Nano-Propolis: Ultrasonic Extraction and Nano-Sizing

Nanopropolis and propolis-loaded nanocarriers prepared by sonication represent a significant advancement for the therapeutic potential of propolis. Ultrasonic nano-sizing of propolis addresses critical formulation challenges, delivering enhanced solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Its scalability and versatility make sonication a valuable tool for both scientific research and commercial applications. Learn more about Hielscher sonicators for propolis-based nano-formulations.

Propolis Remedies – Ultrasonic Extraction and Encapsulation of Nano Propolis

Ultrasonic extraction stands out as the preferred method for efficiently obtaining high-quality propolis extracts. Beyond extraction, sonication also facilitates the creation of nanopropolis. The ultrasonic encapsulation of nanopropolis and propolis-loaded nanocarriers provides notable benefits, including enhanced bioavailability, improved stability, and expanded application potential. Hielscher sonicators help you to use the full therapeutic potential of propolis.

Ultrasonic Extraction of Propolis

Ultrasonic extraction, commonly referred to as sonication, utilizes high-intensity ultrasound waves to agitate the medium containing propolis. This process facilitates the release of bioactive compounds from the propolis into the solvent, ensuring their availability for integration into various remedies and care products. The key steps include:

1. Preparation of Propolis:
   Clean raw propolis to remove impurities such as wax and debris.
   Crush or grind the propolis into smaller particles to increase the surface area for extraction.
2. Selection of Solvent:
   Ethanol and aqueous ethanol are the most commonly used solvents. We recommend 70% aqueous ethanol.
3. Sonication:
   Place the prepared propolis and solvent mixture in a glass beaker and prepare your probe-type sonicator, e.g. the UP200Ht with sonotrode/probe S26d14.
   Set parameters such as amplitude, power, temperature (preferably below 40°C to prevent degradation), and duration (10-30 minutes). Use temperature sensor and the temperature control in the menu settings of your sonicator.
4. Filtration and Concentration:
   Filter the extract to remove solid residues.
   Concentrate the extract under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator, if needed.
5. Storage:
   Store the extract in amber-colored containers at low temperatures to prevent oxidation.

Find the detailed instruction for crafting a propolis tincture with the UP400ST sonicator here!

Ultrasonic Propolis Extraction using the Hielscher UP400St Sonicator
Study and image: ©Elkhateeb et al., 2022.

Ultrasonic Preparation of Nano-Propolis

Ultrasonic nanopropolis preparation utilizes high-intensity ultrasound waves to generate acoustic cavitation — the rapid formation and collapse of bubbles in a liquid medium. Ultrasonic nano-sizing and encapsulation breaks down larger propolis particles into nano-sized particles and loads them into nanocarriers such as liposomes or solid-lipid nanoparticles. The general steps in ultrasonic preparation include:

1. Dissolution and Mixing: Raw propolis is first dissolved in a suitable solvent, often ethanol, to extract its active components. The solution is then mixed with stabilizers or surfactants, such as polysorbates or lecithin, to prevent agglomeration.
2. Ultrasonication: The prepared mixture is subjected to ultrasonic waves using a probe or bath sonicator. The energy generated during cavitation reduces the particle size of propolis, forming nano-propolis with uniform distribution.
3. Purification and Drying: The resulting nano-propolis is purified to remove residual solvents and may be further processed using freeze-drying or spray-drying to obtain a stable powder form.
4. Encapsulation (Optional): To create propolis-loaded nanocarriers, nano-propolis can be encapsulated in delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, or solid lipid nanoparticles. Ultrasonic encapsulation is a simple method to load nano-propolis into a nano-carrier (e.g. liposomes, niosomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles) for improved bioavailability.

The table below gives you an indication of the approximate processing capacity of our ultrasonicators:

Ultrasonic extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from propolis: The picture shows the probe-type ultrasonicator UP400ST, a Büchi vacuum filter and rotor-evaporator for the extraction of propolis.

Design, Manufacturing and Consulting – Quality Made in Germany

Hielscher ultrasonicators are well-known for their highest quality and design standards. Robustness and easy operation allow the smooth integration of our ultrasonicators into industrial facilities. Rough conditions and demanding environments are easily handled by Hielscher ultrasonicators.

Hielscher Ultrasonics is an ISO certified company and put special emphasis on high-performance ultrasonicators featuring state-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness. Of course, Hielscher ultrasonicators are CE compliant and meet the requirements of UL, CSA and RoHs.