Introduction Common cold is the world’s most common respiratory disease, caused mainly by rhinoviruses.
To date, there are hardly any treatment options or prophylaxis for rhinovirus infections.
Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of a hydrogel complex,
based on polymers and an aqueous extract of Icelandic moss in isla® medic lozenges for the prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections.
Method Rheological measurements were performed to investigate the viscosity of artificial
saliva. Cell culture inserts were used to evaluate the permeability of RV-14 viruses
across the hydrogel complex. Plaque assays for testing protective and curative effects
were performed using H1-HeLa cells and RV-14 viruses.
Results The polymeric components of isla® medic (Icelandic moss extract, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, and carbomer) cause
an increase in viscosity and thus a thickening of the artificial saliva. Thickened
saliva forms a physical barrier that almost completely prevents penetration of RV-14
across this hydrogel complex. Artificial saliva thickened with isla® medic significantly prevented the formation of infection-related virus plaques in
H1-HeLa cells. H1-HeLa cells infected with RV-14 and subsequently covered with isla® medic incorporated in the overlay medium of the plaque assay showed a significantly
reduced viral plaque formation [1].
Conclusion The physical effects of isla® medic as a polymer based hydrogel described in this study could contribute to the
prevention and treatment of rhinovirus infections.
