Researchers from the University of São Paulo in Brazil have discovered that silver nanoparticles produced by a fungus called Trichoderma reesei might be an effective way to prevent and treat COVID-19.
In tests carried out on hamsters, the silver nanoparticles were shown to block the virus from entering cells and reduce the amount of virus in the lungs.
Even more promising, the nanoparticles helped reduce lung inflammation—a major complication of severe COVID-19.
The findings suggest that silver nanoparticles could be used in nasal sprays and other treatments not just for COVID-19, but for other viral diseases as well, including HIV/AIDS, shingles, and influenza.
According to Roberto do Nascimento Silva, a professor at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo and the lead author of the study, the silver nanoparticles work by attaching themselves to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
This spike protein is what allows the virus to enter human cells and begin its infection process. By binding to the spike protein, the nanoparticles block about 50% of the virus’s ability to enter cells.
But the nanoparticles do more than just block the virus. Tests on hamsters showed that they also reduced lung inflammation, which is one of the most dangerous symptoms of COVID-19.
When the virus enters the lungs, it often triggers a severe immune response called a “cytokine storm,” where the body’s defense system goes into overdrive, causing serious damage to lung tissue.
The silver nanoparticles were found to prevent this by blocking the activation of the inflammasome—a protein complex responsible for the excessive immune response.
They also stopped the production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), a protein involved in inflammation. This effect not only reduced lung damage but also made recovery quicker and more effective.
The research team didn’t create these nanoparticles using chemicals. Instead, they used a natural method involving the Trichoderma reesei fungus, which is typically used in industry to turn plant materials into glucose.
In their lab, the researchers grew the fungus in a low-oxygen environment, causing it to produce enzymes that transform silver into nanoparticles. This biological process is not only effective but also environmentally friendly, as it avoids harmful chemicals. The fungus acts like a tiny biofactory, naturally shaping the silver into small, stable nanoparticles.
Silva noted that this sustainable method could lead to the development of various products, such as nasal sprays, antimicrobial coatings, disinfectants, and even medical devices to prevent viral infections.
He also pointed out that silver nanoparticles have been studied for their ability to fight other viruses like HIV and herpes, suggesting that this discovery might have far-reaching benefits beyond COVID-19.
Despite silver being a costly material, Silva explained that the production of these nanoparticles can be scaled up to keep costs low. One concern, however, is silver’s toxicity. To address this, the researchers used a very low dosage—ten times less than what is considered harmful to humans.
Tests showed that the body can naturally eliminate the nanoparticles within eight weeks, making it a safe option if used carefully.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to patent a pharmaceutical formulation of the silver nanoparticles and begin clinical trials to test their effectiveness in humans. If successful, this new treatment could be a game-changer, not just for COVID-19 but for fighting a range of viral diseases.
The study, published in Current Research in Biotechnology, was conducted with support from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, the Federal University of Alagoas, and the University of Brasília.
This breakthrough offers hope for safer, more effective ways to treat viral infections using natural and sustainable methods. If clinical trials prove successful, silver nanoparticles could become a key tool in our fight against not only COVID-19 but many other viral threats as well.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to severe COVID-19, death, and how diets could help manage post-COVID syndrome.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low-sodium plant-based diets may prevent COVID-19 better, and results showing zinc could help reduce COVID-19 infection risk.
