Sadra Medical Journal

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Viral Infections

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Maryam Tayebi 1, 2
Azar Purkhosrow 3
Maryam Motevasel 2

1 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2026.106607.1629
Abstract
Current antiviral therapies face significant limitations, including short half-lives, poor water solubility, non-specific activity, and a high incidence of adverse effects. In addition, the emergence of drug-resistant and the viral strains and the insufficient therapeutic response of certain viruses to existing antiviral agents have further complicated the management of viral infections. These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. In this context, nanotechnology can be considered as a promising approach. This review synthesized peer-reviewed research published between 2009 and 2023 in reputable scientific journals, indexed in major citation databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, focusing on the application of nanotechnology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of viral diseases. Recent research have demonstrated that nanocarriers significantly enhanced the targeted delivery of antiviral agents to infected cells, improving bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Nanoparticles such as quantum dots of gold, zinc, platinum, and palladium indicated remarkable potential in enhancing the sensitivity and speed of virus detection, enabling early and accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, the application of pharmaceutical nanocarriers has effectively overcome key physicochemical limitations of conventional antiviral drugs, reduce systemic toxicity and off-target effects, enhance selectivity (with minimal impact on healthy human cells), and significantly improve both the pharmacokinetic profiles and antiviral activity of therapeutic agents. 

Keywords

Nanotechnolog
Virus diseases
Antiviral agents
Virus detection
Viral vaccines
Prevention and control
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 237-250

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