Analysis of the composition of samples of red brazilian propolis by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-ESI-MS) and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Author(s)

Begoña Gimenez Cassina Lopez

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2014-04-02

Examining board members

Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland Sawaya; Maria Cristina Marcucci Ribeiro; Marcelo Lancellotti

• Advisor: Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland Sawaya

Abstract

The word, propolis is of Greek origin: pro means in defense of and polis means community. Propolis is used by bees to strengthen the hive walls and cover the inner walls for its antimicrobial activity. The chemical composition of propolis varies depending on the biodiversity and geographic origin. Red propolis from the north and northeast of Brazil shows promising biological activity: antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiobesity, antipsoriasic and hepatoprotective effects. The chemical composition of red propolis reported in literature seems to vary qualitatively and quantitatively, even between samples collected in the same region. This may be due to seasonal variations, the flora directly around the hives or differences in the analytical methods. Most of the compounds already identified can be analyzed by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and liquid chromatography. These compounds of medium and high polarity (phenolics, flavonoids and benzophenones) are responsible for most of the biological activities reported. Ultra efficient liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) is a modern, fast and sensitive method. It allows the characterization of the chemical profile of the samples and determines their qualitative composition, by comparison of the mass spectra (MS/MS) of the compounds with data from literature. Therefore it is the most adequate tool to evaluate the composition of complex matrixes such as propolis. The comparison of the chemical profile of diverse red propolis samples and evaluation of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities allow us to identify the compounds responsible for these activities, indicate the marker compounds and define if there is one type, or several types, of red propolis (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/03091-4 - Analysis of the composition of samples of red Brazilian propolis by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and ultra high efficiency liquid chromatography (UPLC-ESI-MS) and evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
• Grantee: Begona Gimenez-Cassina Lopez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master