Method for Detecting Antiviral Agents on Paper Chromatograms

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Abstract
A procedure has been developed whereby paper chromatograms of antiviral agents can be developed by applying them to virus infected, agar overlay, chick embryo cell tissue cultures. Plaque-free zones are produced, thus indicating the area on paper chromatogram where the active material can be located. Using antiviral substances antibiotic W-112 and isatin-monothiosemicarbazone, West Nile and vaccinia viruses, and 4 chromatographic solvent systems, it was possible to localize the biological activity of these antiviral agents. As little as 1 [mu]g of antibiotic W-112 produced large plaque-free zones when the paper chromatogram was applied to the overlay culture 1 hr. after virus infection. When 100 [mu]g of the same material was used, large plaque-free areas resulted even when the paper was applied 46 hr. after virus infection. Isatin-monothiosemicarbazone at 50 [mu]g level not only produced a plaque-free zone but also produced a yellow spot on the paper chromatogram that coincided exactly with the zone of antiviral activity.