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Context

• Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a chewing gum that can potentially reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Covid transmission

• When a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 sneezes, coughs or speaks, some of the viruses can be expelled and reach others.
• This virus then enters the human body, usually through nose and mouth cavities, by inhaling or swallowing the virus-laden fluid or saliva.
• ACE2 is a protein on the surface of body cells. It is present in many cell types and tissues including the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.
• When SARS-CoV-2 comes in contact with this ACE2 protein, it uses the spike-like protrusions on its surface to bind itself with the host cell.
• Hence, ACE2 effectively acts like a cellular doorway through which the virus gains entry into the cell.

Role of Chewing Gum

• The chewing gum is laced with a plant-grown protein that reduces the viral load in saliva and potentially lowers transmission.
• The gum does this by blocking the ACE2 receptor on the cells or binding directly to the spike protein, effectively preventing the viral particles from entering cells.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/plant-based-chewing-gum-traps-coronavirus-7659872/

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