An electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the rapid and simple detection of enrofloxacin (EF). Modification of screen-printed gold electrodes (SPE) with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) allowed the detection of enrofloxacin by square wave voltammetry (SWV), measuring the oxidation peak at +0.9 V. The detection principle of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is based on the formation of binding sites with affinities and specificities comparable with those of natural antibodies. The detection of enrofloxacin showed a linear range of 0.01–0.1 mM with a detection limit LOD of 0.02 mM. The development of a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) control sensor allowed for better and more efficient detection. In addition, the sensor is portable, having the advantage of analyzing and detecting molecules of interest without the need to take the sample to a laboratory.

Nanomedicine has led to the development of new materials able to improve the pharmaceutical effect of bioactive components, broadening the options of treatment for several diseases, including cancer. Chitosan (Cs) has been firmly established as biocompatible and biodegradable low-toxic polymer able to form complexes with bioactive agents, making them promising drug delivery vehicles. Additionally, some snake venom toxins such as A2 phospholipases (PLA2s), serine proteinases (SVSPs) and metalloproteinases (SVMPs) have been reported to present cytotoxic activity in different tumor cell-lines, making them an auspicious option to be used as cancer pharmaceuticals. In the present study, we identified the major proteins in a northern black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) venom, and hemocompatibility and cytotoxic activity against T-47D breast carcinoma cells were evaluated. Afterwards, the venom was loaded into Cs nanoparticles through the ionotropic gelation process with tripolyphosphate (TPP), obtaining particles of 415.9 ± 21.67 nm and a zeta potential of +28.3 ± 1.17 mV. The Cs-Venom complex was able to deliver the venom into the breast carcinoma cells, inhibiting their viability and inducing morphological changes in the T-47D cells. Although more studies are required, we suggest the potential use of C. m. molossus venom toxins entrapped within polymer nanoparticles for the future development and research of cancer pharmaceuticals.

Los venenos son mezclas complejas de biomoléculas producidos en glándulas especializadas en diversas plantas o animales. Se ha reportado que los componentes mayoritarios de dichos venenos son péptidos y proteínas; los cuales son principales causantes de los síntomas clínicos derivados de un piquete/mordedura. Adicionalmente, por razones culturales y médicas, las serpientes son, probablemente, los animales venenosos más representativos. Entre estos animales, las serpientes de cascabel son altamente temidas y en muchos casos sus venenos han sido poco estudiados. En el estado de Sonora, México se han descrito 12 especies de serpientes de cascabel, todas consideradas altamente venenosas ya que su mordedura requiere atención médica. En ese sentido, se ha reportado que componentes del veneno de estas especies presentan actividad antibacteriana, anticancerígena, entre otras. En este artículo describimos brevemente que los venenos de algunas serpientes sonorenses contienen prometedores componentes de alta importancia farmacéutica y biotecnológica y por qué deberíamos prestarles atención.

Los escorpiones son arácnidos, fácilmente reconocibles por la presencia de una cola que termina en aguijón, así como de pinzas similares a las de crustáceos. México ocupa el primer lugar a nivel mundial con respecto a la riqueza de estos animales, describiéndose más de 300 especies. En el estado de Sonora, se han reportado más de 40 especies; solamente 4 se consideran de importancia médica toxicológica. En ese sentido, estudios han revelado que las toxinas presentes en venenos de escorpiones afectan principalmente los canales iónicos, algunas sumamente potentes que pueden llegar a poner la vida humana en peligro. Adicionalmente, se ha reportado que algunas de estas toxinas presentan potencial biotecnológico para el desarrollo de biofármacos y agentes diagnósticos, convirtiéndolas en una rica fuente de moléculas bioactivas. En este artículo discutimos un poco sobre las generalidades de estos animales, sus venenos y su potencial en áreas de investigación biomédica.

The development of snake venom-loaded nanobiosystems based on smart biopolymers represents a promising therapeutic approach in several biomedical research fields. Specifically, the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) contains various bioactive peptides and proteins with reported antitumor activity. This research aimed to establish a simplistic, facile and straightforward protocol for preparing chitosan-g-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) nanoparticles containing C. atrox venom for potential use as a therapeutic nanocarrier against breast carcinoma cell lines. Herein, the physicochemical properties of venom-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated by FTIR, DLS, and SDS-PAGE. Also, the biological properties of both C. atrox venom and Cs-Venom NPs such as hemagglutination and hemolysis activity were evaluated in vitro. Finally, we evaluated their cytotoxic activity against two breast carcinoma cell lines (T-47D and MDA-MB-231). The most suitable formulation exhibited a hydrodynamic size of 222 nm, a ζ-potential of 42.0 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.6%. C. atrox venom exhibited hemagglutination at concentrations >15 µg/mL but, no hemagglutination or hemolysis was observed for the CS-Venom NPs. Lastly, the IC50 of Cs-Venom NPs was determined for the T-47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, at 61.7 and 59.0 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, Cs-Venom NPs exhibit promising properties that can be considered a feasible alternative for developing controlled-release therapeutic systems.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most toxic and carcinogenic toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, poses a major risk to food safety and public health due to its frequent occurrence in cereals and derived products. Conventional detection methods, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), provide high sensitivity but are costly, time-consuming, and unsuitable for on-site use. Currently, no effective method exists to reduce aflatoxin levels in food and feed, thus early detection remains the only viable strategy for managing contamination. This review highlights advances in electrochemical sensors as promising alternatives, emphasizing the role of nanostructured materials, electrode surface modifications, and molecular recognition strategies such as aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers, and antibodies. Challenges like matrix effects, sensor stability, and reproducibility are discussed, alongside future perspectives toward portable, reliable, and cost-effective detection platforms.