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Preparation and antimicrobial activity of gelatin microparticles containing propolis against oral pathogens
M L Bruschi1, E H G Lara, C H G Martins
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, FCFRP- USP, Av. Zeferino Vaz, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, CEP 1404-0903, Brazil. bruschimi@yahoo.com.br
Abstract:
Gelatin microparticles containing propolis ethanolic extractive solution were prepared by spray-drying technique. Particles with regular morphology, mean diameter ranging of 2.27 microm to 2.48 microm, and good entrapment efficiency for propolis were obtained. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of microparticles was evaluated against microorganisms of oral importance (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus casei). The utilized techniques were diffusion in agar and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. The choice of the method to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of microparticles showed be very important. The microparticles displayed activity against all tested strains of similar way to the propolis, showing greater activity against the strains of E. salivarius, S. sanguinis, S. mitis, and C. albicans.
Insights
Gelatin microparticles effectively encapsulate propolis, demonstrating significant antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. These propolis microparticles show promise for oral health applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Technology
Background:
- Propolis, a natural resin, possesses known antimicrobial properties beneficial for oral health.
- Developing effective delivery systems for propolis is crucial for enhancing its therapeutic potential in oral care.
- Gelatin microparticles offer a biocompatible matrix for encapsulating active compounds like propolis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize gelatin microparticles loaded with propolis ethanolic extract.
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of these propolis-loaded microparticles against key oral microorganisms.
- To assess the suitability of spray-drying technique for producing propolis-loaded microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin microparticles loaded with propolis ethanolic extract were fabricated using spray-drying.
- Particle morphology and size were analyzed using microscopy and dynamic light scattering.
- In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed via agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.
- Tested microorganisms included *Enterococcus faecalis*, *Streptococcus* species, *Candida albicans*, and *Lactobacillus casei*.
Main Results:
- Spray-drying yielded gelatin microparticles with regular morphology and a mean diameter between 2.27-2.48 micrometers.
- High entrapment efficiency for propolis within the microparticles was achieved.
- The microparticles exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against all tested oral microorganisms, comparable to free propolis.
- Enhanced activity was observed against *Enterococcus salivarius*, *Streptococcus sanguinis*, *Streptococcus mitis*, and *Candida albicans*.
Conclusions:
- Gelatin microparticles are a viable and effective carrier for propolis ethanolic extract, suitable for oral applications.
- The spray-drying method is effective for producing propolis-loaded microparticles with desirable characteristics.
- These propolis-loaded microparticles demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for managing oral microbial infections.
