the inhibitory effect of acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes against herpes simplex virus type-1 in cell culture

background :wide distribution and low half-life of acyclovir has led to a high dose consumption of the drug. recent studies have shown that encapsulation of acyclovir in nano-carriers can increase effectiveness and decrease its side effects. we investigated the inhibitory effect of acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes against herpes simplex virus type-1 (hsv-1) in cell culture.   methods : in-vitro cytotoxicity study of empty niosomes (e-n), acyclovir loaded niosomes (acv-n) and acv as a free drug against hela cell line was performed by mtt assay and the viral titers was tested by tcid50 assay.   results : the results indicated that a significant higher antiviral activity for acyclovir loaded nano-niosomes of about 3 times in comparison with free drug.   conclusion : the results of this study revealed acv-n have a higher antiviral activity compared with free drug it could be a suitable carrier for delivery of acyclovir in the treatment of hsv-1 infections.