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Bee Venom-Loaded Niosomes as Innovative Platforms for Cancer Treatment: Development and Therapeutical Efficacy and
Maria Beatriz Pinto1, Patrícia C Pires1,2,3, Ricardo C Calhelha4,5
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract:
Despite past efforts towards therapeutical innovation, cancer remains a highly incident and lethal disease, with current treatments lacking efficiency and leading to severe side effects. Hence, it is imperative to develop new, more efficient, and safer therapies. Bee venom has proven to have multiple and synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor effects. Nevertheless, some toxic effects have been associated with its administration. To tackle these issues, in this work, bee venom-loaded niosomes were developed, for cancer treatment. The vesicles had a small (150 nm) and homogeneous (polydispersity index of 0.162) particle size, and revealed good therapeutic efficacy in in vitro gastric, colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancer models (inhibitory concentrations between 12.37 ng/mL and 14.72 ng/mL). Additionally, they also revealed substantial anti-inflammatory activity (inhibitory concentration of 28.98 ng/mL), effects complementary to direct antitumor activity. Niosome safety was also assessed, both in vitro (skin, liver, and kidney cells) and ex vivo (hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane), and results showed that compound encapsulation increased its safety. Hence, small, and homogeneous bee venom-loaded niosomes were successfully developed, with substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potentially promising primary or adjuvant cancer therapies. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential of the developed platform in in vivo models.
Insights
Bee venom-loaded niosomes show promise as safer, more effective cancer treatments. These nanoparticles exhibit significant anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects across various cancer types, improving safety through encapsulation.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge with limitations in current therapies.
- Bee venom possesses synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor properties, but faces toxicity concerns.
- Developing novel drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize bee venom-loaded niosomes for cancer treatment.
- To evaluate the in vitro anticancer and anti-inflammatory efficacy of the niosomes.
- To assess the safety profile of the bee venom-loaded niosomes.
Main Methods:
- Niosomes encapsulating bee venom were formulated and characterized for particle size and homogeneity.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed on gastric, colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancer cell lines.
- Anti-inflammatory activity and in vitro/ex vivo safety assessments were conducted.
Main Results:
- Bee venom-loaded niosomes exhibited small particle size (150 nm) and homogeneity (PDI 0.162).
- Significant in vitro anticancer activity was observed across multiple cancer models (IC50: 12.37–14.72 ng/mL).
- Substantial anti-inflammatory effects (IC50: 28.98 ng/mL) and improved safety upon encapsulation were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Bee venom-loaded niosomes represent a promising nanocarrier system for cancer therapy.
- The developed niosomes offer enhanced anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties with improved safety.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of this platform.
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