Quantitative evaluation of pollen protein from Helianthus annuus for honey bee nutrition

Objective: The objective of our study is to estimate the protein content of pollen and bee pollen (collected from honey bees) from the flowers of Helianthus annuus and also determined its shape, size, and granularity.Methods: For estimation of protein using nanodrop method and also quantified through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).In addition, both proteins exposed to hemolymph containing hemocytes separately pertaining to determine forward (shape and size) and side (granularity) scatter using flow cytometry.Results: SDS-PAGE analysis represents bands of various protein sizes, i.e., pollen (25 KDa and 34 KDa) and bee pollen (25 KDa).In contrast, the data also indicate that proteins from bee pollen showed more enhancement in forward and side scatter as compared to pollen. Conclusion:Overall, the data suggest that bee pollen could be a potent candidate for nutrition to honey bees.