Nano-Silver-Selenium Liquid Dressing Facilitates Treatment of Monkeypox and Prevention of Viral Transmission in a Surrogate Mouse Model

Abstract

The recent monkeypox (MPOX) outbreak has drawn heightened international concern; however, no effective therapeutic interventions or reliable strategies to prevent its spread are currently available. Here, we developed a nano-silver (Ag)-selenium (Se) liquid dressing (lll) by conjugating Ag and Se nanoparticles with a commercial liquid dressing. After administration to the lesion sites, this unique formulation demonstrated highly effective antiviral properties in a surrogate MPOX mouse model (characterised by skin lesions/rashes) induced by vaccinia virus infection. In addition, AgSe@LD showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity and accelerated the healing process of virus-infected cutaneous lesions. Remarkably, AgSe@LD formed a thin film that exhibited excellent adhesion and stability when applied to lesions, while showing resistance to water, alcohol and soapy water washing, thus offering great potential for practical application. This simple and effective liquid dressing represents a major breakthrough in the management of skin infections and provides new ideas for the treatment of MPOX.

Keywords

antiviral therapy / liquid dressing / monkeypox / nano-silver-selenium / transmission blockage

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