Extraction technology and production process of propolis extract powder.

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Propolis Extract Powder

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1. Introduction to Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance that honeybees collect from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is a complex mixture with a rich composition. Propolis contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, esters, and terpenoids, which endow it with a variety of biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti - inflammatory properties. Due to these valuable properties, propolis has attracted increasing attention in the fields of medicine, food, and cosmetics, making the extraction of propolis to obtain Propolis Extract Powder a very important process.

2. Extraction Technologies of Propolis

2.1 Microwave - Assisted Extraction

Microwave - assisted extraction (MAE) is a relatively new extraction method for propolis. The working principle of MAE is based on the interaction between microwaves and the polar molecules in propolis. Microwaves can cause the polar molecules in propolis to rotate rapidly, generating heat through molecular friction. This internal heating process is very efficient, which can quickly increase the temperature of the extraction system.

The advantages of MAE are obvious. Firstly, it has a high extraction efficiency. Compared with traditional extraction methods, it can significantly shorten the extraction time. For example, in a traditional Soxhlet extraction, it may take several hours to complete the extraction, while MAE can complete the extraction in a much shorter time, usually within tens of minutes. Secondly, MAE can improve the extraction yield. The rapid heating and uniform heating characteristics of microwaves can make more active ingredients in propolis be extracted. However, MAE also has some limitations. For example, the equipment cost is relatively high, and the extraction process needs to be carefully controlled to avoid over - heating, which may cause the degradation of some active ingredients.

2.2 Ultrasonic - Assisted Extraction

Ultrasonic - assisted extraction (UAE) is another effective extraction method for propolis. UAE utilizes ultrasonic waves to disrupt the cell walls of propolis and enhance the mass transfer process. When ultrasonic waves are applied to the extraction system, they create alternating high - pressure and low - pressure regions, which are known as cavitation bubbles. These cavitation bubbles grow and then collapse violently, generating strong shock waves and micro - jets.

The shock waves and micro - jets can break the cell walls of propolis, releasing the active ingredients inside the cells into the extraction solvent. UAE has several advantages. It can improve the extraction rate by effectively breaking the cell structure. Moreover, it is a relatively mild extraction method, which can reduce the damage to the active ingredients compared with some harsh extraction methods. However, like MAE, UAE also needs to optimize the extraction parameters such as ultrasonic power, extraction time, and solvent - to - sample ratio to ensure the best extraction effect.

3. Production Process of Propolis Extract Powder

3.1 Propolis Collection

The production of Propolis Extract Powder starts from propolis collection in beehives. Beekeepers usually use special collection tools to collect propolis. Propolis is often found on the frames, walls, and entrances of beehives. Beekeepers need to carefully remove the propolis without disturbing the normal life of honeybees.

3.2 Pretreatment of Propolis

After collection, the propolis needs to be pretreated. The first step is to remove impurities such as bee debris, wax, and dirt from the propolis. This can be done by physical methods such as filtration or centrifugation. Then, the propolis may be ground into smaller particles to increase the surface area for subsequent extraction.

3.3 Extraction

Depending on the production scale and requirements, either microwave - assisted extraction or ultrasonic - assisted extraction can be chosen. During the extraction process, an appropriate extraction solvent needs to be selected. Ethanol is a commonly used solvent because it can dissolve many active ingredients in propolis effectively. The extraction process needs to control parameters such as temperature, time, and solvent - to - sample ratio. For example, in microwave - assisted extraction, the microwave power may be set at a certain level, and the extraction time may be adjusted according to the characteristics of propolis and the desired extraction yield.

3.4 Filtration and Concentration

After extraction, the extract needs to be filtered to remove insoluble substances such as cell debris. Filtration can be carried out using filter papers, membrane filters, or other filtration devices. Then, the filtrate is concentrated to reduce the volume of the solvent. Concentration can be achieved by methods such as rotary evaporation under reduced pressure. This step is important to increase the concentration of active ingredients in the extract.

3.5 Drying

The concentrated extract is then dried to obtain propolis extract powder. Drying methods include spray drying and freeze - drying. Spray drying is a common method in industrial production. In spray drying, the concentrated extract is sprayed into a hot air stream, and the solvent is rapidly evaporated, leaving behind fine powder particles. Freeze - drying, on the other hand, is a more gentle drying method. It freezes the extract first and then sublimates the ice directly to vapor under low pressure, which can better preserve the activity of the active ingredients but is more costly.

4. Quality Assurance and Standardization in the Production Process

Quality assurance and standardization are crucial throughout the production process of propolis extract powder. Firstly, the raw propolis should meet certain quality standards. Beekeepers should ensure that the propolis is collected from clean and unpolluted sources. During the pretreatment process, strict control should be exercised to ensure that impurities are effectively removed.

In the extraction process, the extraction parameters should be optimized and standardized. For example, the type and concentration of the extraction solvent, the extraction temperature, and time should be strictly controlled according to the established standards. This helps to ensure the consistency of the extraction yield and the quality of the extract.

During filtration, concentration, and drying, quality control measures should also be implemented. For filtration, the pore size of the filter should be appropriate to ensure that insoluble substances are completely removed. In concentration, the degree of concentration should be monitored to avoid over - concentration or under - concentration. In drying, the drying conditions should be optimized to ensure that the obtained propolis extract powder has good powder properties such as good flowability and low moisture content.

Moreover, final product inspection is essential. The propolis extract powder should be tested for its active ingredient content, microbiological quality, and heavy metal content. Only products that meet the relevant quality standards can be released to the market.

FAQ:

What is the unique composition of propolis that makes it worthy of extraction?

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from various plant sources. It contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds. These include flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and various other minor components. Flavonoids, for example, are known for their antioxidant, anti - inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The presence of these diverse and potentially beneficial compounds makes propolis worthy of extraction as the extract can be used in various applications such as in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

How does microwave - assisted extraction work in propolis extraction?

Microwave - assisted extraction is a modern extraction technique. In the case of propolis, microwaves are used to heat the extraction solvent and the propolis sample simultaneously. The microwaves cause the molecules in the solvent and the propolis to vibrate rapidly. This increased molecular motion leads to better penetration of the solvent into the propolis matrix, facilitating the release of the desired compounds. The heat generated also helps in breaking the bonds that hold the bioactive components within the propolis structure, allowing for more efficient extraction compared to traditional extraction methods.

What are the advantages of ultrasonic - assisted extraction in propolis extraction?

Ultrasonic - assisted extraction offers several advantages in propolis extraction. Firstly, the ultrasonic waves create cavitation bubbles in the extraction solvent. When these bubbles collapse, they generate intense local pressure and temperature changes. This helps in disrupting the cell walls of propolis and enhancing the mass transfer of the bioactive compounds from the propolis into the solvent. Secondly, it can reduce the extraction time compared to conventional methods. Additionally, it can often lead to a higher yield of the desired extract and may also help in preserving the integrity of the bioactive compounds.

What are the key points of quality assurance in the production process of propolis extract powder?

Quality assurance in the production of propolis extract powder is crucial. One key point is the source of propolis. It should be collected from clean and unpolluted environments to avoid contaminants. During the extraction process, the use of high - quality solvents and strict control of extraction parameters such as temperature, time, and solvent - to - sample ratio is essential. After extraction, purification steps need to be carefully carried out to remove any impurities. Testing for the presence and concentration of the main bioactive components is also necessary to ensure consistency and quality. Additionally, proper storage conditions of the final extract powder, such as in a cool, dry place, are important to maintain its quality over time.

How is propolis collected from beehives for the production of extract powder?

Propolis is collected from beehives by beekeepers using special tools. They carefully scrape the propolis from the frames, walls, and other parts of the hive where the bees have deposited it. The collection process needs to be done carefully to avoid disturbing the bees too much. Once collected, the propolis is usually stored in a clean and dry container until it is ready for further processing to produce the extract powder.

Related literature

• Title: Advanced Extraction Technologies for Propolis: A Review"
• Title: "Propolis Extract: From Beehive to Industrial Application - Production and Quality Control"
• Title: "Microwave - and Ultrasonic - Assisted Extraction of Propolis: Optimization and Bioactivity Evaluation"