Nanotechnology as an Alternative to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

Roberto Vazquez-Munoz and Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
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Roberto Vazquez-Munoz: Department of Biology and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio. One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
Jose L. Lopez-Ribot: Department of Biology and The South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio. One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

Challenges, 2020, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: The current emerging COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global impact on every major aspect of our societies. It is known that SARS-Cov-2 can endure harsh environmental conditions for up to 72 h, which may contribute to its rapid spread. Therefore, effective containment strategies, such as sanitizing, are critical. Nanotechnology can represent an alternative to reduce the COVID-19 spread, particularly in critical areas, such as healthcare facilities and public places. Nanotechnology-based products are effective at inhibiting different pathogens, including viruses, regardless of their drug-resistant profile, biological structure, or physiology. Although there are several approved nanotechnology-based antiviral products, this work aims to highlight the use of nanomaterials as sanitizers for the prevention of the spread of mainly SARS-Cov-2. It has been widely demonstrated that nanomaterials are an alternative for sanitizing surfaces to inactivate the virus. Also, antimicrobial nanomaterials can reduce the risk of secondary microbial infections on COVID-19 patients, as they inhibit the bacteria and fungi that can contaminate healthcare-related facilities. Finally, cost-effective, easy-to-synthesize antiviral nanomaterials could reduce the burden of the COVID-19 on challenging environments and in developing countries.

Keywords: COVID-19; nanotechnology; nanomaterials; antiviral; sanitizers; nanomedicine; infectious diseases (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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