Investigation of Propolis and Boron Containing Disinfectants and Comparison with WHO-Recommended Formulation against COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: The need for disinfectants has increased worldwide due to the developing pandemic COVID-19. If access to water is limited, the use of alcohol-based disinfectant formulations recommended by the WHO. In this study, disinfectant gel formulations containing propolis and boric acid with lower alcohol levels than the WHO-recommended formulation were developed. 

Materials and Methods: Four different gels formulations containing propolis and boric acid were developed. A gelling agent was added to the developed formulations to make it remain longer on the skin than liquid solution formulations. Texture profile analyses, spreadability, and bioadhesion tests of the formulations were evaluated. After the characterization studies, bactericidal and fungicidal activity assays were performed with final and the WHO-recommended formulations.

Results: The results showed that increasing of gelling agent increased the viscosity, bioadhesion and textural values. The final formulation containing propolis and boric acid had acceptable gel properties. Propolis and boric acid containing disinfectant gel formulation included lower alcohol level than the WHO-recommended formulation showed a similar bactericidal and fungicidal activity with WHO-recommended formulation.

Conclusions: Propolis and boric acid-containing disinfectant gel formulations were successfully produced. Final formulation with a lower alcohol level might be an alternative for the WHO-recommended formulation with similar effectiveness.