Biofuel-based Innovation for the Optimization of VIRAL inhibition through alcohol-ligand modeling

Objective

The increasing frequency of pandemics caused by emerging viruses poses a major global health challenge. Currently, no broad-spectrum antivirals exist that can target multiple viral families simultaneously, and the demand extends beyond human health to animal viruses. Developing new antivirals is costly and time-consuming, making theoretical models essential to predict drug behavior, efficacy, and interactions. These tools reduce costs, shorten timelines, and minimize the need for animal testing. BIOVIRAL combines experimental research with advanced simulations to develop effective antivirals against two diverse pathogens: Zika Virus (ZIKV) and Monkeypox Virus (MPXV). Both represent risk-emergent threats with outbreak potential. The project will uncover the mechanisms of action of a newly engineered antiviral family derived from biofuel by-products, jojobyl alcohols (JA). Simulations will explore how these bio-based molecules interact with viral structures and cellular functional groups. Promising candidates will undergo in vitro testing to assess cytotoxicity and antivirial efficacy against ZIKV and MPXV. Through these assays, BIOVIRAL will also determine whether JA targets viral entry, replication, morphogenesis, or budding. These experiments will generate key insights into the antiviral potential of JA. Additionally, the project introduces an optimized bio-based extraction method that improves efficiency and reproducibility over current approaches. Designed to be versatile and broadly applicable across viral families, this strategy maximizes translational potential. Ultimately, BIOVIRAL pioneers a novel methodology for antiviral development using a combination of biomass-based derivative with molecular biology and computational simulations which will reduce animal testing and offering a transformative, state-of-the-art approach to future global health threats.