Antibacterial Activity of Propolis-Embedded Zeolite Nanocomposites for Implant Application

Propolis in Dental Implantology: A Systematic Review of Its Effects and Benefits

Dental implants are widely recognized for their effectiveness in restoring missing teeth, yet their success is often compromised by infections or inadequate osseointegration. Propolis, a natural resinous substance with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, has emerged as a promising adjunct in dental implantology. This systematic review critically evaluates the current evidence on the incorporation of propolis into dental implants, focusing on its impact on antimicrobial efficacy, bone healing, and overall implant stability. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42024577122. The PRISMA diagram visually represented the search strategy, screening, and inclusion process. Two reviewers conducted a comprehensive literature search across five databases: PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review synthesized findings from 13 studies; in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, highlighting that propolis significantly enhances antibacterial and antifungal activities against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, thereby reducing the risk of peri-implant infections. Additionally, propolis promotes osseointegration by stimulating osteoblast activity and reducing inflammatory cytokine expression, leading to improved bone formation and implant stability. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of propolis further contribute to a favorable healing environment, enhancing the long-term success of dental implants. The systematic review underscores the potential of propolis as a safe, biocompatible, and effective material for improving dental implant outcomes. However, it also identifies the need for more extensive clinical trials to fully establish standardized protocols for propolis application in implantology. This review provides an overview of propolis's potential role in dental implants and suggests promising avenues for future research to optimize its benefits in clinical practice.

Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant effects of propolis nanoparticles and cinnamon nanostructures in preventive dentistry: Experimental and theoretical approaches

INTRODUCTION

Natural products such as green propolis and cinnamon have been used traditionally in medicine due to their medicinal value. Recently, interest has grown in developing nanotechnology-based approaches to enhance the biological activity of these compounds.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of macro-sized and nanostructured forms of green propolis and cinnamon against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The sonochemical method was used to synthesize green propolis nanoparticles (PNPs) and cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs). Their size was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering measurements, while they were compared with propolis (P) and cinnamon (C). The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test determined the antibacterial activity against S. mutans. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests (α = 0.05) were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, docking calculations were carried out to examine the potential of incorporating any new supplements or therapies into your routine.

RESULTS

The MIC were 5.46, 21.87, 21.87, and 175 g/L for PNPs, P, CNPs, and C groups, respectively. The PNPs exhibited the most significant antibacterial effect while C was weakest. About antioxidant activity, PNPs and P exhibited significant differences from other groups (P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively), while CNPs and C showed no significant difference between each other (P = 0.07). The docking calculations revealed a strong interaction between both nanoparticles and S. mutans. The binding energy of dihydroflavonols on propolis nanoparticles was -6.83 kcal/mol, indicating a stable connection.

Development, Physicochemical Properties, and Antibacterial Activity of Propolis Microcapsules

Propolis is a well-known natural antibacterial substance with various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, applications of propolis are limited due to its low water solubility. In this study, propolis microcapsules were developed with a core material of ethanol extract of propolis and shell materials of gum arabic and β-cyclodextrin using a spray-drying technique. The optional processing formula, particle size distribution, morphology, dissolution property, and antibacterial activity of propolis microcapsules were determined. The results showed that the optional processing obtained an embedding rate of 90.99% propolis microcapsules with an average particle size of 445.66 ± 16.96 nm. The infrared spectrogram and thermogravimetric analyses showed that propolis was embedded in the shell materials. The propolis microcapsules were continuously released in water and fully released on the eighth day, and compared to propolis, the microcapsules exhibited weaker antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of propolis microcapsules against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 0.15 and 1.25 mg/mL, and their minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were 0.3 and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. This water-soluble propolis microcapsule shows the potential for use as a sustained-release food additive, preservative, or drug.

Propolis Controlled Delivery Systems for Oral Therapeutics in Dental Medicine: A Systematic Review

This systematic review synthesizes the existing evidence in the literature regarding the association of propolis with controlled delivery systems (DDSs) and its potential therapeutic action in dental medicine. Two independent reviewers performed a literature search up to 1 June 2023 in five databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase, to identify the eligible studies. Clinical, in situ, and in vitro studies that investigated the incorporation of propolis as the main agent in DDSs for dental medicine were included in this study. Review articles, clinical cases, theses, dissertations, conference abstracts, and studies that had no application in dentistry were excluded. A total of 2019 records were initially identified. After carefully examining 21 full-text articles, 12 in vitro studies, 4 clinical, 1 animal model, and 3 in vivo and in vitro studies were included (n = 21). Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed qualitatively. The use of propolis has been reported in cariology, endodontics, periodontics, stomatology, and dental implants. Propolis has shown non-cytotoxic, osteoinductive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, propolis can be released from DDS for prolonged periods, presenting biocompatibility, safety, and potential advantage for applications in dental medicine.

Promising Role of Polylactic Acid as an Ingenious Biomaterial in Scaffolds, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, and Medical Implants: Research Developments, and Prospective Applications

In the present scenario, the research is now being focused on the naturally occurring polymers that can gradually replace the existing synthetic polymers for the development of bio composites having applications in medical surgeries and human implants. With promising mechanical properties and bio compatibility with human tissues, poly lactic acid (PLA) is now being viewed as a future bio material. In order to examine the applicability of PLA in human implants, the current article sheds light on the synthesis of PLA and its various copolymers used to alter its physical and mechanical properties. In the latter half, various processes used for the fabrication of biomaterials are discussed in detail. Finally, biomaterials that are currently in use in the field of biomedical (Scaffolding, drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical implants, derma, cosmetics, medical surgeries, and human implants) are represented with respective advantages in the sphere of biomaterials.

From propolis to nanopropolis: An exemplary journey and a paradigm shift of a resinous substance produced by bees

Propolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees is poised with diverse biological activities. Owing to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes, propolis has garnered versatile applications in pharmaceutical industry. The biopharmaceutical issues associated with propolis often beset its use as being too hydrophobic in nature; it is not absorbed in the body well. To combat the problem, various nanotechnological approaches for the development of novel drug delivery systems are generally applied to improve its bioavailability. This paradigm shift and transition of conventional propolis to nanopropolis are evident from the literature wherein a multitude of studies are available on nanopropolis with improved bioavailability profile. These approaches include preparation of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, liquid crystalline formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, etc. Nanopropolis has further been explored to assess the potential benefits of propolis for the development of futuristic useful products such as sunscreens, creams, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and nutritional supplements with improved solubility, bioavailability, and penetration profiles. However, more high-quality clinical studies assessing the effects of propolis either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs as well as natural products are warranted and its safety needs to be firmly established.