Biomaterials derived from bioresources as therapeutic tools against scorpion envenomation

One of the main challenges in treating scorpion envenomation is the limitation of conventional antivenom therapies in mitigating localized tissue damage and systemic inflammation. This review synthesizes current evidence on biomaterials derived from natural bioresources as therapeutic platforms and targeted drug delivery systems against scorpion envenomation. Following a literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, we discuss the pathophysiology of scorpion venom and evaluate recent advances in bio-based formulations, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, and scaffolds. Principal findings highlight that these biomaterials can act as therapeutic adjuvants by neutralizing venom-induced oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, while simultaneously serving as carriers to enhance antivenom stability and targeted delivery. However, critical evidence gaps remain: most proposed therapeutic applications are currently restricted to preclinical in vitro or in vivo evaluations, with many findings extrapolated from unrelated pathological models rather than direct scorpion envenomation assays. Further standardized in vivo studies and clinical validations are urgently needed to establish their translational efficacy and safety.