Bioscavengers

Bioscavengers is a term used in two related but distinct fields to describe entities that remove or neutralize undesirable biological material or toxins. In ecology, bioscavengers are organisms that consume dead or decaying matter, aiding decomposition and nutrient cycling. In toxicology and biodefense, bioscavengers are molecules that bind, hydrolyze, or otherwise neutralize harmful substances in the bloodstream, protecting the organism from exposure.

Ecological bioscavengers include scavenging mammals such as vultures and hyenas, and scavenging insects like blowflies and certain beetles. Microbial communities also participate as scavengers by breaking down detritus. These organisms help convert organic matter into usable nutrients, reduce disease risk by removing potential sources of infection, and influence nutrient cycling and ecosystem structure. Their activity is influenced by environmental factors, habitat availability, and human land use.

Therapeutic or pharmacological bioscavengers are circulating biomolecules designed to detoxify specific toxins before they reach their targets. The primary focus has been on organophosphorus nerve agents and certain pesticides. Endogenous examples include enzymes such as paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Exogenous bioscavengers, including recombinant or PEGylated forms of BChE, are being explored as medical countermeasures. These agents can provide prophylactic or post-exposure protection by rapidly sequestering or hydrolyzing toxins. Challenges include immunogenicity, production cost, pharmacokinetic limitations, and the need for clinical validation.

Overall, bioscavengers represent a concept of natural scavenging in ecosystems and a strategic approach in chemical defense, with ongoing research to expand their ecological understanding and therapeutic potential.