Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose orally disintegration films produced by tape casting with the incorporation of green propolis ethanolic extract using the printing technique

Abstract

Green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) is one of the most used compounds in folk medicine. Alternative dosage forms, such as orally disintegrating films (ODFs) and forms of incorporation of active principles, such as the printing technique, are arousing interest due to the possibility of producing personalized dosages and possible reduction of the degradation of compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) incorporation on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using the printing technique (1–4 print layers). GPEE was characterized by apparent viscosity, density, and surface tension. The ODFs with different numbers of printed layers were characterized in relation to color, moisture content, mechanical properties, structure, disintegration time, surface pH, stability, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity tests. GPEE showed properties similar to those observed for commercial inks. The number of printed layers affected film properties. ODFs with GPEE showed anti-inflammatory activity, where a reduction of about 40% NO 2 − concentration against macrophage cells was found after adding one GPEE layer. As such, printing on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose oral films as a vehicle for green propolis ethanolic extract represents an interesting alternative to produce materials with controlled anti-inflammatory activity. • Viscosity, density and surface tension values of GPEE are similar to commercial inks. • Oral films of HPMC-based printed are a promising way to deliver active compounds. • HPMS-based printed films maintain the stability of phenolic compounds. • Films printed with green propolis ethanol extract have anti-inflammatory activity.