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Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Nanobiotechnology with Therapeutically Relevant Macromolecules from Animal Venoms: Venoms, Toxins, and Antimicrobial
Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda1, Marcos William de Lima Gualque2, Fauller Henrique da Fonseca3
1Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil.
Abstract:
Some diseases of uncontrolled proliferation such as cancer, as well as infectious diseases, are the main cause of death in the world, and their causative agents have rapidly developed resistance to the various existing treatments, making them even more dangerous. Thereby, the discovery of new therapeutic agents is a challenge promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Biomacromolecules, isolated or synthesized from a natural template, have therapeutic properties which have not yet been fully studied, and represent an unexplored potential in the search for new drugs. These substances, starting from conglomerates of proteins and other substances such as animal venoms, or from minor substances such as bioactive peptides, help fight diseases or counteract harmful effects. The high effectiveness of these biomacromolecules makes them promising substances for obtaining new drugs; however, their low bioavailability or stability in biological systems is a challenge to be overcome in the coming years with the help of nanotechnology. The objective of this review article is to describe the relationship between the structure and function of biomacromolecules of animal origin that have applications already described using nanotechnology and targeted delivery.
Insights
Biomacromolecules from animal sources show therapeutic potential against diseases like cancer. Nanotechnology can enhance their delivery and stability for new drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Uncontrolled proliferation (e.g., cancer) and infectious diseases are leading global causes of death.
- Drug resistance necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Biomacromolecules from natural sources offer unexplored potential for new drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure-function relationship of animal-derived biomacromolecules.
- To explore their therapeutic applications, particularly when enhanced by nanotechnology and targeted delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on animal biomacromolecules.
- Analysis of structure-function relationships.
- Investigation of nanotechnology applications for drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Animal biomacromolecules, including proteins and bioactive peptides from sources like venoms, exhibit significant therapeutic properties.
- Nanotechnology offers solutions to overcome challenges like low bioavailability and instability of these biomacromolecules.
- Targeted delivery systems can improve the efficacy of biomacromolecule-based therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Animal-derived biomacromolecules are promising candidates for novel drug discovery.
- Integrating nanotechnology is crucial for realizing the full therapeutic potential of these natural compounds.
- Further research into structure-function relationships and nanodelivery is warranted.
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