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Table 1 Role of different NPs against COVID-19

From: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of nanoparticles in the management of COVID-19: a comprehensive overview

NPs

Description

Ref.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)

High nucleic acid (siRNA or mRNA) encapsulation rate and enhanced transfection effectiveness resulted in viral load suppression in the lungs

The ionizable lipids are close-charged at physiological pH, making them an excellent vehicle for nucleic acid treatments

Protecting mRNAs from ribonucleases and delivering their intact form to the target site

Lower cytotoxicity and immunogenicity

Compared to bilayer liposomes, LNPs exhibit increased cargo stability and cellular penetration

Easy manufacturing technique, small size, and serum stability

[26]

[27, 28]

[29]

[30,31,32]

[29]

[27, 28]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)

Used for sterilizing and employed in PPE

Fast detection of particular COVID-19 viral antigens

Common antigen carriers are utilized in immunization and vaccination, increasing vaccination effectiveness by stimulating antigen-presenting cells and maintaining controlled antigen release

[33,34,35,36]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)

Silver is effective against all infections, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Developing extremely sensitive biosensors based on AgNPs

Direct virucidal activity by adhering to the virus particles and blocking their connection to host cells

AgNPs attach to the viral genome, resulting in viral replication suppression and the release of progeny virions

Producing free radicals and ROS, causing apoptosis and therefore preventing viral infection

Triggering an immune response and avoiding COVID-19 inflammation and fibrosis by decreasing the amounts of cytokines and cytokine-mediated inflammation

Inhibiting cytokine storm, inflammatory signaling, pulmonary insufficiency reduction, and regulation of the EMT signaling cascade

Therapeutic serum and procedures based on NagC to prevent viral and bacterial respiratory infections from spreading

Preventing secondary microbial infections after COVID-19 infection

[37]

[38]

[39]

[40]

[41]

[42]

[38]

[43]

[38]

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNs)

Increasing oral delivery of drugs with improved stability within the digestive tract, shielding encapsulated substances, modulating chemical properties, drug release, and antigen carriers

The most frequently utilized NPs for encapsulating chloroquine

[44,45,46]

magnetic nanoparticles

Rapid detection of virus

Practical, automated, and high-throughput alternatives to centrifugation

[47,48,49,50]

Zinc nanoparticles

Inhibiting viral reproduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the immune system in specific sites

[51]

Dendrimer nanoparticles (DNs)

Dendrimers have been developed for transdermal, oral, ocular, and pulmonary drug delivery.

Limited clinical applications because of its toxicity

Low polydispersity and biocompatibility

[16, 52]