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Inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles against adenovirus type 3 in vitro
Nana Chen1, Yang Zheng, Jianjian Yin
1Department of Pathogeny Biology, Medical College, Dalian University, China.
Abstract:
Adenoviruses are associated with respiratory, ocular, or gastrointestinal disease. With various species and high morbidity, adenoviruses are increasingly recognized as significant viral pathogen among pediatric and immunocompromised patients. However, there is almost no specific drug for treatment. Silver nanoparticles are demonstrated to be virucidal against influenza A (H1N1) virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis B virus. Currently, there is no data regarding whether the silver nanoparticles inhibit the adenovirus or not. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles on adenovirus type 3 (Ad3). The results revealed that HeLa cells infected with silver nanoparticles treated Ad3 did not show obvious CPE. The viability of HeLa cells infected with silver nanoparticles treated Ad3 was significantly higher than that of cells infected with untreated Ad3. There was a significant difference of fluorescence intensity between the cells infected with silver nanoparticles treated and untreated Ad3. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that silver nanoparticles could directly damage the structure of Ad3 particle. The PCR amplification products of DNA isolated from silver nanoparticles treated Ad3 was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The decreased DNA loads were also confirmed by real-time PCR experiment. The present study indicates silver nanoparticles exhibit remarkably inhibitory effects on Ad3 in vitro, which suggests silver nanoparticles could be a potential antiviral agent for inhibiting Ad3 infection.
Insights
Silver nanoparticles show promise as an antiviral treatment, effectively inhibiting adenovirus type 3 (Ad3) infection in laboratory studies. This research suggests potential for silver nanoparticles in combating Ad3, a significant pathogen in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Adenoviruses cause significant respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal diseases, particularly in pediatric and immunocompromised individuals.
- Current treatment options for adenovirus infections are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Silver nanoparticles have demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in inhibiting adenovirus type 3 (Ad3) infection in vitro.
- To explore the potential of AgNPs as a novel antiviral agent against Ad3.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability assays (MTT) were used to assess the protective effect of AgNPs against Ad3-induced cytopathic effects (CPE) in HeLa cells.
- Fluorescence intensity measurements were employed to quantify viral replication.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to visualize the direct impact of AgNPs on Ad3 particle structure.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR were performed to determine viral DNA load.
Main Results:
- HeLa cells treated with AgNPs and subsequently infected with Ad3 exhibited significantly reduced CPE and higher cell viability compared to untreated controls.
- AgNP treatment led to a significant reduction in viral fluorescence intensity.
- TEM analysis revealed direct structural damage to Ad3 particles by AgNPs.
- PCR and real-time PCR demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in Ad3 DNA load following AgNP treatment.
Conclusions:
- Silver nanoparticles exhibit potent in vitro inhibitory effects against adenovirus type 3.
- AgNPs demonstrate a direct virucidal effect on Ad3 particles.
- These findings suggest that silver nanoparticles hold significant potential as a therapeutic agent for Ad3 infections.
