The comparison of nanoparticle adjuvant with the montanide adjuvant for hyper-immunization to produce anti-snakebite serum

Background & Objective: Currently selection and use of nanoparticle adjuvant is very important. Due to the lack of effective anti-snakebite serums to treat it and high cost of purchasing external anti-snakebite serums, preparation of suitable internal nanoparticles to produce hyper-immunization plasma has become very important. In order to minimize the disadvantages associated with traditionally used adjuvants in ovines and to produce potent antivenum, a comparison was made between various adjuvants for their immune-potentiation capacity and safety. Material & methods: The present study was conducted in 15 sheep, divided into three groups and hyper-immunized using crude venom of cobra snake (Naja naja oxiana) along with three adjuvants, Montanide, aluminum phosphate and poly methyl methacrylate through subcutaneous route at intervals of a week. Periodic standard safety assessments were done. Results: The neutralization activity (LD50) of pooled sera samples by 9th week, obtained with aluminum phosphate, Montanide and poly methyl methacrylate groups were 1.5, 2.2 and 2 LD50/ml respectively. The sheep of poly methyl methacrylate group showed minimum local reactions at injection site, while sheep from other two groups exhibited moderate reactions. However, these were transient and reabsorbed or healed subsequently. Conclusion: Poly methyl methacrylate nanoparticle adjuvant could be a possible alternative to the emulsion adjuvants for primary phase of immunization in antivenomous preparation considering its acceptable immunopotentiation capacity and safety in donor animals.