High loading fragrance encapsulation based on a polymer-blend: preparation and release behavior

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Fragrance encapsulation is crucial for controlled release in various applications.
• Developing efficient encapsulation methods for diverse chemical functionalities is an ongoing challenge.
• Polymer blends offer tunable properties for advanced delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To encapsulate six distinct fragrances using a polymer blend via solvent displacement.
• To characterize the encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and particle size of the fragrance-loaded nanoparticles.
• To investigate the release profiles of the encapsulated fragrances.

Main Methods:

• Solvent displacement method using ethanol and water.
• Encapsulation of camphor, citronellal, eucalyptol, limonene, menthol, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate.
• Characterization using hydrodynamic diameter measurements, thermal gravimetric analysis, and electronic nose techniques.

Main Results:

• High encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and loading capacity (>=40%) were achieved at a 1:1 fragrance to polymer ratio.
• Nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters below 450 nm were produced.
• Differential release kinetics were observed, with limonene showing rapid release and eucalyptol/menthol exhibiting slow release.

Conclusions:

• The solvent displacement method is effective for encapsulating diverse fragrances into polymer nanoparticles.
• The developed nanoparticles offer controlled release properties that vary based on the encapsulated fragrance.
• This technology holds potential for applications requiring tailored fragrance delivery.