Antiviral Activity of Peptide-Based Assemblies.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Virology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for effective antiviral surfaces and coatings.
• Existing antiviral technologies, such as metal nanoparticles, have limitations in efficacy and concentration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel peptide-based assemblies with potent antiviral properties.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these peptide assemblies as antiviral coatings on surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of peptide spherical assemblies.
• Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the peptide assemblies.
• Application of peptide assemblies onto surfaces via drop casting to form coatings.
• Testing antiviral efficacy against T4 bacteriophages (DNA virus) and canine coronavirus (RNA virus).

Main Results:

• Peptide assemblies exhibit a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the tens of micrograms per milliliter range, significantly lower than metal nanoparticles.
• Drop-casted peptide assemblies form stable antiviral coatings on surfaces.
• The coatings demonstrated a 3-log reduction in T4 bacteriophages and complete inactivation of canine coronavirus.
• The peptide-based coating effectively targets both DNA- and RNA-based viruses, including coronaviruses.

Conclusions:

• Peptide-based assemblies represent a novel and highly effective antiviral agent.
• Antiviral coatings derived from these peptide assemblies offer a promising strategy for preventing viral transmission on surfaces.
• This technology has broad applications in environments requiring sterile surfaces, such as healthcare settings.