Antiviral activity of nano-monocaprin against Phi6 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2

Int Microbiol. 2023 May;26(2):379-387. doi: 10.1007/s10123-022-00300-6. Epub 2022 Nov 24.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic involving SARS-CoV-2 has raised interest in using antimicrobial lipid formulations to inhibit viral entry into their host cells or to inactivate them. Lipids are a part of the innate defense mechanism against pathogens. Here, we evaluated the use of nano-monocaprin (NMC) in inhibiting enveloped (phi6) and unenveloped (MS2) bacteriophages. NMC was prepared using the sonochemistry technique. Size and morphology analysis revealed the formation of ~ 8.4 ± 0.2-nm NMC as measured by dynamic light scattering. We compared the antiviral activity of NMC with molecular monocaprin (MMC) at 0.5 mM and 2 mM concentrations against phi6, which we used as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. The synthesized NMC exhibited 50% higher antiviral activity against phi6 than MMC at pH 7 using plaque assay. NMC inactivated phi6 stronger at pH 4 than at pH 7. To determine if NMC is toxic to mammalian cells, we used MTS assay to assess its IC50 for HPDE and HeLa cell lines, which were ~ 203 and 221 µM, respectively. NMC may be used for prophylactic application either as a drop or spray since many viruses enter the human body through the mucosal lining of the nose, eyes, and lungs.

Keywords: Antimicrobial lipids; Bacteriophage; Coronavirus surrogate; Molecular monocaprin; Nano-monocaprin.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • COVID-19*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents