Antiviral Activity of Biocompatible Bionanocatalysts against Rotavirus

Rotavirus remains a significant cause of gastroenteritis, especially in infants and young children, leading to severe dehydration and even death in resource-limited settings. While vaccines are available, they offer incomplete protection, and effective antiviral treatments are lacking. This study investigates the antiviral potential of biocompatible bionanocatalysts against rotavirus, focusing on both pre- and postinfection stages. Such structures consist of nanostructured materials composed of pure or mixed oxides that form a heterogeneous catalyst with a full dispersion of the active metal, exhibiting potentiated catalytic properties (compared to common solid acid catalysts) and organic functional groups that mimic cellular ligands, thus endowing them with biocompatibility and affinity. Bionanocatalysts were synthesized and characterized, showing a uniform nanoscale distribution and high surface reactivity. Tests using the MA104 cell line demonstrated that these structures could significantly reduce viral infectivity when administered prior to viral exposure, likely by interacting with viral surface proteins and degrading the RNA genome. The treatment also reduced infectivity postinfection, though to a lesser extent. Importantly, the bionanocatalysts showed no cytotoxicity in uninfected cells, underscoring their safety and specificity. This research highlights the potential of bionanocatalysts as a novel antiviral therapy for rotavirus, providing a promising addition to existing preventive measures, particularly in areas with limited access to vaccines.