Point-of-Use Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Nanotechnology-Enabled Solutions for the COVID-19 Pandemic (original) (raw)

Advanced Nanomaterial Based Solutions to Mitigate the Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic

Biotechnology kiosk, 2021

The worldwide healthcare response to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) has led to the developments of several highly specialized techniques for diagnosis, for example, whole genome sequencing and computed tomography imaging. Considerable effort is also being directed towards detecting and preventing different modes of community transmission. One such mode of transmission, the presence of the virus on various surfaces that people may come in contact with, is being countered with the rapid detection. To this end, non-contact, optical techniques-based detection of COVID-19 have been shown to be useful for early prevention of spread of the virus by identifying infected surfaces. Especially, researchers have demonstrated nanomaterials-enabled diagnostic methods for rapid and early detection of SARS-CoV-2. It is believed that nanotechnology-based innovations particularly in the fields of diagnostics and therapeutics can provide solutions to the very complex problems of COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we present a critical overview of recent literature that specifically addresses how nano-engineered materials are enabling the effective and rapid diagnosis of COVD-19. Prominent techniques are described that show high accuracy of detection even in trace concentrations, which is achieved by measuring color change and also light-sensitive nanomaterials. Fingerprint techniques that enable identification of virus that is present at the surface are also described. Finally, we present a brief perspective of using nanomaterials in diagnostics, monitoring and surveillance to battle against highly contagious viruses in order to mitigate and prevent future global health emergencies.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Frontiers in Nanotechnology, 2020

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic has been validated as an extreme clinical calamity and has affected several socio-economic activities globally. Proven transmission of this virus occurs through airborne droplets from an infected person. The recent upsurge in the number of infected individuals has already exceeded the number of intensive care beds available to patients. These extraordinary circumstances have elicited the need for the development of diagnostic tools for the detection of the virus and, hence, prevent the spread of the disease. Early diagnosis and effective immediate treatment can reduce and prevent an increase in the number of cases. Conventional methods of detection such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and chest computed tomography scans have been used extensively for diagnostic purposes. However, these present several challenges, including prolonged assay requirements, labor-intensive test...

Superior possibilities and upcoming horizons for nanoscience in COVID-19: noteworthy approach for effective diagnostics and management of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused great havoc and affected many parts of the world. It has imposed a great challenge to the medical and health fraternity with its ability to continue mutating and increasing the transmission rate. Some challenges include the availability of current knowledge of active drugs against the virus, mode of delivery of the medicaments, its diagnosis, which are relatively limited and do not suffice for further prognosis. One recently developed drug delivery system called nanoparticles is currently being utilized in combating COVID-19. This article highlights the existing methods for diagnosis of COVID-19 such as computed tomography scan, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid sequencing, immunoassay, point-of-care test, detection from breath, nanotechnology-based bio-sensors, viral antigen detection, microfluidic device, magnetic nanosensor, magnetic resonance platform and internet-of-things biosensors. The latest detection strategy based on nanotechnology, biosensor, is said to produce satisfactory results in recognizing SARS-CoV-2 virus. It also highlights the successes in the research and development of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines that are already in use. In addition, there are a number of nanovaccines and nanomedicines currently in clinical trials that have the potential to target COVID-19.

Viral Nano-Bio-Sensing and SARS-CoV-2: A Literature Review

Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences

As new advancements and technologies are emerging in this world, so is the spread of new diseases. The world, as we know it, is moving very fast. With this pace, diseases are also borne. The spread of new viruses, such as coronavirus disease-2019, require new technologies faster and more precise than ever before. Countries all around the world are connected, and moving from place to place has become easy. For that reason, pandemics are an increasing threat. A disease is considered a pandemic when it has spread through a large area, possibly worldwide and has become an international threat. In order to limit the spread of diseases, or viruses in particular, the early detection and diagnosis of patients is essential to decrease the number of infections. Biosensors play an important role in the medical field, such as in viral detection. Nanotechnology has gained a lot of interest in its use in bio-sensing. Nano-biosensors have shown more advanced properties than regular biosensors and thus are able to detect diseases faster and more precisely than before. Our main focus in this literature review is to explore new technologies and advancements made with nanotechnology and bio-sensing in viral detection, especially in the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2.

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Effective and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Materials

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against COVID-19. However, this test might not be easily accessible in low-resource settings for the early detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of access to well-equipped clinical laboratories, requirement for the high level of technical competence, and the cost of the RT-PCR test are the major limitations. Moreover, RT-PCR is unsuitable for application at the point-of-care testing (PoCT) as it is time-consuming and lab-based. Due to emerging mutations of the virus and the burden it has placed on the health care systems, there is a growing urgency to develop sensitive, selective, and rapid diagnostic devi...

Nanomaterials for diagnostic, treatment and prevention of COVID-19

Applied Science and Technology Annals

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has set an alarming message for the research and discovery of new and advance technology. This is possible by either combining the convectional technology with modern discoveries or initiating new avenues of research using nanotechnology. The vast library of nanomaterials and its integration into modern technology can offer various possibilities for discovery of nanomedicines, nano-biosensors, nanocompounds for controlling the sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other similar virus outbreaks. Here we review the ongoing approaches utilized in detection, treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 and describe their advantages and drawbacks. Additionally, we provide the new and innovative technology that are currently being researched or commercialized with the aid of nanomaterials and nanotechnology for disease identification, treatment and control. We further suggest new research area based on natural produ...

Nanotechnology as a Shield against COVID-19: Current Advancement and Limitations

Viruses

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health problem that the WHO declared a pandemic. COVID-19 has resulted in a worldwide lockdown and threatened to topple the global economy. The mortality of COVID-19 is comparatively low compared with previous SARS outbreaks, but the rate of spread of the disease and its morbidity is alarming. This virus can be transmitted human-to-human through droplets and close contact, and people of all ages are susceptible to this virus. With the advancements in nanotechnology, their remarkable properties, including their ability to amplify signal, can be used for the development of nanobiosensors and nanoimaging techniques that can be used for early-stage detection along with other diagnostic tools. Nano-based protection equipment and disinfecting agents can provide much-needed protection against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, nanoparticles can serve as a carrier for antigens or as...

Nanotechnology-based approaches in the fight against SARS-CoV-2

AIMS Microbiology, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by highly-infectious virus namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in infection of millions of individuals and deaths across the world. The need of an hour is to find the innovative solution for diagnosis, prevention, and cure of the COVID-19 disease. Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the important tool for the same. In the present review we discuss the applications of nanotechnology-based approaches that are being implemented to speed up the development of diagnostic kits for SARS-CoV-2, development of personal protective equipments, and development of therapeutics of COVID-19 especially the vaccine development.

Application of Nanobiotechnology for Early Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2021

A most discussed topic of the new decade, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the recently discovered SARS-CoV-2. With an exceedingly high transmission rate, COVID-19 has affected almost all the countries in the world. Absent any vaccine or specific treatment, the humanity is left with nothing but the legacy method of quarantine. However, quarantine can only be effective when combined with early diagnosis of suspected cases. With their high sensitivity and unmatched specificity, biosen-sors have become an area of interest for development of novel diagnostic methods. Compared to the more traditional diagnostics, nanobiotechnology introduces biosensors as different diagnostics with greater versatility in application. Today, a growing number of analytes are being accurately identified by these nanoscopic sensing machines. Several reports of validated application with real samples further strengthen this idea. As of recent, there has been a rise in the number of studies on portable biosensors. Despite the slow progression, certain devices with embedded biosensors have managed to be of diagnostic value in several countries. The perceptible increase in development of mobile platforms has revolutionized the healthcare delivery system in the new millennium. The present article reviews the most recent advancements in development of diagnostic nanobiosensors and their application in the clinical fields.

Nanotechnology: an emerging approach to combat COVID-19

Emergent Materials, 2021

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has challenged the survival of human existence in the last 1 year. Frontline healthcare professionals were struggling in combating the pandemic situation and were continuously supported with literature, skill set, research activities, and technologies developed by various scientists/researchers all over the world. To handle the continuously mutating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires amalgamation of conventional technology with emerging approaches. Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology dealing at the nanoscale level. It has made possible the development of nanomaterials, nano-biosensors, nanodrugs, and vaccines for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of COVID-19. This review has elaborately highlighted the role of nanotechnology in developing various detection kits such as nanoparticle-assisted diagnostics, antibody assay, lateral flow immunoassay, nanomaterial biosensors, etc., in detection of SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, various advancements supervene through nanoparticle-based therapeutic drugs for inhibiting viral infection by blocking virus attachment/cell entry, multiplication/replication, and direct inactivation of the virus. Furthermore, information on vaccine development and the role of nanocarriers/nanoparticles were highlighted with a brief outlining of nanomaterial usage in sterilization and preventive mechanisms engineered to combat COVID-19 pandemic.