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Encapsulation of bioactive compounds for the development of new technologies is a promising approach, especially in the context of advanced materials for biomedical, food, and industrial applications. However, one of the main challenges lies in ensuring that these bioactive compounds maintain their stability and efficacy over time. Factors such as degradation, loss of bioactivity, or interaction with the polymer encapsulation matrix can affect the bioactive properties. In addition, controlling the release of the bioactive to maintain its therapeutic or functional properties is another key hurdle to overcome. These difficulties make research in this field particularly complex, and new strategies are needed to protect and optimize the functionality of the encapsulated compounds.
Among the various technologies for encapsulating bioactive compounds, electrospinning stands out as a promising alternative. This technology enables the production of fibers with controllable diameters, ranging from nanometers to micrometers, with high surface area and porosity, which are ideal properties for efficient bioactive encapsulation. In addition, fibers produced by electrospinning have the advantage of gradually releasing the encapsulated compound, facilitating controlled release, which is essential for maintaining the bioactivity and stability of the material. This versatility, coupled with the ability to tune the fiber composition and release behavior, makes electrospinning a powerful tool for the development of advanced technologies for various applications, such as biomaterials and smart packaging.
The main point of this paper
Advances in electrospinning technology:
The research team has made significant progress in encapsulating natural bioactive compounds through electrospinning technology.
Encapsulation of bioactive compounds:
Carotenoid-rich pitanga extract and natural pigments such as c-phycocyanin, anthocyanins and carotenoids were successfully encapsulated in nanofibers, retaining their bioactivity.
Applications of propolis:
As a bioactive substance with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and immunostimulatory properties, propolis is used to bind biomaterials, especially biopolymers.
Factors affecting propolis composition:
The efficacy and compatibility of propolis are affected by factors such as the type of extract and the biomaterial used.
Chemical composition of propolis:
The main components of propolis include balsams and resins, fatty acids, waxes, aromatic compounds, pollen and organic/mineral compounds, among which phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are related to the bioactivity of propolis.
Potential of propolis in electrospun nanofibers:
Studies have reported the potential of propolis in the production of electrospun nanofibers, especially in wound dressing nanofibers.
Strategic Significance of Composite Materials:
Manufacturing composite materials containing bioactive compounds has important strategic value in biomedical, food and industrial applications.
Challenges:
Stability, bioactivity retention and controlled release are the main challenges in developing such composite materials.
Advantages of Electrospinning Technology:
Electrospinning technology is an effective method for encapsulating bioactive compounds due to its high surface area, porosity and gradual release.
Potential of Propolis:
Propolis has great potential as a natural biopolymer component with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Extract Analysis:
In this study, the composition and antioxidant activity of three commercial propolis extracts were analyzed to select the most suitable extract.
Safe Polymer Matrix:
Zein and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were selected as the materials for the production of fiber composites, both of which are considered safe.
The results of this study confirmed the feasibility of preparing propolis-based composites with macroscopic film properties and microscopic fiber structures by electrospinning of zein and PEO polymer solutions. Characterization tests showed that propolis was successfully incorporated into the composites and, more importantly, maintained its bioactivity after fiber formation. Samples PCa, PCb, and PCc showed little difference in structural features, as all composite samples were characterized by SEM, EDX, TGA, and FTIR analysis. However, they showed significant differences in antioxidant activity and concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids. Release testing was performed only on the PCc sample, as it showed the most promising bioactivity, showing significant release of the encapsulated contents within 18 to 24 h, indicating that the ingredient can be released effectively and controllably. Although propolis extracts have high applicability and benefits in product synthesis, their thermal instability remains a challenge. Although thermogravimetric analysis showed some improvement in thermal stability during electrospinning, further improvements are needed to fully address this issue. The electrospinning technology for preparing propolis composites using zein and PEO as raw materials has broad application prospects in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. These results highlight the feasibility of these composites in applications requiring gradual release of bioactive compounds, encouraging further exploration of their functional uses in different industries.
