Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) and the role of nanomaterial-based theragnosis in combating the pandemic

Abstract

Abstract COVID-19 was the most devastating pandemic since the Spanish Flu of 1918, affecting 700 million individuals and causing 6.8 million fatalities globally. COVID-19 vaccines are currently in the research and development phase. There is a need to investigate strategies pertaining to expanding the testing capacity, developing effective medicines, and creating safer vaccinations for long-lasting protection. Nanoparticles are frequently employed in a variety of medicine-oriented applications. The employment of nanotechnology in the development of novel medications has improved the treatment outcomes for several illnesses. The discovery of novel nanomaterials and the elucidation of their physicochemical features in connection to their cellular destiny and the relevant biological activities have received considerable attention. Hence, this review gives an updated analysis and data on clinical trials that are currently on-going for the development of drugs and the existing ones that are in use to combat the COVID-19 virus. This article also discusses the clinical management of COVID-19 at this juncture and highlights the influence of nanotechnology on the improvement of conventional COVID-19 treatments in the way of diagnosis and integrated therapy with pharmacology and advanced science. This review also brings to light on the limitations of nanotechnological strategies in combating viral diseases.