Synthesis and characterization of edible apitherapeutic nanoemulsions

In recent years, apitherapeutic products have attracted attention due to their natural biological activities and potential in functional foods. The therapeutic effects of bee products stem from secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In this study, edible nanoemulsion systems based on these two important bee products were developed and characterized comprehensively. In the initial phase, formulations containing varying ratios of biotherapeutic raw materials and Tween 80 (TW80) were converted into nanoscale emulsions using ultrasonic probe homogenization. The obtained nanoemulsions were evaluated in terms of physicochemical parameters including pH, optical density, % transmittance, dye solubility, and spreadability; stability analyses were also performed to determine their temporal stability. Morphological examinations were conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed functional groups and possible interactions within the nanoemulsions. Biologically, the antioxidant activities of the formulations were assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method, and their anti-inflammatory potentials were evaluated via protein denaturation inhibition assays. Based on the results, the formulations with the highest biological activities were identified and optimization studies were carried out. Additionally, the phenolic contents of propolis and bee bread extracts were determined by HPLC analyses, identifying the active compounds responsible for the formulations' efficacy. The applied Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial assay also evaluated potential therapeutic effects against gastric ulcers. The findings indicate that propolis- and bee bread-based nanoemulsions possess significant potential for the development of functional food or pharmaceutical products, due to their biological activities and physicochemical properties. Alongside high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, minimal stability loss was demonstrated, and the optimized conditions emphasize the principle of minimum raw material use with maximum yield.