Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelika Kwiatkowska, Ludomira H. Granicka
Summary: This review evaluates the usability of nanotechnology for combating coronaviruses by focusing on polyelectrolytes and their function as protective agents and carriers for antiviral agents. The review includes nanomembranes in the form of nano-coatings or nanoparticles made of natural or synthetic polyelectrolytes, which can create an interface with viruses. Although there are limited polyelectrolytes with direct activity against SARS-CoV-2, materials effective against other viruses are considered potentially active against SARS-CoV-2. Developing new approaches to materials as interfaces with viruses will remain relevant in the future.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wanru Guo, Harini Lakshminarayanan, Alex Rodriguez-Palacios, Robert A. Salata, Kaijin Xu, Mohamed S. Draz
Summary: Human coronaviruses pose a significant global disease burden, causing harm to health, economy, and social well-being. Studying virus glycans at the nanoscale offers new insights into virus diagnosis and treatment. Glycan nanostructures have the potential to be targets for molecular diagnosis, antiviral therapeutics, and vaccine development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wen Tzuen Heng, Jia Sheng Yew, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, remain a major global threat. Vaccination is crucial in eradicating such diseases, and recent advancements in nanoparticle-based vaccines have shown great potential. This review discusses successful nanovaccines and provides an overview of those currently in clinical trials.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
William R. Morgenlander, Stephanie N. Henson, Daniel R. Monaco, Athena Chen, Kirsten Littlefield, Evan M. Bloch, Eric Fujimura, Ingo Ruczinski, Andrew R. Crowley, Harini Natarajan, Savannah E. Butler, Joshua A. Weiner, Mamie Z. Li, Tania S. Bonny, Sarah E. Benner, Ashwin Balagopal, David Sullivan, Shmuel Shoham, Thomas C. Quinn, Susan H. Eshleman, Arturo Casadevall, Andrew D. Redd, Oliver Laeyendecker, Margaret E. Ackerman, Andrew Pekosz, Stephen J. Elledge, Matthew Robinson, Aaron A. R. Tobian, H. Benjamin Larman
Summary: This study found strong correlation between the functionality of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and polyclonal antibody targeting of specific peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Antibody responses to specific coronaviruses correlated with the development of highly neutralizing antibodies against CoV-2. Plasma donations reactive to the CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain had higher neutralizing titers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro F. N. Souza, Felipe P. Mesquita, Jackson L. Amaral, Patricia G. C. Landim, Karollyny R. P. Lima, Marilia B. Costa, Izabelle R. Farias, Luina B. Lima, Raquel C. Montenegro
Summary: This review discusses the sequence and structural differences of S proteins among SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, highlighting their importance in infection, transmission, and evolution. It also explores the mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of these coronaviruses, as well as the mutations in the S protein of new isolates of SARS-CoV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Priscilla Gomes da Silva, Joao Rodrigo Mesquita, Maria de Sao Jose Nascimento, Vanessa Andreia Martins Ferreira
Summary: Environmental disturbances caused by human activities disrupt wildlife ecosystems and facilitate the zoonotic transmission of pathogens. The high mutation rate and genetic recombination capacity of coronaviruses contribute to outbreaks like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cheng-Wei Yang, Hsing-Yu Hsu, Yue-Zhi Lee, Jia-Tsrong Jan, Sui-Yuan Chang, Yi-Ling Lin, Ruey-Bing Yang, Tai-Ling Chao, Jian-Jong Liang, Shu-Jing Lin, Chun-Che Liao, Chih-Shin Chang, Huey-Kang Sytwu, Ming-Shiu Hung, Chiung-Tong Chen, Shiow-Ju Lee
Summary: Four natural fucoidans extracted from different types of seaweed demonstrated strong inhibition against HCoV-OC43 infection, with EC50 values ranging from 0.15 to 0.61 μg/mL. The fucoidan extracted from Undaria pinnatifida showed the highest anti-HCoV-OC43 activity, independent of its sulfate content. Fucoidan treatment effectively reduced the expression of genes associated with chemokines, cytokines, and viral activities.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fang Wang, Xiao-Guo Suo, Cong Wang, Jia-Nan Wang, Xiao-Yan He, Fa-Cai Wang, Juan Jin, Jia-Gen Wen, Wei-Jian Ni, Bing -Xiang Shen, Xiao-Ming Meng
Summary: The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 since the end of 2019 has posed a significant public health challenge globally. This virus not only causes pneumonia but also leads to multiple organ failure, including kidney damage, which results in increased mortality and morbidity.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Avijit Pramanik, Poonam C. Sharma, Shamily Patibandla, Ye Gao, Vinod Ruppa-Kasani, Jagruti Goli, Animesh Kumar, Abhirup Chatterjee, Sudarson Sekhar Sinha, John T. Bates, Michael A. Bierdeman, Ritesh Tandon, Paresh Chandra Ray
Summary: This study found that the combination of human host defense molecules and graphene quantum dots can prevent the entry of the Delta variant virus into host cells, which is important for improving the effectiveness of vaccines against Delta variant infection.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonia Beeckmans, Edilbert Van Driessche
Summary: This paper summarizes the understanding of the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its relatives, as well as the methods to analyze these proteins using bioinformatic tools and DeepView program. By observing these proteins on computer screens, it hopes to inspire non-specialists to further study these macromolecules and contribute to the development of procedures to fight against viruses.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Henning Jacobsen, Sabra L. Klein
Summary: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the sex-specific differences in immunity and outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with evidence suggesting a male bias in disease severity mediated by differential immune responses. While males are more susceptible to most viral infections, females possess immunological features that make them vulnerable to distinct immune-related disease outcomes. Sex chromosome complement, related genes, and sex steroids all play crucial roles in mediating these sex differences in immunity to viral infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Chandrima Gain, Sihyeong Song, Tyler Angtuaco, Sandro Satta, Theodoros Kelesidis
Summary: Coronaviruses can cause severe respiratory tract infections and affect other organs such as the central nervous system, lungs, and heart. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on humanity. Understanding the mechanisms of coronavirus infections will help develop new treatments to reduce the effects of these infections. Coronaviruses induce oxidative stress, leading to reduced antiviral responses and increased inflammation and cell damage. However, the mechanisms by which coronaviruses manipulate redox responses are not well understood. This review aims to elucidate the redox mechanisms involved in coronavirus replication and associated damage to multiple organs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jin Wei, Mia Madel Alfajaro, Wesley L. L. Cai, Vincent R. R. Graziano, Madison S. S. Strine, Renata B. B. Filler, Scott B. B. Biering, Sylvia A. A. Sarnik, Sonam Patel, Bridget L. L. Menasche, Susan R. R. Compton, Silvana Konermann, Patrick D. D. Hsu, Robert C. C. Orchard, Qin Yan, Craig B. B. Wilen
Summary: The histone demethylase KDM6A promotes diverse coronavirus infection by regulating the expression of ACE2, DPP4, and Ceacam1. The KDM6A-KMT2D-p300 complex localizes to enhancer regions of ACE2 and regulates receptor expression. Inhibition of p300 catalytic activity prevents ACE2 and DPP4 expression and confers resistance to SARS-CoV-2 variants and MERS-CoV.
Review
Immunology
Jesus Hurtado-Tamayo, Ricardo Requena-Platek, Luis Enjuanes, Melissa Bello-Perez, Isabel Sola
Summary: Coronaviruses have a large genome and include essential genes as well as variable accessory genes. The functions of accessory proteins in virus-host interactions and pathogenesis are important. Analysis of accessory proteins in the scientific literature generally involves deleting or mutating the genes, but the complexities of protein interactions during virus infection are often overlooked. A critical review of the literature helps to explain discrepancies in experimental results obtained through different approaches.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Darwin Kurniawan, Jacob Mathew, Michael Ryan Rahardja, Hoang-Phuc Pham, Pei-Chun Wong, Neralla Vijayakameswara Rao, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study reports the development of smart anticancer drug nanocarriers through plasma engineering technique. The nanocarriers containing chitosan and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots can release drugs in a pH-responsive manner and exhibit enhanced toughness. The loaded nanocarriers demonstrate improved drug loading capability and stable release, showing great potential in cancer treatment.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milad Ashrafizadeh, Kiavash Hushmandi, Sepideh Mirzaei, Saied Bokaie, Ashkan Bigham, Pooyan Makvandi, Navid Rabiee, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Alan Prem Kumar, Esmaeel Sharifi, Rajender S. Varma, Amir Reza Aref, Marcin Wojnilowicz, Ali Zarrabi, Hassan Karimi-Maleh, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Ebrahim Mostafavi, Gorka Orive
Summary: Green chemistry has shown great promise in biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CS-NPs) serve as a promising carrier for anti-cancer drugs, overcoming drug resistance and enabling synergistic therapy. Various types of nanostructures can be modified with chitosan for efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (DOX). The functionalization of CS-NPs with ligands and their pH-sensitive and redox-responsive characteristics further enhance their selectivity and drug release. Considering their high encapsulation efficiency and biocompatibility, significant progress is expected in the clinical translation of CS-NPs.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Yu Li, Yingji Wu, Kouqi Liu, Seyed Ali Delbari, Aejung Kim, Abbas Sabahi Namini, Quyet Van Le, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr, Changlei Xia, Ho Won Jang, Rajender S. Varma, Rafael Luque
Summary: The demand for sustainable and ecofriendly materials has increased in recent decades. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant interest due to their unique chemical and physical properties. They have been utilized in various chemistries to convert biomass into biofuels and other valuable compounds. This review article discusses the conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) or levulinic acid, HMF into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acids, vanillin into 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol, and other transformations using MOF-based catalysts with improved green credentials. The article also examines the reusability aspect, reactivity of the catalysts with MOFs, benefits, and potential drawbacks, as well as future perspectives.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani, Shadi Tahmasebi Ashtiani, Fatemeh Mohajer, Alireza Badiei, Rajender Varma
Summary: SBA-Pr-N-BFE is a chemosensor designed from mesoporous silica SBA-15, (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 1,2-bis(2-formylphenoxy)ethane (BFE), characterized and applied as a selective fluorescent chemosensor. Photoluminescence spectroscopy confirms its ability to selectively detect Fe3+ ions in H2O, with notable quenching in fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence studies establish a linear correlation between the fluorescence intensity of SBA-Pr-N-BFE and the concentration of Fe3+ ions, with a detection limit of 1.209 x 10-6 M.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Walid Theib Mohammad, Hajar Alijani, Pawan Faris, Ehsan Salarkia, Mahin Naderifar, Majid Reza Akbarizadeh, Nooshin Hashemi, Siavash Iravani, Abduladheem Turki Jalil, Marwan Mahmood Saleh, A. H. Fathi, Mehrdad Khatami
Summary: In this study, eco-friendly ZnS quantum dots were synthesized using green tea extract, and their properties were evaluated. Compared to conventional drug treatment methods, ZnS quantum dots showed higher efficacy and biocompatibility in combating leishmaniasis. The results suggest that ZnS quantum dots could serve as potential bioactive agents for antileishmanial drug development in future clinical settings.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Retraction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maryam Darvish, Navid Nasrabadi, Farnoush Fotovat, Setareh Khosravi, Mehrdad Khatami, Samira Jamali, Elnaz Mousavi, Siavash Iravani, Abbas Rahdar
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rohith K. Ramakrishnan, Sundaramoorthy Palanisamy, Nechikkottil S. Sumitha, Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, S. Sabarinath, Stanislaw Waclawek, Tamer Uyar, Miroslav Cernik, Rajender S. Varma, Jun Young Cheong, Vinod Vellora Thekkae Padil
Summary: With the advancement in technology, miniaturized electronic gadgets capable of high-speed functioning have emerged, especially in the era of 5G. However, the increasing demand for electronics and portable devices has led to the emergence of electromagnetic pollution as a critical issue affecting human health and the environment. To address this problem, sustainable materials that effectively shield electromagnetic radiation while offering high mechanical strength and recyclability are needed. This study introduces freestanding nanocomposite films comprising multiwalled carbon nanotubes with a tree gum/alginate conjugate, which provide an ultraflexible and recyclable platform for electromagnetic interference shielding.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Li, Yingji Wu, Seyed Ali Delbari, Aejung Kim, Abbas Sabahi Namini, Quyet Van Le, Changlei Xia, Rafael Luque, Ho Won Jang, Mohammadreza Shokouhimehr, Rajender S. Varma
Summary: The practical benefits of sustainable catalysts have led to an increased demand for extended carbon supported nanocatalysts. These nanocatalysts have high porosity and physiochemical stability, making them useful for converting biomass into valuable chemicals. Carbon nanostructures can be functionalized and adorned with metal nanoparticles to exhibit excellent catalytic activity and endurance. This article exemplifies the significance of using nanostructured carbon catalysts and discusses the benefits and limitations of these catalysts for biomass conversion.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Sankar Sana, Madhappan Santhamoorthy, Rajesh Haldar, Chaitany Jayprakash Raorane, Siavash Iravani, Rajender S. Varma, Seong-Cheol Kim
Summary: MXene is a flexible, compositionally diverse, and multilayered two-dimensional compound formed from surface-modified carbide. It offers high electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, magnetic properties, and remarkable visual capabilities. MXene-based hydrogels provide a promising platform for drug delivery and antibacterial applications due to their unique physicochemical properties, tunable surface chemistry, and inherent antimicrobial activity.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani, Dorsa Ebrahimi, Fatemeh Mohajer, Rajender S. Varma, Siavash Iravani
Summary: Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are important in organic synthesis for their ability to efficiently construct complex structures in a single step. Meldrum's acid stands out as a versatile starting material in MCRs, offering a wide range of molecular diversity. This comprehensive review explores the scope of Meldrum's acid in various MCRs, emphasizing its unique attributes and environmentally friendly applications. Rating: 8/10.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siavash Iravani, Rajender S. Varma
Summary: Nanotechnology can develop advanced and selective tactics and nanosystems for cancer therapy that have fewer side effects and improved targeting properties. Vault, viral, and virus-like nanoparticles have unique properties and structures that can be deployed for smart targeted cancer therapy. However, comprehensive clinical trials/studies are still required to ensure their biosafety and efficacy.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siavash Iravani, Rajender S. Varma
Summary: Finding novel nanomaterial-based strategies to combat bacterial resistance is an important field of science. MXene-based composites have shown excellent antimicrobial potential due to their fascinating properties. However, details about the possible interactions between MXene-based nanosystems and bacterial cell membranes are scarce, and the mechanisms of photothermal antibacterial therapy and synergistic tactics still need to be uncovered.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ipsita Nath, Jeet Chakraborty, Reinaud Lips, Sander Dekyvere, Jiang Min, Rajender S. Varma, Francis Verpoort
Summary: High-performing metal-free pH-universal HER catalysts are smarter options for producing carbon-free green fuels via water electrolysis. In this study, an indigo-based organic conjugated porous polymer with surface-decorated hydrogen bonding sites was developed, which exhibited promising electrochemical HER activity in acidic, alkaline, and neutral media. The material showed comparable performance to contemporary metal-free carbonaceous electrocatalysts and state-of-the-art metal-based catalytic systems, with an overpotential of only 28 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) current density under appropriate conditions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fatemeh Mohajer, Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani, Alireza Badiei, Siavash Iravani, Rajender S. S. Varma
Summary: Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystal-like organic structures that can be prepared from pre-designed construction block precursors, and they have been widely studied for various applications such as sensing/imaging, cancer theranostics, drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, and antimicrobials. COFs have desirable properties such as harmonious pore size, enduring porosity, thermal stability, and low density, and they can be functionalized with various groups to provide desired constituents. Recent advancements in the applications of COF-based systems against bacterial infections and for wound healing are discussed, focusing on challenges and future guidelines.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bahareh Farasati Far, Navid Rabiee, Siavash Iravani
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and MXenes have great potential in biomedical applications, but their environmental implications and biosafety issues need to be carefully considered. While there have been studies exploring their toxicity and biocompatibility, further systematic research is required. Efforts should be made to minimize the environmental impact during synthesis and manufacturing, and the potential release into the environment during biomedical applications should be evaluated.