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Virucidal Activity of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Chemistry Using Garlic Extract
Mayra A Meléndez-Villanueva1, Karla Morán-Santibañez1, Juan J Martínez-Sanmiguel1
1Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 66455 San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico.
Abstract:
Measles virus (MeV) is a paramyxovirus that infects humans, principally children. Despite the existence of an effective and safe vaccine, the number of cases of measles has increased due to lack of vaccination coverage. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of cases worldwide multiplied fourfold between January and March 2019, to 112,000. Today, there is no treatment available for MeV. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that natural extracts (herbal or algal) with antiviral activity can also work as reducing agents that, in combination with nanotechnology, offer an innovative option to counteract viral infections. Here, we synthetized and evaluated the antiviral activity of gold nanoparticles using garlic extract (Allium sativa) as a reducing agent (AuNPs-As). These nanoparticles actively inhibited MeV replication in Vero cells at a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 8.829 µg/mL, and the selectivity index (SI) obtained was 16.05. AuNPs-As likely inhibit viral infection by blocking viral particles directly, showing a potent virucidal effect. Gold nanoparticles may be useful as a promising strategy for treating and controlling the infection of MeV and other related enveloped viruses.
Insights
Researchers developed gold nanoparticles using garlic extract to combat measles virus (MeV). These nanoparticles show potent antiviral activity, inhibiting MeV replication and offering a potential new treatment strategy for this infectious disease.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Measles virus (MeV) causes significant global health concern, with increasing cases due to vaccination gaps.
- No specific antiviral treatment currently exists for MeV infections.
- Natural extracts combined with nanotechnology present a novel approach for antiviral therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate the antiviral efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using garlic extract (Allium sativa) as a reducing agent against MeV.
- To determine the inhibitory concentration and selectivity of these nanoparticles against MeV replication.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using garlic extract (AuNPs-As).
- Evaluation of antiviral activity against MeV replication in Vero cells.
- Determination of the 50% effective concentration (EC50) and selectivity index (SI).
Main Results:
- AuNPs-As demonstrated significant inhibition of MeV replication.
- The EC50 was determined to be 8.829 µg/mL.
- A selectivity index (SI) of 16.05 indicated a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Synthesized AuNPs-As exhibit potent antiviral activity against MeV.
- The nanoparticles likely act by directly blocking viral particles, displaying a virucidal effect.
- AuNPs-As represent a promising strategy for treating MeV and other enveloped viral infections.
