Multiomics and Confocal Raman mapping of Stegodyphus sarasinorum venom gland biomolecules with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities

This investigation undertakes a comprehensive characterisation of the venom gland of the colonial spider, Stegodyphus sarasinorum , integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and Confocal Raman spectroscopy. Transcriptomic analysis identified 31 annotated protein components, comprising both venom-associated and non-venom proteins, while proteomic analysis identified 32 proteins. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) identified 81 metabolites, including amino acids, biogenic amines, nucleotides, nucleosides, quaternary amines, organic acids, and other low-molecular-weight compounds. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional Confocal Raman mapping revealed the spatial distribution of constituent biomolecules within the venom gland. The venom gland exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells and showed radical scavenging activity in DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power assays, indicating potential source as antioxidants. This integrated multi-omics analysis provides the first comprehensive molecular and functional profile of the S. sarasinorum venom gland, highlighting its promise for future biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.