
Editorial Perspectives: will SARS-CoV-2 reset public health requirements in the water industry? Integrating lessons of the past and emerging research
Brian Pecson and Daniel Gerrity present an Editorial Perspective which focuses on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the water industry.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2020,6, 1761-1764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW90031A
Editorial Perspectives: 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): what is its fate in urban water cycle and how can the water research community respond?
Vincenzo Naddeo and Haizhou Liu present an ‘Editorial Perspective’ on coronavirus in wastewater and discuss the water research needs to combat viral outbreaks.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2020,6, 1213-1216
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW90015J

Nano- and biosensors for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: challenges and opportunities
Recent advances in the design of nano- and biosensors, as well as important challenges and opportunities related to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 diagnosis, are discussed.
Mater. Adv., 2020,1, 3092-3103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MA00702A
Envisioned strategy for an early intervention in virus-suspected patients through non-invasive piezo- and pyro-electric-based wearable sensors
This perspective explores the scope of piezo- and pyro-electric wearable sensors towards the early intervention of virus-affected patients, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TA08547B

Soft matter science and the COVID-19 pandemic
Much of the science underpinning the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic lies in the soft matter domain.
Soft Matter, 2020,16, 8310-8324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SM01223H

Carbon-based antiviral nanomaterials: graphene, C-dots, and fullerenes. A perspective
The appearance of new and lethal viruses and their potential threat urgently requires innovative antiviral systems.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6606-6622
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02658A
Ultraviolet-C and other methods of decontamination of filtering facepiece N-95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is one method for decontamination of N-95 filtering facepiece respirators to facilitate reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other techniques include hydrogen peroxide vaporization, microwave-generated steaming, and dry heating.
Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2020,19, 746-751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0PP00131G
Trends and targets in antiviral phototherapy
With its principles discovered more than a hundred years ago the photodynamic inactivation of viruses is now routinely employed in the decontamination of blood products but also investigated for HPV treatment and water disinfection and food safety.
Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2019,18, 2565-2612
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9PP00211A

Growth of Legionella during COVID-19 lockdown stagnation
While “avoiding stagnation” has been the mantra of building water experts, support for how this terminology is used is not overly convincing. Carefully nuanced COVID stagnation studies can improve water quality research and communication strategies.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2021,7, 10-15
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EW00819B
The role of biomaterials and three dimensional (3D) in vitro tissue models in fighting against COVID-19
Biomaterials in company with bioengineered tissue models enables scientists to develop the more precise disease models and find better solutions in infectious respiratory disease treatment.
Biomater. Sci., 2021, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01616K
A new point-of-care test for the diagnosis of infectious diseases based on multiplex lateral flow immunoassays
Multiplex lateral flow immunoassays for outstanding POCT of infectious diseases.
Analyst, 2019,144, 2460-2466
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8AN02295J
Novel biosensing methodologies for ultrasensitive detection of viruses
Biosensors function as rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for various viral infectious diseases.
Analyst, 2013,138, 6219-6229
https://doi.org/10.1039/C3AN01394D
Anti-tumor, -viral, and -bacterial activities of polyoxometalates for realizing an inorganic drug
Recent developments in the biological activities of polyoxometalates (metal-oxide cluster anions) are discussed from the chemotherapeutic point of view for a novel inorganic drug.
J. Mater. Chem., 2005,15, 4773-4782
https://doi.org/10.1039/B504585A

The chemical biology of coronavirus host–cell interactions
Chemical biology strategies can play important roles in studying the complexity of SARS-CoV-2–host interactions at molecular level detail.
RSC Chem. Biol., 2021, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CB00197J

Targeting the SARS-CoV-2-spike protein: from antibodies to miniproteins and peptides
Fighting COVID-19 with high affinity reagents: this review article summarizes the discovery of several classes of (bio) molecules targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
RSC Med. Chem., 2021, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0MD00385A

ACE2 as a potential therapeutic target for pandemic COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 virus invades the host through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors by decreasing the ACE2 expression of the host.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39808-39813
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08228G

Diagnostic technologies for COVID-19: a review
Summary of the latest research progress on detection methods of SARS-CoV-2, providing a reference to develop rapid and accurate diagnostic strategies for COVID-19.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35257-35264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06445A

Targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) with structurally diverse inhibitors: a comprehensive review
Since the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-1 share 80% structural similarity, we present a comprehensive review of the diverse molecular inhibitors of SARS-CoV-1. This will help to accelerate drug discovery for deadly coronavirus diseases.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 28287-28299
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04395H

An overview of key potential therapeutic strategies for combat in the COVID-19 battle
A schematic representation of different methods to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 28243-28266
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05434H

Potential repurposed SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection drugs
The global outbreak of COVID-19 viral infection is associated with the absence of specific drug(s) for fighting this viral infection.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 26895-26916
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05821A

Nature as a treasure trove of potential anti-SARS-CoV drug leads: a structural/mechanistic rationale
Potential drug candidates derived from natural sources are posed for the development of anti-SARS CoV-2 therapeutics.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 19790-19802
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04199H
In search for effective and definitive treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections
Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a nuclear replicating enveloped virus.
RSC Adv., 2016,6, 1058-1075
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5RA22896D
Antiviral drug discovery: broad-spectrum drugs from nature
Exploiting the power of nature to fight viral infections. This review describes the concept of direct- and host-acting natural products with broad-spectrum antiviral activities and provides promising examples derived from plants, fungi, bacteria and marine organisms.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015,32, 29-48
https://doi.org/10.1039/C4NP00085D
Influenza neuraminidase: A druggable target for natural products
This review covers the increasing research efforts of the past decade, focusing on the structure, function and druggability of influenza NA, and its inhibition by natural products. Latest developments in theoretical and experimental research on NA for lead discovery strategies from nature are presented.
Nat. Prod. Rep., 2012,29, 11-36
https://doi.org/10.1039/C1NP00053E

Current advances in the detection of COVID-19 and evaluation of the humoral response
SARS-CoV-2 and humoral response determinations to understand and control the spread of COVID-19.
Analyst, 2021,146, 382-402
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01686A

Detection of RNA viruses from influenza and HIV to Ebola and SARS-CoV-2: a review
RNA-based viruses likely make up the highest pandemic threat among all known pathogens in about the last 100 years, since the Spanish Flu of 1918 with 50 M deaths up to COVID-19.
Anal. Methods, 2021,13, 34-55
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AY01886D
Emerging investigators series: the source and fate of pandemic viruses in the urban water cycle
This review provides a comprehensive look at whether a pandemic enveloped virus would pose challenges for the wastewater and drinking water industries.
Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2015,1, 735-746
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5EW00125K
The role of biosensors in the detection of emerging infectious diseases
An ideal approach to real-time disease detection and surveillance.
Analyst, 2006,131, 1079-1090
https://doi.org/10.1039/B603402K
Colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for cost-effective and quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2: the change in color in LAMP-based assays quantitatively correlates with viral copy number
Colorimetric LAMP for COVID-19 intensified diagnostics: a simple and quantitative method comparable in diagnostic performance to RT-qPCR.
Anal. Methods, 2021,13, 169-178
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AY01658F
High-throughput wastewater analysis for substance use assessment in central New York during the COVID-19 pandemic
Wastewater analysis provides insights into population lifestyle and health status during the coronavirus pandemic.
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2020,22, 2147-2161
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EM00377H
Paper spray mass spectrometry utilizing Teslin® substrate for rapid detection of lipid metabolite changes during COVID-19 infection
Development of an identification methodology with PS-MS as a sensitive and rapid technique to obtain vastly different chemical changes in COVID-19 infection.
Analyst, 2020,145, 5725-5732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01074J
Quantitative determination of mechanical stability in the novel coronavirus spike protein
Unveiling the nanomechanical stability of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 16409-16413
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03969A
Interaction of hydroxychloroquine with SARS-CoV2 functional proteins using all-atoms non-equilibrium alchemical simulations
Using a combination of enhanced sampling molecular dynamics techniques and non-equilibrium alchemical transformations, we have shown that hydroxychloroquine may act as a mild inhibitor of important functional proteins for SARS-CoV2 replication.
Chem. Commun., 2020,56, 8854-8856
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CC03558K
MPLEx: a method for simultaneous pathogen inactivation and extraction of samples for multi-omics profiling
The continued emergence and spread of infectious agents is of great concern, and systems biology approaches to infectious disease research can advance our understanding of host–pathogen relationships and facilitate the development of new therapies and vaccines.
Analyst, 2017,142, 442-448
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6AN02486F
Multicolored silver nanoparticles for multiplexed disease diagnostics: distinguishing dengue, yellow fever, and Ebola viruses
Multicolor silver nanoparticles enable multiplexed detection of dengue, yellow fever, and Ebola virus proteins in a single lateral flow strip.
Lab Chip, 2015,15, 1638-1641
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5LC00055F
Inhibition of SARS coronavirus helicase by bismuth complexes
The SARS-CoV NTPase/helicase being able to unwind both RNA and DNA duplexes, is an attractive target for anti-viral drug design. A series of bismuth complexes were synthesized and characterized, and exhibit the inhibition against the SARS helicase ATPase and duplex-unwinding activities at micromolar concentrations.
Chem. Commun., 2007, 4413-4415
https://doi.org/10.1039/B709515E

A serological aptamer-assisted proximity ligation assay for COVID-19 diagnosis and seeking neutralizing aptamers
A versatile aptamer-assisted proximity ligation system improves diagnosis of COVID-19, and allows the evaluation of potential neutralizing aptamers.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 12157-12164
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC03920A

Unveiling the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition from 137 crystal structures using algebraic topology and deep learning
By integrating algebraic topology and deep learning, we provide a reliable ranking of binding affinities, binding site analysis, and fragment decomposition for 137 SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 12036-12046
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC04641H

Revealing the molecular mechanisms of proteolysis of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by QM/MM computational methods
The molecular mechanism of the proteolysis reaction catalyzed by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, one of the enzymes essential for the replication process of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is described using computational QM/MM methods.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 10626-10630
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02823A

Multi-targeting of functional cysteines in multiple conserved SARS-CoV-2 domains by clinically safe Zn-ejectors
By combining evolutionary and physico-chemical principles, previously unknown druggable Zn-sites in multiple conserved SARS-CoV-2 domains have been identified.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 9904-9909
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02646H

Computer-generated “synthetic contingency” plans at times of logistics and supply problems: scenarios for hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir
A computer program for retrosynthetic planning helps develop multiple “synthetic contingency” plans for hydroxychloroquine and also routes leading to remdesivir, both promising but yet unproven medications against COVID-19.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6736-6744
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01799J

Engineered unnatural ubiquitin for optimal detection of deubiquitinating enzymes
Herein we present a workflow for design and synthesis of novel selective Ub-based tools for DUBs. Selectivity is achieved by incorporation of unnatural amino acids into the Ub C-terminal epitope.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6058-6069
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01347A
Colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) as a visual diagnostic platform for the detection of the emerging coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
RT-LAMP to detect SARS-CoV-2: in a positive sample, RT-LAMP leads to a color change from pink to yellow.
Analyst, 2021,146, 471-477
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01775B
A high-throughput multiplexed microfluidic device for COVID-19 serology assays
A microfluidic device to quantitate antibody reactivities to SARS-CoV-2 antigens: spike protein, RDB, S1 subunit, and nucleocapsid, from 50 serum samples.
Lab Chip, 2021,21, 93-104
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0LC01068E

Interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 behaviour on different substrates and denaturation of virions using ethanol: an atomic force microscopy study
We studied the density and aggregation behavior of virions on TCPS and glass substrates, surface functionality, coffee ring effect on both surfaces and the effect of ethanol-based disinfectant on the virion structure using atomic force microscopy.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 44079-44086
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09083B

In silico identification of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein–ACE2 complex inhibitors from eight Tecoma species and cultivars analyzed by LC-MS
In silico exploration of 12 Tecoma phytocompounds that could serve as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV entry to host cells.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 43103-43108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08997D

The biomaterial polyphosphate blocks stoichiometric binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein to the cellular ACE2 receptor
The polymer polyphosphate, abundant in blood platelets, blocks the binding of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS- spike (S)-protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) at low concentrations.
Biomater. Sci., 2020,8, 6603-6610
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0BM01244K
Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 humanized antibody with paper-based ELISA
This work reports the development of a rapid, simple and inexpensive colorimetric paper-based assay for the detection of the severe acute respiratory symptom coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) humanized antibody.
Analyst, 2020,145, 7680-7686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01609H
A digital protein microarray for COVID-19 cytokine storm monitoring
A digital microfluidic immunoassay platform enables rapid multiplex quantification of proinflammatory cytokines in serum for critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Lab Chip, 2021, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0LC00678E

Accelerating the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)
New computational protocol applied to a repurposing campaign against SARS-CoV-2.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40867-40875
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09010G
A point-of-care selenium nanoparticle-based test for the combined detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG in human serum and blood
COVID-19 is a widespread and highly contagious disease in the human population.
Lab Chip, 2020,20, 4255-4261
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0LC00828A

Assessing potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease from available drugs using free energy perturbation simulations
Free Energy Pertubation (FEP) can be used to accurately predict the binding affinity of a ligand to the main protease (Mpro) of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40284-40290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07352K

The inactivation mechanism of chemical disinfection against SARS-CoV-2: from MD and DFT perspectives
Exploring effective disinfection methods and understanding their mechanisms on the new coronavirus is becoming more active due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40480-40488
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06730J

Antiviral agents against COVID-19: structure-based design of specific peptidomimetic inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Structure-based design of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors identified hydantoin, benzothiazine and cresol moieties as promising residues of new peptidomimetic inhibitors.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40244-40263
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08304F

Pharmacophore-based approaches in the rational repurposing technique for FDA approved drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro
Novel coronavirus (CoV) is the primary etiological virus responsible for the pandemic that started in Wuhan in 2019–2020.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 40264-40275
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06038K

Amino acid interacting network in the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Gly504 interacting with two nearest neighbor and one non-local amino acids.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 39831-39841
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA08222H
Greener liquid-phase synthesis and the ACE inhibitory structure–activity relationship of an anti-SARS octapeptide
Tri(4′-diphenylphosphonyloxylbenzoyl phenyl)phosphate (TDPBP) derivatives were developed as greener supports to aid high-efficiency liquid-phase peptide synthesis without the need for unrecyclable resin and tedious chromatographic separation.
Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020,18, 8433-8442
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0OB01948H

Anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and COVID-19 protease inhibitory activities of phytochemicals from the Jordanian hawksbeard: identification, structure–activity relationships, molecular modeling and impact on its folk medicinal uses
On Wednesday 11th March, 2020, the world health organization (WHO) announced novel coronavirus (COVID-19, also called SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 38128-38141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04876C

Ilimaquinone (marine sponge metabolite) as a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 key target proteins in comparison with suggested COVID-19 drugs: designing, docking and molecular dynamics simulation study
Inhibitory potential of ilimaquinone (marine sponge metabolite) against nine essential SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, employing a molecular interaction and dynamics simulation approach.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 37707-37720
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06379G

Design and optimization of a subunit vaccine targeting COVID-19 molecular shreds using an immunoinformatics framework
COVID-19 has been declared as a global health emergency and exposed the world to a deadly virus, which has dramatically changed the lives of humans for an unknown period of time.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35856-35872
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06849G

Several coumarin derivatives and their Pd(II) complexes as potential inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, an in silico approach
Coumarin derivatives and their Pd(II)-complexes have shown a higher binding potential towards SARS-CoV-2 Mpro than chloroquine/cinanserin along with lower toxicity.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 35099-35108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA07062A

Carotane sesquiterpenes from Ferula vesceritensis: in silico analysis as SARS-CoV-2 binding inhibitors
Sesquiterpenes, 8α-anisate-dauc-4-ene-3,9-dione (webiol anisate) (1) and 10α-acetoxy-6α-benzoate-jaeschkeanadiol (2) as well as several analogues (3–12) were root extracted from Ferula vesceritensis.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 34541-34548
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06901A

Quinazoline-Schiff base conjugates: in silico study and ADMET predictions as multi-target inhibitors of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) proteins
Design of 2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)one-trihydroxyphenyl Schiff base conjugates as COVID-19 therapy.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 34033-34045
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06424F

Automated multiplex nucleic acid tests for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B infection with direct reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (dirRT-qPCR) assay in a centrifugal microfluidic platform
Development of a microfluidic disc-direct reverse-transcription quantitative PCR platform to perform automated multiplex nucleic acid tests for rapid multiplex detection of disease infection.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 34088-34098
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA04507A

A modular microarray imaging system for highly specific COVID-19 antibody testing
The TinyArray imager, a robust inexpensive portable imaging device, can detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 based on coronavirus antigen microarrays.
Lab Chip, 2020,20, 3302-3309
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0LC00547A

Development of a tablet PC-based portable device for colorimetric determination of assays including COVID-19 and other pathogenic microorganisms
There has been a strong and urgent demand to diagnose community transmission-driven coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after it crossed borders. Tablet PC-based portable device for colorimetric determination and 3D printed sample holders.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 32946-32952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05866A

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease by phenolic compounds from Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard assisted by metabolite profiling and in silico virtual screening
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during the outbreak in Wuhan, China in 2019.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 32148-32155
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05679K

Rapid prediction of possible inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 main protease using docking and FPL simulations
A combination of Autodock Vina and FPL calculations suggested that periandrin V, penimocycline, cis-p-Coumaroylcorosolic acid, glycyrrhizin, and uralsaponin B are able to bind well to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 31991-31996
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06212J

Curcumin to inhibit binding of spike glycoprotein to ACE2 receptors: computational modelling, simulations, and ADMET studies to explore curcuminoids against novel SARS-CoV-2 targets
The significant role of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets to thwart virus replication and binding into the host system using the computational biology paradigm approach.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 31385-31399
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA03167D

A density functional theory study on silver and bis-silver complexes with lighter tetrylene: are silver and bis-silver carbenes candidates for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition? Insight from molecular docking simulation
Simultaneous inhibition of silver–carbene complexes to ACE2 and PDB6LU7 is conducive for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a virtual prediction.
RSC Adv., 2020,10, 30961-30974
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05159D
About this collection
All Royal Society of Chemistry articles on coronavirus research can be found here and are freely available until 31st December 2021.