The nano-sponges are covered with a membrane composed of lung and immune cells. This technique makes it possible to decoy the virus and prevent it from attacking the lung cells.
Divert attention from virus to avoid infection :dResearchers from Boston University (USA) have managed to use this method for Covid-19. In Nano Letters, they explain how they managed to trap the new coronavirus. “I was skeptical at first because it seemed too good to be truei”, says Anna Honko, one of the authors of the research. She says she was amazed by the results.
Scientists discovered how to stop the coronavirus infection in its tracks by diverting its attention away from living lung cells. This new “nanosponge” technology:
⏺️ mops up the virus like a sponge,
⏺️ spares lung cells, &
⏺️ prevents lung inflammation.https://t.co/jjCgZz5uZf pic.twitter.com/uZzVD98HdY— BU Experts (@BUexperts) June 18, 2020
Nano-sponges, a thousand times narrower than a hair
The researchers made small drops of polymer, covered with a membrane made up of lung and immune cells. “It looks like a nanoparticle wrapped in bits of cell membranes”, says the researcher. “These are small pieces of plastic, which contain only the outer parts of a celladds Anthony Griffiths, co-author of the study. This traps the virus like in a sponge..” Each of these nano-sponges is a thousand times narrower than a human hair. “Our hypothesis is that it acts as a decoy”adds Anthony Griffiths.
A double action
In an experiment, Anna Honko mixed these “fake” cells with lung cells and with SARS-CoV-2 to observe the results. Nano-sponges are more attractive to the virus than lung cells. Then, when trapped in this artificial cell, the virus dies. This system helps prevent SARS-CoV-2 from attacking cells and replicating in the body.
Anna Honko sees a second interest in the use of this device: it would reduce the inflammatory response to the virus. Inflammation in the lungs is one of the serious consequences of Covid-19, yet nano-sponges attract inflammatory cells and preserve the immune system.
A treatment adapted to humans?
For the time being, the tests have been carried out in a laboratory, with cultured cells, but the researchers assume that it could work in the human body. The immune system would then be able to naturally eliminate the nano-sponges.
The research team will conduct further experiments on animals before they can test on humans. Scientists are already thinking about the form that this treatment could take. “We should be able to drop it right in the nosesays Anthony Griffiths, it might look like a nasal spray.” Her colleague talks about a safe and effective method of administration. “If you want to treat patients who are intubated, you can act directly on the lungs.” The two researchers are also interested in other diseases that could be treated with this method, such as Ebola for example. “I am curious to know how far we can push this technology”concludes Anna Honko.
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