Bee products produced in environments with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may be contaminated by these compounds. Propolis usually consists of beeswax, resins, water, inorganic and phenolic substances, and essential oils. Although there are some studies on the detection of POPs in honey and some bee products, these are quite limited. Because propolis is a botanical-based and highly complex matrix, and thus difficult to analyze, a reliable and selective method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the propolis. All analytes were extracted with acetonitrile and centrifuged for 10 min at 4000 rpm and 6 °C in a refrigerated centrifuge. The samples were filtered using a homemade SPE cartridge containing C18, primary-secondary amine, and magnesium sulfate. The residue collected with acetonitrile was subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The proposed method was validated according to the Eurachem guidelines and applied directly to the collected propolis samples. The results show that the method may be used successfully in residue monitoring laboratories for the determination of OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs in propolis.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) constitutes a significant majority of glial-derived tumors. It has a poor prognosis. It is highly aggressive and malignant. In this disease, where treatment methods can be used alone or in combination, localization and, consequently, accessibility are among the most important factors affecting treatment. Nanoparticle-based approaches, such as silver-based nanoparticles containing different silver forms like AgNO₃, AgMP, and AgNP, are emerging as potential agents in tumor treatment. This study aimed to determine the effects of silver nanoparticles of different sizes on GBM cell viability. The results obtained revealed that AgNP exposure produced a highly cytotoxic effect and that the cytotoxic properties of AgMPs were lower compared to the other silver forms examined in our study. Although further research is needed regarding their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, AgNPs can be considered as potential agents that can be effectively used in GBM treatment due to their potent inhibitory effects.