FI20205382A1

FI20205382A1 - Method for preventing the spread of pathogens and for reducing infections caused by them

Info

Publication number: FI20205382A1
Application number: FI20205382A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Erik Niemelä
Original assignee: Niemelae Erik
Priority date: 2020-04-09
Filing date: 2020-04-09
Publication date: 2021-05-07
Also published as: WO2021205079A1

Abstract

Esillä oleva tekniikka aikaansaa menetelmän patogeenien leviämisen minimoimiseksi tartunta-ainetta jäljittelevien räätälöityjen nanomateriaalien avulla, jotka estävät patogeenien pääsyn isäntään kompetitiivisen inhibition avulla. Keksintö aikaansaa keinon tartunta-aineen kapseloimiseksi ja immobilisoimiseksi minimoiden täten tautia aiheuttavan patogeenin tartuttamisriskin. Keksinnön mukaisesti on aikaansaatu synteettinen kantaja-aine käytettäväksi menetelmässä patogeenien sitoutumisen ehkäisemiseksi tai vähentämiseksi isännän solupintojen kohdealueille. Kantaja-aine käsittää bioyhteensopivia hiukkasia, joiden enimmäiskoko on vähintään yhdessä suunnassa nanometrin tai mikrometrin luokkaa ja jotka muodostavat ytimen ja joilla on lisäksi funktionaalinen pinta, joka kykenee sitoutumaan mainittujen solupintojen mainittuihin kohdealueisiin estäen ainakin väliaikaisesti mainitut kohdealueet patogeenien sitoutumisen ehkäisemiseksi tai minimoimiseksi ja täten sen riskin vähentämiseksi, että mainitun patogeenin aiheuttama tauti tarttuu isäntään.The present technique provides a method for minimizing the spread of pathogens by means of customized virus-mimicking customized nanomaterials that prevent pathogens from entering the host through competitive inhibition. The invention provides a means for encapsulating and immobilizing an infectious agent, thus minimizing the risk of infecting a disease-causing pathogen. According to the invention, there is provided a synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing the binding of pathogens to target areas of host cell surfaces. The carrier comprises biocompatible particles having a maximum size of at least one nanometer or micrometer in at least one direction and forming a core and further having a functional surface capable of binding to said target areas of said cell surfaces, at least temporarily preventing said target areas from preventing or minimizing pathogen binding that the disease caused by said pathogen is transmitted to the host.

Description

Method for preventing the spreading and lowering the infection rate of pathogens

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to the field of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, over-the-counter drugs and for consumer products preventing the spread of pathogens. More specifically, the present invention relates to nano- and/or micromaterials-based carriers synthesized to minimize the spread of pathogens and infectious agents e.g. viruses, bacterium, parasites, antigens, prions, mold, fungi, toxins, poisons, and allergens.

The present invention also relates to combinatory tailored treatments of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (in the following also abbreviated “API”) loaded inside a carrier system capable of delivering the drug specifically to target tissues. More specifically this invention pertains to the fabrication of man-made materials in the nano- and microscale — that would saturate and bind to receptors, proteins and macromolecules at the cellular level in order to prevent and minimize pathogen binding and entry to the host target tissues by competitive inhibition. The present invention further relates to a medical device capable of releasing on-demand — specific amounts of the synthesized carrier system to the specific tissue e.g. inhalation device or nasal spray for the respiratory tract or tailored orally ingestible tablet for the gastrointestinal tract or a topically administrable cream or ointment for the skin. Further, the present invention relates to synthesized materials that have the capacity of o 25 — binding and encapsulating pathogens for immobilizing and neutralizing the infectious N agent for disrupting the infectious agent. 3

S BACKGROUND x a Different pathogens e.g. viruses, bacterium, parasites prefer environments typical of their D specific niche inside the host tissues. For example, Escherichia. Coli prefers to colonize S the intestine whereas tuberculosis residues in the lungs of its host [1]. Malaria-bearing Mosquitos may infect its human host by biting where the parasites enter the blood stream and travels to the liver for maturation [2]. For the pathogen to colonize and replicate at their specific environments and tissues they need to infect and/or inoculate their host [1-4]. At the cellular level this mechanism of entry starts by the pathogen binding or getting in proximity of the host cell where specific receptors, macromolecules and/or proteins protruding at the cell membrane facilitates the endocytosis of the infectious agent.

If the specific route of entry is known that knowledge can be used for creating a man-made object that allosterically hinder the specific pathogens entry by competitive inhibition [5]. For example, by creating a nanoparticle of similar size, surface chemistry and charge as the pathogen of interest it would be possible to saturate and block the specific receptors at the host cells hindering the pathogens entry.

Another possibility is by synthetizing man-made — materials that would efficiently bind to the pathogen of interest encapsulating and immobilizing the infectious agent minimizing the possible entry to the host.

Viruses use components derived from their host for cell entry — for example SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes a respiratory infection called COVID-19 are decorated by glycoprotein — spikes at the surface of the viral particle.

These glycoproteins have high affinity for the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) allowing for specific internalization of the virus in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and possible intestine where there is high expression of its target receptor [3,4]. Thus, potentially allowing for tailored molecules to be used for intervention of the SARS-CoV-2 virus enter to its human host.

In bacterium it has been shown that surface topography together with surface charge greatly influences adhesion that modulates bacterial growth [6]. Using nanostructured surfaces, it could be possible to control bacterial adhesion and growth that could be used in medical applications for preventing infections.

Plasmodium falciparum which is the human Malaria parasites uses dynamin like Eps15 homology domain-containing proteins for hijacking the S 25 endocytosis pathways important for infecting more erythrocytes in its host [2]. & 3 Vaccination although effective in protecting against infections agents, it takes a lot of time S and resources to develop effective vaccines that can safely be administered to patients as E there are many clinical tests that needs to be done before approval.

Secondly, vaccinations N 30 only work if the correct antigens for the specific pathogen is being administered with D sufficient immunological reaction creating an immunity for the specific disease [7]. For S example, seasonal influenza strains vary during the years and the vaccines usually contains only a few epitopes of different influenza strains rendering some vaccinations to an educated guess work.

Anti-viral medicine can also be effective against viral infections if treated correctly.

However, these medications often interrupt viral DNA or RNA replication machinery and are thus not always plausible to be used as a proactive drug as these compounds can be harmful for the patent if used under prolonged periods [8]. Antibiotics are affective against the spread of bacterium’s by disrupting their cell division and/or the synthesis of the proteoglycan-based cell wall [1]. The most efficient antibiotic depends on if the bacterium is gram positive (having a cell wall) or gram negative (lacking a cell wall). Recently there have been numerous cases were multi-resistant bacterium have emerged that are not responding to traditional antibiotics.

In these cases, broad spectrum antibiotics have been given to combat the infection.

However, such strong cocktails of antibiotics take its toll on the patent and potentially can give rise to more antibiotic resistance bacterium’s [1]. Therefore, there is an unmet need of developing medications such as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and consumer products that can be used for preventing the spread of pathogens in a proactive purposes with minimal side effects.

Also, the use of tailored medicine using nanomaterials loaded with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for both inhibiting the endocytosis of the pathogen as well as stopping the replication of already infected tissues.

Protein and proteasome inhibitors show great potential as these compounds can specificity bind and allosterically hinder the enzymatic reaction by binding to the active site blocking the target molecules interaction with the enzyme [9]. However, one of the major drawbacks of proteasome inhibitors is their instability, possible low solubility and because of their high specificity these molecules often only shows efficacy to only a few or one specific enzyme per drug molecule.

S 25 Monoclonal antibodies have been used in since 1986 and the first approved drug by the N FDA was Orthoclone OKT3 which is used for reducing kidney rejection after 3 transplantation.

Monoclonal antibodies that are used in cancer therapeutics include S trastuzumab (Herceptin) which is a drug that binds to the human epidermal growth factor E receptor 2 (HER2) slowing down the growth of malignant HER2 positive breast cancer N 30 cells [10]. The major limitation of antibody-based therapeutics is that these proteins are D foreign e.g. produced in mice or other animals so that when these antibodies are introduced S to the patents it can easily revokes an immunologic reaction potentially giving adverse reaction of the treatment.

Nanomedicine shows great potential in the field of targeted drug delivery where nanotechnology and medicine are combined for the development of personalized diagnostics, treatment and prevention of different diseases. Nanomaterials are man-made or naturally occurring objects with dimensions between 0.2 nm to 100 nm where the physical properties of these tiny materials can be drastically different compered to their bulk counterpart. For example, nanomaterials can be more reactive on both biological and chemical substances due to higher surface are to volume ration. Functionalized nanoparticles have shown to be able to target specific cell types opening the possibility of targeted drug delivery lowering the off-target effects [11]. Combing these different fields, it would be possible to develop a synthetic particle or object that mimics the pathogen of interest that could hinder the spread of the disease by competitive inhibition and deliver the appropriate API, drug or molecule to the target tissues with increased efficacy and minimal side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an aim of the present invention to control and hinder the spread of pathogens and infectious agents, e.g. viruses, bacterium, parasites, antigens, proteins, prions, toxins and allergens, that could otherwise give rise to diseases, infections or allergic reactions in the — host. In particular, it is an aim of the invention to decrease the risk of a pathogen or pathogens to enter its host for a temporary or prolonged duration and to give a targeted treatment for the specific disease caused by the infectious agent. oO 25

N N Further, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a method for preventing the 3 spreading and lowering the infection rate of pathogens by competitive inhibition using S synthesized nanomaterials. x a Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides synthesized nano- or micro sized D materials that mimic the pathogen of interest using surface functionalization that hinders S the infectious agent to enter the host by competitive inhibition at the cellular level.

It is another aim of the present invention to create a man-made material that efficiently binds to the pathogen of interest thus encapsulating and immobilizing the infectious agent.

Thus, making it easier for the host body to identify, engulf and/or filter the macromolecule holding the pathogen leading to towards the elimination of the infectious agent. 5 A synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell surfaces of a host, according to the present invention comprises a carrier formed by biocompatible particles having a maximum size in at least one dimension in the nanometer or micrometer range, forming a core, and further having a functionalized — surface capable of binding to said target areas of the cell surfaces to at least temporarily block the target areas to prevent or minimize pathogen binding and thus, reducing the risk of the host contracting a disease caused by said pathogen.

In an aspect, present invention provides for loading of synthetic particles with API or molecules that prevent the spread of the pathogen or hinder its replication in the infected cell inside the host body.

It is a third aim of the present invention to provide a medical device capable of delivering the synthetized material on-demand e.g. inhalation device, aerosol, spray, eye drops, or — tablet or topically applicable cream, ointment or material.

It is a fourth aim of the present invention to provide a consumer product or additive for use for sanitation purpose or as a disinfectant.

By producing a nanomaterial that binds and immobilizes the pathogen or pathogens of interest it becomes possible to clean and sterilize S 25 — surfaces with or without the use of strong alcohols and chemicals. & 3 It is a fifth aim of the present invention to provide a medical countermeasure similar to that S of chelating agents used in toxifications of metal complexes e.g. arsenic poisoning, snake E venoms, mold toxins.

The present invention provides a functionalized nanomaterial, the N 30 antidote, capable of binding toxic metal complexes, toxins, poisons to larger entities that D can be metabolized, degraded or secreted from the body [15]. The invented antidote e.g.

S nanomaterial could be inhaled, orally ingested or administered thru intravenous injection.

The present invention is further directed to a functionalized nanoparticle loaded, coated or decorated with an API or molecule capable of binding to the host receptor blocking the entry of a specific pathogen together with the capability of releasing the loaded cargo to target cells minimizing the spread of the infectious agent Especially, the present invention provides a polymeric or protein/peptide functionalized nanoparticle loaded with an anti-viral molecules capable of binding to ACE-2 receptors in humans that allosterically hinders the SARS-CoV-2 virus binding to its target receptor thus reducing the risk of infecting its host for a limited or prolonged duration.

More specifically, the present invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing parts of the independent claims. Considerable advantages are obtainable with the present invention as nanoparticles can be — synthetized using different materials and functionalized with virtually endless combinations. Especially mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have shown great potential for targeted drug delivery as they have tunable ordered repetitive mesostructures of pores that can be loaded with different drugs and that these particles can be synthetized in various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, inorganic silica materials are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as silica degrades in aqueous solution to silica acid and gets excreted via the urine and is therefore considered biocompatible [11,12]. By means of the present invention it is possible to synthetize nano- and/or micro-sized materials that accurately mimic the given pathogen by using the known size, morphology S 25 and surface properties of the infectious agent for producing an man-made object that N hinder the spread of the disease by competitive inhibition. To be able to design man-made 3 materials that either binds and block the entry of pathogens or bind to the infectious agent S thus immobilizing the threat, provides two approaches that have immense potential in E different applications in medicine, drug development, medical devices, consumer and N 30 sanitation products. ™ 5 o In particular, a synthetic nanoparticle and/or microparticle can be used to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus or other viruses that causes a respiratory infection, diarrhea, common cold, influenzas or generally discomfort. To that end, the synthetic particles can be manufactured to match the characteristics for example of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. More specifically the particle is preferably fabricated to a size of around 100 nm and coated with similar amino acids and peptides as the virus contains e.g. glycoprotein spikes at the viral surface or similar molecules that mimics the surface of the viral envelope.

Next, embodiments will be described in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic depiction of different applications of synthetized nanomaterials according to some embodiments of the present technology; Figure 2 is a schematic depiction of infection prevention and control by competitive inhibition using synthetic nanoparticles according to some embodiments of the present technology; and Figure 3 is a schematic depiction of immobilization of an infectious agent by functionalized nanomaterials according to some embodiments of the present technology.

EMBODIMENTS In the present context, the terms “around” and “about” mean, when used in connection with numerical values, that a variation of £25 %, in particular £20 %, for example +10 %, or £5 %, of the exact value is included by a literal reading of that value. The term "polymer" is used herein in a broad sense and refers to materials, compounds, S 25 amino acids and proteins characterized by repeating moieties or units. & 3 The term "functionalization" is used herein in a broad sense and refers to conjugating, S coating, covalently or allosterically adding materials, compounds, drugs, amino acids and E proteins to the synthetized particle or object. N 30 3 The term “biocompatible” refers herein to “the ability of a material to perform with an O appropriate host response in a specific application” (William's definition) [12].

Nanomaterials and nanomedicine can be further classified in the targeting strategies used; to either active or passive targeting. Passive targeting utilizes non-functionalized particles for accumulation in organs and tissues that are responsible for clearance of foreign objects such as macrophages, liver and spleen. Tumor microenvironments are typically showing an enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) which is a consequence of leaky and fenestrated blood vessels around tumors. Active targeting on the other hand uses a targeting ligand or functionalization that enhances the accumulation of the carrier at target site [11].

There are virtually endless functionalization possibilities by covalently attaching, adhering, saturating or allosterically binding molecules, polymers, proteins, amino acids, compounds and/or drugs onto the nanomaterial for achieving active targeting. One of the major advantages of functionalizing a smaller molecule to a larger entity, e.g. antibody to a nanomaterial, is to increase the combined objects stability and/or possible minimize the — unwanted immunologic reaction [11].

Described herein are fabricated nanomaterials to be used for inhibiting pathogen entry to the host organism and to be used for limiting the replication and spread of the disease.

Embodiments disclosed herein have capabilities of carrying anti-pathogenic drugs in the nanomaterial delivering the molecule specifically to target tissues reducing the replication and growth of the infectious agent.

Embodiments pertain to the fabrication of man-made materials in the nano- and microscale S 25 — that would saturate and bind to receptors, proteins and macromolecules at the cellular level N in order to prevent and minimize pathogen binding and entry to the host target tissues. The 3 nanomaterial can be stored and loaded to a medical device capable of releasing on-demand S specific amounts of the synthesized carrier system to specific tissue e.g. inhalation device. x a — Figure 1 shows some applications of synthetized nanomaterials according to embodiments D of the present technology. Thus, by way of an example, the nanomaterial can be loaded O with additional active pharmaceutical ingredients (APT) and then used in inhalation devices, oral tablets or in sanitation products.

Embodiments allow for decreasing the risk of a pathogen or pathogens entering its host for a temporary or prolonged duration and to give a targeted treatment for the specific disease caused by the infectious agent.

In a first embodiment, a synthetic carrier is provided, which comprises biocompatible particles having a maximum size in at least one dimension in the nanometer or micrometer range, forming a core, and further having a functionalized surface capable of binding to the target areas of cell surfaces of a host, to at least temporarily block the target areas to prevent or minimize pathogen binding thereto and, thus, reducing the risk of the host contracting a disease caused by the pathogen. The term “host” stands for an individual mammal, in particular a human or an animal. The synthetic carrier, is typically a “nano” material which can be of nano- or micrometer — or larger size, typically with at least a size in at least one dimension which is in the nanometer scale. The nanomaterial can be formed as a particle, spheroid, cubical, cigar shaped, elongated, triangle, sharp and pointy or as a sheet and film. Generally, the material has a maximum size in at least one dimension which is smaller than 2500 um, in particular smaller than 1000 um, for example smaller than 500 um, in particular smaller than 100 um or smaller than 50 um. In one embodiment, the material has a maximum size in at least one dimension which is smaller than 10 um, in particular smaller than around 5 um or around 1 um. In one embodiment, the material in particular nanomaterial has a maximum size in at least one dimension which is smaller than 1000 nm, o 25 — in particular smaller than around 500 nm or around 100 nm. & 3 In one embodiment, the material (in particular nanomaterial) is biocompatible. Such a S material causes no or only a minor unwanted reaction in the end-user, e.g. toxicity or off- E target effects. N 30 3 Generally, the carriers are synthetic which is used interchangeably with “synthesized” to O denote that they are man-made or non-natural.

Embodiments comprise organic or inorganic materials, lipid droplets or any combination of these.

The synthetic material can be selected from inorganic and organic, monomeric and polymeric materials capable of forming biocompatible nano- or micro-sized particles as explained above.

Examples of materials include synthetic polymers, in particular thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, such as polyolefins, polyesters, including biodegradable polyesters, such as polylactides and polycaprolactones, polyamides, polyimides and polynitriles.

Further examples include silica, polysiloxanes and silicone materials which optionally may contain organic and metal residues.

Silica particles are particularly preferred.

Further embodiments include amino acids, proteins, salts and minerals and similar molecules.

In one embodiment, the material, which forms the core structure of the carrier, is obtained by a method selected from the group of 3D printing, microfluidics, and sol-gel methods, — such as bottom-up methods or top-down methods of fabrication, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the core material is made of for example, mesoporous silica nanoparticles with ordered mesostructures of pores.

Such pores can be loaded with different drugs.

These particles can be synthetized in various sizes and shapes.

In one S 25 embodiment, the material contains pores with diameters between 1 and 75 nm, such as 2 to N 50 nm, for example about 2.5 to about 30 nm. = S In one embodiment, the core material comprises mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). Tr a In one embodiment, the material compromises a nanoparticle core with coated targeting D ligands with a possibility of loading the particle with API, drugs, molecules, proteins and S amino acids, RNA or DNA and compounds of interest.

Thus, in one embodiment, the nanomaterial compromises a core particle or object functionalized with targeting moieties, drugs, amino acids, protein or any combination thereof. The object is preferably loaded with an active substance, drug or APL In embodiments of the present technology, two ways of synthetizing nanomaterials are in particular employed, viz. either the top-down or the bottom-up approach. In the top-down approach the building materials have larger dimensions than the final product which means that the materials undergoes physical stresses e.g. grinding, milling — etc. in order to be reduced in size which can lead to surface imperfections.

The bottom-up method starts by using smaller building blocks in solution transforming gradually to the final product which in a more cost-efficient way of producing nanomaterials.

In one embodiment, for inhibiting the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2 a mesoporous silica nanoparticle with similar size as the virus (around 100 nm) is fabricated using the bottom-up sol-gel method.

— By using the known viral genetic information, it is possible to produce similar peptides present for example in the viral glycoprotein spikes thus mimicking the viral surface properties that binds to the target receptor ACE-2. The amino acid sequence found in the viral receptor binding motif (RBM) in the S protein can be used or functionalizing the particle with similar or identical peptides or then by using organic polymers e.g. of cationic o 25 — polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) for producing a surface coating which is similar in N surface charge as the viral surface or by attaching targeting motifs which are known to 3 bind to the target receptor allowing selective internalization in target cells [3,4,11,13].

3 E Thus, in one embodiment, the present carriers comprises mesoporous silica particles, N 30 preferably having a spherical form, each provided with a plurality, in particular about 5 to D 500, for example about 10 to 100 protruding peptide structures in the form of protein S spikes on their surfaces.

In one embodiment, the spikes have a length of about 1 to 100 nm, in particular about 2 to 80 nm, for example 5 to 50 nm.

Thus, allowing the synthetic particle to compete with the viral particle for the same ACE-2 receptor which will function as an allosteric hinder for the viral particle to bind to the receptor which minimizes the endocytosis of the viral particle lowering the risk of infecting the host cell.

The principle of competitive inhibition is illustrated in Figure 2. As will appear, by way of — an example, a host receptor ACE-2 is responsible for mediating the SARS-CoV-2 infection that is responsible of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). By binding the novel synthetic particle to that reception, infection by the SARS-CoV-2 viruses can be prevented and controlled.

Based on the fore-going, in an embodiment, in a carrier system the synthetic nanoparticles are selected such that they resemble the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Preferably they are optimized for competitive inhibition, for example by modifying the particle morphology, size, or surface properties to achieve even higher affinity for the target receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Thus, the binding affinity for the specific receptor is increased, blocking the internalization of the viral envelope more efficiently and potentially prolonging the gained viral protection.

A carrier system as above, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is optimized for personalized medicine as variations and mutations in individuals o 25 might give rise to slightly different target receptors. Thus, the surface properties and S functionalization of the carrier can be changed to match the individual properties e.g. 3 mutations or variations in target receptors for tailored therapies. 3 E In one preferred embodiment, the synthetic particle is provided with a coating that has N 30 — higher affinity towards the receptor favoring the binding of the synthetic particle than the 3 viral one.

S In one embodiment, stable organic silica is used exhibiting a blocking effect that, optionally after modification of the particle, could be prolonged for hours or days as it takes days for silica nanoparticles to degrade in aqueous conditions similar to the environment of the human body. The administration route depends on the tissue that the virus has invaded; if the virus resides in the upper or lower respiratory tract, it is preferred to use an inhalation device for administering the synthetic particles on demand with an optimal dosage. In one embodiment, there is provided an inhalation device which compromises a small plastic container with dried synthetic particles like that of a dry powder inhaler or then as a meter dose inhaler where the particles are sprayed from the inhaler as an aerosol can or as an nasal spray dispersed in an aqueous solution. In one further embodiment, for maximizing the coverage of the upper respiratory tract an inhalation mask is used in combination for the particles to enter the nasal cavity and lower — respiratory tract where epithelial cells expressing ACE-2 also reside minimizing the risk of being infected by the virus temporarily. If the viral infection is in the gastrointestinal tract a tablet or orally ingestible liquid is the preferred route of administration. The synthetic particles of such orally administered compositions temporarily protect the end-user for contracting the virus orally or minimize the risk of fecal-oral transmission. The nanomaterial can also be fabricated to have high affinity for the pathogen thus encapsulating and immobilizing the treat which could be used in disinfecting products. oO 25

N N Figure 3 shows, by way of an example only, utilization of nanoparticles coated with S peptides resembling the binding motif of the ACE-2 receptor the SARS-CoV-2 virus for 3 encapsulating and immobilization of the virus, thus minimizing the risk of the virus’s = infecting the host. a N 30 0 e Based on the above the following represents embodiments of the present technology:

N O

N A synthetized carrier in the nano- or microscale or any other object that has the capacity of saturating and binding to target receptors, proteins and/or macromolecules at the surface of cells that prevents and minimize pathogen binding and entry to the host lowering the risk of contracting the specific disease.

A synthetized carrier in the nano- or microscale or any other object that has the capacity of binding and encapsulating the pathogen of interest thus immobilizing the pathogens ability to bind and entry to the host lowering the risk of contracting the specific infectious agent.

A carrier as above, wherein the core structure of the carrier is obtained by 3D printing, microfluidics, sol-gel method or other bottom-up and/or top-down method of fabrication.

A carrier as above, where the core material is made of, however not limited to, organic or inorganic components, lipid droplets, amino acids, proteins, salts and minerals or other molecules.

A carrier as above, where the core material is made of, for example, mesoporous silica nanoparticles with ordered mesostructures of pores that can be loaded with different drugs and that these particles can be synthetized in various sizes and shapes.

A carrier as above, wherein the core material is functionalized with one or several of the following: peptides or proteins such as antibodies, chemical agents, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), organic or inorganic polymers or molecules.

A functionalized carrier as above, wherein the carrier with its functionalization provides a method of specifically bind to receptors, proteins and macromolecules at the cellular level S 25 in order to prevent and minimize pathogen entry to the host target tissues by competitive N inhibition. = 3 A carrier system as above, wherein the carrier with its functionalization provides a method E of loading drugs, API, molecules, peptides inside or onto the carrier system. N 30 3 A carrier system as above, where the functionalized and drug loaded carrier system can be O used for targeted drug delivery of anti-pathogenic, anti-viral or anti-microbial compounds in order to decrease the growth of the infectious agent.

A carrier system as above, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded into or onto the nanoparticle for further enchanting the anti-viral properties of the invention. For example, Zinc which has been shown to reduce viral replication in its host cells, can be employed [14]. Also, viscosity modulators, antihistamines and/or immunosuppressors can be used in the COVID-19 disease for minimizing the cytokine storm that potentially is dangerous to some patients. A carrier system as above, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded with proteome inhibitors or new molecular entities developed in the future — for efferently deliver the compounds in the target tissues with minimal off-target effects. A carrier system as above, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle is decorated with molecules that has high affinity towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus e.g. proteins resembling that of the ACE-2 receptor or any other pathogen of interest in order to bind and immobilize the infectious agent preventing or minimizing the potential risk of host entry. A carrier system as above, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or any other pathogen is be decorated with epitopes to be used as a vaccination at target cell populations.

A carrier system as above, wherein the carrier system is loaded, stored or dispersed in a device or vessel capable of on-demand release of the carrier to the end-user. A carrier system as above, wherein the carrier system is loaded inside a dispenser such as S 25 — an inhalation device, tablet, injectable substance, cream or ointment. & 3 A carrier system as above, wherein the man-made materials is used to immobilize specific S pathogens by adding the synthetic material in sanitation products and disinfectants. Tr a — A carrier system as above for minimizing the spread of diverse pathogens by binding to the 3 target molecule in the hos body or binding to the infectious agent itself and potently inhibit O the spread of the disease. Furthermore, as a combination treatment listen in the preceding claims hindering the replication of the infectious agent together with giving the immune system in the host a gained advantage to fight the disease similar to vaccines or immunoregulating drugs.

In further embodiments, the present invention is thus directed to a method for preparing a synthetic nanomaterial comprising a core object, particle, sheet, film or spheroid, tringle, star shaped, said object also compromising an coating or functionalization of organic polymers, amino acids proteins or molecules mimicking the surface of the pathogen of interest.

Producing a man-made material that has the capability of mimicking the pathogen of interest that has the capability of competing with the pathogen of interest for the same host target molecule, receptor, amino acid or nucleotide. Alternatively, producing an material that has the capability of binding and immobilizing the pathogen of interest minimizing the possible infection in its host.

One embodiment comprises the steps of a) providing a core material, e.g. a nano- and/or micro-material including nanoparticles, microparticles or any other object as disclosed herein; b) coating or functionalizing the core material with molecules, polymers, amino acids, proteins, API, drugs or other material as disclosed herein; c) loading the object with compounds, molecules, drugs, API, DNA or RNA etc; d) coating a second protective or functional layer on top of the object in particular for increasing its resistance that could be important in extreme environments such as the acidic environment in the stomach; and S 25 e) providing a small device, medical device, inhalation device or aerosol, sanitation N product or consumer product that on-demand will release the containing synthetic 3 material, particle or object for administration.

3 E The following represent embodiments of the present technology: N 30 3 1. A method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell surfaces of a O host selected from mammals, comprising providing administering to the mammal a carrier comprising biocompatible particles having a maximum size in at least one dimension in the nanometer or micrometer range, forming a core, and further having a functionalized surface capable of binding to said target areas of said cell surfaces to at least temporarily block said target areas to prevent or minimize pathogen binding and thus, reducing the risk of the host contracting a disease caused by said pathogen.

2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the carrier has the capacity of binding and encapsulating the pathogen, thus immobilizing the pathogens ability to bind and entry to the host lowering the risk of contracting the specific infectious agent.

3. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the core structure of the carrier is being obtained by 3D printing, microfluidics, sol-gel method or other bottom-up and/or top-down method of fabrication.

4. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the core material comprises organic or inorganic components, lipid droplets, amino acids, proteins, salts and — minerals or other molecules or wherein the core material comprises mesoporous silica nanoparticles, in particular mesoporous silica particles with ordered mesostructures of pores that preferably are capable of being loaded with drugs.

5. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the core material is functionalized with substance selected from the group consisting of peptides, proteins such as antibodies, chemical agents, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), organic or inorganic polymers or molecules and combinations thereof.

6. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the carrier functionalized S 25 — for specifically binding to receptors, proteins and macromolecules at the cellular level in N order to prevent and minimize pathogen entry to the host target tissues by competitive 3 inhibition. 3 E 7. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle N 30 and/or microparticle is used for reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus or other viruses D that causes a respiratory infection, diarrhea, common cold, influenzas or generally S discomfort or a combination thereof.

8. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle has a 3D-configuration generally matching the characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in particular the particle is fabricated to a size of around 100 nm and coated with similar amino acids as the glycoprotein spikes at the surface of the viral particle or similar molecules that mimic the surface of the viral envelope.

9. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembles the SARS-CoV-2 virus or is optimized for competitive inhibition.

10. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the synthetic carrier exhibits a modified particle morphology, size or surface properties to achieve increased affinity for the target receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), compared with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in particular for increasing the binding affinity for the specific receptor blocking the internalization of the viral envelope more efficiently and potentially prolonging the gained viral protection.

11. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is adapted for personalized medicine.

12. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein said the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded into or onto the nanoparticle for further enhancing the anti-viral properties.

13. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein said synthetic o 25 nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded with vehicles or proteome S inhibitors for efficiently delivering the compounds in the target tissues with minimal off- 3 target effects. 3 E 14. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the synthetic N 30 nanoparticle is decorated with molecules that have high affinity towards the SARS-CoV-2 D virus or any other pathogen of interest in order to bind and immobilize the infectious agent S preventing or minimizing the potential risk of host entry.

15. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any other pathogen is coated or decorated with epitopes to be used as a vaccination at target cell populations.

16. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the carrier is loaded, stored or dispersed in a device or vessel capable of on-demand release of the carrier to the end-user.

17. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the carrier system is loaded inside a dispenser such as an inhalation device, tablet, injectable substance, cream or ointment.

18. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the man-made materials is used for immobilizing specific pathogens by adding the synthetic material in sanitation — products and disinfectants.

19. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 18 for preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said method comprises minimizing the spread of diverse pathogens by binding to the target molecule in the hos body or binding to the infectious agent itself and potently inhibit the spread of the disease. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments o 25 are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the S claims. 3 3 REFERENCES Tr a N 30 1. Szymanski CM, Schnaar RL, Aebi M. Bacterial and Viral Infections. 2017. In: 3 Varki A, Cummings RD, Esko JD, et al., editors. Essentials of Glycobiology O [Internet]. 3rd edition. Cold Spring Harbor (NY): Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 2015-2017. Chapter 42. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK453060/

2. Thakur V, Asad M, Jain S, Hossain ME, Gupta A, Kaur I, Rathore S, Ali S, Khan NJ, Mohmmed A. Epsl5 homology domain containing protein of Plasmodium falciparum (PfEHD) associates with endocytosis and vesicular trafficking towards neutral lipid storage site. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Nov;1853(11 Pt A):2856-

69. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.007.

3. Lin Li, Ting Sun, Yufei He, Wendong Li, Yubo Fan, Jing Zhang. Epitope-based peptide vaccines predicted against novel coronavirus disease caused by SARS- CoV-2. bioRxiv 2020.02.25.965434

4. Ahmed SF, Quadeer AA, McKay MR. Preliminary Identification of Potential Vaccine Targets for the COVID-19 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Based on SARS- CoV Immunological Studies. Viruses. 2020 Feb 25;12(3).

5. Larry R. Engelking, Chapter 6 - Enzyme Kinetics. Editor(s): Larry R. Engelking, Textbook of Veterinary Physiological Chemistry (Third Edition). Academic Press, 2015, Pages 32-38, ISBN 9780123919090.

6. Juvonen H, Oja T, Määttänen A, Sarfraz J, Rosgvist E, Riihimäki TA, Toivakka M, Kulomaa M, Vuorela P, Fallarero A, Peltonen J, Ihalainen P. Protein and bacterial in-teractions with nanostructured polymer coatings. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2015 Dec 1:136:527-35.

7. Alan R. Shaw, Mark B. Feinberg, 90 - Vaccines, Editor(s): Robert R. Rich, Thomas A. Fleisher, William T. Shearer, Harry W. Schroeder, Anthony J. Frew, Cornelia M. Weyand, Clinical Immunology (Fourth Edition), 2013, Pages 1095-1121, ISBN

9780723436911.

8. Clercg ED, Li G, Approved Antiviral Drugs over the Past 50 Years, Clinical Microbiology Reviews Jun 2016, 29 (3) 695-747; DOI: 10.1128/CMR.00102-15. S 25 9. Dou OP, Zonder JA. Overview of proteasome inhibitor-based anti-cancer therapies: N perspective on bortezomib and second generation proteasome inhibitors versus 3 future generation inhibitors of ubiquitin-proteasome system. Curr Cancer Drug 3 Targets. 2014;14(6):517-36. E 10. Liu JK. The history of monoclonal antibody development - Progress, remaining challenges and future innovations. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2014 Sep 11:3(4):113-6. D 11. Niemelä E. Nanoparticles as Targeting System for Cancer Treatment : From idea S towards reality. Åbo Akademi Univeristy. Painosalama. ISBN:978-952-12-3855-0.

12. The Williams dictionary of Biomaterials, Williams DF, 1999, ISBN 0-85323-921-5

13. Sun Y, Guo F, Zou Z, et al. Cationic nanoparticles directly bind angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 and induce acute lung injury in mice. Part Fibre Toxicol. 2015;12:4. Published 2015 Mar 7.

14. te Velthuis AJ, van den Worm SH, Sims AC, Baric RS, Snijder EJ, van Hemert MJ. Zn(2+) inhibits coronavirus and arterivirus RNA polymerase activity in vitro and zinc ionophores block the replication of these viruses in cell culture. PLoS Pathog. 2010 Nov 4;6(11):e1001176.

15. Flora G, Mittal M, Flora SJS, 26 - Medical Countermeasures—Chelation Therapy, Editor(s): Flora SJS, Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology, Academic Press, 2015, Pages 589-626, ISBN 9780124186880.

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Claims

Claims:

1. A synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell surfaces of a host, said carrier comprising biocompatible particles having a maximum size which, in at least one dimension, is in the nanometer or micrometer range, forming a core, and further having a functionalized surface capable of binding to said target areas of said cell surfaces so as to at least temporarily block said target areas to prevent or minimize pathogen binding and, thus, reducing the risk of the host contracting a disease caused by said pathogen.

2. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to claim 1, said carrier having the capacity of binding and encapsulating the pathogen, thus immobilizing the pathogens ability to bind and entry to the host lowering the risk of contracting the specific infectious — agent.

3. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said core structure of the carrier is being obtained by 3D printing, microfluidics, sol-gel method or — other bottom-up and/or top-down method of fabrication.

4. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the core material comprises organic or inorganic components, lipid droplets, amino acids, S 25 — proteins, salts and minerals or other molecules. & 3

5. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to S target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, E wherein the core material comprises inorganic silica nanoparticles, in particular N 30 mesoporous silica particles, such particles preferably having ordered mesostructures of D pores that preferably are capable of being loaded with drugs.

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6. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said core material is functionalized with substance selected from the group consisting of peptides, proteins such as antibodies, chemical agents, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), organic or inorganic polymers or molecules and combinations thereof.

7 The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said the carrier with its functionalization is used for specifically binding to receptors, proteins and macromolecules at the cellular level in order to prevent and minimize pathogen entry to the host target tissues by competitive inhibition.

8. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising loading drugs, API, molecules, peptides inside or onto the carrier system.

9. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a functionalized and drug loaded carrier, said carrier being used for targeted drug delivery of anti-pathogenic, anti-viral or anti-microbial compounds in order to — decrease the growth of the pathogen, such as infectious agent.

10. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle and/or microparticle is used for reducing the spread of S 25 SARS-CoV-2 virus or other viruses that causes a respiratory infection, diarrhea, common N cold, influenzas or generally discomfort or a combination thereof. 3 S

11. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to E target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, N 30 wherein said synthetic nanoparticle has a 3D-configuration generally matching the D characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in particular the particle is fabricated to a size of S around 100 nm and coated with similar amino acids as the glycoprotein spikes at the surface of the viral particle or similar molecules that mimic the surface of the viral envelope and thus binds to the same target receptor as the virus.

12. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembles the SARS-CoV-2 virus or is optimized for competitive inhibition.

13. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to claim 12, wherein the synthetic carrier exhibits a modified particle morphology, size or surface properties to achieve increased affinity for the target receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), compared with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in particular for increasing the binding affinity for the specific receptor blocking the internalization of the viral envelope more efficiently and potentially prolonging the gained viral protection.

14. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to — target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is adapted for personalized medicine.

15. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said the synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded into or onto the nanoparticle for further enhancing the anti-viral properties.

16. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to S 25 — target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, N wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is loaded with 3 vehicles or proteome inhibitors for efficiently delivering the compounds in the target S tissues with minimal off-target effects. x a

17. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to D target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, S wherein said synthetic nanoparticle is decorated with molecules that have high affinity towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any other pathogen of interest in order to bind and immobilize the infectious agent preventing or minimizing the potential risk of host entry.

18. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said synthetic nanoparticle resembling the SARS-CoV-2 virus or any other pathogen is coated or decorated with epitopes to be used as a vaccination at target cell populations making the administration potentially easier for the end user e.g. inhalation compared to intra muscular injection used in traditional vaccinations.

19. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said carrier is loaded, stored or dispersed in a device or vessel capable of on- demand release of the carrier to the end-user.

20. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, — wherein said carrier system is loaded inside a dispenser such as an inhalation device, tablet, injectable substance, cream or ointment.

21. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said the man-made materials is used for immobilizing specific pathogens by adding the synthetic material in sanitation products and disinfectants.

22. The synthetic carrier for use in a method of preventing or reducing pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of a host according to any one of the preceding claims, S 25 — wherein said method comprises minimizing the spread of diverse pathogens by binding to N the target molecule in the hos body or binding to the infectious agent itself and potently 3 inhibit the spread of the disease. 3 E

23. Method of producing a synthetic carrier according to any of claims 1 to 22, comprising N 30 the steps of D a) providing a core material, e.g. a nano- and/or micro-material including S nanoparticles, microparticles or any other object as disclosed herein; b) coating or functionalizing the core material with molecules, polymers, amino acids, proteins, API, drugs or other material as disclosed herein;

c) loading the object with compounds, molecules, drugs, API, DNA or RNA etc; d) coating a second protective and/or functional layer on top of the object in particular for increasing its resistance that could be important in extreme environments such as the acidic environment in the stomach; and e) providing a small device, medical device, inhalation device or aerosol, sanitation product or consumer product that on-demand will release the containing synthetic material, particle or object for administration.

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