• Nano-Code: 2020-1-BG01-KA226-HE-095017
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he-lp3

HE Undergraduates in nanotechnology (EQF 6):

HE-LP3COVID-19 therapeutic approaches through nanotechnologies
SummaryThe mechanisms affecting viral properties and approaches aimed at utilizing viral particle characteristics are presented in this training unit. It deals with the offers of modern nanotechnology comprising a variety of high-tech solutions for the prevention of infection, diagnostics, post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as effective treatments in cases when SARS-CoV-2-related disease has already developed. Information is presented concerning the novel nanotechnology-based biosensors, diagnostic devices, antiviral drugs, and vaccines that have been developed or repurposed to combat the modern pandemic. Emphasis is given to the advances in nanotechnology for the inactivation of viruses and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. The emergency of nanoethics as a new bioethical subdiscipline and the nanoethics aspects of mRNA vaccines as genetic engineering products are discussed. Some fields of application of nanomedicine in the surrounding of mRNA technology are commented in light of COVID-19.
ULOs
Knowledge & Skills		Upon completion of HE-LP3 the trainee will be able to:
  • Know the mail characteristics of viruses and their importance in terms of structure, taxonomy, and mechanism of viral action;
  • Understand the functional nanoparticles and their antiviral activity;
  • Explain the strategies for the construction of Virus-Based Nanoparticles (VNPs) and their application in therapeutic interventions and drug delivery;
  • Present the immunization and immunotherapy approaches based on virus-derived structures.
  • Present general information about the vaccines and treatments for COVID-19: causality, pathogenesis, and potential approaches to decrease the burden of COVID-related complications;
  • Reveal nano insights into treatment and prevention of COVID-19: application of nanomaterials for prevention of transmission and in the diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2;
  • Know the current therapeutics research achievements in nanotechnology to combat COVID-19;
  • Make an overview of nanoparticles’ vaccines.
  • Emphasize the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 effects on thinking in research and clinical medicine;
  • Know the current developments of versatile nano-scale carrier platforms;
  • Explain the principles of construction and operation of the nano-based delivery systems for antiviral drugs;
  • Make an overview of the nanoformulations developed for the delivery of antiviral drugs;
  • Present the use of viral capsids for drug delivery.
  • describe the most important tasks of ethical reflection with regard to the application of new technologies using the example of nanotechnology in the field of the development of molecular genetically based vaccines (functions of "nanoethics");
  • understand the basic concerns of technology-related bioethics in the sense of a technology assessment encompassing all social, health and political aspects (risks and chances);
  • distinguish and weight the different issues of bioethics in the field of nanobiotechnology, so that the special problems of "nanoethics" in the medical field become clear;
  • exemplify and discuss the different ethical problems that arise in connection with the development of mRNA vaccines;
CompositionLO 1.1. Viral particles and functional nanomaterials crossing point
LO 4.1. COVID-19 therapeutics: nanotechnology in antiviral treatments and vaccines
LO 4.2. New platforms to control viral infections: nano-scale carriers and drug delivery systems
LO 6.1. Integration of social and ethical studies into nanotechnology developments
(Self)AssessmentHE-LP3 Test
Credit points6
ValidationCertificate
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web-site reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.