Silver, copper and copper oxide nanoparticles in the fight against human viruses: progress and perspectives

Author(s)

Tortella, G. R. ^[1] ; Pieretti, J. C. ^[2] ; Rubilar, O. ^[3] ; Fernandez-Baldo, M. ^[4] ; Benavides-Mendoza, A. ^[5] ; Diez, M. C. ^{[2, 1]} ; Seabra, A. B. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ La Frontera, Ctr Excelencia Invest Biotecnol Aplicada Medio Am, CIBAMA BIOREN, Temuco - Chile

^[2] Univ Fed ABC UFABC, Ctr Nat & Human Sci, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ La Frontera, Chem Engn Dept, Temuco - Chile

^[4] Univ Nacl San Luis, CONICET, INQUISAL Inst Quim San Luis, Fac Quim Bioquim & Farm, Natl Sci & Tech Res Counc, San Luis - Argentina

^[5] Univ Autonoma Agr Antonio Narro, Dept Hort, Saltillo, Coahuila - Mexico

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY; JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The rapid development of nanomedicine has created a high demand for silver, copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. Due to their high reactivity and potent antimicrobial activity, silver and copper-based nanomaterials have been playing an important role in the search for new alternatives for the treatment of several issues of concern, such as pathologies caused by bacteria and viruses. Viral diseases are a significant and constant threat to public health. The most recent example is the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this context, the object of the present review is to highlight recent progress in the biomedical uses of these metal nanoparticles for the treatment and prevention of human viral infections. We discuss the antiviral activity of AgNPs and Cu-based NPs, including their actions against SARS-CoV-2. We also discuss the toxicity, biodistribution and excretion of AgNPs and CuNPs, along with their uses in medical devices or on inert surfaces to avoid viral dissemination by fomites. The challenges and limitations of the biomedical use of these nanoparticles are presented. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/08194-2 - Essential oil amended with metal nanoparticles functionalized with nitric oxide as a strategy to control plant pathogens in the agriculture
• Grantee: Amedea Barozzi Seabra
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/02832-7 - Hybrid magnetic and antibacterial nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and applications
• Grantee: Joana Claudio Pieretti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master