Green-Synthesized Colloidal Metal–B-Escin Bioconjugates for Nasal Delivery: A Hypothetical Prophylactic and Therapeutic Product Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.9826Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, B-escin, Nanoparticles, Nasal delivery, Antiviral therapy, Computational modeling, Variant-specific targetingAbstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants continues to challenge global healthcare systems, necessitating the exploration of innovative preventive modalities. This study proposes a novel nasal prophylactic approach that combines the antiviral properties of B-escin, a natural compound, with green synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles. B-escin, extracted from horse chestnut seeds, exhibits notable efficacy against coronaviruses, while nanoparticles provide enhanced features for targeted delivery and stability. Through integrated computational analyses, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum mechanical calculations, we evaluate the potential of this combined strategy against prevalent COVID-19 variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Specifically designed for nasal administration, our investigation highlights the synergistic interactions between B-escin and nanoparticles, elucidating their collective impact on viral targets specific to each variant within the nasal mucosa. Computational results demonstrate increased antiviral activity and target specificity when combining B-escin with gold and silver nanoparticles, surpassing individual efficacy. Moreover, we explore the influence of nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, morphology, and surface functionalization, on the observed synergistic effects. These findings underscore the potential of a nasal prophylactic utilizing natural compounds and nanotechnology, offering a promising frontline defense against the diverse spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 variants. While these findings underscore the potential of a nasal prophylactic utilizing natural compounds and nanotechnology, this study is entirely computational, and experimental validation is necessary to confirm its real-world applicability.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Innovative nasal prophylactic and therapeutic approach: Combines B-escin with green-synthesized nanoparticles for targeted antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2 variants, enhancing both delivery efficiency and molecular stability.
- Global health potential: Presents a promising, non-invasive strategy that could complement vaccination efforts—particularly valuable in regions with limited vaccine accessibility.
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