In-silico study on viability of MXenes in suppressing the coronavirus infection and distribution

Abstract

Herein, based on the paramount importance of combating emerging diseases, through employing a detailed in-silico study, the possibility of using MXenes in suppressing the coronavirus infection was elucidated. To this end, first, interactions of MXene nanosheets (Mn₂C, Ti₂C, and Mo₂C) and spike protein (SP), the main infecting portion of the COVID-19, were investigated. It was found that the modeled MXenes were effective in attracting the SP, so that they can be exploited in filtering the coronavirus. In addition, the effect of the MXenes on the SP structure was assessed which demonstrated that the secondary structure of the SP could be changed. Therefore, the post-interactions of the SP/ACE2 (receptor of coronavirus in the body) could be interrupted, declaring the lower chance of coronavirus infecting. The in-silico studies revealed that the MXenes not only can be used to adsorb and hinder the distribution of the coronavirus but also affect the SP structure and the SP/ACE2 interactions to interrupt the COVID-19 threat. Therefore, MXenes can be exploited with simultaneous roles in physical inhibition and reactive weakening of the COVID-19. In this regard, the Mn₂C nanosheet was well suited, which is suggested as a promising candidate to combat the coronavirus.

Graphical Abstract

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Keywords:

• Coronavirus
• MXene
• COVID-19
• molecular dynamics
• spike protein
• ACE2

Disclosure statement

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