A new type of experimental chewing gum has been developed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Chewing gum with a protein that captures coronavirus particles might restrict the quantity of virus in saliva and possibly curb Covid transmission, according to a study published in the journal Molecular Therapy.
SARS-CoV-2 infected persons had large quantities of virus in their saliva. As a result, researchers in the United States sought to see if a specifically formulated chewing gum may help people minimise the amount of virus in their mouth.
SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells by latching on to ACE2 proteins located on the surfaces of specific cells in our bodies. As a result, the researchers developed a chewing gum containing a copy of the ACE2 protein. The researchers collected saliva samples from COVID-19 patients and combined them with a powdered version of the gum in test tubes. They discovered that virus particles latched themselves to the chewing gum’s ACE2 ‘receptors’.
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As per University of Pennsylvania researchers, 5mg of chewing gum can dramatically inhibit viral entrance into cells, while 50mg of gum can reduce viral entry by 95%. Gum chewing for dental health isn’t a new concept. Chewing gums containing calcium and bicarbonate have been found in studies to aid in the reduction of dental problems. However, focusing on a virus in this manner is a fresh strategy.
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