Nanotechnology Assisted Strategies to Tackle COVID and Long-COVID
摘要
In early December 2019, a novel coronavirus, namely SARS-CoV-2, emerged, leading to a series of atypical respiratory illnesses collectively termed COVID-19. This highly transmissible virus swiftly escalated into a global pandemic, profoundly affecting human life worldwide. Developing effective treatments for COVID-19 tackling was challenging due to the limited understanding of the virus, its mechanism of action, and its pathophysiology. This article provide a comprehensive review of SARS-CoV-2, its mechanisms of infection, and its short- and long-term impact on the human body. This report also explores various antiviral drugs, such as ivermectin, lopinavir, favipiravir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, ribavirin, and corticosteroids, and their potential mechanisms of action against COVID-19. Additionally, it delves into nanotechnology-based approaches for COVID-19 management, including the use of nanoparticle-based protective equipment, diagnostic tools, and vaccines, such as protein subunit vaccines, nucleic acid–derived (mRNA and DNA) vaccines, and biomimetic vaccines, along with ongoing clinical trials for various vaccines. The long-term effects of COVID-19, known as long COVID-19, have become a major concern and one of the focus of this report. This review examines its manifestations, including neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, and cutaneous symptoms and explores potential treatment approaches for long COVID-19. Finally, the review summarizes the benefits, risks, and side effects associated with vaccines, highlighting the need for further research, particularly in developing advanced nanocarrier systems for vaccine delivery. The outcomes of this article motivate scientists to developed more precise approaches suitable for personalized COVID-19 pandemic management and related health consequences.
Graphical Abstract