Functionalized silica nanoparticles: a strategy for Zika virus inactivation

Abstract

The Zika virus was declared by the World Health Organization a case of global public health emergency in 2016. The Zika virus infection has been associated with microcephaly, with thousands of cases reported only in Brazil. However, viral inactivation strategies that can prompt the treatment of infections and the combat to epidemics associated to the Zika are still scarce. In this context, the development of porous silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) as systems that promote viral inactivation, not only by its superficial polymeric coating but also by the encapsulated drug, both presenting antiviral action, is been proposed. Accordingly, polyanions, which are capable to prevent the interaction between virus and target cells, will be polymerized on the surface of SiO2NPs by RAFT controlled radical polymerization. The subsequent polymerization of biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric chains will be used as a strategy to increase time of transit of the particles, avoiding early inactivation of anionic groups in intravenous applications. Furthermore, by the conjugation of zwitterionic groups to these polymeric chains, non-specific adsorption of blood plasma proteins (corona effect), and subsequent immune responses or undesirable side effects, might be avoided. The complex drug carrier systems will therefore be developed during this research project, by the conjugation of functional polymer segments on the SiO2NPs surface. Their structural and morphological properties, in addition to their biological activity, anti-viral outcome and preventive action to the corona effect, will be evaluated. Thereby, considering the recent increasing number of cases and the lack of specific medical treatments, the development of drug-loaded SiO2NPs presenting polymeric coatings with anti-viral action consist of a potential alternative to Zika virus inactivation. (AU)