COVID-19: A Comprehensive View of Diverse Mitigation Measures, Biomaterials and Outlook

Abstract

COVID-19 the existing contagion is caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). As of 1st March, 2021,  the statistical study shows, 114 million people all over the world have been affected by COVID-19 and in this about 2.53 million deaths have been reported with a recovery of 64.4 million cases. The most commonly testified signs of COVID-19 infection are pyrexia, tussis and tiredness; other symptoms that are less common include deprivation in senses (odor or flavor), pharyngitis, stuffy nose, cephalgia, gastroenteritis etc. Among the reported cases, approximately 10-15% progress to severe disease and 5% becomes critically ill. Most people recover at 2-6 weeks after exposure to the virus, but it is reported that there are some patients who may recur some symptoms for weeks or months after initial recovery although they are not infectious during this period. In this review article, we have briefly discussed the different diagnostic and detection measures that are being clinically practiced and the treatment methods including medicines and vaccines which has been undertaken in the fight against COVID-19. Recent advances in various regulatory measures comprising the application of biomaterials engineering (nanomaterials, biosensors, quantum dots, polymeric array-based vaccines, etc.) and the digital technologies are also discussed. Organoid cultures are also used against SARS-CoV-2 to understand the biological phenomena taking place in the human body through infection, and thereby establishing the necessary trials to control the infection. In short, there is a requirement of the combination of study from multidisciplinary areas to understand the virus better and develop more effective mitigation measures. There are still studies under examination to improve the public health and to have complete control over this novel virus.