Antiviral potential of sugarcane bagasse-derived carbon quantum dots against SARS-CoV-2, and herpes simplex virus-1

Viral diseases pose a serious global threat due to their ability to spread quickly and mutate. The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exemplifies this challenge, as effective treatments and vaccines are still under development. Herpes viruses cause infections globally, notably two of which are Herpes simplex viruses-1 and − 2 (HSV-1 and − 2). Both viruses can be acquired without obvious symptoms, which can lead to a lifetime infection. For this reason, it is critical that we offer therapies to prevent infection, particularly in patients with impaired immune systems. In this study, we explore carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a nanostructure, as a potential weapon against viral pandemics. This is a green, safe, and sustainable material with high solubility in water, great biocompatibility, and attractive photoluminescence. We evaluated the antiviral effectiveness of the CQDs recycled from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) by eco-friendly microwave method. The CQDs exhibited significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus as RNA viruses, with cytotoxicity concentration 50 (CC50) 273.3 µg/ml, inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) 50.52 µg/ml, and selectivity index (SI) of 5.41. It also showed a moderate antiviral activity against Herpes simplex type-1 virus as DNA virus, with cytotoxicity concentration 50 (CC50) 245 µg/ml, inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) 80.95 µg/ml, and selectivity index (SI) of 3.03. According to these findings, CQDs exhibited encouraging activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus and Herpes simplex type-1 virus in vitro. Nanoparticles from sugarcane waste showed promise in slowing down SARS-CoV-2 and herpes virus activity. The materials were safe to cells, suggesting potential for future antiviral treatments. This eco-friendly approach turns agricultural waste into useful antiviral materials for fighting viral diseases.