Cell‐Based Assays Confirmed Gemini Surfactants Antiviral and Virucidal Capacities Against Influenza A / H1N1

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection despite advances in drug technology is still a detrimental infection. Using virucidal compounds has been crucial in controlling influenza infection. Gemini surfactants (GS) in our previous in vitro study proved antiviral capacity against H1N1. Here, we aimed to evaluate their immunomodulatory, virucidal, and autophagic capacities. We also highlighted their anti‐apoptotic potential using a molecular docking approach. Compounds were exposed to MDCK cells in simultaneous combination with virus. Their potential virucidal activity was also evaluated following European standard protocol DIN EN 14476. Molecular docking was conducted using Autodock 4. GS compounds were effective in modulating the cytokine profile. Hydrophobic surfactants exhibited stronger inhibition of the autophagy process. Regarding virucidal capacity, the highest decrease in viral infectious titer was obtained at a 0.005 mM concentration and 15 min exposure, mostly by hydrophobic GSs. According to docking settings, compounds B and E, as representatives of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, respectively, showed the highest inhibitory potential on HSP90 protein. GSs with long hydrocarbon chain and higher hydrophobicity exhibited the greatest antiviral and virucidal capability. GS I, a hydrophobic surfactant, showed the most virucidal and the most antiviral capacity against IAV. Smaller compounds, either hydrophilic (GSB) or hydrophobic (GSE), were more effective against HSP90.