New cream with silver nanoparticles could block HIV transmission

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people in the US are infected with human immunodeficiency virus. But new research has detailed the creation of a cream that has proved effective against transmission of the infection in laboratory tests.

Previous research from the University of Texas, in collaboration with the University of Monterrey in Mexico, found that silver nanoparticles may be able to stop transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Now, the research team has used the findings to create a vaginal cream that can block HIV transmission.

Humberto Lara Villegas, of the University of Monterrey and co-author of the study, says that in order for HIV to infect immune cells of its host, a protein called GP120 helps the virus bond to the cells.

He explains that the silver nanoparticles attach themselves to the GP120 protein and block it, meaning HIV is unable to infect immune cells.

Commenting on the creation, Lara Villegas says:

"Normally, the medication used against the virus act within the cell to avoid its replication. This is a very different case, given that the nanoparticle goes directly against the HIV and no longer allows its entry to the cell."

Positive results in laboratory tests

He says the cream has been tested in the laboratory using human tissue samples of cervical mucous membrane. It was found to effectively block HIV transmission.

Lara Villegas notes that the cream works in less than 1 minute following application and is protective against virus transmission for up to 72 hours.

The researchers say although the cream is for vaginal use, the sexual partner will also be protected against the virus.