Microencapsulation tech for fragrances offer solution to high consumer expectations
01 Feb 2023 --- Poland-based researchers highlight microencapsulation for active fragrance compounds as a potential solution to unfavorable conditions, such as high temperatures and intense mixing that affect fragrance during production.
“The solution to most of these problems may be the encapsulation process, namely surrounding small fragrance droplets with an inert coating that protects them from the external environment, whether during storage, transport or application, until they are in the right conditions to release the fragrance,” they detail in a study published in Cosmetics.
The authors aimed to present the possible, available and most commonly used methods for obtaining encapsulated fragrances and aromas, which can be used in various industries.
“Consumer demands are increasing and interest in natural fragrances is growing,” say the authors.
Encapsulation techniques
The researchers state that there are many encapsulation techniques to choose from. However, the suitable method depends on the encapsulates’ size, the coating’s chemical structure, biodegradability, availability and price.
“The final application, and most importantly, the core material that will be encapsulated,” are factors to consider before selecting a technique.
Fragrance compositions and flavors are mixtures of organic fragrance compounds, which can include naturally occurring compounds, such as essential oils or resins, that are synthetically produced but have an equivalent in nature.
“Of the technologies used to produce encapsulated flavors and fragrances, the most commercially prevalent technologies are spray drying, extrusion, fluidized bed drying, spray chilling, spray cooling and coacervation,” the study details.
Cosmetic applications
In the cosmetics and household products industry, the researchers detail that the possibilities for using encapsulates are “numerous.”
“Products like creams, shampoos, gels, soaps, surface washing liquids and fragrances are hidden everywhere. Consumer demands are increasing and interest in natural fragrances is growing. Once the product is used, the scent is expected to remain for a long time.”
“The use of encapsulated fragrance compounds can be a solution to high consumer expectations. On the other hand, using essential oils with antimicrobial properties can replace preservatives, which will also be commercially attractive. For aromatherapy purposes, encapsulates are added to the cellulose pulp to create, for example, scented wallpaper or scented wrapping paper,” they explain. 
Suitable microencapsulation methods depend on the encapsulates’ size, the coating’s chemical structure, biodegradability, availability and price.
Microencapsulation benefits
According to the study, encapsulation of flavors and fragrances has several benefits, including extended shelf- life, improved safety by reducing the flammability of volatile substances and improved stability during processing and in the final product.
The improvement of liquidity, dispersibility, dosage accuracy and gradual, controlled release of aroma compounds, prolonging the exposure to odor or taste, make it a beneficial production technique.
Masking of taste and odor and protection from external factors add benefit to the product.
Additional advantages include separation of chemically unstable and highly volatile substances from environmental factors and protection from UV radiation, degradation reactions, heat, oxidation and dehydration.
Edited by Radhika Sikaria
