Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Objective:The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the utmost destructive viruses humankind has ever faced in almost four decades. It carries with it profound socioeconomic and public health implications. Unfortunately, there is, currently, no effective cure for HIV infections. This review discusses the various types of condoms, microbicides, and the potential use of nanoparticle-coated condoms as a means of diminishing the risk of HIV transmission and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse.Methods:We identified 153 articles from 1989 to 2015 indexed in various journal platforms, reports, and magazines. Using the PRISMA guidelines as proxy in performing the research review process, only 53 articles were selected. Ideally, articles that failed to describe the nature and types of condoms, condom failures, nanoparticle-coated condoms, microbicides, and HIV prevention were excluded.Results and Discussion:In general, it has been shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently available can only limit transmission and acquisition of HIV strains. Apart from ART treatment, the use of condoms has been identified globally as a cost-effective intervention for reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs. However, while condoms are supposed to be effective, reliable, and easy to use, research has shown that they are attributable to 20% failures including breakages. Nevertheless, other studies have shown that coating condoms with nanoparticles is an important and effective method for reducing condom breakage and HIV/STI transmission during sexual intercourse.Conclusions:A review of literature cited in this paper has shown that nanotechnology-based condom systems have the potential to prevent the spread of HIV and STIs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial nature of some nanoparticles could provide a safe and efficient way to disrupt and/or inactivate different STIs – including viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases.

Establishing a prediction model for recurrence of condyloma acuminatum

“…This will effectively prove that the correct use of condoms can reduce the chances of being infected by the sexual partner even if he or she has HPV infection. The reasons, firstly, the condom is a closed tool, which can effectively prevent the infection of bacteria, viruses and fungi [ 23 ]. The second condom is equipped with lubricant, which can reduce local friction during sexual intercourse, so as to reduce the generation of micro wounds and reduce the subclinical infection and colonization of HPV [ 24 ].…”

Riverside Men's Knowledge and Ways of Acting Regarding Condom Use

“…Science has demanded efforts in search of producing types of condoms that can provide greater safety, protection and user satisfaction in terms of sexual pleasure [29][30] . However, it becomes necessary that these possibilities are also available and can be accessed free of charge by the population, in order to expand acceptance and continuity in condom use in sexual practices.…”

Engineered nanoparticle bio-conjugates toxicity screening: The xCELLigence cells viability impact

“…The evolution of engineered nanoparticle bio-conjugates (ENPBC) has led to a wide spectrum of biomedical and environmental products and applications. 1 - 5 Ideally, ENPBCs are the formulation of any pharmacological active nanomaterial (e.g., nano-bio-conjugated, recombinant proteins, vaccines, nucleic acids, or bio-products)’ that enable site-specific-targets of organs/cells with controlled release or to treat and prevent diseases (e.g., cancers, infections, bone tissue engineering, etc) in human. 4 , 5 In this context, nanoparticles (NPs) including those of gold, zinc, copper, platinum, carbon nanotubes and other metal oxides are widely used with varying distinctive therapeutic functions/properties.…”

“…1 - 5 Ideally, ENPBCs are the formulation of any pharmacological active nanomaterial (e.g., nano-bio-conjugated, recombinant proteins, vaccines, nucleic acids, or bio-products)’ that enable site-specific-targets of organs/cells with controlled release or to treat and prevent diseases (e.g., cancers, infections, bone tissue engineering, etc) in human. 4 , 5 In this context, nanoparticles (NPs) including those of gold, zinc, copper, platinum, carbon nanotubes and other metal oxides are widely used with varying distinctive therapeutic functions/properties. 1 , 6 - 8 The array of applications is based on NPs vast physiochemical broad multi-faceted properties derived from their nanosize scales and interactions.…”