Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Snakebite

ABSTRACT Snakebite envenomation affects between 1.8 and 5.5 million people annually, many of whom suffer permanent disabilities or even death. Current antivenoms are composed of plasma‐derived antibodies, which, although effective when administered promptly, may cause anaphylaxis within an hour of treatment or serum sickness between 5‐ to 14‐days post‐treatment. Traditional antivenoms are the only approved therapeutic countermeasures to snake envenomation, and although crucial, they need to be updated. Research has explored recombinant monoclonal‐based antivenoms, small‐molecule inhibitors, and naturally derived treatments as viable alternatives; however, there remains an underexplored opportunity to utilize polymeric‐based nanoparticles. Herein, polymeric‐based nanoparticles are discussed as potential antivenoms for sequestering key toxins, as alternatives to traditional adjuvants, and as vital components in low‐cost diagnostic devices.