APPLICATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN VIRAL INHIBITION: A NEW HOPE FOR ANTIVIRALS

Abstract

In modern era, viral infections constitute one of the main health problems. Chemically synthesized antiviral drugs have adverse side effects which are associated with other health complications. The emergence of new infectious diseases and increase in frequency of drug resistant viruses demand the most effective and novel therapeutic agents, one of which are nanoparticles. Nanoparticles excel as therapeutic agents due to their unique physiochemical properties and a universally applicable physical mode of action. Their large surface area to volume ratio offers them an edge as an antiviral agent. The review focuses on the mechanism of action of silver nanoparticles and their novel therapeutic applications against some viruses bearing potentially fatal consequences.