Sulfated Cellulose Nanofiber Hydrogel with Mucus-Like Activities for Virus Inhibition

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Mucus acts as a primary defense barrier against viral infections in humans.
• Developing effective antiviral materials requires mimicking natural defense mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a highly sulfated hydrogel inspired by mucus structure for virus binding and inhibition.
• To evaluate the antiviral efficacy of the sulfated cellulose nanofiber (SCNF) hydrogel against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel via Ca2+ gelation of sulfated cellulose nanofiber (SCNF).
• Characterization of SCNF's mucin-like structure and high sulfation.
• Assessment of SCNF's inhibitory concentration (IC50) against HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in a transwell model.

Main Results:

• SCNF exhibited a mucin-like nanofiber structure with abundant sulfated groups.
• SCNF demonstrated potent inhibition of HSV-1 infection (IC50 = 0.43 μg/mL), comparable to heparin.
• The Ca2+-SCNF hydrogel effectively trapped HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, preventing cell infection in a transwell model.

Conclusions:

• The Ca2+-SCNF hydrogel mimics natural mucus defenses, offering high and broad-spectrum antiviral activity.
• This biocompatible hydrogel shows potential as an efficient antiviral material with binding and inhibition capabilities.
• Further development could lead to advanced antiviral strategies with low toxicity.