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Paper

Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles of acyclovir and an acyclovir prodrug for potential enhanced therapy against HSV-1 infection.

New research · Ophthalmology

Scientific reports · 1mo

Animal / preclinicalScientific reports· Jul 2026

Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles of acyclovir and an acyclovir prodrug for potential enhanced therapy against HSV-1 infection.

Sushruta S Hakkimane, Divakarareddy Vemanna Paladugulu, Santosh L Gaonkar … Bharath Raja Guru

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CorneaAnimal / preclinicalQ1IF 5.0

Acyclovir prodrug PLGA nanoparticles released drug steadily for 28 days.

Biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles of acyclovir and an acyclovir prodrug for potential enhanced therapy against HSV-1 infection.

Sushruta S Hakkimane … Bharath Raja Guru

Scientific reports · Jul 2026

Background

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a widespread, recurrent infection that causes herpes simplex keratitis (herpes simplex keratitis), an ocular disease that can lead to vision impairment.

Results

days

drug kept releasing steadily this long before running out

More results

We developed an esterified acyclovir prodrug (acyclovir prodrug) formulated as biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (nanoparticles) to improve stability, enable sustained release, and enhance antiviral activity against HSV-1.

More results

Optimized nanoparticles measured 200-300 nm with polydispersity indices of 0.23-0.47 and zeta potentials of - 27 to - 29 mV.

Cytotoxicity in Vero cells yielded CC50 values of 960 µM (ACY-NPs) and 1000 µM (ACPD-NPs).

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Conclusion

Since corneal tissues contain esterase, its activation may improve acyclovir prodrug efficacy in in vivo models, which in turn increases bioavailability and overall therapeutic efficacy of acyclovir prodrug-NPs.

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