NANOTECHNOLOGY vs COVID-19

“Nanotechnology-based antimicrobial and antiviral formulations can prevent SARS-CoV-2 viral dissemination, and highly sensitive biosensors and detection platforms may contribute to the detection and diagnosis of COVID-19” reported by Sepehr Talebian, Gordon G. Wallace, Avi Schroeder, Francesco Stellacci and Joao Conde on August 2020 in Nature Nanotechnology [1].

Scientists around the world have made promising strides towards developing approaches to prevent COVID-19 [2]. However, there are still challenges for the development of therapeutics or vaccines, such as regulatory issues, large-scale production and deployment to the public [3].

Figure 1. Nanotechnology-based viral disinfectants work against SARS-CoV-2 by preventing viral dissemination on-air, surfaces, and protective equipment [1].

The silver lining amidst this crisis is the state of our technological advances mainly in the field of nanotechnology. So far, a significant body of work has covered the development of nano-based vaccines or anti-viral agents to block SARS-CoV-2, all of which are currently far from public implementation due to lengthy and strict regulatory affairs [4].

Nanotechnology could have a closer impact on the current pandemic when implemented in two defined areas:

(1) Viral disinfectants, by developing highly effective nano-based antimicrobial and antiviral formulations that are not only suitable for disinfecting air and surfaces, but are also effective in reinforcing personal protective equipment such as facial respirators.

(2) Viral detection, by developing highly sensitive and accurate nano-based sensors that allow early diagnosis of COVID-19.

Metallic nanoparticles (for example, silver, copper, titanium dioxide nanoparticles) have been proposed as alternatives of chemical disinfectants (such as chlorines, peroxides, quaternary amines, and alcohols) due to their inherent broad range antiviral activities, persistence and ability to be effective at much lower dosage [5]. For instance, preliminary evaluations showed that silver nanocluster/ silica composite coating on facial masks had viricidal effects against SARS-CoV-2.

In another example, NanoTechSurface, Italy, developed a durable and self-sterilizing formula comprised of titanium dioxide and silver ions for disinfecting surfaces. Similarly, FN Nano Inc., USA, developed a photocatalytic coating (light-mediated) based on titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which can decompose organic compounds including viruses on the surface upon exposure to light, damaging the viral membrane [6].

Nanomaterials can also be incorporated into respiratory face masks to further increase their inhibitory effect. Scientists from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, have developed a breathable and disposable filter cartridge from cellulose nanofibers, which were capable of filtering particles smaller than 100 nanometres [7].

Figure 2. Nanotechnology-based sensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection, involved in the development of platforms for viral tagging and nano-diagnostic assays [1].

For instance, LIGC Applications Ltd., USA, have made a reusable mask made of microporous conductive graphene foam that allows the trapping of microorganisms and the conduction of electrical charge to destroy them [8].

Several nanotechnology-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 tagging and detection are being developed (Figure 2).

General testing kits are associated with problems such as false-negative results, long response times and poor analytical sensitivity [9]. To this end, due to their extremely large surface-to-volume ratios, nanosized materials can instigate highly efficient surface interactions between the sensor and the analyte, allowing faster and more reliable detection of the virus [10].

This overview of newly developed nanotechnology-based disinfectants and sensors for SARS-CoV-2 lays out a blueprint for the development of more effective sensors and disinfectants that can be implemented for detection, and prevention of this and another coronavirus. More advances in nano-based disinfectants are needed to meet the challenges on the front lines of patient care.

Nanotechnology is taking root against SARS-CoV-2, by promoting exactly the type of wide-ranging, integrated approaches that are essential to control this pandemic outbreak at local, national, and international levels.

References

[1]. S. Talebian, G. G. Wallace, A. Schroeder, F. Stellacci, J. Conde, Nature Nanotechnology, 15, 2020, 618-624.

[2]. Liu, C. et al. ACS Cent. Sci. 6, 315–331 (2020).

[3]. Dourado, E. Accelerating Availability of Vaccine Candidates for COVID-19 Special Edition Policy Brief (Mercatus Center Research, George Mason University, 2020).

[4]. Itani, R., Tobaiqy, M. & Al Faraj, A. Theranostics 10, 5932–5942 (2020).

[5]. Sportelli, M. C. et al. Nanomaterials 10, 802 (2020).

[6]. Nanotechnology in battle against coronavirus. Statnano https:// statnano.com/nanotechnology-in-battle-against-coronavirus (2020).

[7]. Widdowson, N. New mask material can remove virus-size nanoparticles. Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2020-04-maskmaterial-virus-size-nanoparticles.html (2020).

[8]. Reusable graphene mask sterilises itself against Coronavirus with electrical charge. NBIC https://statnano.com/news/67559/ Reusable-Graphene-Mask-Sterilises-Itself-against-Coronavirus-with-Electrical-Charge (2020).

[9]. Udugama, B. et al. Diagnosing COVID-19: the disease and tools for detection. ACS Nano 14, 3822–3835 (2020).

[10]. Mokhtarzadeh, A. et al. Trends Anal. Chem. 97, 445–457 (2017).

Blog Written By

Dr. A. S. GANESHRAJA

National College, Thiruchirappalli

Tamilnadu, India

Blog Editors

Dr. K. Rajkumar

Dr. S. Chanrasekar

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