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Nanotechnology-based paper microfluidics for rapid point-of-care detection and differentiation of snake venom types

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Snake envenomation is recognized as a neglected tropical disease, contributing to high mortality rates and organ damage, particularly affecting the liver, kidneys, and brain. Treatment primarily involves administering antivenom, a combination of polyclonal antibodies developed against different snake venoms. However, antivenom therapy can lead to serum-related complications, diminishing its effectiveness. Therefore, targeting specific therapeutic molecules could significantly enhance snake envenomation treatment. Identifying the snake species presents a real challenge due to their similar morphological characteristics. Currently, there are only two globally available snake venom diagnostic kits available that were developed to detect their country specific snake venom. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop newer diagnostic assays to cater the need of India specific venom detection. To address this, need current study focuses on detecting functional enzyme components of venomous snake species, such as phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, and proteases. It utilizes dye-loaded stimuli-responsive nanoparticles, including liposomes (sensitive to phospholipase A2), hyaluronic acid-chitosan nanoparticles (sensitive to hyaluronidase), and casein nanoparticles (sensitive to proteases). These nanoparticles are incorporated into paper-based microfluidics and tested with various snake venoms. The device successfully detects and distinguishes between wet bites and dry bites, as well as viper and elapid species.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biosx.2025.100623
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,490
OpenAlex ID: W4409638583
FWCI:
Cites: 24
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Related to: 10