Biopolymer-based controlled release of fragrance and volatile oils

Overview

Biopolymer-based controlled release technology offers a novel approach to stabilizing and controlling the release of volatile fragrance and essential oils in various topical formulations. By employing biodegradable alginate-based microparticles, this solution reduces rapid volatilization and improves fragrance retention, thereby prolonging scent intensity. Encapsulation protects the volatile compounds from evaporation, oxidation, and phase separation, while allowing sustained diffusion through controlled swelling and matrix relaxation. This technology supports high fragrance oil loading (>10%) and is compatible with diverse application formats such as creams, ointments, roll-ons, sticks, and sprays.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Utilizes alginate-based crosslinked microparticles for high encapsulation efficiency
• Provides sustained release of volatile essential oils, enhancing scent longevity
• Compatible with both aqueous and hydrophobic formulations, ensuring broad applicability
• Supports high fragrance oil content (>10%) while maintaining stability
• Protects sensitive compounds from environmental stressors such as oxidation
• Ensures formulation stability and uniformity under accelerated storage conditions

Technology readiness level

Currently, this technology is at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Ongoing efforts focus on optimizing the microparticle formation process, characterizing key parameters such as encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics, and conducting stability and safety assessments to advance toward commercial application.