Global trials are
grappling toward identifying prosperous remediation
against the ever-emerging and re-emerging pathogenic respiratory viruses.
Battling coronavirus, as a model respiratory virus, via repurposing
existing therapeutic agents could be a welcome move. Motivated by
its well-demonstrated curative use in herpes simplex and influenza
viruses, utilization of the nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) would be an
auspicious approach. In this direction, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were
fabricated herein and relevant aspects related to the formulation
such as optimization, structure, purity, and morphology were elucidated.
In silico molecular docking was conducted to speculate the possible
interaction between ZnO NPs and COVID-19 targets including the ACE2
receptor, COVID-19 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and main protease.
The cellular internalization of ZnO NPs using human lung fibroblast
cells was also assessed. Optimized hexagonal and spherical ZnO nanostructures
of a crystallite size of 11.50 ± 0.71 nm and positive charge
were attained. The pure and characteristic hexagonal wurtzite
P
63
mc
crystal structure was also observed.
Interestingly, felicitous binding of ZnO NPs with the three tested
COVID-19 targets, via hydrogen bond formation, was detected. Furthermore,
an enhanced dose-dependent cellular uptake was demonstrated. The obtained
results infer a rationale, awaiting validation from further biological
and therapeutic studies.
Up to date, there were no approved drugs against coronavirus (COVID-19) disease that dangerously affects global health and the economy. Repurposing the existing drugs would be a promising approach for COVID-19 management. The antidepressant drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class, have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects, which makes them auspicious drugs for COVID 19 treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the possible therapeutic activity of SSRIs against COVID-19. Firstly, molecular docking studies were performed to hypothesize the possible interaction of SSRIs to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) main protease. Secondly, the candidate drug was loaded in lipid polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles to enhance its activity. The studied SSRIs were Fluoxetine hydrochloride (FH), Atomoxteine, Paroxetine, Nisoxteine, Repoxteine RR, and Repoxteine SS. Interestingly, FH could effectively bind with SARS-COV-2 main protease via hydrogen bond formation with low binding energy (-6.7 kcal/mol). Moreover, the optimization of FH-LPH formulation achieved 65.1±2.7% encapsulation efficiency, 10.3±0.4% loading efficiency, 98.5±3.5 nm particle size, and -10.5±0.45 mV zeta potential. Additionally, it improved cellular internalization in a time-dependent manner with good biocompatibility on Human lung fibroblast (CCD-19Lu) cells. Therefore, the study suggested the potential activity of FH-LPH nanoparticles against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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