Background:
Today, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), a viral disease caused by novel corona virus (a tiny crowned virus) has become one of threats for human being all over the world and caused the death of millions of people worldwide. For this pandemic, some vaccines have been developed in various countries and given to some people but still it seems difficult to cure all corona strains due to its ability to form new strains. So, it is necessary to have the knowledge about the structure of virus, mechanism of actions and their antiviral activities against the drugs and other functional materials.
Method:
AgNPs have unique physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. This review describes the structure and nature of virus, mechanism of action of antiviral drug such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with virus. In addition, different methods for synthesis of AgNPs, application of AgNPs as an antiviral agent against influenza virus, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV), polio virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are discussed. Also, most probable applications and properties of AgNPs which can help to prepare it as an antiviral agent are discussed.
Results:
The use of AgNPs against various viruses including corona virus family is found to be effective, so it can be considered for the development of antiviral agents, disinfectants, antiviral coated mask and their therapeutic use against the treatment of novel corona virus with minimum side effect and great efficiency.
Conclusions:
AgNPs was successfully used for the treatment of various viral diseases of corona virus family such as H1N1, H3N2 influenza even for SARS and MERS corona viruses, but there are some reports where researchers debated about the clinical trial or even clinical use for administration and inhalation of AgNPs for the various treatments. AgNPs coated masks, disinfectants, fabrics, wipes, inhalation systems are effective for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Since sanitizers have temporary effect, so the development of some other potential alternative having low toxicity, ease of use, long lasting efficiency, health cautious, minimum side effect, sustainable fabrics is required.