Propolis-Based Hybrid Nanoflowers as Multifunctional Nanozymes: Structural Integration of Polyphenols for Enhanced...

Propolis is a polyphenol-rich natural resin with well-documented antioxidant activity; however, its practical application is restricted by poor aqueous solubility and limited stability. Herein, propolis-based organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (Prp-Nfs) were synthesized by integrating a propolis extract into a Cu₃(PO₄)₂·3H₂O matrix under mild aqueous conditions (0.8 mM Cu^{2 +}, pH 7.4, 25°C, 72 h). SEM and laser diffraction analyses confirmed the formation of uniform spherical Prp-Nfs with a relatively narrow size distribution. EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the formation of well-integrated organic-inorganic hybrid architecture arising from interactions between copper ions and propolis-derived functional groups. Functionally, Prp-Nfs exhibited markedly enhanced peroxidase-like activity, reaching 2.76 EU mg^{- 1} at pH 7.4 and 40°C, while retaining 58.1% of their initial activity after five reuse cycles. Despite a lower total phenolic content, Prp-Nfs demonstrated superior DPPH radical scavenging activity (94.4%) together with a substantial ABTS antioxidant capacity (475.6 µmol Trolox g^{- 1}). Overall, these findings identify Prp-Nfs as a propolis-based hybrid nanozyme platform that combines peroxidase-like catalytic activity with enhanced antioxidant functionality.