Team 5
NeutraVen: Testing Methods for Venom Protein Deactivation
NeutraVen: Testing Methods for Venom Protein Deactivation
Team Members: Yesenia Barrera-Millan, Mariam El Sheikha, Maryam Ibrahim, Bat-El Shabtai - SBHSE
Team Mentors: Jeffry Skiba - Independent Consultant
Dr. Dale DeNardo, DVM, PhD - SOLS
Dr. Steven Curry, MD - Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix
YouTube Link View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/91567031238
Abstract
Venomous snake bites are life-threatening due to the complexities of the proteins found in venom. In most cases, the patient experiences nerve damage, which can lead to amputations, while in other cases, the patient can bleed to death, hence emergency medical treatment is necessary. The current treatment for snake bites are antivenom injections which can only be administered at the hospital and can cost up to $32,000 per antivenom injection in the United States. Oftentimes, multiple injections are required causing the cost of treatment to rise significantly. This is why a portable, point-of-care venom neutralizer can aid in saving lives and thousands of dollars. Research shows that the use of electric fields can break the hydrogen bonds in a secondary protein structure causing the protein to denature. There is additional research showing that 2 hours after denaturation, the protein remains unraveled signifying that the denaturation is irreversible and therefore, permanent. This research aided in the conceptual design of our device. Furthermore, we found that there are four main proteins that are prevalent in the viperidae snake family venom: snake venom serine protease, snake venom metalloproteinase, phospholipase A2, and nucleotidase. Our device will work as follows: First, the electrode side of the device is placed on the snake bite section on the skin. A firm grip is required to ensure that the device is secure. Then, the user will press a button that will pass a low current through the snake bite section on the skin. Multiple low voltage and low current shocks can be applied to the area within intervals. Finally, neutralization of the snake proteins should begin and venom spread should reduce. This would induce less complications and could potentially save thousands of lives every year.
