Today, viruses penetrate cells very intelligently with abilities of replicating and disabling the host’s defense mechanisms. The viruses are resistant to conventional treatments mainly due to their mutations. Therefore, an innovative approach to fight against viruses is essential and urgent. Nanotechnology offers several solutions to battle viruses by providing novel opportunities in detection, protection, and treatment. Nanomaterials (NMs), as talented and effective platforms, can control the virus infection cycle. This critical review aims to elucidate the nanotechnological approaches in combating viruses by overviewing the recent fascinating reports on the use of NMs in diagnostic sensors, vaccine formulation, protective coatings, and treatment. This review also discusses the action mechanism of several kinds of NMs used as antiviral medicine. Finally, the challenges of the use of NMs in the battle of viruses and some possible strategies to address these challenges are discussed.

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