Therapeutic Efficacy of Bee Venom Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer

The Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, is a crucial species for honey production and pollination across Asia. Bee venom, produced by specialized glands and delivered via stingers, has demonstrated therapeutic potential due to its bioactive components. This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of bee venom-conjugated silver nanoparticles (BVNPs) on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.

BVNPs were synthesized through a green bio-reduction method, where Apis cerana venom was mixed with a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a Z-average mean diameter of 171.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.493, while Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that the nanoparticles were well-dispersed and predominantly spherical. To assess the cytotoxicity of BVNPs, MCF-7 cells were treated with varying concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8 μg/mL) of BVNPs for 48 hours. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantified using annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry.

Our findings indicated a concentration-dependent increase in apoptotic cell death, highlighting BVNPs’ efficacy in inducing apoptosis without significantly affecting healthy cells. This study suggests that bee venom-conjugated silver nanoparticles offer a promising, biocompatible therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. The findings underscore the need for further in vivo studies to validate the safety and efficacy of BVNPs and to explore their potential integration into current oncological treatment regimens.