Experimental chewing gum that ‘traps’ SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva shows promise for curbing the transmission of new variants of the virus, new data shows, as researchers prepare to launch the first trial on the virus. ‘man.
The gum contains copies of the ACE2 protein found on cell surfaces, which the coronavirus uses to enter and infect cells.
In test-tube experiments using saliva from individuals infected with the Delta or Omicron variants, viral particles attached to ACE2 ‘receptors’ in chewing gum and viral loads fell to undetectable levels, researchers have reported. researchers in Biomaterials.
In the clinical trial, COVID-19 patients will each chew four ACE2 gum tablets each day for four days.
ACE2 “viral trap” proteins in the gum are transported into modified lettuce cells.
According to the paper.
“Because nasal transmission is negligible compared to oral transmission…chewing ACE2 gum and swallowing ACE2 protein should minimize infection, protect patients with COVID-19, and prevent transmission,” said Dr. Henry Daniell, research director of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry said.
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