Antiviral activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles against HSV-1: integrating computational modeling and experimental validation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), focusing on the influence of plant-derived capping agents and their metal cores on antiviral efficacy and mechanism of action.

Materials and Methods: Biosynthesized AgNPs using aqueous extracts of Juglans regia (J. regia) and Malva sylvestris (M. sylvestris) were characterized, and their zeta potential was assessed. Molecular docking studies were performed to illuminate the interaction between AgNPs and viral particles. The antiviral activity was evaluated using viral titer quantification and a cytotoxicity assay, both performed on Vero cells.

Results: AgNPs exhibited zeta potentials of -8.87 mV and -5.49 mV for J. regia and M. sylvestris, respectively, indicating their stability and potential for interaction with viral particles. Strong binding affinities between AgNPs and viral glycopro- tein D (gD) were revealed by molecular docking, which obtained negative MolDock scores. The antiviral assays demonstrat- ed a ten-thousand-fold reduction in viral titers.

Conclusion: This research underscores the critical roles of capping agents and the metallic core in modulating the antiviral efficacy of plant-derived AgNPs against HSV‑1, establishing them as a promising platform for novel antiviral therapeutics.