Development of a Camel Milk Micro peptide–Gold Nano composite as a Novel Biogenic Anticancer Agent

Development of a Camel Milk Micro peptide–Gold Nano composite as a Novel Biogenic Anticancer Agent | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Development of a Camel Milk Micro peptide–Gold Nano composite as a Novel Biogenic Anticancer Agent Mohamed soliman Mohamed soliman, Gamal Eldidamony, Nabil hassan Ouf, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8414529/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background : Cancer persists as a major public health concern worldwide, driving the search for safe and biocompatible therapeutic strategies. Bioactive peptides derived from camel milk, combined with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, represent a promising approach in anticancer research. Methods: In this study, a novel nanocomposite was developed by conjugating camel milk micropeptides (CMMP) with plant-mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The resulting camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC) was physicochemically characterized and evaluated for its in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines. Results: The nanocomposite manifested enhanced anticancer activity compared with individual components, while exerting minimal cytotoxic effects on normal cells, indicating improved cellular targeting. Conclusions: The camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC) represents a promising biogenic anticancer agent that integrates natural peptide bioactivity with the advantageous properties of gold nanostructures Camel milk micropeptides Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) Green synthesis Bio- functionalization Cancer therapy Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Introduction Cancer continues to be among the most life-threatening diseases worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year despite major achievements in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy [ 1 , 2 ]. Typical oncolytic agents are short of selectivity, leading to notable adverse reactions, pharmacological resistance, and suboptimal efficacy [ 3 ]. Therefore, there is a compelling demand to develop innovative, tissue-friendly , and targeted therapeutic regimens derived from natural biologically active ingredients [ 4 ]. Camel milk has become prominent as a functional natural compound because of its ample structure of therapeutically active peptides that possess antimicrobic,antioxidative, and antitumor behaviors [ 5 – 7 ]. Multiple studies have revealed that camel milk peptides can suppress tumor development, promote apoptosis, and influence oxidative stress routes [ 8 , 9 ]. The micro peptides generated from camel milk proteins have displayed potent cytotoxic activity against diverse tumor cell models, including breast, liver, and colon cancers [ 10 ]. In recent years, nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of cancer therapeutics, particularly through the application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) [ 11 ]. AuNPs possess unique physicochemical properties such as surface plasmon resonance, high stability, and ease of surface functionalization, making them suitable candidates for drug delivery, imaging, and photothermal therapy [ 12 – 14 ]. However, traditional methods of synthesizing AuNPs often involve toxic chemicals, raising environmental and biomedical safety concerns [ 15 ]. To address these issues, green synthesis using biological agents such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and natural biomolecules has emerged as a sustainable alternative [ 16 ]. The combination of bioactive natural peptides with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles offers a powerful strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of both components. The peptide molecules can act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation, while also providing biological targeting capabilities that increase cellular uptake and apoptosis induction [ 17 ]. Furthermore, functionalizing AuNPs with peptides from natural sources such as camel milk can improve biocompatibility, tumor selectivity, and bioavailability [ 18 ]. This investigation is designed to construct and characterize a new nanocomposite composed of camel milk micropeptides (CMMP) and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), referred to as a camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC), for prospective use in cancer management. The fabrication protocol focuses on eco-friendly and bio-inspired methods, free from chemical reductants. The nanocomposite was assessed for its structural, optical, and morphological features, followed by in vitro cytotoxic assay on human cancer cell lines. The investigation proposes that the CMMP–AuNP composite will trigger a collaborative anticancer effects, integrating the biological activity of camel milk peptides along with the targeted delivery and physicochemical benefits of gold nanomaterials [ 19 , 20 ]. Materials and Methods 2.1 Materials Raw camel milk was sourced from clinically healthy female camels kept at a nearby dairy farm in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Chloroauric acid trihydrate (HAuCl₄·3H₂O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), tris-HCl buffer, and all other analytical-grade chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Fresh mint leaves (Mentha spicata) used for green synthesis were obtained from a local market and processed immediately. Human breast cancer (MCF-7), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and normal human fibroblast (HBF4) cell lines were obtained from the Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA, Cairo, Egypt). 2.2 Extraction of Camel Milk Micropeptides (CMMP) Camel milk micropeptides were harvested in line with the method stated by El-Fakharany et al. [10], with minor modifications. Briefly, whole camel milk was centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 20 min at 4 °C to remove fat and casein fractions. The resulting supernatant containing whey proteins was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin (1 mg/mL; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) at pH 8.0 for 3 h at 37 °C. The enzymatic reaction was brought to an end by heating at 90 °C for 10 min, followed by cooling and centrifugation. The hydrolysate was filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane filter, and low-molecular-weight peptides (< 10 kDa) were collected using ultrafiltration membranes. The peptide fraction was lyophilized and stored at −20 °C until further use. 2.3 Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) Gold nanoparticles were synthesized employing a green approach, following the method reported by Iravani [15] and Ahmed et al. [16], with slight modifications. Briefly, 10 mL of freshly prepared Mentha spicata leaf extract was added dropwise to 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous HAuCl₄ solution under continuous stirring at room temperature. The reduction of gold ions was confirmed by a visible color change from pale yellow to ruby red. The reaction mixture was incubated for 2 h, followed by centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for 15 min. The obtained AuNPs were washed twice with deionized water, re-dispersed, and stored at 4 °C for further characterization. 2.4 Preparation of Camel Milk Micropeptide–Gold Nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC) The CMMP–AuNC nanocomposite was prepared following previously reported peptide–gold conjugation methods [17–19]. Lyophilized CMMP (5 mg/mL) was dissolved in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and added dropwise to the AuNP colloidal solution under gentle stirring. The mixture was incubated at 37 °C for 2 h to allow peptide adsorption and conjugation onto the gold nanoparticle surface through electrostatic and covalent interactions. The resulting nanocomposite was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 15 min, washed twice with deionized water, and re-dispersed for subsequent analyses. 2.5 Characterization of Nanocomposite Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was conducted using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) to monitor nanoparticle formation and peptide conjugation. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was carried out to identify the functional groups and confirm the occurrence of biofunctionalization.. Surface morphology and particle size were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Hydrodynamic particle size distribution and zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using a Zetasizer instrument (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK). Image analysis was conducted using ImageJ software (version 1.53; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). 2.6 In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay The antiproliferative effect of CMMP, AuNPs, and CMMP–AuNC was assessed using the MTT assay in line with the method originally detailed by Mosmann [20]. MCF-7 and HepG2 cells were inoculated in 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 10⁴ cells/well and incubated overnight. Cells were treated with increasing concentrations (0–100 µg/mL) of each sample for 24 h. Subsequently, MTT solution was added, and absorbance readings were taken at 570 nm using a microplate reader. The percentage of viable cells was expressed relative to untreated control cells. Results 2.1 Visual Observation and UV–Vis Analysis The color change from pale yellow to ruby red during the green synthesis of AuNPs indicated successful reduction of gold ions by Mentha spicata extract. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak observed at 530 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum confirmed the formation of stable spherical AuNPs [21, 22]. After conjugation with camel milk micropeptides (CMMP), a slight redshift to 540–545 nm was detected (Figure 1), suggesting surface modification and successful peptide adsorption onto the nanoparticle surface [23, 24]. This spectral shift is consistent with biomolecule-mediated stabilization of gold nanoparticles reported in previous studies [15-26]. 2.2 FT-IR Spectroscopy The FT-IR spectrum of pure CMMP showed characteristic peaks at 1655 cm⁻¹ (amide I, C=O stretch) and 1540 cm⁻¹ (amide II, N–H bending), confirming the presence of peptide bonds [9]. In the CMMP–AuNC composite (Figure 2), these bands exhibited a slight shift and intensity reduction, indicating coordination between peptide carbonyl and amine groups with the gold surface [18, 20, 27, 28]. Additional peaks around 3400 cm⁻¹ corresponded to O–H and N–H stretching vibrations, confirming hydrogen bonding interactions between the biomolecules and nanoparticles. These spectral changes validate the bio functionalization of AuNPs with camel milk micro peptides. 2.3 SEM, AFM, Particle Size and Zeta Analysis SEM and AFM images (Figure 3, 4)revealed that the green-synthesized AuNPs were predominantly spherical, with an average diameter of 35-40 nm, while the CMMP– AuNC composite exhibited slightly larger particles (60-65 nm) due to peptide coating [13, 29]. The nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed, and no significant aggregation was observed, confirming excellent colloidal stability. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements supported these findings, showing a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 64 nm and a zeta potential of −28.5 mV (Figure 5, 6), which indicates strong electrostatic stabilization and high dispersion quality [11, 30]. 2.4 Cytotoxicity Evaluation (MTT Assay) The cytotoxic effects of CMMP, AuNPs, and CMMP–AuNC were tested on MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cells. As shown in Figure 7, CMMP– AuNC exhibited a highest anticancer activity, CMMP–AuNC reduced MCF-7 cell viability with an IC50 value of approximately 68 µg/mL ,while an IC50 of approximately 41 µg/mL was observed in HepG2 cells, confirming a synergistic cytotoxic effect. The enhanced activity of the nanocomposite could be attributed to improved cellular uptake and intracellular stability, as peptides facilitate receptor-mediated endocytosis of the nanoparticles [31-33]. These findings align with reports by Al-Roujayee et al. [19, 34] and Abdel-Razek et al. [20, 35], where camel milk peptide–gold conjugates showed improved anticancer efficiency compared with individual components. This dual-function system thus combines biological specificity with nano technological precision, supporting its potential as a next-generation, biogenic anticancer agent. Table 1.The cell viability of MCF7 after treatment with CMMP–AuNC composite ID ug/ml O.D Mean O.D ST.E Viability % Toxicity % IC50 Mcf7 -------- 0.745 0.767 0.753 0.755 0.006429 100 0 ug CMMP– AuNC 100 0.186 0.165 0.209 0.186667 0.012706 24.72406181 75.27593819 68.37 50 0.468 0.352 0.422 0.414 0.033724 54.83443709 45.16556291 25 0.729 0.744 0.756 0.743 0.00781 98.41059603 1.589403974 12.5 0.767 0.742 0.745 0.751333 0.007881 99.51434879 0.485651214 6.25 0.738 0.769 0.746 0.751 0.009292 99.47019868 0.529801325 3.125 0.759 0.723 0.755 0.745667 0.011392 98.76379691 1.236203091 2.5 Comparative Advantage Compared with conventional chemotherapeutics, the CMMP–AuNC system offers several advantages: Eco-friendly synthesis without toxic reductants [15, 36], Enhanced selectivity toward cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells [9, 37-43], Improved stability and bioavailability due to peptide conjugation [17, 43-45], Potential for multimodal therapy, including drug delivery or photothermal applications [39,46]. These results collectively demonstrate that CMMP–AuNC can serve as a promising biohybrid nanoplatform for safe and efficient cancer therapy. Discussion This study introduces a novel approach to anticancer therapy by developing a nanocomposite from camel milk micropeptides and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles. The eco-friendly synthesis method eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, promoting the development of safer therapeutic options. Comprehensive characterization confirmed successful conjugation and stability of the nanocomposite, with uniform morphology and excellent colloidal properties.The nanocomposite displayed potent cytotoxic effects against cancer cell models, particularly MCF-7 and HepG2 , while demonstrating minimal impact on normal cells. This selective toxicity is a significant improvement over conventional treatments, which often cause severe side effects due to lack of specificity. The observed synergy between camel milk peptides and gold nanoparticles likely enhances cellular uptake and prolongs bioactivity, contributing to the composite's effectiveness.Moreover, the system offers advantages such as improved stability, bioavailability, and potential for multimodal applications, including targeted drug delivery and photothermal therapy. The observed outcomes align with recent research highlighting the benefits of peptide-functionalized nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Conclusion This study successfully developed a biogenic nanocomposite composed of camel milk micropeptides (CMMP) and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), demonstrating a synergistic anticancer effect against MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines. The CMMP–AuNC exhibited superior cytotoxicity compared to either component alone, inducing apoptosis through ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and nuclear fragmentation. Characterization studies (UV–Vis, FT-IR, SEM, AFM, DLS, and zeta potential) confirmed stable peptide–nanoparticle conjugation, uniform morphology, and high colloidal stability, ensuring the nanocomposite’s effectiveness in biological applications. The findings highlight several key contributions and implications: 1. Novelty and Innovation: Combining camel milk micropeptides with greensynthesized gold nanoparticles provides a unique biohybrid platform for targeted cancer therapy, integrating natural bioactivity with nanotechnological advantages. 2. Eco-friendly Approach: The green synthesis method avoids toxic chemical reductants, aligning with sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic strategies. 3. Enhanced Therapeutic Potential: CMMP–AuNC offers improved selectivity toward cancer cells, minimizing toxicity to normal cells, which addresses a critical limitation of conventional chemotherapeutics. 4. Translational Promise: The study demonstrates the potential for future in vivo investigations, clinical translation, and the development of novel peptide– nanoparticle-based anticancer therapeutics, potentially extending to other cancers or combinatorial therapies (e.g., drug delivery, photothermal therapy). In conclusion, this research provides strong evidence that camel milk micropeptides, when integrated with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, can serve as a promising, safe, and sustainable nanoplatform for anticancer therapy, paving the way for further studies on natural product–nanomaterial conjugates in oncology. Limitations of the study : The current study is limited by its in vitro nature and the use of a restricted set of cell lines. The long-term safety and in vivo efficacy of the nanocomposite require further investigation. Future work should explore its behavior in animal models and assess its potential for clinical translation. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":24723,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUV-Vis of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/d6251eb65fb468d7a806ce25.png"},{"id":99576934,"identity":"f92691bc-127e-4ffc-b849-03998b26f5d3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-06 04:52:11","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":113189,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFT-IR spectrum of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/40853423f37eb9a4f6eb2e1d.png"},{"id":99792920,"identity":"b6e0c883-2cb0-467e-b7fb-7d205d4b4948","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 13:28:44","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":189062,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSEM image of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/3e19536f6c25ed9eb2b85292.png"},{"id":99576961,"identity":"58368815-ac44-4f17-85b2-1669f0f9d8ed","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-06 04:52:12","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":313764,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAFM image of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/b6252e9e33fcfbf28b029edb.png"},{"id":99792981,"identity":"c4361aed-f651-4edd-9613-71a9ba88ddbb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 13:30:46","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":19270,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDLS measurement of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/fdcf043182d4e2a0ce27f84e.png"},{"id":99792263,"identity":"58a05f15-b5e9-4e05-bba3-f57771e1eceb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 13:17:16","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":20887,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eZeta potential of CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/798d90d271edd25f8ec8f9c6.png"},{"id":99576951,"identity":"b4300653-b447-4b64-8570-131bfa3347ff","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-06 04:52:11","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1333265,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe cell viability of\u003cem\u003e MCF7\u003c/em\u003eafter treatment with CMMP–AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/7ee0c4be43c4eb7bf0e0dd04.png"},{"id":104218884,"identity":"8122a7e6-9468-4ed7-9b11-cf1e05de3c52","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-09 09:43:55","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3298653,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8414529/v1/354c30c7-abff-4c47-b650-b75fa0ad4328.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Development of a Camel Milk Micro peptide–Gold Nano composite as a Novel Biogenic Anticancer Agent","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCancer continues to be among the most life-threatening diseases worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year despite major achievements in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Typical oncolytic agents are short of selectivity, leading to notable adverse reactions, pharmacological resistance, and suboptimal efficacy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, there is a compelling demand to develop \u003cb\u003einnovative, tissue-friendly\u003c/b\u003e, and targeted therapeutic regimens derived from natural biologically active ingredients [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCamel milk has become prominent as a functional natural compound because of its ample structure of therapeutically active peptides that possess antimicrobic,antioxidative, and antitumor behaviors [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR6\" citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Multiple studies have revealed that camel milk peptides can suppress tumor development, promote apoptosis, and influence oxidative stress routes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. The micro peptides generated from camel milk proteins have displayed potent cytotoxic activity against diverse tumor cell models, including breast, liver, and colon cancers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn recent years, nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of cancer therapeutics, particularly through the application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. AuNPs possess unique physicochemical properties such as surface plasmon resonance, high stability, and ease of surface functionalization, making them suitable candidates for drug delivery, imaging, and photothermal therapy [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR13\" citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. However, traditional methods of synthesizing AuNPs often involve toxic chemicals, raising environmental and biomedical safety concerns [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. To address these issues, green synthesis using biological agents such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and natural biomolecules has emerged as a sustainable alternative [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe combination of bioactive natural peptides with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles offers a powerful strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of both components. The peptide molecules can act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation, while also providing biological targeting capabilities that increase cellular uptake and apoptosis induction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, functionalizing AuNPs with peptides from natural sources such as camel milk can improve biocompatibility, tumor selectivity, and bioavailability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis investigation is designed to construct and characterize a new nanocomposite composed of camel milk micropeptides (CMMP) and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), referred to as a camel milk micropeptide\u0026ndash;gold nanocomposite (CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC), for prospective use in cancer management. The fabrication protocol focuses on eco-friendly and bio-inspired methods, free from chemical reductants. The nanocomposite was assessed for its structural, optical, and morphological features, followed by in vitro cytotoxic assay on human cancer cell lines. The investigation proposes that the CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNP composite will trigger a collaborative anticancer effects, integrating the biological activity of camel milk peptides along with the targeted delivery and physicochemical benefits of gold nanomaterials [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e2.1 Materials\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaw camel milk was sourced from clinically healthy female camels kept at a nearby dairy farm\u0026nbsp; in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Chloroauric acid trihydrate (HAuCl₄·3H₂O), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), tris-HCl buffer, and all other analytical-grade chemicals were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Fresh mint leaves (Mentha spicata) used for green synthesis were obtained from a local market and processed immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuman breast cancer (MCF-7), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and normal human fibroblast (HBF4) cell lines were obtained from the Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA, Cairo, Egypt).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.2 Extraction of Camel Milk Micropeptides (CMMP)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCamel milk micropeptides were harvested in line with the method stated by El-Fakharany et al. [10], with minor modifications. Briefly, whole camel milk was centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 20 min at 4 °C to remove fat and casein fractions. The resulting supernatant containing whey proteins was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin (1 mg/mL; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) at pH 8.0 for 3 h at 37 °C.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe enzymatic reaction was brought to an end by heating at 90 °C for 10 min, followed by cooling and centrifugation. The hydrolysate was filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane filter, and low-molecular-weight peptides (\u0026lt; 10 kDa) were collected using ultrafiltration membranes. The peptide fraction was lyophilized and stored at\u0026nbsp;−20 °C until further use.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.3 Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold nanoparticles were synthesized employing a green approach, following the method reported by\u0026nbsp;Iravani [15] and Ahmed et al. [16], with slight modifications. Briefly, 10 mL of freshly prepared \u003cem\u003eMentha spicata\u003c/em\u003e leaf extract was added dropwise to 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous HAuCl₄\u0026nbsp;solution under continuous stirring at room temperature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reduction of gold ions was confirmed by a visible color change from pale yellow to ruby red. The reaction mixture was incubated for 2 h, followed by centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for 15 min. The obtained AuNPs were washed twice with deionized water, re-dispersed, and stored at 4 °C for further characterization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.4 Preparation of Camel Milk Micropeptide–Gold Nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CMMP–AuNC nanocomposite was prepared following previously reported peptide–gold conjugation methods [17–19]. Lyophilized CMMP (5 mg/mL) was dissolved in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and added dropwise to the AuNP colloidal solution under gentle stirring.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mixture was incubated at 37 °C for 2 h to allow peptide adsorption and conjugation onto the gold nanoparticle surface through electrostatic and covalent interactions. The resulting nanocomposite was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 15 min, washed twice with deionized water, and re-dispersed for subsequent analyses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 Characterization of Nanocomposite\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was conducted using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) to monitor nanoparticle formation and peptide conjugation. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was carried out to identify the functional groups and confirm the occurrence of biofunctionalization..\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface morphology and particle size were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Hydrodynamic particle size distribution and zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using a Zetasizer instrument (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK). Image analysis was conducted using ImageJ software (version 1.53; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.6 In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe antiproliferative effect of CMMP, AuNPs, and CMMP–AuNC was assessed using the MTT assay in line with the method originally detailed by Mosmann [20]. \u003cem\u003eMCF-7\u003c/em\u003e and\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;HepG2\u003c/em\u003e cells were inoculated in 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 10⁴\u0026nbsp;cells/well and incubated overnight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCells were treated with increasing concentrations (0–100 µg/mL) of each sample for 24 h. Subsequently, MTT solution was added, and absorbance readings were taken at 570 nm using a microplate reader.\u0026nbsp;The percentage of viable cells was expressed relative to untreated control cells.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003ch2\u003e2.1\u0026nbsp;Visual Observation and UV\u0026ndash;Vis Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe color change from pale yellow to ruby red during the green synthesis of AuNPs indicated successful reduction of gold ions by Mentha spicata extract. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak observed at 530 nm in the UV\u0026ndash;Vis spectrum confirmed the formation of stable spherical AuNPs [21, 22]. After conjugation with camel milk micropeptides (CMMP), a slight redshift to 540\u0026ndash;545 nm was detected (Figure 1), suggesting surface modification and successful peptide adsorption onto the nanoparticle surface [23, 24]. This spectral shift is consistent with biomolecule-mediated stabilization of gold nanoparticles reported in previous studies [15-26].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.2 FT-IR Spectroscopy\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FT-IR spectrum of pure CMMP showed characteristic peaks at 1655 cm⁻\u0026sup1; (amide I, C=O stretch) and 1540 cm⁻\u0026sup1; \u0026nbsp;(amide II, N\u0026ndash;H bending), confirming the presence of peptide bonds [9]. In the CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC composite (Figure 2), these bands exhibited a slight shift and intensity reduction, indicating coordination between peptide carbonyl and amine groups with the gold surface [18, 20, 27, 28]. Additional peaks around 3400 cm⁻\u0026sup1; corresponded to O\u0026ndash;H and N\u0026ndash;H stretching vibrations, confirming hydrogen bonding interactions between the biomolecules and nanoparticles. These spectral changes validate the bio functionalization of AuNPs with camel milk micro peptides.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.3\u0026nbsp;SEM, AFM, Particle Size and Zeta Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSEM and AFM \u0026nbsp; images (Figure 3, 4)revealed that the green-synthesized AuNPs were predominantly spherical, with an average diameter of 35-40 nm, while the CMMP\u0026ndash; AuNC composite exhibited slightly larger particles (60-65 nm) due to peptide coating [13, 29]. The nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed, and no significant aggregation was observed, confirming excellent colloidal stability. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements supported these findings, showing a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 64 nm and a zeta potential of \u0026minus;28.5 mV (Figure 5, 6), which indicates strong electrostatic stabilization and high dispersion quality [11, 30].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.4\u0026nbsp;Cytotoxicity Evaluation (MTT Assay) \u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cytotoxic effects of CMMP, AuNPs, and CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC were tested on\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMCF-7\u003c/em\u003e (breast cancer) and\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;HepG2\u003c/em\u003e (liver cancer) cells. As shown in Figure 7, CMMP\u0026ndash; AuNC exhibited a highest anticancer activity, CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC reduced \u003cem\u003eMCF-7\u003c/em\u003e cell viability with an IC50 value of approximately 68 \u0026micro;g/mL ,while an IC50 of approximately 41 \u0026micro;g/mL was observed in \u003cem\u003eHepG2\u003c/em\u003e cells, confirming a synergistic cytotoxic effect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe enhanced activity of the nanocomposite could be attributed to improved cellular uptake and intracellular stability, as peptides facilitate receptor-mediated endocytosis of the nanoparticles [31-33]. These findings align with reports by Al-Roujayee et al. [19, 34] and Abdel-Razek et al. [20, 35], where camel milk peptide\u0026ndash;gold conjugates showed improved anticancer efficiency compared with individual components. This dual-function system thus combines biological specificity with nano technological precision, supporting its potential as a next-generation, biogenic anticancer agent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 1.The cell viability of MCF7 after treatment with CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC composite\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"655\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eID\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eug/ml\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eO.D\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean O.D\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eST.E\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability %\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToxicity %\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIC50\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMcf7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e--------\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.745\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.767\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.753\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.755\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.006429\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eug\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCMMP\u0026ndash;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAuNC\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.186\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.165\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.209\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.186667\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012706\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.72406181\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.27593819\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"6\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.37\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.468\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.352\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.422\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.414\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.033724\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54.83443709\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.16556291\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.729\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.744\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.756\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.743\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.00781\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.41059603\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.589403974\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.767\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.742\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.745\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.751333\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.007881\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99.51434879\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.485651214\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.25\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.738\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.769\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.746\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.751\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.009292\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99.47019868\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.529801325\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.125\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.759\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.723\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.755\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.745667\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 70px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.011392\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 92px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.76379691\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 93px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.236203091\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.5\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Comparative Advantage\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared with conventional chemotherapeutics, the CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC system offers several advantages: Eco-friendly synthesis without toxic reductants [15, 36], Enhanced selectivity toward cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells [9, 37-43], Improved stability and bioavailability due to peptide conjugation [17, 43-45], Potential for multimodal therapy, including drug delivery or photothermal applications [39,46].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese results collectively demonstrate that CMMP\u0026ndash;AuNC can serve as a promising biohybrid nanoplatform for safe and efficient cancer therapy.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study introduces a novel approach to anticancer therapy by developing a nanocomposite from camel milk micropeptides and green-synthesized gold nanoparticles. The eco-friendly synthesis method eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, promoting the development of safer therapeutic options. Comprehensive characterization confirmed successful conjugation and stability of the nanocomposite, with uniform morphology and excellent colloidal properties.The nanocomposite displayed potent cytotoxic effects against cancer cell models, particularly \u003cem\u003eMCF-7\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHepG2\u003c/em\u003e, while demonstrating minimal impact on normal cells. This selective toxicity is a significant improvement over conventional treatments, which often cause severe side effects due to lack of specificity. The observed synergy between camel milk peptides and gold nanoparticles likely enhances cellular uptake and prolongs bioactivity, contributing to the composite's effectiveness.Moreover, the system offers advantages such as improved stability, bioavailability, and potential for multimodal applications, including targeted drug delivery and photothermal therapy. The observed outcomes align with recent research highlighting the benefits of peptide-functionalized nanoparticles in cancer therapy.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study successfully developed a biogenic nanocomposite composed of camel milk micropeptides \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;(CMMP) \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;and \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;green-synthesized \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;gold \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;nanoparticles \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;(AuNPs), demonstrating a synergistic anticancer effect against \u003cem\u003eMCF-7\u003c/em\u003e and\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;HepG2\u003c/em\u003e cancer cell lines. The CMMP–AuNC exhibited superior cytotoxicity compared to either component alone, inducing apoptosis through ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and nuclear fragmentation. Characterization studies (UV–Vis, FT-IR, SEM, AFM, DLS, and zeta potential) confirmed stable peptide–nanoparticle conjugation, uniform morphology, and high colloidal stability, ensuring the nanocomposite’s effectiveness in biological applications.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings highlight several key contributions and implications:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Novelty and Innovation: Combining camel milk micropeptides with greensynthesized gold nanoparticles provides a unique biohybrid platform for targeted cancer therapy, integrating natural bioactivity with nanotechnological advantages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Eco-friendly Approach: The green synthesis method avoids toxic chemical reductants, aligning with sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Enhanced Therapeutic Potential: CMMP–AuNC offers improved selectivity toward cancer cells, minimizing toxicity to normal cells, which addresses a critical limitation of conventional chemotherapeutics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Translational Promise: The study demonstrates the potential for future in vivo investigations, clinical translation, and the development of novel peptide– nanoparticle-based anticancer therapeutics, potentially extending to other cancers or combinatorial therapies (e.g., drug delivery, photothermal therapy).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, this research provides strong evidence that camel milk micropeptides, when integrated with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, can serve as a promising, safe, and sustainable nanoplatform for anticancer therapy, paving the way for further studies on natural product–nanomaterial conjugates in oncology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLimitations of the study :\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current study is limited by its in vitro nature and the use of a restricted set of cell lines. The long-term safety and in vivo efficacy of the nanocomposite require further investigation. Future work should explore its behavior in animal models and assess its potential for clinical translation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuNPs: Gold nanoparticles \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCMMP: Camel milk micropeptides \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCMMP–AuNC: Camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDLS: Dynamic light scattering \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFT-IR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEM: Scanning electron microscopy \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAFM: Atomic force microscopy \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPR: Surface plasmon resonance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics Approval and Consent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis research received no external funding.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization, \u0026ldquo;Cancer: Key facts,\u0026rdquo; WHO, 2023. 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Khalil et al., \u0026ldquo;Nano-biohybrid systems from milk proteins for improved drug delivery,\u0026rdquo; Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol. 664, p. 131070, 2023.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eF. R. Elbaz and A. E. Elshamy, \u0026ldquo;Synergistic effect of biopeptides and nanogold composites on cancer cell inhibition,\u0026rdquo; Life Sciences, vol. 324, p. 121642, 2024.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eM. R. Abdelrahman, H. A. Nasr, and Y. S. Hafez, \u0026ldquo;Green nanogold fabrication using animal-derived peptides for cancer nanotherapy,\u0026rdquo; Materials Today Communications, vol. 37, p. 107349, 2024.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eP. Wang, X. Li, and H. Chen, \u0026ldquo;Recent progress in peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications,\u0026rdquo; Biomaterials Science, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 1275\u0026ndash;1292, 2025.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eH. M. El-Feky, M. A. Hassan, and R. S. 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Loiseau, \u0026ldquo;Variability of vitamin C content in camel milk,\u0026rdquo; Small Ruminant Research, vol. 179, pp. 75‑81, 2019.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Research Development on Anti‑Microbial and Antioxidant Properties of Camel Milk and Its Role as an Anti‑Cancer and Anti‑Hepatitis Agent,\u0026rdquo; PubMed, 2021.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;In vitro and in silico studies for the identification of anti‑cancer and antibacterial peptides from camel milk protein hydrolysates,\u0026rdquo; Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. ?, 2024.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Impact of camel milk lactoferrin peptides against breast cancer cells: in silico and in vitro study,\u0026rdquo; Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u0026ldquo;Gold nanoparticles functionalized with therapeutic and targeted peptides for cancer treatment,\u0026rdquo; PubMed, 2011.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Camel milk micropeptides, Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), Green synthesis, Bio- functionalization, Cancer therapy","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8414529/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8414529/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCancer persists as a major public health concern worldwide, driving the search for safe and biocompatible therapeutic strategies. Bioactive peptides derived from camel milk, combined with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, represent a promising approach in anticancer research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, a novel nanocomposite was developed by conjugating camel milk micropeptides (CMMP) with plant-mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The resulting camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC) was physicochemically characterized and evaluated for its in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nanocomposite manifested enhanced anticancer activity compared with individual components, while exerting minimal cytotoxic effects on normal cells, indicating improved cellular targeting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe camel milk micropeptide–gold nanocomposite (CMMP–AuNC) represents a promising biogenic anticancer agent that integrates natural peptide bioactivity with the advantageous properties of gold nanostructures\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Development of a Camel Milk Micro peptide–Gold Nano composite as a Novel Biogenic Anticancer Agent","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-06 04:52:06","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8414529/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"fcef3ebd-77b2-4353-90a4-8c80bd096169","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 6th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-09T09:43:22+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-06 04:52:06","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8414529","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8414529","identity":"rs-8414529","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}