A novel graphene oxide niclosamide hybrid as a potent antiviral agent against dengue virus serotype 3

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), remains a major global health challenge in tropical regions. To date, no officially approved antiviral drug has been specifically targeted at DENV infections. Graphene-based materials, composed of carbon, have demonstrated antiviral potential against various viruses. In this study, graphene oxide-niclosamide (GO-Nic) hybrid material was developed by modifying GO with niclosamide, an antiparasitic anthelmintic drug that has recently shown broad-spectrum antiviral activity, including against DENV. GO was synthesized using the Hummers method and functionalized with niclosamide through a simple mixing process. The antiviral activity of GO-Nic was evaluated in vitro against DENV serotype 3 (DENV-3) using RT-qPCR and indirect immunofluorescence assay, as well as TEM to assess viral morphology and its interaction with GO-Nic. GO-Nic exhibited enhanced antiviral activity of 60.5 DENV-3 inhibition compared to 47.2 inhibition of GO. Notably, this GO-Nic antiviral activity was achieved at 200-fold lower concentration compared to unmodified GO. The synergistic effect between GO and niclosamide contributed to the inhibition of viral replication. These findings highlight GO-Nic potential as a novel antiviral candidate for dengue infection. © 2025