The inhibitory effect of Acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes against herpes simplex virus type-1 in cell culture.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wide distribution and low half-life of acyclovir has led to a high dose consumption of the drug. Recent studies have shown that encapsulation of acyclovir in nano-carriers can increase effectiveness and decrease its side effects. We investigated the inhibitory effect of acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) in cell culture. METHODS: In-vitro cytotoxicity study of empty niosomes (E-N), acyclovir loaded niosomes (ACV-N) and ACV as a free drug against HeLa cell line was performed by MTT assay and the viral titers was tested by TCID50 assay. RESULTS: The results indicated that a significant higher antiviral activity for acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes of about 3 times in comparison with free drug. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed ACV-N have a higher antiviral activity compared with free drug; it could be a suitable carrier for delivery of acyclovir in the treatment of HSV-1 infections.