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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Vazquez-Munoz & Jose L. Lopez-Ribot, 2020. "Nanotechnology as an Alternative to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:11:y:2020:i:2:p:15-:d:390431
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Carol Nash, 2021. "Challenges to Learners in Interpreting Self as Other, Post COVID-19," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Tanya Purwar & Shamya Dey & Osama Zaid Ali Al-Kayyali & Aaron Floyd Zalar & Ali Doosttalab & Luciano Castillo & Victor M. Castano, 2022. "Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-42, June.

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