# Electrohydrodynamic Coating with Acyclovir PLGA Conjugate for Antiviral Functionalization of Medical Surfaces

## TL;DR

This study creates antiviral coatings using a drug-polymer conjugate to provide long-term protection against herpes on medical devices.

## Contribution

A novel ACV–PLGA conjugate was developed for sustained antiviral release via electrohydrodynamic coatings.

## Key findings

- ACV–PLGA conjugate was synthesized and characterized with controlled drug loading and biodegradability.
- Electrohydrodynamic methods produced tunable coatings with morphology affecting drug release over 56 days.
- Coating architecture could be adjusted via parameters like polymer concentration and voltage.

## Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections, notably herpes simplex virus, remain significant global health concerns. Localized delivery systems that provide sustained antiviral activity at mucosal surfaces offer an attractive alternative to systemic therapies. In this study, we developed electrohydrodynamically deposited coatings utilizing a covalent acyclovir–poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (ACV–PLGA) conjugate for potential antiviral functionalization of medical devices. The ACV–PLGA prodrug was synthesized via drug-initiated ring-opening polymerization, yielding a copolymer characterized by FTIR, NMR, GPC, and DSC, with controlled drug loading and biodegradable properties. Systematic optimization of electrospinning and electrospraying parameters enabled the fabrication of both particulate and nanofibrous coatings on silicone ring models. Morphological analysis by SEM demonstrated that polymer concentration, solvent composition, and applied voltage critically governed coating architecture, ranging from microparticle layers to uniform bead-free fibers. In vitro studies revealed morphology-dependent degradation profiles and sustained release of ACV over 56 days. This integrated approach combining covalent prodrug synthesis with tunable electrohydrodynamic deposition offers a promising strategy for long-acting local antiviral prophylaxis via functionalized medical surfaces.