Research & Therapeutics

Dedicated research on scorpion venom and scorpion oil — spanning peptide discovery and ion-channel pharmacology to anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and anti-angiogenesis studies that power new therapies.

Years of Research

7+
Species Studied

5
Annual Analytics

100+ assays
Key Peptides
- OD1 (Nav1.7)
- ODK1 (α-KTx 8.5; Kv1.x)
- ODK2 (Kv1.3)
- Na⁺-channel toxin family (OD1-like)
- α-KTx family <10 kDa

Overview

Avand Kashef Tasnim (AKT) conducts mission‑driven research on scorpion venom and scorpion oil to enable translational therapeutics and research tools. Our programs integrate peptide pharmacology, ion‑channel biology, and rigorously documented analytics: LC‑MS(/MS), HPLC with PDA, Tricine SDS‑PAGE, MALDI‑TOF, Raman spectroscopy, Kjeldahl protein %, and GC‑MS for oil composition. Protein quantification is performed by the Bradford assay. Samples are collected by mild electrical stimulation and stored at −80 °C.

We collaborate with academic and industrial partners, including the MPDRI (Shahid Beheshti University) and the Central Laboratory of Shiraz University, and maintain standardized QA/QC for reproducibility across studies and species (e.g., Mesobuthus eupeus, Androctonus crassicauda, Odontobuthus doriae, Hottentotta saulcyi). Our reports include chromatographic peak tables with totals, PDA peak‑purity and column‑performance metrics, timestamped run metadata, and versioned PDFs for auditability.

For research use only. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use.

Focus Areas

Oncology

Venom-derived peptides (e.g., Na⁺ channel modulators including OD1-like; α-KTx Kv blockers such as ODK1/ODK2; CRISP family; enzymatic components like hyaluronidase fragments) are being evaluated for anti-tumor mechanisms (apoptosis, invasion/migration, S-phase arrest, anti-angiogenesis) with orthogonal analytics (LC-MS(/MS), HPLC-PDA, Tricine SDS-PAGE, Raman).

Key peptides: OD1, ODK1 (α-KTx 8.5), ODK2, Na⁺-channel toxin family (<10 kDa), CRISP
Models: in vitro / ex vivo / in vivo
Related species: A. crassicauda, O. doriae, M. eupeus

Methods

Pain & Ion Channels

Sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channel modulators for neuropathic pain and neuropharmacology, with emphasis on low-molecular-weight neurotoxin-range peptides (≈3–13 kDa) evidenced by MALDI/LC-MS and Tricine SDS-PAGE, and fractionated by HPLC-PDA. Current work focuses on selectivity profiling and practical delivery strategies.

Targets: Nav (esp. Nav1.7), Kv1.2, Kv1.3
Peptides: OD1 (Nav), ODK1 (α-KTx 8.5; Kv1.2), ODK2 (Kv1.3), OD1-like Na⁺-channel toxins (<10 kDa)
Species link: O. doriae (HPLC: 86 peaks; SDS-PAGE: <10 kDa predominant)

Antimicrobial

Discovery and optimization of short, cationic peptide candidates (<10 kDa) enriched in our venom fractions (shown by Tricine SDS-PAGE and MALDI/LC-MS) against priority pathogens. Fractions are generated by HPLC-PDA and tracked with run metadata; activity is benchmarked with MIC and time-kill workflows, with biofilm assays where applicable.

AMP candidates: low-MW cationic fractions (HPLC-isolated; IDs pending) from Mesobuthus eupeus / Hottentotta saulcyi
Assays: MIC (CLSI-style), time-kill; biofilm (planned/ongoing)
Species link: M. eupeus (SDS-PAGE: peptides predominantly <4 kDa; HPLC: multi-peak profile)

Anti-angiogenesis

Screening of low–molecular-weight venom peptide fractions (<10 kDa; OD1-like Na⁺-channel toxins and α-KTx Kv blockers) for anti-angiogenic effects in endothelial assays. Fractions are isolated by HPLC-PDA and tracked by Raman and LC-MS(/MS); pathway mapping and combination strategies are under evaluation.

Lead: OD1-like / α-KTx-enriched fractions (<10 kDa) — validation ongoing
Readouts: tube formation (HUVEC), CAM; xenografts (planned/ongoing)
Species link: H. saulcyi

Scorpion Oil

Preclinical evaluation and pharmacological profiling of scorpion oil for potential research applications. Current standardized material: GAZHDIN (50% olive oil [CAS 8001-25-0] + 50% scorpion oil), characterized as light-yellow, odorless, non-flammable (flash point 200 °C), vapor pressure <0.5 Pa @ 20 °C; store tightly closed below 24 °C; not classified as dangerous for air/land/sea transport (per MSDS). Compositional screens emphasize fatty acids/esters/sterols (e.g., oleic acid, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, cholesterol) by GC-MS.

Profiling: compositional (GC-MS lipid/sterol panel; Raman as needed) & functional (exploratory in vitro assays; no clinical claims)
Roadmap: formulation & delivery (preformulation/stability ≤24 °C, QA/QC documentation, transport compliance; non-flammable handling per MSDS)
Analytical support — MSDS, GC-MS, HPLC-PDA (fraction tracking), Raman; batch-level certificates and versioned PDFs

Immunomodulation

Kv-targeting venom peptides are explored for T-cell modulation and autoimmune research. Emphasis on α-KTx short-chain blockers (<10 kDa) with activity on Kv1.3 (e.g., ODK2) and Kv1.2 (ODK1). Fractions are resolved by HPLC-PDA and characterized by MALDI/LC-MS; functional assays include patch-clamp, Ca²⁺ flux, and cytokine readouts.

Targets: Kv1.3 (effector memory T cells), Kv1.2 (neuronal/immune)
Peptides: ODK2 (Kv1.3), ODK1 (α-KTx 8.5), α-KTx family (<10 kDa)
Species link: O. doriae

Methods & Analytics

HPLC

Fractionation profiles recorded with PDA at 210/215 nm (Knauer Smartline). Column: C18, 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm, 100 Å. Gradient: A = water + 0.1% TFA, B = acetonitrile + 0.1% TFA; 0.5 mL/min; autosampler 30 µL (100 µL loop). Deliverables: peak tables (RT/Area/Height), totals, PDA peak‑purity, and column performance metrics.

Chromatogram (PDF)

SDS‑PAGE

Tricine SDS‑PAGE for venom proteins/peptides with predominant <10 kDa bands; typical ladder ticks include 116, 66.2, 45, 35, 25, 18.4, 14.4 kDa. Staining: Coomassie R‑250. Used for batch comparability and low‑MW enrichment checks.

Gel report (PDF)

Raman (optional)

Spectral fingerprints for batch identity and component cues. Typical acquisitions: 785 nm and 532 nm (200–2000 cm⁻¹); characteristic bands around ~515, ~645, ~1125, ~1458, and ~1576–1597 cm⁻¹.

Spectrum (PDF)

Publications & References

Ghezellou P., Jakob K., Atashi J., Ghassempour A., Spengler B. (2022). Mass‑Spectrometry‑Based Lipidome and Proteome Profiling of Hottentotta saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Venom. Toxins 14:370. DOI · Journal page · Open Access (CC BY 4.0) ·

Collaborations & Samples

We welcome academic and industry partnerships for peptide discovery, analytics, and translational research. Research‑grade venom, peptides, and scorpion oil are available for qualified institutions. Key partners include MPDRI (Shahid Beheshti University) and the Central Laboratory of Shiraz University; venom samples are obtained by mild electrical stimulation and stored at −80 °C.

Services: LC‑MS(/MS), HPLC‑PDA (peak tables + PDA peak purity + column metrics), Tricine SDS‑PAGE, protein% (Kjeldahl + Bradford), Raman (optional), GC‑MS for scorpion oil, LD₅₀ (where ethically approved)
Sample formats: crude, HPLC‑fractionated, peptide‑enriched (as available); scorpion oil (GAZHDIN, 50% olive oil + 50% scorpion oil) for research use
Compliance: QA/QC documentation included (HPLC chromatograms & peak totals, LC‑MS TIC/MS/MS summaries, SDS‑PAGE gels, Raman spectra where available, protein% reports); MSDS & GC‑MS composition provided for scorpion oil

For requests and collaboration proposals, please contact us.

Ethics & Safety

All materials are provided for research use only. Appropriate biosafety practices and regulatory compliance are required for handling and transport. Venom samples are collected by mild electrical stimulation and stored at −80 °C; scorpion oil (GAZHDIN: 50% olive oil + 50% scorpion oil) ships with MSDS (non‑flammable; flash point 200 °C; store <24 °C).

Animal model use follows institutional and national guidelines and requires prior ethical approval; LD₅₀ studies are conducted only where approved, with preference for in vitro surrogates.
Shipment restricted to eligible entities per local regulations; venom ships on dry ice (−80 °C cold chain). Scorpion oil ships at ambient and must be stored below 24 °C (see MSDS).
Use appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection) and engineering controls. Training and a documented risk assessment are required before handling neurotoxic peptide fractions.
Not intended for human or clinical administration; no diagnostic or therapeutic use.
QA/QC documentation (HPLC chromatograms & peak totals, LC‑MS(/MS) summaries, SDS‑PAGE gels, Raman/GC‑MS where available) accompanies shipments.

FAQs

How can I request research samples?

Use the form on the Contact page and include your institution, PI contact, intended use, target assays, and shipping address. Venom ships on dry ice; scorpion oil ships with MSDS and storage instructions. Cross‑border requests may require permits.

What analytics do you provide?

LC‑MS(/MS), HPLC‑PDA (210/215 nm), Tricine SDS‑PAGE, protein% (Kjeldahl + Bradford), Raman (optional), and GC‑MS for scorpion oil; LD₅₀ only where ethically approved. See Methods & Analytics.

Do you support custom study designs?

Yes. We collaborate on target selection (e.g., Nav1.7, Kv1.2, Kv1.3), peptide prioritization (OD1/ODK families), fractionation strategy, and assay design under a defined statement of work (SoW).

Are materials GMP‑grade?

No. Materials are research‑grade and supplied with QA/QC documentation (chromatograms, gels, LC‑MS(/MS) summaries, and MSDS where applicable).

Start a Collaboration

Ready to discuss peptides, datasets, or joint studies? Tell us about your targets and assays, and we’ll propose a data‑backed plan.