Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose orally disintegration films produced by tape casting with the incorporation of green propolis ethanolic extract using the printing technique

Green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) is one of the most used compounds in folk medicine. Alternative dosage forms, such as orally disintegrating films (ODFs) and forms of incorporation of active principles, such as the printing technique, are arousing interest due to the possibility of producing personalized dosages and possible reduction of the degradation of compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green propolis standardized ethanol extract EPP-AF (R) (GPEE) incorporation on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using the printing technique (1-4 print layers). GPEE was characterized by propolis dry matter, total phenolics and flavonoids, HPLC chemical fingerprint, apparent viscosity, density, and surface tension. The ODFs with different numbers of printed layers were characterized in relation to color, moisture content, mechanical properties, structure, disintegration time, surface pH, stability, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity tests. GPEE showed properties similar to those observed for commercial inks. The number of printed layers affected film properties. ODFs demonstrated stability considering the chemical propolis biomarker selected for this evaluation. ODFs with GPEE showed anti-inflammatory activity, where a reduction of about 40% NO2- concentration against macrophage cells was found after adding one GPEE layer. As such, printing on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose oral films as a vehicle for green propolis ethanolic extract represents an interesting alternative to produce materials with controlled anti-inflammatory activity.

Automated summary

The effect of incorporating green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using the printing technique was evaluated in this study. The properties of the printed films were characterized and the results showed that the number of printed layers affected the film properties. The films with GPEE exhibited anti-inflammatory activity.