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Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of microwave solvolysis lignin from woody biomass

  • 0Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasyo, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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July 2, 2024

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July 2, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel antiviral agent from wood lignin to combat SARS-CoV-2. This lignin-derived compound, eEAE3, showed a 93% inhibition rate against the virus, offering a sustainable solution for infection control.

Area Of Science

  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Virology

Background

  • The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has had severe societal impacts.
  • There is a need for effective and sustainable antiviral agents.
  • Wood, a renewable resource, contains abundant natural polymers like lignin.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the potential of wood-derived compounds as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.
  • To chemically modify wood components and evaluate their inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods

  • Acidic microwave solvolysis of Eucalyptus and Japanese cedar wood using H2SO4, ethylene glycol, and toluene.
  • Separation of solvolysis products via toluene, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extractions.
  • Evaluation of inhibitory activity of extracts against SARS-CoV-2, with further fractionation and analysis using Py-GC-MS and NMR.

Main Results

  • The ethyl acetate extract from Eucalyptus wood (eEAE) showed significant SARS-CoV-2 inhibition.
  • A specific fraction, eEAE3 (hexane extract from ethanol-soluble portion), exhibited a 93.0% inhibition rate at 0.5 mg/mL.
  • Analysis confirmed eEAE3 components are lignin-derived, and solvolysis cleaved major lignin interunit linkages.

Conclusions

  • Lignin, an abundant and renewable wood polymer, can be chemically modified to produce potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents.
  • The lignin-derived agent eEAE3 shows high efficacy in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2.
  • This presents a promising, sustainable approach for developing agents to suppress viral infections in daily environments.

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