Nanoscience versus Viruses: The SARS-CoV-2 Case

The outbreak of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, its rapid spread, and its fatal consequences clearly showed mankind the overwhelming power of nature, and the importance of interdisciplinary research to counter it. Herein, it will be pointed out what challenges arise in fighting nanosized viruses, which feature an outstanding ability to alter their structure and properties to adapt to infection processes, and why nanoscience is extremely powerful to address them. To learn from the past and to be best prepared for the future, this review highlights how the incredible potential of nanoscience can be tapped by mimicking natures’ viruses for the development of maximally efficient pharmaceuticals, e.g., COVID-19 vaccines, by designing preventive and protective equipment, e.g., face masks, as well as developing nanosensors for early detection of infections.