A team of scientists from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Lodz conducted research on the antiviral activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The essence of the research was to determine their influence on the dangerous genital herpes virus – HSV-2.
This virus, passing through the mucous membranes, inhabits the sacral ganglia and causes recurrences of genital herpes. It occurs in 10-60 percent. population; in developing countries, even among 80 percent. Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of infection with other sexually transmitted diseases, in particular HIV. Infection of a child with HSV-2 during labor can lead to meningitis and changes in the central nervous system.
The team of Dr. Krzyżowska and prof. In his research, Grobelny used AgNP preparations obtained by chemical means of sizes 13 nm, 33 nm and 46 nm, stabilized with tannic acid, with known anti-inflammatory properties. Tests carried out on keratinocyte cell lines showed that nanoparticles with a size of 13 and 33 nanometers completely inhibited their viral infection.
“Our research shows that silver nanoparticles modified with tannic acid, especially in the case of 13 and 33 nanometers in size, inhibit the entry of the virus into target cells” – told PAP Dr. Krzyżowska.
Researchers also conducted tests on a mouse herpes model that captured the course of herpes in humans. Histological examinations on tissue specimens obtained as a result of these studies showed a significant reduction in the number of HSV-2 infection foci and their size, which confirmed their antiviral effect.