Brilliant Test Uses Sugar To Expose Hidden Snake Venoms
Researchers have developed a promising new method using synthetic sugars to quickly identify snake venom, specifically that of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. According to a recent study published in ACS Biomacromolecules, this new technique could improve the speed and accuracy of venom detection, potentially saving more lives. The test offers an alternative to the commonly used antibody-based methods, which are often costly, slow, and not always reliable.
The danger of snakebites is a global issue, with approximately 50 people bitten every five minutes, leading to permanent disability for some and death for others. Rapidly determining the type of venom involved is critical for administering the correct treatment. However, with many regions hosting several venomous snake species, identifying the source of the venom can be a significant challenge.
The research team, led by Alex Baker from the University of Warwick, designed a test using lab-created sugars that resemble glycans found on human cells—targets for certain venom toxins. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake venom, for instance, binds to these sugars on red blood cells and platelets, disrupting the body’s ability to clot blood and fight infections. By mimicking these sugars and attaching them to gold nanoparticles, the scientists created a visible reaction when the venom is present.
This reaction, marked by a color change, makes the test easy to read and fast to perform. The study also demonstrated that the test could distinguish Western Diamondback venom from other types, such as that of the Indian Cobra, which doesn’t bind to the same sugars. Researchers believe this approach can be customized for different snake species by altering the synthetic sugars to detect various venom types, making it a flexible and potentially life-saving tool.
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