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Screening, characterisation and in vitro analysis of scorpion venom
S.R. Kishore,
Published in
2011
Volume: 13
   
Issue: 3
Pages: 511 - 514
Abstract
Industrial biotechnology is a recent science with miracles; even we can convert poisonous substances into useful and significant value added products. With the exception of snakes and bees, scorpions cause more deaths than any other non-parasitic group of animals. Above 5,000 people are thought to die each year from scorpion stings. Until now biochemical effects of Mesobuthus tamulus venom, which is accountable for a number of deaths of children in India, is not studied. In our study we collected more than 30 scorpions from the fields and hilly regions of Rajampet, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. We studied the effect of chemical agents like alcohol, formaldehyde and iso-propanol on scorpion venom at various concentrations. After 120 hours it was exhibiting lesser effectiveness (venom activity) and is found to be functioning as anti-venom for scorpion bite and involving in prophylaxis within 2 minutes. The extract from scorpion glands appeared to be of proteoid nature which is less soluble in pure water and is soluble in saline solution, but insoluble in absolute alcohol and ether. The activity of the venom is neutralized by the prolonged action in alcohol majorly. The various screening methodologies, characterization of venom and in vitro analysis of scorpion venom will be discussed. © Global Science Publications.
About the journal
JournalAsian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences
ISSN09723005