Inactivation and fragmentation of lectin from Bothrops leucurus snake venom by gamma irradiation

Gamma radiation alters the molecular structure of biomolecules and is able to mitigate the action of snake venoms and their isolated toxins. The effect of γ-radiation on the folding of Bothrops lecurus venom lectin was measured by a hemagglutinating assay, intrinsic and bis-ANS fluorescence. Intrinsic and bis-ANS fluorescence analyses indicated that irradiation caused unfolding followed by aggregation of the lectin. Our results suggest that irradiation can lead to significant changes in the protein structure, which may promote the loss of its binding property and toxic action.

► Gamma radiation alters the molecular structure of biomolecules.
► The radiation has been able to mitigate snake venoms and its isolated toxins.
► Our aim was to evaluate the effects of radiation in Bothrops lecurus venom lectin.
► The irradiation acts as a detoxification strategy in snake venoms.