A New Antigen Delivery Vehicle Candidate: Orthochirus iranus Scorpion Venom Entrapped in Chitosan Nanoparticles

Aims: Antivenom has been used successfully for more than a century as the only effective treatment for scorpion stings. Orthochirus iranus scorpion venom has high toxicity and preparation of antivenom is necessary for the treatment of its toxic effects. In this study, we prepared Orthochirus iranus scorpion venom-loaded nanoparticles as a vehicle to deliver of antigen for the purpose of use for antivenom preparation.
Study Design: Advanced nanotechnology based antigen delivery system study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Human Vaccines and Sera, Razi Institute, Karaj, Iran, between May 2011 and August 2014.
Methodology: Nanoparticles were prepared by an ionic gelation method. Factors affecting the loading capacity, efficiency, morphology, surface properties, zeta potential, particle size, particle size distribution, and structure of nanoparticles and venom were investigated and optimized.
Results: In optimal conditions, particle size, zeta potential, and particle size distribution of venom-loaded nanoparticles were 83 nm, 36.7 mV, and 0.256, respectively. The nanoparticles showed a smooth surface and spherical shape. The optimal initial concentration of venom was 500 µg/ml with a loading capacity of 80.48% and efficiency of 98.99%. FTIR spectra of nanoparticles and venom-loaded nanoparticles indicated chemical and physical bonds between chitosan, TPP and venom, and evidence of entrapment of venom in the nanoparticle matrix.
Conclusion: We concluded that Orthochirus iranus scorpion venom-loaded chitosan nanoparticles could be used for antigen delivery.