Touted as one of the game-changing technologies of the century, nanotechnology has the potential to aid in developing solutions that can help in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. Nanotechnology can bring new prospects for developing affordable and scalable detection methods, safe personal protection equipment, and new effective medical solutions.
A team of photonic scientists has developed a nanophotonic biosensor that could potentially detect ‘day one’ infection (i.e. low viral load) on patients. Another research team is working on an optical nanosensor that is intended to detect the presence of coronavirus in the air.
Nanoparticles can be incorporated into various formulations, ranging from sanitizers to disinfectant solutions. Another application of these nanoparticles can be in the personal protective equipment (PPE) domain. Nanocoatings in masks, hospital sheets, bedding, and other surfaces can help in long-term protection and potentially reduce incidence. Preliminary studies have been done to establish the potential effectiveness of gold nanoparticles, against the coronavirus family and its potential use as an adjuvant in a SARS-CoV vaccine.
Source: Open Access Government
Name of Author: Aarthi Janakiraman