Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) activity of biogenic gold and silver nanoparticles using seaweed Sargassum wightii

Biogenic gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized using seaweed Sargassum wightii (Sw) and their antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) was evaluated. Efficacy of Sw-Au and Sw-Ag nanoparticles against HSV was estimated by the reduction of cytopathic effect (CPE) caused by HSV, which was observed in a dose-dependent manner. Sw-Au nanoparticles reduced 70% CPE of HSV-1 and HSV-2 at 10 mu L and 25 mu L, respectively, whereas 2.5 mu L Sw-Ag nanoparticles effectively reduced 70% CPE of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Cytotoxicity was estimated in Vero cells by MTT assay. Sw-Au nanoparticles were significantly non-toxic in all the concentrations tested, whereas Sw-Ag nanoparticles were found to be toxic in higher concentrations. Sw-Au nanoparticles showed cell viability of 93.12-85.18 % in the range of 2.5-25 mu L, and Sw-Ag nanoparticles showed cell viability of 97.21-21.91% in the range of 1-10 mu L. Sw-Au and Sw-Ag nanoparticles effectively reduce the CPE caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Vero cells and can be used to treat HSV infections.