Gellan Gum/Alginate Films Containing Biogenic uva ursi Silver Nanoparticles: Analytical Characterization and Antiviral Activity Against HSV-1

In recent years, nanotechnology has made remarkable progress in the fight against infectious diseases. However, the development of safe and effective antiviral drugs remains a challenge, as viruses rely on host cells for replication. Plant-derived, environmentally friendly nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their low toxicity, which enables them to target viruses without damaging host cells. In this study, we describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract and explore their potential antiviral activity. The uva-ursi AgNPs were initially characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We then optimized two different gellan gum/alginate film formulations (1.6:0.4 and 1.2:0.8) as delivery matrices for the AgNPs and assessed Ag+ skin permeation using a Franz diffusion cell system. The antiviral potential of the uva-ursi AgNPs—both alone and incorporated into the films—was tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our findings indicate that uva-ursi AgNPs may directly interact with the viral envelope, disrupting the lipid membrane and/or interfering with viral surface proteins. Overall, green-synthesized uva-ursi AgNPs may represent a natural, cost-effective, and safe alternative strategy for managing herpetic infections.