Study of the chemical variability of Brazilian propolis by mass spectrometry with isolation of bioactive compounds by counter current chromatography

• Grant number: 17/50035-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmacognosy
• Agreement: Brunel University London
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland Sawaya
• Grantee: Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland Sawaya
• Principal researcher abroad: Svetlana Ignatova
• Institution abroad: Brunel University, England
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/06215-4 - Study of the chemical variability of Brazilian propolis by mass spectrometry and the identification of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, AP.R

Abstract

Propolis is a resin used by bees for the protection of the hives, presenting a complex chemical composition which depends on the botanical ecology of each region. It is used by humanity since ancient times mainly due to its antiseptic and healing properties. Due to the ample diversity of native and introduced bee species found in Brazil, as well as the geographic and botanical variability, propolis with varied composition and therapeutic activity (antioxidant and antimicrobial) is found. However propolis is a complex matrix, composed of various plant resins plus bee-wax, so bioactive compounds are difficult to isolate by classical phytochemical and chromatographic methods. The aim of this project is to isolate the bioactive compounds from samples of Brazilian propolis by countercurrent chromatography (CCC). These compounds will be characterized by direct insertion mass spectrometry (fingerprinting) and then by ultra-high liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Their antioxidant activity and the antimicrobial activity will be evaluated. The present project foresees the exchange of researchers and material between Brunel and UNICAMP for isolation of compounds and their analysis, as well as for the presentation of seminars and short courses during these visits. The long-term objective is build a consortium of groups from both countries for to bring additional expertise and future project proposals. (AU)