Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents Based on Multivalent Inhibitors of Viral Infectivity

The ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), caused by the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), highlights the need for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. In this Essay, it is argued that such agents already exist and are readily available while highlighting the challenges that remain to translate them into the clinic. Multivalent inhibitors of viral infectivity based on polymers or supramolecular agents and nanoparticles are shown to be broadly acting against diverse pathogens in vitro as well as in vivo. Furthermore, uniquely, such agents can be virucidal. Polymers and nanoparticles are stable, do not require cold chain of transportation and storage, and can be obtained on large scale. Specifically, for the treatment of respiratory viruses and pulmonary diseases, these agents can be administered via inhalation/nebulization, as is currently investigated in clinical trials as a treatment against SARS CoV-2/Covid-19. It is believed that with due optimization and clinical validation, multivalent inhibitors of viral infectivity can claim their rightful position as broad-spectrum antiviral agents.

Electrospinning of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Energy and Environmental Applications

Herein, recent developments of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) structured into nanofibers by electrospinning are summarized, including the fabrication, post-treatment via pyrolysis, properties, and use of the resulting MOF nanofiber architectures. The fabrication and post-treatment of the MOF nanofiber architectures are described systematically by two routes: i) the direct electrospinning of MOF-polymer nanofiber composites, and ii) the surface decoration of nanofiber structures with MOFs. The unique properties and performance of the different types of MOF nanofibers and their derivatives are explained in respect to their use in energy and environmental applications, including air filtration, water treatment, gas storage and separation, electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and heterogeneous catalysis. Finally, challenges with the fabrication of MOF nanofibers, limitations for their use, and trends for future developments are presented.