Nano traps can clear the coronavirus

Artistic picture of the nanotrap.

These nanotraps can attract viruses by mimicking the target cells infected by the virus.

Theoretically, these nanotraps can also be used for virus variants, resulting in a new method of inhibiting virus development.

Related papers were published in the recent "Substance".

In order to design nanotraps, a research team led by postdoctoral scholar Chen Min (transliteration) and graduate student Jill Rosenberg studied the binding mechanism of the new coronavirus to cells: the spike protein on its surface binds to the ACE2 receptor protein of human cells.

Both the ACE2 protein and neutralizing antibodies have been used in the treatment of new coronary pneumonia, but by attaching them to nanoparticles, researchers have created a more powerful system for capturing and eliminating the virus.

The researchers tested the safety of the system on a mouse model and found no toxicity.

Related paper information: http://dx.