Researchers Uncover Antiviral Properties of Rhamnolipids Against Rhinovirus

Strategic Insights -

In a new study published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, researchers at London Metropolitan University have discovered that rhamnolipids, a type of nanomicelle, exhibit potent antiviral activity against rhinovirus, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The study, led by Lila Touabi, highlights the potential of rhamnolipids as an alternative disinfection and hand sanitation strategy to control rhinovirus infections in healthcare settings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research focused on the antiviral activity of rhamnolipids nano-micelles (RMN) against human rhinoviruses (HRVs), which are known to cause hospital-acquired infections.
  • Molecular docking studies demonstrated that RMN exhibit weak interactions with HRV-1A (minor group) compared to HRV-14 (major group), suggesting a superior antiviral activity of rhamnolipids towards major group rhinoviruses.
  • In-vitro studies showed that RMN inhibited HRV-16 (major group) infection with a 100% recovery of HeLa cell viability, while only partial inhibition (50%) was observed for HRV-1B (minor group) infection.
  • The research concludes that RMN might be recommended as a disinfectant and/or hand sanitizer component to control the spread of rhinoviruses in hospital care settings or elsewhere.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the development of alternative disinfection and hand sanitation strategies to control viral infections in healthcare settings.

Statistics:

  • 100% recovery of HeLa cell viability was observed after RMN treatment of HRV-16 (major group) infected cells.
  • Only 50% protection against HRV-1B (minor group) infection was observed through RMN treatment.
  • The study highlights the superiority of rhamnolipids nano-micelles over rhamnolipids in antiviral activity, with a 100% inhibition of HRV-16 infection compared to 50% inhibition of HRV-1B infection.

Sources:

  • Touabi, L., et al. (2025). Antiviral Activity of Rhamnolipids Nano-Micelles Against Rhinoviruses-In Silico Docking, Molecular Dynamic Analysis and In-Vitro Studies. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(5), 333.
  • London Metropolitan University. (2025). School of Human Science, London Metropolitan University.
  • MDPI AG. (Publisher). Current Issues in Molecular Biology.
  • DOI: 10.3390/cimb47050333 (free version available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/cimb47050333)