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

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.

Keywords:

• Silver nanoparticles
• copper nanoparticles
• (SARS-CoV-2)
• viral diseases
• antiviral activity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by REDES-ANID 180003, Universidad de La Frontera DI21-1004, CONICYT/FAPESP 2018/08194-2, FAPESP [2018/08194-2, 2018/02832-7], CNPq [404815/2018-9, 313117/2019-5]. This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001 and ANID/FONDAP/15130015.