Instantaneous Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus by Silicon Nitride Bioceramics

Abstract

Hydrolytic reactions taking place at the surface of a silicon nitride (Si3N4) bioceramic were found to induce instantaneous inactivation of Human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1, also known as Herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV-1). Si3N4 is a non-oxide ceramic compound with strong antibacterial and antiviral properties that has been proven safe for human cells. HSV-1 is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects a variety of host tissues through a lytic and latent cycle. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests of HSV-1 DNA after instantaneous contact with Si3N4 showed that ammonia and its nitrogen radical byproducts, produced upon Si3N4 hydrolysis, directly reacted with viral proteins and fragmented the virus DNA, irreversibly damaging its structure. A comparison carried out upon testing HSV-1 against ZrO2 particles under identical experimental conditions showed a significantly weaker (but not null) antiviral effect, which was attributed to oxygen radical influence. The results of this study extend the effectiveness of Si3N4’s antiviral properties beyond their previously proven efficacy against a large variety of single-stranded enveloped and non-enveloped RNA viruses. Possible applications include the development of antiviral creams or gels and oral rinses to exploit an extremely efficient, localized, and instantaneous viral reduction by means of a safe and more effective alternative to conventional antiviral creams. Upon incorporating a minor fraction of micrometric Si3N4 particles into polymeric matrices, antiherpetic devices could be fabricated, which would effectively impede viral reactivation and enable high local effectiveness for extended periods of time.

Raman Multi-Omic Snapshot and Statistical Validation of Structural Differences between Herpes Simplex Type I and Epstein–Barr Viruses

“…In this study, we build upon those previous studies and analyze with the same analytical approach the molecular structures of HSV-1 and EBV. The present Raman data build upon the present knowledge of herpesviruses and their vibrational characterizations [24][25][26][27] while providing, as an original contribution, an almost instantaneous "multiomic snapshot" of the viruses' structures. Through Raman analyses, we attempt to newly and promptly unfold structural aspects, such as differences in viruses' surface pH and glycoprotein amount/structures, which are difficult to determine and hardly found in the available literature.…”

Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes with Low Temperature Antiviral Activity

“…Even though the antiviral efficacy of 1 wt % HOF-101@PVDF MMMs was diminished at 273 K after 20 min for both viruses, they still manifested an antiviral effect exceeding 99% and 95% for VSV and HSV-1, respectively (Figure c). The antiviral performance of HOF-101@PVDF MMMs was comparable to those of many superior antiviral materials, such as graphene oxide composites, , silicon nitride, and precious metal nanoparticles . To evaluate the long-acting antiviral activity of HOF-101@PVDF MMMs, we assessed their repetitive antiviral performance.…”