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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Invasive Behavior of Human Breast Cancer Cells in Embryonic Zebrafish
Published on: April 25, 2017
Anti-cancer effect of bee venom on human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using Raman spectroscopy
Gyeong Bok Jung1,2, Jeong-Eun Huh3,2, Hyo-Jung Lee4
1Department of Physics Education, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea.
Abstract:
We demonstrated the apoptotic effect of bee venom (BV) on human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA). Biochemical changes in cancer cells were monitored following BV treatment; the results for different concentrations and treatment durations differed markedly. Significantly decreased Raman vibrations for DNA and proteins were observed for cells treated with 3.0 µg/mL BV for 48 h compared with those of control cells. These results suggest denaturation and degradation of proteins and DNA fragmentation (all cell death-related processes). The Raman spectroscopy results agreed with those of atomic force microscopy and conventional biological tests such as viability, TUNEL, and western blot assays. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy, with PCA, provides a noninvasive, label-free tool for assessment of cellular changes on the anti-cancer effect of BV.
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