential in its capacity to combat a number of healthcare conditions. The application of nanotechnology for COVID-19 has been discussed in depth in this systematic review, which is divided into three sections: prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. To begin, we focused on nanotechnology-based protective equipment and disinfectants that can give much-needed protection against SARS-CoV-2. Again, nanoparticles can be used as an antigen carrier or adjuvant, paving the path for the development of a number of vaccines with preventive benefits. The capacity of nano-materials to magnify signal is then highlighted, which has been employed in the development of nano-biosensors and nano-imaging techniques that can be used for early-stage detection in conjunction with other diagnostic instruments. Finally, we discuss COVID-19 therapeutic approaches based on nano-materials. Nano-metals and their oxides affect cellular processes by interfering with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which then give antiviral action. Various nano-products (polyethylenimine, squalene) can significantly lower the synthesis of inflammatory modulators (Cytokine storm), hence preventing Covid-19 infection. The review's limitations and nanoparticle's future directions for COVID-19 have been described briefly. This review is quite comprehensive and useful in terms of providing suggestions for developing nanomaterial-based devices to combat against COVID-19.