Development and evaluation of capsules loaded with red propolis extract and metallic nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method
I. Rodrigues, Jéssica Maria Pereira, Lívia Maria Santos de Lima, Kathleen Gomes Lins Silva, M. R. Silva, Valdemir da Costa Silva, Salvana Priscylla Manso Costa, Ticiano Gomes do Nascimento, Adeildo Júnior de Oliveira, Johnnatan Duarte de Freitas, Jeniffer Mclaine Duarte de Freitas, Allisson Benatti Justino, Foued Salmen Espíndola, Irinaldo Diniz Basílio Júnior, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva
Abstract
Red propolis extract (RPE) is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential in humans due to its high antioxidant activity. However, external factors such as light, humidity, and temperature can compromise the efficacy of RPE, making technological innovations to improve its stability necessary. One of the innovative approaches is encapsulation through ionic gelation, a cost-effective and easily reproducible method. In this study, an ionic gelation method was used to develop microcapsules containing RPE, along with ZnO and ZnOAg nanoparticles. Six formulations were prepared and then their effectiveness and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The microcapsules were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Formulations containing RPE and RPE with ZnO nanoparticles showed the best results. The presence of nanoparticles led to an increase in the concentration of propolis in the formulations, as evidenced by the encapsulation efficiency ranging from 92% to 95%. Notably, the encapsulation technique ensured the preservation of the chemical characteristics of the compound, as revealed by ATR-FTIR analysis, as well as good thermal stability. Overall, the ionic gelation encapsulation technique proved to be effective and efficient, successfully encapsulating red propolis and nanoparticles while retaining their properties. This innovative approach has significant potential for enhancing the stability and therapeutic efficacy of RPE-based formulations.