Intrinsic apoptotic effect of Anatolian honeybee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) venom promoted with mesoporous silica nanocarriers.

Background/aim: The use of bee products or treatment with bees, as a complement to conventional medicine is attracting considerable attention in cancer research. Although discoveries related to the potential anticancer effects of bee venom are increasing, the unstable nature of venom biomolecules remains a limiting factor for their usage. In this study, we employed mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs) to provide precise dosing and prevent carriers from biomolecule degradation thanks to the outstanding loading capacity provided by the pores, excellent chemical and biological robustness, and ability to improve bioavailability.

Materials and methods: MSNs were synthesized and physicochemical characterizations were carried out. The cytotoxicity of Apis mellifera anatoliaca bee venom and venom-complexed MSNs (MSNs@Venom) were determined for the MDA-MB 231, PC3, and HeLa cancer cell lines and the cytotoxicity of pristine MSNs was investigated for the HEK-293 and CCD34-Lu cell lines. The cellular uptake of MSNs@Venom by PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cells was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The apoptotic effect on cancer cells was examined by flow cytometry.

Results: The MSNs exhibited significant cellular uptake of MSN by the PC3 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines, resulting in a 1.5-fold enhancement in the apoptotic effect of venom on the PC3 cell line when combined with MSNs, compared to cells exposed alone to venom.

Conclusion: MSNs could effectively be taken up by MDA-MB 231 and PC3 cancer cells, enhancing the action of bee venom by the particle-mediated delivery. MSNs@Venom have the potential to offer cost-effective complementary and innovative cancer treatment options.