In their study, recently published in the journal “Molecular Therapy”, the scientists said that chewing gum covered with vegetable protein acts as a “trap” for the virus; This reduces the viral load in saliva and potentially limits transmission.
Study leader Henry Daniell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry says that the Corona virus multiplies in the salivary glands, and when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks, some of this virus comes out and reaches others.
“This chewing gum provides an opportunity to neutralize the virus in the saliva, which gives us a simple way to reduce the source of disease transmission.”
Reducing infection
In testing the gum, the team developed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in plants, paired with another compound that enables the protein to cross mucosal barriers and facilitates binding. The resulting plant material was then incorporated into cinnamon-flavored gum tablets.
Samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs from patients infected with MERS-CoV with gums revealed that the current protein could neutralize the virus.
As the research was completed, the scientists noted that chewing gum largely prevents viruses or viral particles from entering cells, either by blocking the ACE 2 receptor on cells, or by binding directly to the spike protein characteristic of the coronavirus.
The researchers say the chewing gum helped lower levels of viral RNA so dramatically that it was almost undetectable.
The research team is also currently working on obtaining permission to conduct a clinical trial to evaluate, to see if this method is safe and effective when tested on people infected with the Corona virus, especially as it is simple and inexpensive.
Daniel says: “Although research is still in its early stages, if clinical trials prove that gum is safe, then chewing gum can be given to patients whose infection status is unknown, or to people undergoing dental exams when masks must be removed to reduce risk of infection. Possible transmission of the virus to caregivers.
He adds, “We are already using face masks (masks), and some other barriers to reduce the chance of transmission, and now this chewing gum can be used as an additional tool in the battle against the virus.”
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