Nanotechnology-based approaches against COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global burden to public health that manifests various symptoms, including self-limiting upper respiratory disorder, severe pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and even death. Thus, efficient approaches to tackle the rapid biological diversity and mutations of coronaviruses (CoVs) are required. Recently, nanotechnology approaches have enabled control of virus transmission by offering efficient personal protective equipment, antiviral surface coatings, and disinfectants. Besides, nanotechnology could be used in viral infection sampling, sample processing, amplification, and sensing to create rapid, sensitive, and accurate diagnostic tests. Nanomaterials have been increasingly used to deliver potential therapeutic agents, vaccines, and artificial viruses because of their certain properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, specific optical, antiviral action, drug encapsulation, nanoscale biorecognition, and controlled release properties. This chapter covers nanotechnology-based approaches for preventing, diagnosing, and treating CoV infections with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2.