Silver Nanoparticle-Mediated Antiviral Efficacy against Enveloped Viruses: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Viral infections continue to pose a significant challenge to global health, with increasing resistance to conventional antiviral therapies highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted attention as broad-spectrum antiviral agents due to their unique physicochemical properties and ability to target multiple stages of viral infection. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral mechanisms of AgNPs, highlighting their efficacy against clinically relevant enveloped viruses such as influenza, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, and coronaviruses. How key nanoparticle characteristics, including size, shape, surface functionalization, and synthesis methods, influence their antiviral performance is examined. Studies indicate that AgNPs exert their effects through direct interactions with viral particles, inhibition of viral adhesion, and entry into host cells with disruption of viral replication. Furthermore, their potential applications in therapeutic formulations, antiviral coatings, and nanomedicine-based strategies are explored. Despite their promise, challenges regarding cytotoxicity, stability, and large-scale production must be addressed to ensure their safe and effective clinical use. This review highlights the transformative potential of AgNPs in antiviral therapy and highlights the need for further investigation to facilitate their clinical translation in the fight against emerging and drug-resistant viral infections.