Nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for antiviral therapeutic drugs

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still escalating, many researchers are turning to nanotechnology as a method of treatment not only for this pandemic, but in preparation for the pandemics of the future. Given both a wide variety of biomaterials at their disposal and the recent rise of nanotechnology, scientists now have the means to release and distribute therapeutic drugs in a variety of ways. Such a variety permits medical professionals the ability to choose biomaterials and methods that would provide the best release and treatment methodologies for the viral ailment they are attempting to remedy. This integrative review discusses context of previous pandemics, viral pathogenesis, issues associated with the current state of antiviral delivery systems, numerous biomaterials used for this purpose, and further information regarding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.