Effective SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity of hyperbranched polylysine nanopolymers
Luigi Stagi, Davide De Forni, Luca Malfatti, Francesca Caboi, Andrea Salis, Barbara Poddesu, Giulia Cugia, Franco Lori, Grazia Galleri, Plinio Innocenzi
Abstract
. Nanoparticles of hyperbranched polylysine, synthesized by L-lysine's thermal polymerization catalyzed by boric acid, effectively inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication. The virucidal activity is associated with the charge and dimension of the nanomaterial, favouring the electrostatic interaction with the viral surface being only slightly larger than the virions' dimensions. Low-cost production and easiness of synthesis strongly support the further development of such innovative nanomaterials as a tool for potential treatments of COVID-19 and, in general, as broad-spectrum antivirals.
Topics & Concepts
PolylysineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Sars virusCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirologyChemistryMedicineBiochemistryInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseasePathologyOutbreakDendrimers and Hyperbranched PolymersSARS-CoV-2 detection and testingAdvanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis