Formulation and Characterization of Polyurethane Microstructures with Propolis Extract

Abstract

Propolis is a natural apicultural product derived from plant resins with impressive health benefits. Its major biologically active substances are barely soluble in water, but this could be increased by proper formulations.The aim of the present study was to obtain a transmembrane delivery system based on polyurethane microstructures for eight propolis samples collected from different regions of Western Romania and to characterize them by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); the assessed parameters were the particle size, the polydispersity index and their clustering tendency. Polyurethane polymers based on isophorone-diisocyanate and polyethylene glycol 200/ethylene glycol were chosen as carriers for the propolis extract. A perfect inclusion of propolis inside the structures was observed for half of the samples. Particle size ranged between 504 and 621 nm and was confirmed by the low stability against aggregation (Zeta potential: 16.3-19.8 mV). The polydispersity index was between 0.4 and 0.7.

Natural Additives Improving Polyurethane Antimicrobial Activity

“…At the histopathological analysis, revised skin growth and collagen deposition at the healed wound place of the PUR-HA/1% EEP sample in comparison with other groups was observed. The obtained results showed that 1 wt.% EEP enriched PUR-HA nanofibrous can be a sanguine material with substantial biocompatibility, wound healing, and antibacterial features for next biomedical uses [38,43,44].…”