Propolis Nanocapsule Production via Solvent Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing propolis nanoparticles are energy-intensive and can alter the functionality of active principles due to high temperatures and degradation, limiting their industrial scalability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A process involving solvent displacement or emulsion formation techniques to create propolis nanoparticles, with controlled homogenization and optional solvent removal, allowing for the modulation of particle size and improved stability of active compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional techniques (supersonic stirring, high-energy homogenization) are used to produce propolis nanoparticles, then particle formation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and active principles may be degraded due to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-energy mechanical homogenization systems (supersonic stirrers, high-speed homogenizers) with a chemical self-assembly process. Propolis molecules spontaneously organize into nanoparticles through solvent evaporation and molecular self-organization, eliminating the need for energy-intensive mechanical disruption while maintaining effective particle formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The propolis system performs self-assembly into nanoparticles without external mechanical intervention. The molecules naturally organize themselves into structured assemblies as the solvent evaporates, with the propolis itself driving the nanoparticle formation process rather than requiring external energy input.
2Productivity
If conventional techniques (supersonic stirring, high-energy homogenization) are used to produce propolis nanoparticles, then particle formation is achieved, but functionality of active principles may be altered due to high temperatures and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-energy mechanical homogenization systems (supersonic stirrers, high-speed homogenizers) with a chemical self-assembly process. Propolis molecules spontaneously organize into nanoparticles through solvent evaporation and molecular self-organization, eliminating the need for energy-intensive mechanical disruption while maintaining effective particle formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The propolis system performs self-assembly into nanoparticles without external mechanical intervention. The molecules naturally organize themselves into structured assemblies as the solvent evaporates, with the propolis itself driving the nanoparticle formation process rather than requiring external energy input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If propolis is used as encapsulating agent, then controlled release and new routes of application are enabled, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propolis system performs self-assembly into nanoparticles without external mechanical intervention. The molecules naturally organize themselves into structured assemblies as the solvent evaporates, with the propolis itself driving the nanoparticle formation process rather than requiring external energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls nanoparticle formation by adjusting simple parameters such as solvent type, concentration, and evaporation conditions rather than complex mechanical processing parameters. This allows controlled release properties to be achieved through straightforward compositional adjustments.
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 process enables the production of stable propolis nanoparticles with controlled release properties, enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of associated substances while reducing energy consumption and maintaining the integrity of active ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
A process involving solvent displacement or emulsion formation techniques to create propolis nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
A process involving solvent displacement or emulsion formation techniques to create propolis nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
controlled homogenization and optional solvent removal, allowing for the modulation of particle size and improved stability of active compounds
Implementation Method 4
evaporation of the solvent from the nanodispersion results in a nanopowder product
Data Source
AI summary
A process for obtaining compositions constituted by propolis nanoparticles is disclosed. The nanoparticles are optionally associated to a substance of interest such as active ingredients, and, optionally, substances of secondary effect such as synergists and adjuvants. The process includes preparing a fraction A, which consists of propolis extract dissolved in an organic solvent, to which stabilizer and/or emulsifier may be added, and, optionally, substances of interest and/or of secondary effect; ii) preparing a fraction B, aqueous phase, constituted by: (ii.1) water; or (ii.2) an aqueous solution or dispersion, to which stabilizer and/or emulsifier may be added; (iii) dropping the fraction A onto the fraction B or vice versa; iv) homogenizing the mixture by stirring and spontaneous formation of nanoparticles with average size from 1 to 1000 nm in a dispersion; and v) optionally (v-1) removing organic solvent and/or (v-2) drying the nanodispersion.