Iron oxide nanoparticles with antiviral activity against sars and mers coronavirus

Abstract

Coronaviridae viruses usually cause mild respiratory disease in humans, nevertheless a new infectious disease caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally since December 2019, resulting in the ongoing 2019-2021 coronavirus pandemic. The present invention discloses the use of coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) for use in the treatment and/or prevention of viral infections caused by Coronaviridae, especially those caused by respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. The iron oxide nanoparticles are coated with biocompatible molecules and polymers which bind to the nanoparticle core via oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur donor atoms (e.g. dextran, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane or dimercaptosuccinic acid, respectively). The IONPs were found stable, non-cytotoxic in vitro and can efficiently impair virus replication, transcription and production of infectious virus. Furthermore, the IONPs are suitable for oral, intranasal or parenteral administration in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier.