Silver Nanoparticle as an Effective Antiviral Agent

Abstract

The infections from viral pathogens pose a significant global health challenge. The emergence of viral strains resistant to conventional antiviruses and the adverse side effects due to their prolonged use slow down the application of many antiviral therapies. The silver nanoparticles are considered a potentially useful tool for preventing various pathogens. The silver nanoparticles have already proven its potential as an efficient antiviral agent offered by their unique physical and chemical properties. The silver nanoparticles provide an excellent opportunity for novel antiviral therapies as it can attack a broad range of viruses with a lower possibility for developing resistant antiviral strains compared to conventional antiviral drugs. This chapter discusses the application of silver nanoparticles as an efficient antiviral agent against human immunodeficiency virus, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis B virus, monkeypox virus. Furthermore, the effect of silver nanoparticles against coronaviruses and the development of silver nanoparticles on their application as an effective antiviral therapeutic agent against pathogenic viruses have been discussed in this chapter.