Preparation and characterization of nano-antioxidant via ionically cross-linked propolis nanoparticles with chitosan polymer as a carrier

This study aimed to preparation and characterization of nano propolis by encapsulating propolis extract with Chitosan (CS) using ionic gelation method to produce Chitosan-propolis Nanoparticles (Cs-Pr NPS). Propolis is well known as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, but its clinical efficacy is limiting due to poor water solubility, to overcome these challenges, nanoencapsulation technology has been used to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM, XRD and AFM analysis were applied to confirm success of nano-formulation and structural integrity of nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirms the preservation of biologically active components, as absorption peaks corresponding to flavonoid and phenolic compounds, FTIR showed presence of hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (C=O) functional groups of propolis and nanopropolis, FESEM of nanopropolis show smooth spherical with size between (35-51nm), XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the Cs-Pr NPs. In addition to AFM confirm well dispersed nanoparticles with spherical morphology and smooth surface.