Rosin Soap Exhibits Virucidal Activity

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Microbiology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Chemical inactivation is crucial for preventing viral transmission in healthcare and personal hygiene.
• Resin acids from tall oil possess known antibacterial properties, but their virucidal potential is unexplored.
• Enveloped viruses pose significant public health risks, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the virucidal activity of rosin soap against a panel of pathogenic mammalian viruses.
• To determine the efficacy of rosin soap in inactivating enveloped viruses, including influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2.
• To assess the factors influencing rosin soap's antiviral activity, such as concentration, time, and temperature.

Main Methods:

• In vitro assessment of rosin soap's inactivation capacity against various viruses.
• Quantification of viral infectivity reduction, specifically for IAV.
• Testing the influence of rosin soap concentration, incubation time, and temperature on antiviral efficacy.

Main Results:

• Rosin soap demonstrated potent inactivation of enveloped viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
• A 100,000-fold reduction in IAV infectivity was achieved with rosin soap treatment.
• Rosin soap was ineffective against the nonenveloped encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV).
• Antiviral activity against IAV was concentration-dependent but independent of incubation time and temperature.

Conclusions:

• Rosin soap presents a novel chemical method for inactivating enveloped viruses.
• This tree-derived product shows promise as a virucidal agent for controlling enveloped virus infections.
• Potential applications include surface disinfection and personal hygiene in high-risk environments.