Propolis Colloidal Dispersion via Liposome-Cyclodextrin Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Propolis extraction and formulation face challenges due to decomposition of labile components, low yield of active components, bioavailability issues, and instability against environmental factors, particularly with the use of toxic solvents and synthetic carriers.

Innovation Solution

A combinatorial liposome-cyclodextrin system for simultaneous extraction and encapsulation of propolis components, using natural and non-toxic ingredients, enabling controlled release and enhanced bioavailability while protecting against oxidation and decomposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional extraction methods (soaking, high temperature, organic solvents) are used to increase extraction yield, then the concentration of active components is improved, but the labile components (polyphenols) decompose and quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction yieldVSAvoidcomponent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cyclodextrins as intermediary carriers that form inclusion complexes with polyphenolic compounds during extraction. This mediator protects the labile polyphenols from decomposition while enabling efficient extraction, resolving the contradiction between high yield and component stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the extraction parameters by using aqueous cyclodextrin solutions instead of conventional organic solvents or high-temperature methods. This parameter change enables extraction under mild conditions that preserve polyphenol integrity while achieving high extraction yield through the unique host-guest complexation mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If ethanol is used as extraction solvent to effectively extract active components, then extraction efficiency is improved, but skin irritation and local reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the harmful but effective ethanol solvent with a safe, biocompatible aqueous cyclodextrin system. This substitution uses a benign carrier that achieves effective extraction through inclusion complexation rather than solvent solubility, eliminating skin irritation while maintaining extraction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the limitation of aqueous systems (low solubility of polyphenols) into a benefit by using cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. The cyclodextrins provide enhanced solubility and stability in water-based systems, transforming the harmful effect of using water (poor extraction efficiency) into a beneficial feature (safe, effective extraction without ethanol toxicity)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If polyphenols are applied topically for antioxidant and immunostimulatory action, then therapeutic effect is improved, but they accumulate on corneal layer and penetration depth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidpenetration depth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested delivery system where polyphenolic compounds are encapsulated within cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, which are further incorporated into liposomal structures. This nested architecture enables deep skin penetration while protecting and releasing the active polyphenols at target sites, overcoming the corneal layer barrier

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Duration of action of moving object

If propolis extract is used for prolonged antimicrobial and antioxidant action, then duration of action is improved, but polyphenols oxidize, decompose and lose activity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of actionVSAvoidpolyphenol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating polyphenols into cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and liposomal structures before application. This pre-protection shields the polyphenols from oxidative degradation and decomposition during storage and application, maintaining their stability and activity over prolonged periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite delivery system combining cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with liposomal structures. This composite material provides enhanced protection against oxidation and decomposition while enabling controlled release, thereby extending the duration of action without sacrificing polyphenol stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system achieves high yield and encapsulation efficiency, providing stable, sustained release of propolis components with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunostimulatory effects, suitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, and is safe for topical use.

Implementation Method 1

the formation of inclusion complexes of bioactive substances in cyclodextrins provides advantages, such as an increase in water solubility, protection against oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Encapsulation of polyphenols in liposomes has also been used previously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiposomal encapsulation: Emulsion

Implementation Method 3

The interaction of the two carriers with the polyphenols of propolis ensures controlled and sustained release of the components of propolis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectControlled release: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

Another serious problem is the protection of polyphenols against physical, chemical and biological decomposition due to environmental factors. As it is known in the literature, polyphenols oxidize easily

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation protection: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3380081B1Method for preparing a stable controlled-release propolis colloidal dispersion system for various uses
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 APIVITA SA
  • EP3380081B1 patent drawing
  • EP3380081B1 patent drawing
  • EP3380081B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for preparing a stable controlled-release propolis colloidal dispersion system, wherein propolis -after being frozen for 24 hours- is micronized and then dispersed in the solvent system, which is under stirring and consists of deionized water at 25 °C and either natural 1,3-propanediol or glycerol at a mixture ratio 1,3-propanediol (or glycerol)/water from 15%/85% to 80%/20%, in which deionized water hydroxypropyl-β- cyclodextrin or β-cyclodextrin has been predissolved το 2-10% w/w, and as the propolis/cyclodextrin/solvents system is under intense stirring for 30-45 min at a temperature 20°C to 38°C, a liposomal suspension is added thereto at a ratio of 0.3 to 3.5% w/w, and stirring is performed for 1 to 4 hours under continuous measurement of the total content in polyphenols and of the encapsulation efficiency %, until the specific parameters reach the desired values so that the stirring process is ended and the colloidal system is filtrated through suitable filters, its pH is adjusted and the size of dispersed particles as well as the release rate of the polyphenols of propolis in a buffer solution at pH 7.2 and 37°C are measured and the colloidal system is stored in a dark-coloured container at a temperature of 5-7°C. The colloidal system is appropriate for use as cosmetic ingredient, food supplement, nutraceutical and as a component in functional foods. It is considered effective for antioxidant, angiogenic, photoprotective, antimicrobial and immunostimulant use.