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.