Dichloromethane-Extract of Propolis (DEP) and DEP/PLA Electrospun Fiber Membranes

Abstract

Propolis is a waxy substance produced by the honeybee that has been used as a form of traditional medicine and natural medicine since ancient times. Propolis has a wide spectrum of alleged applications, including potential anti-infection and anti-cancer effects. The following paper used a propolis extract containing 90% ethanol solution, 70% ethanol solution, ligarine, and dichloromethane as solvents that extracted the bioactive components. The highest yield of the propolis was obtained via the 70% ethanol leaching method and dichloromethane immersion stirring method. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis proved that the extracted propolis with dichloromethane had the highest methylene content and the maximum types of effective propolis components. A Propolis/PLA electrospinning solution was prepared by adding PLA powder into the supernatant of the dichloromethane-extract of propolis (DEP) directly, with there being no need for purification of the propolis extract and thus reducing the loss of active ingredients. DEP/PLA nanofibre was prepared via the electrospinning process, where it was found that with additional 4% PLA, the final electrospun fibre membrane was stabilised. tStudy of the antibacterial performance of the DEP/PLA electrospun membrane showed that the membrane affected some of the antibacterial properties. It was particularly effective when inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus, but not as effective when inhibiting Escherichia coli. This electrostatic spinning membrane could be used for food preservation, wound healing, and tissue engineering.