"Chew Gum"... Filtering Coronavirus in Saliva

ACE2 Receptors in Experimental Gum Capture Virus... Vaccination Effectiveness Expected to Double Upon Completion

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[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Jinsoo Lee] Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States have discovered a new method to prevent COVID-19. It involves using chewing gum.

According to the scientific journal Molecular Therapy, published on the 10th (local time), the gum currently being tested by the research team acts as a kind of net that captures coronavirus particles in saliva.

This gum can limit the amount of coronavirus in saliva. Therefore, it helps block the spread of the virus when an infected person talks, breathes, or coughs.

The gum contains a replica of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a type of enzyme protein found on the surface of cells. COVID-19 must bind to the ACE2 receptor to enter cells. The ACE2 receptor is essentially the key that opens the door for the virus to penetrate cells.

In experiments, coronavirus particles adhered to the ACE2 receptors in the gum. As a result, the amount of virus in saliva was reduced by as much as 95%.

According to the researchers, this gum is no different from regular gum in taste and texture. Moreover, it can be stored at room temperature for years, and the ACE2 particles are not damaged even when chewed.

The researchers claim that reducing the amount of virus in saliva with this gum will double the effectiveness of vaccination and will be especially useful in countries where vaccines are not yet available or where people cannot afford to buy vaccines.

Although this gum is not yet widely used, it has been confirmed to be highly effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 infections.

For now, experts agree that the most reliable way to prevent COVID-19 is vaccination.