Biotherapy for viral infections using biopolymer based micro/nanogels

Abstract

A method of treatment for HIV or other viral infection involves the administration of a biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles that are comprised of chitosan, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and linseed oil polyol. These biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles are the antiviral agent that can be employed alone or in combination with other drugs for treatment of the viral infection. Evidence demonstrates the pre-treatment with nanogels is highly effective at lowering HIV growth. Therefore, this antiviral biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles may also be employed as a prophylactic.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of treatment for a viral infection, comprising administering a biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles, said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles comprising chitosan, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and linseed oil polyol. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein administrating comprises applying an aqueous suspension comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the aqueous suspension comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles is within a water-in-oil emulsion. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein applying is to a surface prior to contact with a fluid suspected to comprise a virus, wherein administering said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles is as a prophylactic. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein applying is to a surface after contact with a fluid suspected to comprise a virus, wherein said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles is a therapeutic. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the aqueous suspension further comprises a second antiviral agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein administrating comprises ingesting a formulation comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the formulation comprises a solid in the form of a powder, pill, or capsule. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the formulation further comprises a second antiviral agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein administrating comprises injecting an aqueous suspension comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the aqueous suspension further comprises a second antiviral agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the viral infection is an HIV infection. 
     
     
         13 . A formulation for treatment or prevention of an HIV infection, comprising a biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles, said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles comprising chitosan, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and linseed oil polyol. 
     
     
         14 . The formulation according to  claim 13 , wherein the formulation is an aqueous suspension comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles. 
     
     
         15 . The formulation according to  claim 14 , wherein the aqueous suspension is included in a water-in-oil emulsion or an oil-in-water emulsion. 
     
     
         16 . The formulation according to  claim 13 , wherein the formulation is a solid powder, pill, or capsule comprising said biopolymer based hydrogel nanoparticles and/or microparticles. 
     
     
         17 . The formulation according to  claim 13 , further comprising a second antiviral agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, or any combination thereof.