Progress of Cryogenics and Isotopes Separation , ISSN: 1582-2575
2013, Volume 16, Issue 2

 Exploring Apis Mellifera Venom Compounds Using Highly Efficient Methods

Roxana Elena Ionete , Oana Romina Dinca , Radu Tamaian * , Elisabeta-Irina Geana

National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI Rm. Valcea, Uzinei Street no. 4, PO Box Râureni 7, 240050, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania

*Corresponding author: Radu Tamaian, E-mail: radu.tamaian@icsi.ro

Published: October 2013


Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and efficient technique based on combined chromatographic and mass-spectrometry methods for simultaneous determination and characterization of major peptidic fractions from crude honeybee venom (apitoxin). This combined technique may contribute significantly to the standardization and authentication of natural products with peptidic/proteic components. Among bee products, the perfect source of pharmacologically active compounds is represented by the bee venom. The collected venom from bees (Apis mellifera) was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry. The proteic components (melittin, apamin and phospholipase A2) were separated, determined and in consequence a spectra database with proteic fingerprints was created for further use in the authentication procedure. To highlight its applicability, the combined method was validated in order to demonstrate its selectivity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, recovery and stability. Due to its facile use, this combined technique can be easily incorporated into routine operations and used to evaluate quality and authenticity of honeybee venom samples.


Keywords

Apis mellifera, apitoxin, HPLC, MALDI-TOF, protein.


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