Sophorolipids from Starmerella bombicola: an alternative for treating skin lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.

This article focuses on evaluating the antiviral activity of sophorolipids, biosurfactants produced by the yeast *Starmerella bombicola*, against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), including acyclovir-resistant strains, and developing a sophorolipid-based topical cream for treating HSV-1-induced cutaneous lesions. In vitro studies demonstrated that sophorolipids effectively inhibit both sensitive and drug-resistant HSV-1 strains with low cytotoxicity, while showing no activity against the non-enveloped poliovirus, indicating specificity for enveloped viruses. In vivo experiments using a sophorolipid cream formulation confirmed its stability, safety, and efficacy in reducing herpetic lesions and tissue damage in mice, with results comparable to the standard antiviral drug acyclovir. These findings suggest sophorolipids as a promising and innovative alternative for managing HSV-1 skin infections, including those caused by resistant viral strains.