Oral Films Printed with Green Propolis Ethanolic Extract

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Oral films (OFs) offer convenient administration and enhanced systemic absorption.
• Chitosan is a common polymer for OFs, but active compound stability requires further investigation.
• Propolis, a natural compound with diverse bioactivities, is suitable for incorporation into drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize chitosan-based oral films incorporating propolis using printing techniques.
• To evaluate the structural, mechanical, and stability properties of the developed oral films.
• To assess the impact of ethanolic extract of green propolis (GPEE) concentration on oral film characteristics and activity.

Main Methods:

• Oral films were fabricated using chitosan and varying concentrations of GPEE via printing techniques.
• Characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), mechanical testing, disintegration time, and wettability.
• Stability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was monitored over time.

Main Results:

• The concentration of GPEE significantly influenced the physical and mechanical properties of the oral films.
• Oral film structure was analyzed using SEM and AFM.
• Propolis stability, including phenolic content and antioxidant activity, decreased within the first 20 days before stabilizing.

Conclusions:

• Printable oral films incorporating propolis can be successfully developed using chitosan.
• GPEE concentration is a critical factor affecting oral film properties.
• While initial stability challenges exist, propolis-loaded oral films demonstrate potential for therapeutic applications.