Propolis Extraction Using Acid Regulators and Solvents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting propolis for human consumption are inadequate due to temperature exposure and acid-base addition, leading to degradation and low bioavailability, resulting in products with incorrect labeling and insufficient extraction methods that fail to preserve the beneficial components of propolis.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of specific solvents like ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and fruit juices, combined with acid regulators like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, to extract propolis, followed by shaking, degassing, centrifugation, and analysis to achieve high bioavailability and flavonoid content, ensuring the product's stability and effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If temperature exposure and acid-base addition are used in propolis extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but propolis degradation occurs and bioavailability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidpropolis stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the extraction parameters by using room temperature (20-25°C) instead of high temperature, and using acid regulators (pH 2-3) instead of strong acids and bases. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining extraction efficiency through optimized pH control while preventing propolis degradation and preserving bioavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If raw propolis is used directly, then the product contains all natural components, but bioavailability is only 2% due to impurities and undigested components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural component preservationVSAvoidbioavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts beneficial components from raw propolis using room temperature extraction with acid regulators, separating active ingredients from impurities and undigested components like wax. This resolves the contradiction by removing harmful substances while preserving natural beneficial components, achieving both purification and high bioavailability (over 90%).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary processing of raw propolis by crumbling it to increase surface area before extraction. This preliminary action enhances the efficiency of subsequent extraction while maintaining the natural composition of beneficial components and improving bioavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If commercial extraction methods are used, then production is simplified, but the propolis content information on labels is incorrect and antioxidant capacity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidpropolis content accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates antioxidant capacity analysis and phenolic-flavonoid matter analysis as feedback mechanisms to monitor and ensure extraction quality. This resolves the contradiction by providing objective measurement of propolis content and antioxidant capacity, ensuring accurate labeling while maintaining a relatively simple production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method results in a high bioavailability propolis extract with enhanced antioxidant and beneficial biological activities, suitable for use in food, health, and cosmetics industries, preserving the natural properties of propolis and ensuring accurate labeling and effective product composition.

Implementation Method 1

mixing the crumbled propolis with a solvent material selected from the group consisting of ethyl alcohol, propylen glycol, glycerol, mixture of ultrapure water:mineral water, olive oil, almond oil, linseed oil, fish oil, pomegranate juice, orange juice, beetroot juice, grape juice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

centrifuging the degassed solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS11564952B2Water-soluble and water-insoluble propolis products with high antioxidant capacity and their production methods
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SBS BILIMSEL BIO COZUMLER SANAYI VE TICARET AS

AI summary

Disclosed are propolis products suitable for use in various industries such as food, health and cosmetics where propolis, which promote various beneficial biological activities in addition to having antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anesthetic affects, is extracted correctly to offer it a form suitable for human consumption and with the highest bioavailability, where it is fast and easy to consume. Also disclosed is a method of production thereof.