Characterization of the composition of Rhinella icterica and Rhinella diptycha frog venom using Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography

• Grant number: 24/04251-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Anderson Zanardi de Freitas
• Grantee: Lucas Antonio de Sousa Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This innovative study proposes a pioneering methodology to unlock the secrets of amphibian skin glands, combining the power of three techniques: optical microscopy, confocal Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). With the main objective of accurately mapping the spatial distribution of cutaneous glands in two species of frogs, Rhinella icterica and Rhinella diptycha, and unraveling the molecular composition of the secretions of each type of gland with precision and robustness through Raman spectroscopy. The results will be compared with data from other reference biochemical analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy, consolidating the reliability of the analyses. A database of spectra of uncataloged components will be created to assist in future analyzes and comparisons, promoting the advancement of knowledge in the area.This work will be carried out in partnership with the Butantã Institute, and through the synergistic integration of the tools proposed here, we hope to obtain a comprehensive and unprecedented view of the morphology and molecular composition of the glands, opening doors to a world of discoveries in the area of chemical ecology and bioprospecting.