Nanoparticles as illuminating allies: Advancing diagnostic frontiers in COVID-19- A review

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as indispensable tools in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov2) pandemic, finding extensive utilization in both diagnosis and therapeutics. Their ability to interact with the virus and host cells in diverse manners positions them as valuable assets for detecting, treating, and preventing COVID-19. In this comprehensive review, a detailed summary of the state-of-the-art NP-based diagnostic methods for COVID-19 has been presented, particularly important classes of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), quantum dots, liposomes, silica nanoparticles (SNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) delineating and their inherent strengths as well as limitations. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities that have been addressed lie ahead in pursuing future advancements and clinical translation of NP-based technologies for diagnosing COVID-19.