Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Polymer Electrolytes Encapsulated in Micron Calcium Carbonate

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus is widespread in the population and poses a serious danger to people at risk. Among them are infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Despite the fact that respiratory syncytial virus vaccines have recently been approved for pregnant women and the elderly, there is still no universally approved drug for effective etiotropic therapy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of three polymer electrolyte derivatives, which showed effectiveness against a wide range of viruses at previous stages of work, upon encapsulation in calcium carbonate microparticles.

Methods. The encapsulation of polymer electrolytes was carried out by the absorption method and the coprecipitation method. The encapsulation efficiency was evaluated by spectrometry. A transmission electron microscope was used to study the size and morphology of the obtained carriers and encapsulated preparations of polymer electrolytes. The dynamic light scattering method was used to study the colloidal stability of the obtained carriers and encapsulated specimens of polymer electrolytes. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated on HEp-2 cell culture using an MTT assay. Virus detection when measuring the antiviral activity of compounds was carried out using enzyme immunoassay (cell-ELISA).

Results. The results of spectrophotometry led to the conclusion that the method of coprecipitation is the most effective way to incorporate compounds into carriers. When polymer compounds are added to CaCO₃ microparticles, the carriers retain their original size and structure. The study of the antiviral activity of the compounds showed that encapsulation can help reduce their cytotoxicity while maintaining antiviral properties.

Conclusion. Thus, further studies of this group of substances and their delivery methods are promising for the creation of an effective and safe broad-spectrum antiviral drug.

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