Study of bioresponsive copper oxide nanoparticles as a vaccine delivery material against scorpion envenoming

Abstract

This study aims to biosynthesize a bio-vaccine based on copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using scorpion venom and investigate its protective effect and efficacy against scorpion envenoming. The biosynthesis of CuONPs was confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EDX analysis, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), XRD, and XPS analysis. An antibacterial activity was tested. In an in-vivo study, 15 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5): control group, scorpion venom-treated group, and SV-CuONPs-vaccinated group. The vaccination was done via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg. After two weeks, the groups were challenged with a toxic dose of venom, except the control group. Some hematological, biochemical parameters were evaluated, in addition to microscopic observation of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. Results of the in-vitro study showed that SV-CuONPs were spherical or sub spherical, and others were aggregated into larger clusters and size ranging from 3-10 nm. The in-vivo study results indicated significant changes caused by the venom, including physiological changes and disturbances in Hematological parameters WBC decrease (p<0.05), biochemical parameters Blood sugar a decrease (p<0.05) and antioxidant defense systems MDA a decrease (p<0.05) in studied organs. However, the results of rats immunized with SV-CuONPs showed a significant improvement in biological parameters and histological analysis liver, spleen, kindey. Indicating the efficacy of the nanoparticles. indicating the efficacy of the nanoparticles. These findings suggest that the SV-CuONPs bio-vaccine is effective in providing protection against scorpion envenoming with minimal side effects.