How is venom from deadly marine animals extracted for antivenom production?

Question

Accepted Answer

Venom Extraction for Antivenom Production

The extraction of venom from deadly marine animals for antivenom production involves distinct procedures tailored to the specific creature. For box jellyfish, researchers meticulously remove tentacles, which are then freeze-dried. The venom is collected once it solidifies from this process. In the case of the stonefish, considered the world's most venomous fish, researchers use a syringe to directly access the live fish's venom glands. The fish is held with a towel during this procedure to extract a small quantity of the potent fluid, described as being about a thimbleful.
Box Jellyfish Tentacle Processing

For the box jellyfish, a crucial step in venom extraction is the careful removal of its tentacles. These tentacles are subsequently freeze-dried. The venom is then collected after it has solidified from the freeze-drying process. This solidified venom is the material used in subsequent antivenom development stages.
Stonefish Venom Collection

The process for collecting stonefish venom is more invasive, requiring direct interaction with the live animal. Researchers carefully insert a syringe into the venom glands of a live stonefish. The fish is held securely with a towel during the extraction to facilitate the withdrawal of approximately a thimbleful of the venom.
Antivenom Production from Stonefish Venom

The extracted stonefish venom is transported to a specialized facility located in Victoria for processing into life-saving antivenom. The production method involves a six-month period where small, controlled amounts of the venom are injected into an animal, typically a horse. This controlled exposure stimulates the animal's immune system to produce natural antibodies.
Antibody Extraction and Antivenom Formulation

Following the antibody production in the host animal, its plasma is carefully removed. The crucial antibodies are then extracted from this plasma. These antibodies undergo a purification process and are subsequently concentrated and refined into a usable antivenom formulation for human treatment.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How is venom from deadly marine animals extracted for antivenom production?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends