How can Chemical Engineers help solve COVID-19 crisis

Participate in COVID-19 research and study the possibility of a similar pandemic in future. As we are progressing in the field of medicine and antibiotics, the bacteria and viruses are developing their antibiotic resilience and getting stronger. Chemical engineers need to understand the bio processes involved in pathogens like bacteria and viruses and develop novel approaches to kill these harmful microorganisms.

Currently the study of advanced polymers such as star polymers such as SNAPPS (Structurally Nano-engineered Antimicrobial Polypeptide Polymers) is gaining popularity. Star polymers are currently studied for their use in medicine to destroy the outer membrane of harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. 

Historical data suggests that there is an outbreak of diseases caused by viruses every decade. While the spread of a pandemic is inevitable under such circumstances, developing strategies to have a large scale production of vaccines whenever a new pandemic arises can be a solution. These are areas of research that are in my opinion of high importance to chemical engineers who are in their early stages of career.