Metallic and Non-metallic Nanoparticles against Viruses

Le résumé fourni par la source

Viral diseases pose a public health concern and are one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Additionally, repeated administrations and high doses of antivirals result in severe side effects and antiviral resistance. There is a dire need to develop alternative strategies to combat this challenge with maximum human benefit. Nanoparticles (NPs) possess distinctive properties that provide a novel platform for the development of potential and effective agents by modifying the materials at the nano level with remarkable physicochemical properties, a high ration of surface area to volume, and increased reactivity. Metallic nanoparticles have applications in various fields like cosmetics, coatings, biotechnology, electronics, and packaging. Among metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to enhance the host immunity against pathogens. Integration of classic antiviral agents, in the form of multiple ligands, with nanostructures proves adventitious by creating a high local concentration of active molecules. However, only a few efforts have been made in nanotechnology-based drug delivery area. Future challenges of nano formulations for antiviral drugs are safety/toxicity, high drug payloads, upscaled production, smart nanocarriers, sustained release, and targeting. A number of problems are still left that need to be addressed for successful implementation of nano-preparations in clinics. This chapter will cover biocidal effects of metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles against viruses, their mechanisms of action, nanotherapeutic agents of clinical importance, and challenges in nanotherapeutics.

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