Metallomics for the Screening of COVID-19 and Metallodrug Development

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe threat globally. As a result, scientists are increasing their efforts in developing testing methods, antiviral drugs, and vaccines, to diagnose, treat, and defend against COVID-19 respectively. Although RT-PCR and antigen tests are used for the screening of COVID-19, there are many disadvantages including high cost, long processing time, and false-negative results. With the exception of supportive care, no specific treatment for COVID-19 has been established. Metallomics focuses on the systematic study of the interactions and functional connections of metallic/metalloid ions and their species with genes, proteins, metabolites, and other biomolecules within organisms and ecosystems. It has been applied in the screening of various cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections and metallodrug development with the advantages of high throughput, low risk of cross-infection, low cost, and ready availability. Therefore, we proposed the use of metallomics for the screening and metallodrug development of COVID-19. An operational work scheme is also presented.