Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: A Nanotechnological Perspective

Background: According to the current scenario with millions of deaths worldwide, the outbreak of COVID-19 has created global havoc. The vast spreading of COVID-19 has already challenged the healthcare system and economy of the world. Every country is now putting the best efforts to develop its standards, strategies, and policies to fight against this pandemic. Therefore, a huge amount of research grants is allocated for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 globally. Objective: Scientists/researchers around the world are working in different fields, i.e., biological, physical, and chemical sciences, and have collaborated for an effective outcome to combat this pandemic. In light of the above-mentioned challenges, the researchers of the nanotechnology community can also contribute significantly in this direction. Results: As team members of the nanotechnology community, we suggest various research targets that can be designed/improved, optimized, and developed by nanotechnologists. These research targets include Point-of-care diagnostics (POCD), Surveillance and monitoring, Therapeutics, Vaccine development, Improving existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications, Developing antiviral nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for PPE, Magnetic nanoparticles and viral RNA (Ribonucleic acid), and Rapid detection kits. Conclusion: It can be concluded that multiple areas, such as the development of nano-biosensor based diagnostic technology (capable to produce fast and accurate results), development of nanoencapsulated drugs/vaccines or other efficient systems, testing/improving existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications, developing antiviral nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for PPE, etc., need immediate attention.