Development of sustainable methods for propolis extracts by the application of non-volatile alternative solvents

Abstract

Propolis is determined according to its physical-chemical characteristics, origin plant, bee species, and geographical origin. At least 300 organic compounds have already been identified in different propolis samples, which various articles biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory. With this, extracts with a high concentration of these compounds have been the target of research and industrial processes. This production must be carried out using techniques and conditions extraction to ensure the best use of the raw material, smaller costs, and good selectivity. Traditionally, ethanol solutions are the most used in extraction, which generates an alcohol-based product that is not well accepted in some cultures, such as Muslims and groups such as children, pregnant women, and not with intolerance or alcohol dependence. Also, there is currently a demand for sustainable development in production processes from natural products. Therefore, the search for new extraction methods to recover bioactive compounds from propolis becomes necessary to provide high-quality and sustainable products. Due to challenges, the current project of research the extraction of compounds from crude propolis using solvents non-volatile alternatives, ionic liquids (ILs) and eutectic solvents, and recycling of solvents after extraction. With the development of extraction processes and more sustainable purification, this project will also allow the study of new applications for the products chosen from propolis, which may become the basis for new products and materials, enabling the creation of wealth and employment.