o:8654 Preparation and characterization of propolis emulsions using different emulsifiers en Propolis is typically marketed as a hydroalcoholic solution since its active ingredients are highly soluble in ethanol but poorly soluble in water. However, alcohol limits its use for certain groups, leading to the development of aqueous mixtures, which are more biologically friendly but contain 10–20 times fewer active compounds. Adding co-solvents and modifying production conditions can increase the concentration of active compounds in water-based solutions (Monteil et al., 2022). The objective of this study was to formulate emulsions containing propolis extracts using various surfactants (Macrogol 400, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Labrasol, Labrafil, Transcutol HP, Labrafac and Kolliphor) and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and stability. The obtained emulsions were tested for their free radical scavenging activity and total phenol content. Total phenolic content was determined using the colorimetric Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. It was concluded that best emulsion properties were obtained using Labrafac as emulsifier. Results suggest that tested formulations had a good stability over time, with Polysorbate 80 emulsion being the least stable. 1552099 10.1186/s12919-025-00347-z 2025-12-09T09:52:31.536Z 44 no 46 Jelena Živković Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-9684-2637 46 Katarina Šavikin Institute for Medicinal Plants Research "Dr Josif Pančić" Belgrade 0000-0002-2086-9593 application/pdf 843235 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8654 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A10 BMC Proceedings 19 28 12 12 BeSafeBeeHoney ‑ BeeForward: Exploring Beekeeping Innovations and Science 2025