Propolis, known for its immunological and therapeutic properties due to flavonoids and phenolic acids, has been used in alternative medicine for many years. In Ecuador, the commercialization of stingless bee honey has been increasing recently, although the physical-chemical and biological characteristics of honey from each species are unknown due to their different behaviors and diets. The objective of this research was to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles by encapsulating commercial honey (NPMC), honey (NPMA), and propolis (NPP) from Tetragonisca angustula by ionic gelation and glutaraldehyde cross-linking. The polymeric nanoparticles were structurally characterized (TGA and FT-IR), and their antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, cytotoxicity, and controlled release were evaluated in two phases at different pH levels, one gastric (pH 1.8) and intestinal (pH 7.4). FT-IR analysis of the polymeric nanoparticles revealed the presence of hydroxyl and alkyl groups. NPMA and NPP showed characteristic vibrations of flavonoids and C=O, regardless of the molecular weight of chitosan. In the TGA, the NPMC had decomposition efficiencies of 97.22% (LMW) and 92.10% (HMW). Propolis nanoparticles achieved encapsulation efficiencies of 94.31% and 89.21%. NPPA (HMW-chitosan-based nanoparticles encapsulating propolis from stingless bees) was the most effective against S. aureus. NPPB (LMW-chitosan-based nanoparticles encapsulating propolis from stingless bees) at 10 μg/mL showed higher cytotoxicity than NPMAA (HMW-chitosan-based nanoparticles encapsulating honey from stingless bees). In summary, propolis nanoparticles maintained efficiencies above 76%, while NPMC and NPMA exhibited loading capacities greater than 27%. In contrast, formulations with high molecular weight chitosan showed slightly lower values, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossini) play a vital role as key pollinators in the Neotropical forests. Their preference for forested areas makes these bees more susceptible to environmental changes, particularly in areas under severe human impact, such as the Chocó-Darien biodiversity hotspot. This study presents new data on orchid bees within ...

The province of Pastaza is a biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon but lacks up-to-date inventories of its herpetofauna. This study aimed to provide an updated characterization of the richness, composition and conservation status of amphibians and reptiles in different habitats. Between 2013 and 2018, standardized sampling was carried out using quadrats (8 × 8 m) and transects (100 × 20 m), as well as pitfall traps and daytime and night-time visual censuses. A total of 900 h of effort was distributed across six habitats. Coverage estimators, species accumulation curves, range abundance curves, and alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, and Chao-1) were used for data analysis, as well as similarity indices (Jaccard). A total of 75 species were recorded (51 anurans, eight lizards, 14 snakes and two salamanders), displaying habitat-dependent dominance patterns led by Dendropsophus sarayacuensis and Scinax ruber. Diversity is considered high according to the Chao-1 (19.63–60.53), Shannon–Weaver (2.402–3.223), and Simpson (0.861–0.947) indices, showing interannual variation with a temporary decrease in year 5 and an increase in year 6. The presence of species at risk (VU, n = 26 spp. and EN, n = 2) and high temporal variability highlight the need for continuous monitoring and conservation strategies tailored to specific habitats.