Decreasing herpes simplex viral infectivity in solution by surface-immobilized and suspended N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine.

PURPOSE: To explore surface-immobilized and suspended modalities of the hydrophobic polycation N,N-dodecyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (DMPEI) for the ability to reduce viral infectivity in aqueous solutions containing herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) 1 and 2. METHODS: Surface-immobilized (coated onto surfaces) and suspended DMPEI were incubated with aqueous solutions containing HSV-1 or -2 to measure the antiviral effect of the hydrophobic polycation's formulations on HSVs. RESULTS: DMPEI coated on either polyethylene slides or male latex condoms dramatically decreases infectivity in solutions containing HSV-1 or -2. Moreover, DMPEI suspended in aqueous solution markedly reduces the infectious titer of these HSVs. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest potential uses of DMPEI for both prophylaxis (in the form of coated condoms) and treatment (as a topical suspension) for HSV infections.