Self-assembling amphiphilic polymers as anti-covid-19 agents

There are provided improved amphiphilic comb polymers, comprising a hydrophilic backbone with regularly-spaced pendant hydrophobic moieties, having well-controlled molecular weights, structures, and end groups. The polymers self-assemble into core-corona nanoparticles in aqueous environments, which are capable of disrupting viral coat proteins, and which are capable of encapsulating antiviral drugs and prodrugs. Regularly-spaced targeting moieties optionally mediate the adherence of the nanoparticles to the viral coat. The compositions of the invention are useful as treatments for viral infection, including infections with SARS-CoV-2.