Unlocking the Full Potential of Green Propolis: A Novel Extraction Approach Using Eutectic Solvents for Improved Phenolic Compound Recovery

Author(s)

Contieri, LeticiaS. ; Ribeiro, Tania B. ; Sosa, Filipe H. B. ; Vaz, Barbara M. C. ; Pizani, Rodrigo S. ; Pintado, Manuela ; Ventura, Sonia P. M. ; Mesquita, Leonardo M. de Souza ; Rostagno, Mauricio A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING; v. 11, n. 36, p. 13-pg., 2023-08-25.

Abstract

Propolis is highly diverse and has various health benefits for humans. However, standardizing propolis-based products for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries is challenging. Efficient extraction processes are essential to maximize their biological potential. Ethanol is commonly used as a solvent but has several drawbacks, such as residual flavor and limitations for some individuals. Water is an alternative, but it is not as effective as ethanol. In this context, new strategies are being explored to find an alternative to ethanol and improve water's performance as a solvent. To this end, a new extraction platform of phenolic compounds from Brazilian green propolis using eutectic solvents was developed. Betaine: citric acid (1:2) with 50 wt % of water was found to be the most efficient solvent, with a yield of extraction around 100 mg(polyphenol) g(propolis) (-1) under optimum conditions with an ultrasound-assisted extraction approach (UAE). In vitro biological assays were performed to evaluate the potential of this new extract, mainly regarding antioxidant, antihypertensive, lipase inhibition, and antimicrobial activity. Our results indicate that the eutectic solvent selected in the extraction process enhances the biological potential of the green propolis extract, opening the doors for the development of semi-finished products active against inflammation biological pathways. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11022-1 - Integrated biorefinery of agricultural wastes to obtain natural dyes and value-added bioactive compounds
• Grantee: Leonardo Mendes de Souza Mesquita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 18/14582-5 - Development of a two-dimensional extraction, separation and analysis system for evaluating the bioactivity of phytochemicals
• Grantee: Maurício Ariel Rostagno
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2
• FAPESP's process: 20/08421-9 - Application of non-volatile alternative solvents to create sustainable two-dimensional and integrated platforms for harnessing agro-industrial waste from jaboticaba and pomegranate fruits
• Grantee: Leonardo Mendes de Souza Mesquita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/13496-0 - Multi user equipment approved in grant 2018/14582-5: ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system (UHPLC), composed by a quaternary pump, autoinjector, oven with selection valve and detector (PDA)
• Grantee: Maurício Ariel Rostagno
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 20/03623-2 - Extraction and separation of phenolic compounds from green propolis by a bidimensional system
• Grantee: Letícia Sanches Contieri
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/11023-8 - Development of sustainable methods for propolis extracts by the application of non-volatile alternative solvents
• Grantee: Letícia Sanches Contieri
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/04067-6 - Evaluation of ultrasound-assisted pressurized fluid extraction coupled with solid phase extraction for extracting phenolic compounds and terpenes from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Grantee: Rodrigo Stein Pizani
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)