Nano-targeting lessons from the SARS-CoV-2

Author(s)

Ribeiro, I. R. S. ; da Silva, R. F. ; Silveira, C. P. ; Galdino, F. E. ; Cardoso, M. B.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANO TODAY; v. 36, p. 4-pg., 2021-02-01.

Abstract

The lack of targeting efficacy has frequently led functionalized nanoparticles to accumulate in unwanted cells and tissues while boosting toxicity-related effects. Conversely, viruses are natural nanoparticles that precisely and responsively interact with the biological machinery through an effective-driven fashion. This interaction is enhanced by a meticulous spatial arrangement which results in a quasi-crystalline distribution of proteins on the viruses' surface. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose to look at the SARS-CoV-2 nanoscale viral scaffold as an example of a highly-ordered architecture that must inspire and tailor the production of targeted synthetic nanoparticles. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/09555-9 - Influence of protein corona on interaction and internalization of silica nanoparticles in human cells: from two-dimensional to tri-dimensional images
• Grantee: Flávia Elisa Galdino
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/14007-3 - Double-functionalised silica nanoparticles for anti-bacterial effect
• Grantee: Camila Pedroso Silveira Bueno
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral