COLLECTION AND ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF SCORPION VENOMS FROM URUGUAY: EXPLORING THEIR BIOACTIVY POTENTIAL

• Grant number: 26/08762-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2026
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Manuela Berto Pucca
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Rossi da Silva
• Supervisor: Luis Fernando Garcia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidad De La República, Sede Rivera, Uruguay
• Associated to the scholarship: 26/00809-4 - Biodiversity of animal venoms as a source of antimicrobial peptides to combat bacterial resistance, BP.IC

Abstract

Scorpions are an ancient and highly diverse group of arthropods whose venoms represent a rich source of bioactive molecules with significant pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides stand out due to their antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties, gaining increasing attention in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance. Despite this potential, many South American species remain poorly explored, particularly those belonging to the genus Bothriurus. In this context, the present project aims to collect specimens of Bothriurus bonariensis and Bothriurus rochensis in Uruguay, extract their venoms, and evaluate their biological potential, with emphasis on antimicrobial activity. Sampling will be conducted in the Department of Rivera using standardized methodologies, including nocturnal surveys with ultraviolet light and inspection of natural microhabitats. After collection, scorpions will be maintained under controlled conditions until venom extraction by electrostimulation, a widely used non-lethal method. The obtained venoms will be processed and properly stored for subsequent transport to Brazil, where they will be subjected to antimicrobial assays and biochemical analyses at the IToxLab (UNESP). The results will be compared with data available in the literature and with venoms from other species in order to identify compounds with potential therapeutic applications. In addition to contributing to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, this project strengthens international scientific collaboration between UNESP and the Universidad de la República, fostering academic training and advancing innovative strategies for the bioprospection of compounds with biomedical applications. (AU)