Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the Antalya Province of Turkey

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  Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the Antalya Province of Turkey Abstract For the first time, two lizard species were found partially consumed by the same Mediterranean black widow and at an altitude of around 1800 msnm, marking a notable increase in predation altitude compared to previous records. The present observation bolsters the hypothesis that lizard predation by L. tredecimguttatus may be more prevalent than previously reported, and emphasizes the need for further studies to better understand the dietary habits of this species, particularly in mountainous regions.  Gomard, Guillaume. (2026). Predation of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (Rossi, 1790) (Araneae: Theridiidae) on two lizard species, Ablepharus chernovi (Darevski, 1953) and Anatololacerta finikensis (Eiselt & Schmidtler, 1987), in the An...

Tityus stigmurus-Venom-Loaded Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Improve Antimicrobial Activity

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Tityus stigmurus-Venom-Loaded Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Improve Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The rapid resistance developed by pathogenic microorganisms against the current antimicrobial pool represents a serious global public health problem, leading to the search for new antibiotic agents. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus, an abundant species in Northeastern Brazil, presents a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules in its venom, with high potential for biotechnological applications. However, venom cytotoxicity constitutes a barrier to the therapeutic application of its different components. The objective of this study was to produce T. stigmurus-venom-loaded cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles (Tsv/CN) at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% to improve their biological antimicrobial activity. Polymeric nanoparticles were formed with a homogeneous particle size and spherical shape. Experimental formulation parameters were verified in relation to mean size (<180 nm), zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency (>78%). Tsv/CN 1.0% demonstrated an ability to increase the antimicrobial venom effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, exhibiting an MIC value of 44.6 μg/mL. It also inhibited different yeast species of the Candida genus, and Tsv/CN 0.5% and 1.0% led to a greater inhibitory effect of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis strains, presenting MIC values between 22.2 and 5.5 µg/mL, respectively. These data demonstrate the biotechnological potential of these nanosystems to obtain a new therapeutic agent with potential antimicrobial activity.


Gláucia-Silva, Fiamma, João Vicente Pereira Torres, Manoela Torres-Rêgo, Alessandra Daniele-Silva, Allanny Alves Furtado, Sarah de Sousa Ferreira, Guilherme Maranhão Chaves, Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior, Karla Samara Rocha Soares, Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior, and et al. 2024. "Tityus stigmurus-Venom-Loaded Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Improve Antimicrobial Activity" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25, no. 18: 9893. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189893