Antiviral activity of peptide and peptide mimic coated surfaces

Abstract

The persistence of viruses on surfaces and their role in indirect transmission pose significant public health risks, emphasizing the need for antiviral coatings. This study evaluated the antiviral efficacy of cationic peptide Mel4 and anthranilamide peptidomimetic 758, immobilized on glass coverslips using polydopamine (PDA) coatings. Surface analyses by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) confirmed peptide and mimic attachment, with characteristic increases in atomic concentrations of C, N, and Br (specific to 758). Tryptophan and arginine fragments were predominant on 758 and Mel4 coatings, respectively. Wettability studies revealed hydrophilic properties for Mel4 and hydrophobic characteristics for 758 coatings. Antiviral assays demonstrated selective efficacy: 758 reduced the infectivity of enveloped viruses, MHV-1 and H1N1, by 68 % and 89 %, respectively, while Mel4 achieved reductions of 85 % and 90 % against non-enveloped viruses HAdV-5 and MNV-1. Durability tests over 74 h showed ∼ 50 % retained efficacy for 758 and > 80 % for Mel4. Minor XPS shifts suggested gradual compound loss or viral residue overlay. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed biocompatibility, with > 90 % host cell viability. These findings highlight the potential of Mel4 and 758 coatings as durable and selective antiviral treatments to mitigate viral transmission on high-contact surfaces.