Encapsulation of propolis extracts in aqueous formulations by using nanovesicles of lipid and poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid)

Bee propolis has been used in alternative medicine to treat various diseases. Due to its limited water solubility, it is often used in combination with alcohol solvents, causing skin irritation and immune response. To solve this, the new drug delivery system, based on the lipid nanodiscs of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphochline (DMPC) and poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSMA), were created in an aqueous media. At the excess polymer concentrations, the PSMA/DMPC complexation produced the very fine nanoparticles (18 nm). With the increased molar ratio of styrene to maleic acid (St/MA) in the copolymer structure, the lipid nanodisc showed the improved encapsulation efficiency (EE%), comparing to their corresponding aqueous formulations. The maximum value had reached to around 20% when using the 2:1 PSMA precursor. Based on the cytotoxicity test, these nanoparticles were considered to be non-toxic over the low dose administration region (<78 mu g/mL). Instead, they possessed the ability to promote the Vero cell growth. The new PSMA/DMPC nanovesicles could thus be used to improve aqueous solubility and therapeutic effects of poorly water-soluble drugs, thus extending their use in modern therapies. KEY MESSAGES circle New biomimetic approach for propolis encapsulation was developed with no use of organic solvent. circle Propolis antioxidants were recovered directly into water-soluble formats. circle The very fine lipid nanodiscs showed impressive shelf-life stability and tuneable drug-loading capacity.

Automated summary

Bee propolis, a natural substance used in alternative medicine, has limited water solubility which causes skin irritation and immune response when combined with alcohol solvents. To overcome this issue, researchers developed a new drug delivery system based on lipid nanodiscs, which showed improved encapsulation efficiency and non-toxicity in low doses. These nanodiscs can enhance the solubility and therapeutic effects of poorly water-soluble drugs.