Virucidal activity of polymer silver-containing films against enveloped viruses

The comprehensive approach to antivirals is needed to successfully fight viruses. Virucidal agents are important for reduction of the viral spread. Among nanoparticles, silver ones are able to directly interact with virions and in combination with right substances their effect can be enhanced. The goal of this work was to study the toxicity and virucidal activity of silver-containing films based on low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) polyelectrolyte complexes against influenza A virus H1N1 (IAV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). We also compared the effect of silver-containing films (LMWC-Na-CMC-Ag) obtained by the laser ablation method and the green synthesis using the ginger extract (GE). Methods. The MTT-assay was used for assessment of cytotoxicity in MDCK and Vero cell lines. Virucidal activity was determined by the pre-incubation with the virus for 1 hour followed by determination of the infectious titer (TCID50/ml). Results. Out of all the tested samples, only the ginger extract reduces cell viability by more than 50%. The virucidal effect of the extract manifested itself as a complete reduction of the infectious titer of both viruses. The LMWC-Na-CMC-Ag-GE showed the best virucidal activity with decrease in the infectious titer for 1.88 (IAV) and 3.79 (HSV-1) log10TCID50/ml compared to the virus control. However, LMWC-Na-CMC-Ag obtained by the laser ablation method was not effective. Conclusion. Thus, the polymer silver-containing film obtained by the green synthesis considering the lack of toxicity and virucidal effect against enveloped viruses is promising for further research.