Nanostructured Propolis Microemulsion for Solubility and Bioavailability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of propolis extracts is limited due to low bioavailability, low water solubility, strong odor, and the presence of alcohol in formulations, which hinders its widespread application in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and veterinary areas.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructured lipid microemulsion formulation is developed using green or Brazilian red propolis extract, encapsulating a high content of propolis in an aqueous medium without organic solvents, enhancing bioavailability and stability through nanotechnology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propolis extract is used in conventional formulations, then it provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, but it has low water solubility and low bioavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state and solubility characteristics of propolis extract through nanoencapsulation. The extract is converted into nanoscale particles or encapsulated within nanocarriers, fundamentally changing its dissolution behavior and bioavailability parameters without altering its chemical composition. This enables the hydrophobic propolis compounds to be delivered in aqueous environments with enhanced absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite material systems where propolis extract is combined with nanocarriers or dispersing agents to form stable aqueous formulations. These composite structures integrate the active propolis compounds with auxiliary materials that provide solubility enhancement, resulting in a synergistic system that overcomes the inherent solubility limitations of pure propolis extract.
2Reliability
If propolis extract is used in conventional formulations, then it provides therapeutic activities, but it has strong odor characteristic of propolis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating the active therapeutic components of propolis from the compounds responsible for its strong odor. Through selective extraction methods and nanoencapsulation, the formulation separates desirable pharmacological agents from undesirable sensory attributes, allowing therapeutic activity to be maintained while odor is minimized or eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses nanoscale shells or film structures to encapsulate propolis extract, creating a physical barrier that masks the strong odor while allowing therapeutic compounds to remain active. These flexible nanoscale enclosures protect the internal contents from sensory detection while maintaining biological functionality.
3Reliability
If propolis extract is used in conventional formulations, then it provides biological activities, but the presence of alcohol in the final formulation hinders widespread application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the formulation parameter of solvent type by replacing alcohol-based extraction systems with water-compatible nanodispersion systems. This parameter transformation maintains the extraction efficiency and biological activity of propolis compounds while eliminating the need for alcohol, thereby expanding the versatility and acceptability of the formulation for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications.
4Reliability
If nanostructured formulation is developed, then bioavailability and solubility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing nanosystems that automatically perform solubility enhancement and bioavailability improvement functions without requiring complex external delivery devices or sophisticated formulation processes. The nanocarriers or nanodispersion systems self-assemble or spontaneously form structures that enhance drug delivery, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing equipment or multi-step processing procedures.
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 nanostructured formulation improves the bioavailability, solubility, and stability of propolis extracts, enhancing antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral activities, including efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, with improved absorption and penetration properties.
Implementation Method 1
A nanostructured lipid microemulsion formulation is developed using green or Brazilian red propolis extract, encapsulating a high content of propolis in an aqueous medium without organic solvents
Implementation Method 2
enhancing bioavailability and stability through nanotechnology
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nanostructured aqueous formulation containing a high content of propolis extract, in particular green or Brazilian red propolis extract, for use in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and veterinary formulations. The bioactives present in the propolis extract are responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral activities, which are enhanced and protected by the encapsulation of the extract in the lipid nanostructure.