Silver nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2 and its potential application in medical protective clothing - a review

Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly known as Covid-19, has turned into a worldwide menace, causing death to millions of people. Coronavirus-2 transmits primarily by respiratory droplets. In this circumstance, different forms of PPEs can efficiently prevent this transmission. However, the virus can survive on the conventional PPEs for a long time. Hence, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated PPEs can be an excellent approach for preventing contamination and spreading the virus. This paper reviewed the Covid-19 morphology, mechanism of AgNPs against SARS-CoV-2 virus, the necessity of antiviral PPEs, and AgNPs incorporation methods. The Covid-19 virus has four types of protein. S-protein is most crucial among them, as it causes rapid replication in the host body. The glycine and alanine composed HR1 of S-protein is the ideal target for antiviral action. AgNPs can inhibit Glycine and Alanine of S-protein along with other proteins. Therefore, AgNPs incorporated PPEs can effectively protect the users from viral attacks. Although cotton fiber has insufficient antimicrobial activity, it is still the dominant textile material in the health sector due to its unrivaled comfortability. In this context, AgNPs incorporated cotton might be a savior. Furthermore, it might pave the door for reusable PPEs.