Nasal Spray Disinfectant for Respiratory Infections Based on Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles: A Physicochemical...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Respiratory diseases pose significant global health challenges, driving research into novel transmission-blocking strategies.
• Current research focuses on vaccines and antiviral therapies to combat respiratory pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a stable silver nanoparticle (AgNP) formulation for use as a nasal spray disinfectant (NSD).
• To investigate the physicochemical properties and colloidal stability of the AgNP-based NSD.
• To explore the potential antiviral mechanisms of the AgNPs through molecular docking studies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of tannic acid (TA) and sodium citrate (SC) functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
• Physicochemical analysis including zeta potential, polarity, morphology, composition, particle size, and distribution.
• Colloidal stability assessment over one year.
• Molecular docking simulations to analyze interactions between AgNPs, viral spike protein, and ACE2 receptor.

Main Results:

• Spherical AgNPs (3-5 nm) stabilized by TA-SC were successfully synthesized.
• The addition of Tween 80 (T80) enhanced particle stability, negative polarity, and tissue coverage.
• The AgNP formulation exhibited excellent colloidal stability for over one year without degradation.
• Molecular docking revealed strong, thermodynamically favorable interactions between the AgNP complex, spike protein, and ACE2.

Conclusions:

• The developed AgNP-based nasal spray disinfectant is stable and possesses properties suitable for mucosal application.
• The demonstrated interaction with viral proteins suggests a potential mechanism for viral inhibition.
• These findings support the development of AgNP formulations for novel antiviral therapies and drug discovery.