Improvements in or relating to organic compounds

Abstract

The present invention provides a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one functional material wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise from about 25 wt% to about 50 wt% of the composition; and an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt, and wherein the microcapsule composition has an electrical conductivity of greater than about 5000 [mu] S / cm.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, which comprises a plurality of core-shell microcapsules and an aqueous phase. In particular, the present invention relates to a microcapsule composition, which comprises a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise a core and a shell encapsulating the core, wherein the core comprises at least one functional material; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt. Background Art

[0002] It is known to incorporate encapsulated functional materials into consumer products such as home care, personal care and fabric care products. Functional materials include, for example, fragrances, cosmetic actives and biologically active ingredients such as biocides and drugs.

[0003] Particularly suitable microcapsules for delivering such functional materials are core-shell microcapsules, in which the core contains the functional material and the shell is impermeable or partially impermeable to the functional material. Typically, these microcapsules are used in aqueous media and the encapsulated functional material is hydrophobic. It is desirable that the shell material be non-reactive with the functional material, inexpensive, and exhibit consistent properties during storage.

[0004] A wide selection of materials, such as aminoplast resins, polyurea resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylate resins and combinations thereof, have been used to encapsulate functional materials, particularly volatile functional materials such as fragrance ingredients. Encapsulated fragrance compositions are typically prepared in the form of aqueous slurries.

[0005] It is important to ensure that the fragrance-containing microcapsules are well dispersed in the slurry, and it is particularly important to avoid agglomeration of the microcapsules in the aqueous dispersion medium to prevent flocculation, coagulation, creaming or sedimentation, which may cause problems for further processing of the slurry (e.g. subsequent incorporation of the slurry into consumer products). It may also have a negative impact on the appearance of the consumer product.

[0006] Agglomeration is defined as a process of contact and adhesion whereby the dispersed microcapsules are held together by weak physical interactions. Most agglomerates in a microcapsule slurry contain clusters of two or three microcapsules. This process may eventually lead to phase separation by emulsion of the microcapsules at the slurry surface or the formation of precipitates larger than the colloid size. Agglomeration is a reversible process.

[0007] In order to obtain a homogenous consumer product that is substantially free of signs of flocculation, coagulation, creaming or sedimentation, the industry typically dilutes the slurry with water and filters the diluted microcapsule slurry through an appropriately sized screen prior to incorporating the diluted microcapsule slurry into the consumer product. If agglomeration of the microcapsules occurs in the slurry, such as during storage, filtering the diluted slurry through a screen that is approximately two or three times the size of the microcapsules may result in compaction of the microcapsules on the screen and eventual clogging of the screen, thereby resulting in a lower amount of functional material being present in the consumer product.

[0008] This problem is usually solved by using a screen that is substantially larger than about two or three times the size of the microcapsules. However, not all manufacturers are equipped with screens that are sized to accommodate relatively large-sized microcapsule agglomerates. Furthermore, even if screen clogging can be avoided by using a larger-sized screen, the consumer product may show signs of undesirable flocculation, coagulation, creaming or sedimentation.

[0009] Therefore, there is the problem of preventing agglomeration of microcapsules in a microcapsule slurry, thereby avoiding problems with screen clogging and preventing undesirable aspects of the consumer product.

[0010] Applicants have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that adding monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts to a microcapsule slurry comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules and an aqueous phase, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt % of the composition, prevents agglomeration of the microcapsules upon dilution with water. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one fragrance ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt, wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0013] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a microcapsule composition as described herein.

[0014] In a further aspect, there is also provided a method of preventing flocculation of microcapsules as defined herein, wherein a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is added to the microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry.

[0015] In another aspect, there is provided the use of a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt to prevent flocculation in a microcapsule composition as described herein.

[0016] A further aspect relates to a consumer product comprising the microcapsule composition as defined herein.

[0017] definition

[0018] The term "functional material" refers to any substance that, when added to a product, can improve the consumer's perception of that product or can enhance the effect of that product in an application. Examples of functional materials include flavor or fragrance ingredients, bioactive agents (such as fungicides, insect repellents, and pheromones), substrate enhancers (such as silicones and whitening agents), enzymes (such as lipases and proteases), dyes and pigments, and combinations thereof.

[0019] Microcapsule size is usually defined by its volume median particle size (also called volume median diameter) (Dv50), which represents the largest particle size below which 50% of the sample volume exists.

[0020] The conductivity of a solution is a measure of its ability to conduct electricity. Conductivity measurements are routinely used in many industrial and environmental applications as a reliable way to measure the ion content of a solution. In many cases, conductivity is directly related to the total dissolved solids (or ion concentration) in the solution. Ionic compounds dissociate into ions when dissolved in water. The conductivity of high quality deionized water at 25°C is about 0.05 μS / cm, typical drinking water is in the range of 200 to 1000 μS / cm, and seawater is about 50 mS / cm (or 50,000 μS / cm). The total electrolyte concentration in the solution affects the behavior of microcapsules suspended or dispersed in the solution.

[0021] The bio-based polymers that can be used to form the microcapsule compositions according to the present invention can be any polymer obtained or derived from a natural source, such as a plant, fungal, bacterial, algal or animal source, which can be native, i.e. unmodified in their natural state, or chemically modified, and are capable of forming an encapsulating shell around a functional material.

[0022] Unless stated otherwise, all percentages are expressed as weight percent (wt.-%).

[0023] Detailed description

[0024] The preferred and / or optional features of the present invention will now be described. Unless the context otherwise requires, any aspect of the present invention may be combined with any other aspect of the present invention. Unless the context otherwise requires, any preferred or optional features of any aspect may be combined with any aspect of the present invention and with any other preferred or optional features, either individually or in combination.

[0025] Applicants have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the addition of monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts to a microcapsule composition in slurry form comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0026] Therefore, the present invention provides a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one functional material, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt, wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is higher than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0027] Core-shell microcapsules

[0028] The microcapsule of the present invention is a core-shell microcapsule comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising a functional material.

[0029] The core-shell microcapsule composition is usually provided in the form of a slurry, ie a dispersion or suspension of the microcapsules in an aqueous medium, which may contain orders of magnitude greater than about 50 wt.-% water, preferably greater than about 60 wt.-% water.

[0030] The slurry can be used as such (ie in neat, undiluted form) or diluted, typically in deionized water or tap water. The diluted slurry may contain water in the order of magnitude of about 50 to 99 wt.-%, depending on the dilution factor.

[0031] In one embodiment, the shell of the core-shell microcapsule comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of melamine-formaldehyde polymers, urea-formaldehyde polymers, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyacrylates, polycarbonates and mixtures thereof, as defined above.

[0032] Thermosetting resin

[0033] Thermosetting resins are generally obtained by reacting polyfunctional monomers such as amines, isocyanates, alcohols or phenols, chlorocarboxylic acids, (meth)acrylates, epoxides, silanes and aldehydes.

[0034] Thermosetting resins, such as aminoplasts, polyurea and polyurethane resins and combinations thereof are commonly used as shell materials in the preparation of core-shell microcapsules. They are particularly valuable for combating beneficial agent leakage when dispersed in an aqueous suspending medium, even in a surfactant-containing medium.

[0035] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a melamine-formaldehyde polymer. This type of core-shell capsule has been shown to be particularly suitable for benefit agent encapsulation and is described, for example, in WO2018 / 197266A1, WO2016 / 207180A1 and WO2017 / 001672A1.

[0036] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a polyurea or polyurethane polymer. In addition, core-shell capsules of this type have been successfully used for benefit agent encapsulation and have the advantage of addressing consumer concerns about residual formaldehyde in the composition. Such capsules are also described, for example, in WO2016 / 071149A1.

[0037] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise polyacrylate, one or more monoethylenically unsaturated and / or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers in polymerized form. This type of core-shell capsule has also been successfully used for beneficial agent encapsulation. Such capsules are described in the prior art, for example in WO2013 / 111912A1 or WO2014 / 032920A1.

[0038] Polymer Stabilizer

[0039] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a polymeric stabilizer formed by combining a polymeric surfactant with at least one aminosilane, such as the shell described in WO 2020 / 233887 A1.

[0040] Coacervate

[0041] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a complex coacervate formed from at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide. Such core-shell capsules have been shown to be suitable for encapsulation of functional materials and are described, for example, in WO 1996 / 020612 A1, WO 2001 / 03825 A1 or WO 2015 / 150370 A1.

[0042] WO 2021 / 239742 A1 describes the crosslinking of at least one protein with a first crosslinker and then the addition of at least one polysaccharide to form a complex coacervate.

[0043] Hydrated polymer phase and polymer stabilizer

[0044] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a hydrated polymer phase and a polymer stabilizer at the interface between the shell and the core as described in co-pending patent application WO2023 / 020883A1.

[0045] In this arrangement, the polymeric stabilizer provides an impermeable encapsulating material while the bio-based hydrated polymer phase provides the desired deposition and adhesion to the substrate.

[0046] The polymer stabilizer can be selected from a wide range of film-forming materials and resins. Preferably, the polymer stabilizer is highly cross-linked so as to significantly reduce the diffusion of the encapsulated functional material through the shell. Preferably, the impermeability of the shell is high enough to significantly prevent leakage of the functional material in an extractive base (e.g., a consumer product containing a surfactant).

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer stabilizer is a thermosetting resin.

[0048] Thermosetting resins are generally obtained by reacting polyfunctional monomers such as amines, isocyanates, alcohols or phenols, chlorocarboxylic acids, (meth)acrylates, epoxides, silanes and aldehydes.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, a polymer stabilizer is formed by the reaction of an aminosilane with a multifunctional isocyanate. Such a polymer stabilizer has the advantage of being highly cross-linked and readily provides surface anchoring groups that can be used to secure additional materials to complete the shell formation. These additional materials may include additional encapsulating materials, coatings, and simple and conformable coacervates and hydrogels as described in more detail below.

[0050] The aminosilane used to form the polymer stabilizer may be selected from compounds of formula (I).

[0051] Si(R 1 )(R 2 ) f (OR 3 ) (3-f) Formula (I)

[0052] Where R 1 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl residue containing an amine functional group; R 2 Each is independently a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R 3 are each independently H or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and f is 0, 1 or 2.

[0053] The silane groups can undergo polycondensation reactions with each other to form a silica network at the oil / water interface which additionally stabilizes the interface.

[0054] In one embodiment, R 2 and R 3 Each is independently methyl or ethyl.

[0055] In one embodiment, f is 0 or 1.

[0056] In one embodiment, R 1 It is a C1-C 12 A linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl residue. 1 is a C1-C4 straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl residue containing an amine function.

[0057] In one embodiment, the amine functional group is a primary amine, a secondary amine or a tertiary amine.

[0058] In one embodiment, the at least one aminosilane is a bipodal aminosilane. "Bipodal aminosilane" refers to a molecule comprising at least one amino group and two residues, each of which carries at least one alkoxysilane moiety. Compared to conventional aminosilanes, bipodal aminosilanes are particularly advantageous for forming a stable oil-water interface. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this beneficial effect is due to the specific bidirectional arrangement of the silane moieties in the bipodal aminosilane molecule, which allows a more tightly connected silica network to be formed at the oil-water interface.

[0059] In one embodiment, the bipodal aminosilane is a compound of formula (II).

[0060] (OR 3 ) (3-f) (R 2 ) f Si-R 4 -XR 4 -Si(OR 3 ) (3-f) (R 2 ) f Formula (II)

[0061] Where X is -NR 5 -,-NR 5 -CH2-NR 5 -,-NR 5 -CH2-CH2-NR 5 -,-NR 5 -CO-NR 5 -,or

[0062] ,

[0063] R 2Each is independently a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0064] R 3 Each is independently H or a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0065] R 4 are each independently a straight or branched chain alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;

[0066] R 5 are each independently H, CH3 or C2H5; and

[0067] f is independently 0, 1 or 2.

[0068] In one embodiment, R 2 It is CH3 or C2H5.

[0069] In one embodiment, R 3 It is CH3 or C2H5.

[0070] In one embodiment, R 4 It is -CH2-, -CH2-CH2- or -CH2-CH2-CH2-.

[0071] In one embodiment, R 5 It is H or CH3.

[0072] In one embodiment, f is 0 or 1.

[0073] Examples of suitable diaminosilanes include, but are not limited to, bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, N,N'-bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)urea, bis(3-(methyldiethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, N,N'-bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, bis(3-(methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl)-N-methylamine, N,N'-bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)piperazine, and combinations thereof.

[0074] In one embodiment, the bipodal aminosilane is bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine, which has the advantage that ethanol is released during the polycondensation of the ethoxysilane groups rather than the more toxic and less desirable methanol.

[0075] The dipodal aminosilane may be a secondary aminosilane. Using a secondary dipodal aminosilane instead of a primary aminosilane reduces the reactivity of the polymer stabilizer to electrophilic species, particularly aldehydes. Thus, functional materials containing high levels of aldehydes can be encapsulated with a lower tendency for adverse interactions between the core-forming material and the shell-forming material.

[0076] Other aminosilanes may also be used in combination with the above bidentate aminosilanes, in particular the aminosilanes described above.

[0077] The polyfunctional isocyanate may be selected from organic isocyanates, wherein the isocyanate groups are bonded to an organic residue (RN=C=O or R-NCO). The polyfunctional isocyanate may be selected from alkyl, alicyclic, aromatic and alkyl aromatic and anion-modified polyfunctional isocyanates, wherein there are two or more (e.g. 3, 4, 5, etc.) isocyanate groups in one molecule, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Preferably, the polyfunctional isocyanate is an aromatic or alkyl aromatic polyfunctional isocyanate, and the alkyl aromatic polyfunctional isocyanate preferably has a methyl isocyanate group connected to the aromatic ring. Compared with alkyl and alicyclic polyfunctional isocyanates, aromatic and methyl isocyanate-substituted aromatic polyfunctional isocyanates all have excellent reactivity. Among them, tris ((3- (isocyanatomethyl) phenyl) carbamic acid) 2-ethyl propane-1,2,3-triyl ester is particularly preferred because of its trifunctional nature that is conducive to the formation of intermolecular crosslinks and because of its intermediate reactivity that is conducive to the homogeneity of the network structure. This alkyl aromatic polyfunctional isocyanate is sold under the trademark Takenate D-100N (sold by Mitsui) or the trademark Desmodur ® Quix 175 (sold by Covestro) is commercially available.

[0079] As an alternative to aromatic or alkylaromatic polyfunctional isocyanates, the addition of anionically modified polyfunctional isocyanates may also be advantageous, since such polyfunctional isocyanates are able to react at the oil / water interface or even in the aqueous phase close to the oil / water interface. Particularly suitable anionically modified polyfunctional isocyanates have the formula (III).

[0080]

[0081] Formula (III)

[0082] Formula (III) shows a commercially available anionically modified polyisocyanate which is a modified isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate, marketed by Covestro under the trademark Bayhydur ® XP2547 for sale.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyfunctional isocyanate is 2-ethylpropane-1,2,3-triyl tris((3-(isocyanatomethyl)phenyl)carbamate). Particularly preferably, the polymer stabilizer is formed by the reaction of bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)amine and 2-ethylpropane-1,2,3-triyl tris((3-(isocyanatomethyl)phenyl)carbamate). This particular combination of a dipodal secondary aminosilane and a polyfunctional isocyanate provides favorable interfacial stability and release properties. The stable interface is sufficiently impermeable to effectively encapsulate at least one functional material contained in the core and has the desired surface functional groups.

[0084] The hydrated polymer phase may be a coacervate, in particular a complex coacervate.

[0085] The term "complex coacervation" refers to the formation of an interfacial layer comprising a polyelectrolyte mixture.

[0086] The phenomenon of coagulation can be observed under an optical microscope, where it is marked by the appearance of a ring around the core composition droplet. This ring consists of the above-mentioned polyelectrolyte-rich phase, which has a different refractive index than the surrounding aqueous phase.

[0087] Coagulation of polyelectrolytes is usually induced by bringing the polyelectrolytes to their isoelectric points (meaning the point where the net charge of the polyelectrolyte is zero or close to zero). This can be achieved by changing the salt concentration or pH of the medium. In complex coagulation, complexation occurs at a pH where one polyelectrolyte has an overall positive charge (polycation) and the other polyelectrolyte has an overall negative charge (polyanion), resulting in the overall charge of the complex being neutral.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, coacervates may be formed from polycations and polyanions.

[0089] Preferably, pH is used as the parameter driving coacervation. Therefore, the polycation preferably has a pH-dependent charge. This is the case for polymers with primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups, such as polyamines, e.g. chitosan, and most proteins, e.g. gelatin. Proteins have the additional advantage of being susceptible to temperature-dependent structural transitions, which can also be used to control the morphology of the coacervate. In particular, changing the temperature of some proteins can induce the formation of secondary, tertiary or quaternary structures of the protein, which can also be used to control the properties of the coacervate.

[0090] Chitosan has the advantage of being derived from chitin, which is a natural polymer.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polycation is selected from the group consisting of protein, chitosan and combinations thereof.

[0092] More particularly, the polycation may be a protein selected from gelatin, casein, albumin, polylysine, soy protein, pea protein, rice protein, hemp protein and combinations thereof.

[0093] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protein is gelatin, even more preferably type B gelatin.

[0094] Type B gelatin can be obtained from alkaline treatment of collagen and is well known for its ability to form complexes with anionic polyelectrolytes (eg, negatively charged polysaccharides) under mildly acidic conditions.

[0095] Gelatin is often characterized by the so-called "Bloom Strength". In the context of the present invention, Bloom Strength refers to the stiffness of a gelatin film, as measured by a so-called "Bloom gelometer" according to the Official Procedures of the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, Inc., revised 2019, Chapter 2.1. According to this procedure, the Bloom strength expressed in Bloom is equal to the weight, expressed in g, required to move a standardized plunger with a diameter of 12.5 mm vertically to a depth of 4 mm into a gelatin gel prepared under controlled conditions, i.e. by dissolving 6.67 wt.-% of gelatin in deionized water at 60°C in a standardized jar and allowing the gel to form at 10°C for 17 hours. The higher the weight, the higher the Bloom strength of the gelatin used to prepare the test gel.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Type B gelatin has a bloom strength of 90 to 250 blooms.

[0097] If the bloom strength is too low, the gel is mechanically weak and the coacervate obtained therefrom may not form a self-supporting layer of the gelatin-rich phase around the core composition. If the bloom strength is too high, the coacervate and gelatin-rich phase obtained therefrom may be too brittle.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the type B gelatin is obtainable from fish, since fish gelatin is better accepted among consumers compared to beef or pork gelatin, mainly due to health issues, sociological background or religious rules.

[0099] Alternatively, the protein may be a vegetable protein, in particular pea protein and / or soy protein, which has the advantage of being vegetarian.

[0100] The polycation may be a denatured protein. In contrast to native proteins, denatured proteins have been deprived of the ability to form secondary, tertiary or quaternary structures and are essentially amorphous. Such amorphous proteins may form more impermeable membranes than native proteins and thus also contribute to the encapsulation capacity of the shell. Denaturation may be achieved by treating the protein with chemical or physical means, such as acid or base treatment, heating or exposure to hydrogen bond disruptors.

[0101] In the case where the polycation is chitosan, the molecular weight of the chitosan may be between 3'000 and 1'000'000 g / mol, more particularly between 10'000 and 500'000 g / mol, still more particularly between 30'000 and 300'000 g / mol.

[0102] The polyanion can be any negatively charged polymer. However, since pH is preferably used to control coagulation, it may be more advantageous if the charge of the polymer is pH dependent. Such polymers can be selected from polymers with pendant carboxyl groups, such as methacrylic acid and acrylic acid polymers and copolymers, hydrolyzed maleic anhydride copolymers and polysaccharides with carboxyl groups.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polyanion is a polysaccharide comprising carboxylate groups and / or sulfate groups.

[0104] Polysaccharides containing carboxylate groups are particularly suitable for complex coacervation with proteins. This is due to the fact that the net charge of these polysaccharides can be adjusted by adjusting the pH, thereby promoting complexation with amphiphilic proteins. Complexation occurs at a pH where the protein has an overall positive charge and the polysaccharide has an overall negative charge, so that the overall charge of the complex is neutral. These polysaccharides include natural polysaccharides from nature, i.e. unmodified, and modified polysaccharides.

[0105] The polysaccharide comprising carboxylic acid groups may comprise uronic acid units, in particular hexuronic acid units. Such polysaccharides are widely available in nature.

[0106] The hexuronic acid units may be selected from galacturonic acid units, glucuronic acid units, in particular 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid units, guluronic acid units, mannuronic acid units and combinations thereof.

[0107] The polysaccharide containing carboxylic acid groups may be branched. Branched polysaccharides containing carboxylic acid groups have the advantage of forming a tighter network structure than linear polysaccharides, and thus may contribute to the impermeability of the encapsulation shell, thereby reducing leakage and improving encapsulation efficiency.

[0108] The carboxylate groups may be present at least partly in the form of the corresponding carboxylates, in particular the corresponding sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium salts of the carboxylates.

[0109] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the polyanion is selected from the group consisting of pectin, gum arabic, alginate and combinations thereof.

[0110] In pectin, the carboxylic acid groups may be partially present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters. The percentage of carboxylic acid groups present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters may be from 3% to 95%, preferably from 4% to 75%, more preferably from 5% to 50%. Pectins containing carboxyl groups of which 50% or more are present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters are referred to as "high methoxylated". Pectins containing carboxylic acid groups of which less than 50% are present in the form of the corresponding methyl esters are referred to as "low methoxylated".

[0111] Of the two variants of gum acacia, gum acacia Senegal and gum acacia Seyal, gum acacia Senegal is preferred due to the higher level of glucuronic acid in gum acacia Senegal.

[0112] The hydrated polymer phase may be a hydrogel.

[0113] In the context of the present invention, a "hydrogel" is a three-dimensional (3D) network of hydrophilic polymers that can swell in water while retaining structure due to chemical or physical cross-linking of individual polymer chains.

[0114] Hydrogels can be formed at interfaces by several methods, in particular by self-assembly of polyelectrolytes around existing interfaces, covalent grafting of hydrogel particles in solution, polymerization of water-soluble monomers initiated at the interface, and phase separation of water-soluble macromolecules at the interface.

[0115] To avoid any ambiguity, in the context of the present invention, coacervates, especially complex coacervates, especially those cross-linked by covalent bonds, are considered to be hydrogels.

[0116] Applicants have found that the use of hydrogels particularly enhances the deposition and adhesion of microcapsules on substrates, in particular on textiles.

[0117] The hydrogel may be interconnected with the polymeric stabilizer, in particular via functional groups present on the surface of the stabilizer.

[0118] This allows locking of the hydrogel layer to the polymer stabilizer present at the droplet interface, making the shell consist of the polymer composite rather than just the blend.

[0119] Cross-linking of the hydrogel and interconnection of the hydrogel with the polymer stabilizer can be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydrogel is a crosslinked coacervate, in particular a complex coacervate crosslinked with a multifunctional aldehyde, more particularly a bifunctional aldehyde selected from succinaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, benzene-1,2-dialdehyde, benzene-1,3-dialdehyde, benzene-1,4-dialdehyde, piperazine-N,N-dialdehyde, 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dialdehyde and combinations thereof. Bifunctional aldehydes are known to be effective crosslinkers of proteins.

[0121] The hydrogel may be thermosensitive and have a gelling temperature, in particular 20 to 50° C., preferably 25 to 40° C. When such a hydrogel is used, the deposition properties of the capsules on the fabric may be increased when the fabric is washed at a temperature above the gelling temperature of the hydrogel.

[0122] The shell may be further stabilized with a stabilizer. Preferably, the stabilizer comprises at least two carboxylic acid groups. Even more preferably, the stabilizer is selected from citric acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, itaconic acid, poly (itaconic acid) and combinations thereof.

[0123] Polymer Stabilizers, Hydrocolloids and Linkers

[0124] In one embodiment, the shell may comprise a polymeric stabilizer formed by a combination of a polymeric surfactant and at least one aminosilane; a hydrocolloid and a linker derived from an epoxy resin as described in co-pending application GB2203193,4.

[0125] In one embodiment, the polymeric surfactant comprises a polysaccharide comprising carboxylic acid groups. The polysaccharide comprising carboxylic acid groups is as defined above.

[0126] The at least one aminosilane is as defined above.

[0127] In one embodiment, the polymer stabilizer further comprises a polyfunctional isocyanate. The polyfunctional isocyanate is as defined above.

[0128] Hydrocolloids and Epoxy Resins

[0129] Hydrocolloids contain a large number of hydroxyl groups, which leads to their high affinity for water molecules. They have been used as wall materials in microencapsulation processes in the food industry and other fields. Most hydrocolloids of natural origin contain many polysaccharides and some proteins (such as gelatin).

[0130] The hydrocolloids may interact with the polymer stabilizer through physical forces, physical interactions such as hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, or electron transfer interactions.

[0131] The presence of the linker derived from the epoxy resin leads to a reinforcement of the shell by covalent or physical bonding to the hydrocolloid and / or to the polymeric surfactant.Thus, the combination of epoxy resin and hydrocolloid in the microcapsule formulation helps to stabilize the oil / water interface.

[0132] In one embodiment, the hydrocolloid is a plant or animal-derived hydrocolloid or gelatin from animal-derived collagen.

[0133] Suitable plant derived hydrocolloids may be pectin, modified starches, guar gum, locust bean gum and konjac mannan, and exudate gums such as gum arabic, gum ghatti and gum tragacanth, and seaweed derived hydrocolloids such as agar, alginate and carrageenan.

[0134] In one embodiment, the hydrocolloid is selected from pectin, modified starch and gelatin.

[0135] Examples of suitable epoxy resins from which the linking agent is derived include, but are not limited to, epoxidized unsaturated oils, such as epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized vegetable oils, and the like; epoxidized alcohols, such as isoboronide glycidyl ether, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycerol polyglycidyl ether, diglycerol polyglycidyl ether, polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether, polyglycerol-3-glycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane polyglycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, pentaerythritol polyglycidyl ether; castor oil glycidyl ether; epoxidized polysaccharides, For example, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether; epoxidized phenols, such as resorcinol diglycidyl ether, hydrogenated bisphenol A diglycidyl ether; diglycidyl terephthalate; diglycidyl phthalate; N-glycidyl phthalimide; epoxy cresol novolac resin; hexahydrophthalic acid diglycidyl ester; epoxidized terpenes, etc.

[0136] In one embodiment, the shell comprises a substantially uniform layer.

[0137] In one embodiment, the shell comprises two or more discrete layers.

[0138] In one embodiment, the shell comprises two or more graded and non-discrete layers.

[0139] In one embodiment, the shell of the microcapsule may be made of a biodegradable material or a non-biodegradable material. In one embodiment, the microcapsule is made of a biodegradable material.

[0140] In one embodiment, the volume median diameter Dv(50) of the plurality of core-shell microcapsules is 1 to 100 μm, preferably 2 to 75 μm, more preferably 5 to 60 μm, even more preferably 20 to 50 μm. Microcapsules with a volume median diameter in the range of 10 to 30 μm show the best deposition on various substrates such as fabrics and hair. The volume median diameter is measured by static light scattering involving laser diffraction particle size analysis.

[0141] The encapsulated composition is in the form of a slurry of microcapsules suspended in an aqueous suspending medium, which contains from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably from about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the core-shell material.

[0142] The resulting encapsulated composition, in the form of a slurry of microcapsules suspended in an aqueous suspending medium, can be incorporated into a consumer product matrix as is, or can be diluted with water prior to incorporation into a consumer product.

[0143] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the core comprises at least one perfume ingredient.A comprehensive list of perfume ingredients that can be encapsulated according to the invention can be found in perfume literature, for example "Perfume & Flavor Chemicals", S. Arctander (Allured Publishing, 1994). The encapsulated flavor of the present invention preferably comprises a flavor ingredient selected from the group consisting of: acetyl isoeugenol ((E)-2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenyl acetate); Adoc aldehyde (2,6,10-trimethylundec-9-enal); AGRUMEX (2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); C10 decanal (decanal); C11MOA aldehyde (2-methyldecanal); C11 undecenal (undec-10-enal); C110 undecenal (undecanal); C12 lauryl aldehyde (dodecane aldehyde); C12 MNA aldehyde (2-methylundecane aldehyde); C8 octanal (octanal); C9 isononanal (3,5,5-trimethylhexanal); food grade C9 nonanal (nonanal); C90 nonenal ((E)-non-2-enal); ISO C11 aldehyde ((E)-undec-9-enal); rubrocitronellal ((E)-dodec-2-enal); allyl glycolate (2-(3-methylbutoxy)prop-2-enyl acetate); allyl hexanoate (prop-2-enyl hexanoate); allyl cyclohexylpropionate (prop-2-enyl 3-cyclohexylpropionate); allyl heptanoate (prop-2-enyl heptanoate); succinic core (1-((2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl)oxy)but-2 -alcohol); ambroxan acetal (3,8,8,11a-tetramethyl dodecahydro-1H-3,5a-epoxynaphtho[2,1-c]oxacycloheptatriene); ambroxanol (1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-β,1,1,5,5-pentamethyl-2H-2,4a-methylenenaphthalene-8-ethanol); hibiscus lactone ((Z)-oxacycloheptadec-10-en-2-one); ambroxan furan ((3aR,5aS,9aS,9b R)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran); amyl butyrate (amyl butyrate); amyl cinnamaldehyde ((Z)-2-benzylideneheptanal); amyl salicylate (amyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); synthetic anethole ((E)-1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)benzene); anisyl acetate (4-methoxybenzyl acetate); aphrodisiac MANATE (1-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)ethyl formate); ANISALDEHYDE p-CRESOL (4-methoxybenzaldehyde); NEROLIN ((E)-2-((7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctylene)amino)benzoic acid methyl ester); BELAMBRE ((1R,2S,4R)-2'-isopropyl-1,7,7-trimethylspiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,4'-[1,3]dioxane]); BENZALDEHYDE (benzaldehyde);Benzyl acetate (benzyl acetate); benzyl acetone (4-phenylbutan-2-one); benzyl benzoate (benzyl benzoate); benzyl salicylate (benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); berylfate (ethyl 6-acetoxyhexanoate); bicyclononalactone (octahydro-2H-chromen-2-one); ethoxycyclododecyloxymethane ((ethoxymethoxy)cyclododecane); bosley ((1S,2R,5R)-2-ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane); borneol crystals ((1S,2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol); bornyl acetate (acetic acid (2S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2 -yl ester); Bojehon aldehyde (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)propanal); butyl butyrolactate (1-butoxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl butyrate); p-butyl cyclohexyl acetate (4-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); sec-butylquinoline (2-(2-methylpropyl)quinoline); synthetic camphor ((1S,4S)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one); carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol); L-carvone ((5R)-2-methyl-5-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohex-2-en-1-one); cashmerone (1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-inden-4(5H)-one); CASSYRANE (5-tert-butyl-2-methyl-5-propyl-2H-furan); cedrene ((1S,8aR)-1,4,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,8-hexahydro-1H-5,8a-methylene azulene); cedryl acetate (acetic acid (1S,6R,8aR)-1,4,4,6-tetramethyloctahydro-1H-5,8a-methylene azulene-6-yl ester); cedryl methyl ether ((1R,6S,8aS)-6-methoxy-1,4,4,6-tetramethyloctahydro-1H-5,8a-methylene azulene); allyl ionone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl) hept-1,6-dien-3-one); synthetic cinnamyl alcohol ((E)-3-phenyl =Citral ((E)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dienal); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl acetate); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl acetate); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl acetate); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl acetate); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl acetate); Citronellol (3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-en-1-ol); Citronellol acetate (3,7-dimethyloct-2, ...Citronellyl formate (3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl formate); citronellyl nitrile (3,7-dimethyloct-6-enenitrile); cinnamonitrile (dodecanonitrile); corolla alcohol (4-cyclohexyl-2-methylbutan-2-ol); celestial musk ((Z)-3-methylcyclotetradec-5-enone); coumarin crystal (2H-chromen-2-one); p-cresol acetate ((4-methylphenyl) acetate); p-cresol methyl ether (1-methoxy-4-methylbenzene); cuminonitrile (4-isopropylbenzonitrile); privet aldehyde (2,4-dimethylcyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxaldehyde); cyperaldehyde (3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); cyclopentyl acetate (2-(cyclohexyloxy) acetate allyl ester); cyclohexyl ethyl acetate (2-cyclohexylethyl acetate ); cyclohexyl salicylate (cyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); cyclocitronellal (8,8-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalene-2-aldehyde); cymene (1-methyl-4-propan-2-ylbenzene); damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dien-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); methyl damascenone ((E)-1-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one); butyl-damascone (1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)but-2-en-1-one); propyl-decalactone (5-hexyloxacyclopentane-2-one); trans-4-decenal ((E)-dec-4-enal); DELPHONE (2-pentylcyclopentanone); δ-3-carene ((1S,6S)-3,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-ene); dihexyl fumarate (dihexyl-but-2-enedioate); dihydroanethole (1-methoxy-4-propylbenzene); dihydrojasmone (3-methyl-2-pentylcyclohex-2-enone); dihydromyrcenol (2,6-dimethyloct-7-en-2-ol); dimethyl anthranilate (methyl 2-(methylamino)benzoate); dimethylbenzylmethanol (2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-ol); dimethylbenzyl acetate (2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl acetate); dimethylbenzyl butyrate Original ester (2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-yl butyrate); dimethyloctenone (4,7-dimethyloct-6-en-3-one); dimethylheptanol (2,6-dimethylheptan-2-ol); limonene (1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-1-ene); diphenyl ether (oxydiphenyl); butadiolactone (6-heptyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one); propyldodecanoic acid (5-octyloxacyclopentane-2-one); dodecenal ((E)-dodec-2-enal); dobicarb ((E)-4-((3aS,7aS)-hexahydro-1H-4,7-methyleneindene-5(6H)-ylidene)butyraldehyde);Esterly ((E)-3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)pent-4-en-2-ol); ESTERLY (ethyl cyclohexyl carboxylate carboxylate); ethyl acetate (ethyl acetate); ethyl acetoacetate (ethyl 3-oxobutyrate); ethyl cinnamate (ethyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); ethyl hexanoate (ethyl hexanoate); ethyl linalool ((E)-3,7-dimethylnona-1,6-dien-3-ol); ethyl linalool acetate (acetic acid (Z)-3,7-dimethylnona-1,6-dien-3-yl ester); ethyl maltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one); ethyl methyl-2-butyrate (ethyl 2-methylbutyrate); ethyl octanoate (ethyl octanoate); ethyl heptanoate (ethyl heptanoate); ethyl phenyl glycidate (ethyl 3-phenyloxirane-2-carboxylate); ethyl crocetin (2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexane-1, 3-Diene-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester); ethyl vanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde); ethyl brazilate (1,4-dioxahedadecane-5,17-dione); eucalyptol ((1s,4s)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane); eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol); synthetic oakmoss (methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate); fenchyl acetate ((2S)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acetate); fenchol ((1S,2R,4R)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ol); anisaldehyde (3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal); FIXAMBRENE (3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan); tonafol (1-(3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone); halal (3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal); anthocyanin (3-(3-isopropylphenyl)butyraldehyde); floridile ((E)-undec-9-enenitrile); propionic acid tricyclodecenal (propionic acid (3aR,6S,7aS)-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-4,7-methyleneinden-6-yl ester); flopa (2,4,6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane); lily of the valley pyran HC (tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-2H-pyran-4-ol); menthol (2-(sec-butyl)cyclohexanone); apple ester (ethyl 2-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)acetate); fructose ester (ethyl (3aS,4S,7R,7aS)-octahydro-1H-4,7-methyleneindene-3a-carboxylate); fruit nitrile (2-methyldecanenitrile);Gerponone (1-(5,5-dimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)pent-4-en-1-one); styroyl acetate (1-phenylethyl acetate); tricyclodecenyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid (3aR,6S,7aS)-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-4,7-methyleneinden-6-yl ester); geraniol ((E)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-ol); geranyl acetate (acetic acid (E)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-yl ester); geranyl crotonate (but-2-enoic acid (E)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-yl ester); geranyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid (E)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-yl ester) =Oxyheterocyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester); cyclopentadecenolide ((E)-oxahedraloxalic acid hexadec-12-en-2-one); methyl dihydrojasmonate (methyl 3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentaneacetate); crystalline jasminaldehyde (benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carboxaldehyde); shampooester (ethyl (2S)-3-isopropylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylate); trans-2-hexenal ((E)-hex-2-enal); cis-3-hexenol ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol); cis-3-hexenyl acetate (acetic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-hexenyl butyrate (butyric acid (Z)-hexen-2-enal); -3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); cis-3-hexenyl salicylate (2-hydroxybenzoic acid (Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl ester); hexyl acetate (hexyl acetate); hexyl benzoate (hexyl benzoate); hexyl butyrate (hexyl butyrate); hexyl cinnamaldehyde ((E)-2-benzylideneoctanal); hexyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid hexyl ester); hexyl salicylate (2-hydroxybenzoic acid hexyl ester); hydroxycitronellal (7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal); indol (4,4a,5,9b-tetrahydroindeno[1,2-d][1,3] dioxin); indole (1H-indole); indolene solution (8,8-di(1H-indole) -3-yl)-2,6-dimethyloctan-2-ol); ethylionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); ideonone ((E)-3-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); methylionone ((E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); methylirone ((E)-4-(2,5,6,6-tetramethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); ambroxanone (1-(2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone);Isoamyl acetate (3-methylbutyl acetate); Isoamyl butyrate (3-methylbutyl butyrate); Isobutyl methoxypyrazine (2-methylpropyl 3-methoxypyrazine); Isocyclocitral (2,4,6-trimethylcyclohex-3-enecarboxaldehyde); Isoeugenol ((E)-2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol); Isojasmone B11 (2-hexylcyclopent-2-en-1-one); Isomenthone DL (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone); isononyl acetate (3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acetate); isopropyl methyl-2-butyrate (isopropyl 2-methylbutyrate); isopropylquinoline (6-isopropylquinoline); isomethylionone ((E)-3-methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)but-3-en-2-one); tricyclodecenyl acetate ((3aR,6S,7aS)- 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-4,7-methyleneinden-6-yl ester); cis-jasmone ((Z)-3-methyl-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopent-2-enone); jasmonate (3-butyl-5-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); jasmine pyran (3-pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate); Javanese sandalwood ((1-methyl-2-((1,2,2- trimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]cyclohex-3-yl)methyl)cyclopropyl)methanol); homoaryl olefin ((Z)-3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylhept-3-en-2-one); lactone (8-isopropyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-one); leaf alcohol acetal ((Z)-1-(1-ethoxyethoxy)hex-3-ene); limononitrile ((2E,6Z)-3,7-dimethylnona-2,6-dienenitrile); green flower phenan ((Z)-hex-3-en-1-yl methyl carbonate); lilyral (3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-methylpropanal); #N / A linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol); linalool oxide (2-(5-methyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-2-ol); linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate); MAHONIAL ((4E)-9-hydroxy-5,9-dimethyl-4-decenal); maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one); maltol isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid 2-methyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-yl ester); pyrethrin (2-methyl valeric acid ethyl ester); maltol ((4-isopropylcyclohexyl) methanol); rose alcohol (3-methyl-5-phenylpentan-1-ol); melonal (2,6-dimethylhept-5-enal); #N / A#N / A mercapto-8-menthane-3-one (mercapto-p-menthane-3-one); methyl anthranilate (methyl 2-aminobenzoate); methyl benzoate (methyl benzoate);Methyl cedryl ketone (1-((1S,8aS)-1,4,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,8-hexahydro-1H-5,8a-methyleneazulene-7-yl)ethanone); methyl cinnamate (methyl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate); methyl dantilisin (2-ethoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)phenol); methyl dihydroisojasmonate (methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane-1-carboxylate); methyl heptenone (6-methylhept-5-en-2-one); methyl lactone (8-methyl-1- Oxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-one); methyl nonyl ketone (undecan-2-one); octynecarboxylic acid methyl ester (methyl non-2-ynoate); grapefruit methane (6,6-dimethoxy-2,5,5-trimethylhex-2-ene); methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate); muscene ((Z)-3-methylcyclopentadeca-5-enone); citric aldehyde (4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarboxaldehyde); myrcene (7-methyl-3-methyleneoct-1,6-diene); MYSTIKAL (2-methylundecanoic acid); citronel (2-(2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propyl)cyclopentanone); neobergamot (2-methyl-6-methyleneoct-7-en-2-yl acetate); NEOCASPIRENE EXTRA (10-isopropyl-2,7-dimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-3,6-diene); neoforyl ((E)-non-2-enoic acid methyl ester); NEROLEX ((2Z)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-ol); nerolidol ((Z)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-ol); NEROLIDYLE ((Z)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-1,6,10-trien-3-yl acetate); ethyl naphthalene ether crystals (2-ethoxynaphthalene); neonerolone (1-(3-methylbenzofuran-2-yl)ethanone); nerol acetate ((Z)-3,7-dimethyloct-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate); NIRVANOLIDE ((E)-13-methyloxacyclopentadeca-10-en-2-one); nonadienal ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal); 2,6-nonadienol ((2Z,6E)-2,6-nonadien-1-ol); nonadienal (6,8-dimethylnona-2-ol); propyl nonalactone (5-pentyloxacyclopentane-2-one); cis-6-nonenal ((Z)-nona-6-enol aldehyde); cis-6-nonenol ((Z)-non-6-en-1-ol); nopol acetate (2-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)ethyl acetate); NYMPHEAL (3-(4-(2-methylpropyl)-2-methylphenyl)propanal); butyloctanolactone (6-propyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one); methylhexyl ketone (octan-2-one);Sweet orange crystal (1-(2-naphthyl)-ethanone); irone (4-(tert-amyl)cyclohexanone); ethyl phenethyl methyl ether ((2-methoxyethyl)benzene); p-tert-butyl cyclohexyl acetate (4-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate); fruit amide (2-ethyl-N-methyl-N-(m-tolyl)butyramide); peach aldehyde (5-heptyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one); geranylpyran (2-methyl-4-methylene-6-phenyltetrahydro-2H-pyran); tetrahydrogeraniol (3,7-dimethyloctan-1-ol); peony nitrile (2-cyclohexylidene-2-phenylacetonitrile); PETALIA (2-cyclohexylidene-2-(o-tolyl)acetonitrile); pharaone (2-cyclohexylhepta-1,6-dien-3-one); phenoxyethyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid 2-(phenoxy)ethyl ester); phenylacetaldehyde (2-phenyl-acetaldehyde); phenylethyl acetate (2-phenylethyl acetate); phenylethanol (2-phenylethanol); phenylethyl isobutyrate (2-methylpropionic acid 2-phenylethyl ester); phenylethyl phenyl acetate (2-phenylethyl =2-phenylethyl propionate); phenylpropanol (3-phenylpropan-1-ol); methylpinene (2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene); ethylpinene (6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane); pinaldehyde (3-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propanal); neorosolide (2,2-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl propionate); POMAROSE ((2E,5E)-5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one); POMELOL (2,4,7-trimethyl-6-octen-1-ol); methylcitrus aldehyde B (1-methyl-4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)cyclohex-3-enecarboxaldehyde); isopentenyl acetate (3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl acetate); coconut aldehyde (5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one); santol ((E)-2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)but-2-en-1-ol); raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one); cyclic ether (2,4-dimethyl-4-phenyltetrahydrofuran); crystalline rose (2,2,2-trichloro-1-phenylethyl acetate); 9-decenol (dec-9-en-1-ol); rose oxide (4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran); rose oxide CO (4-methyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-en-1-yl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran); ROSYFOLIA (1-methyl-2-(5-methylhex-4-en-2-yl)cyclopropylmethanol); Aromatic rose oxide (4-methyl-2-phenyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran); Safranin (2,3,3-trimethyl-1-indanone); Safranal (2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienecarboxaldehyde);SCENTAURUS CLEAN ((Z)-2-acetyl-4-methyltridec-2-enoic acid ethyl ester); SCENTAURUS JUICY (4-(dodecylthio)-4-methylpentan-2-one); WHITE MUSK (2-(1-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)ethoxy)-2-methylpropyl cyclohexanecarboxylate); CYCLOPENTADECOLIDE (cyclopentadecanone, hexadecanolide); AGRANDEHYDE (2-methyl-3-[4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl]propanal); SPIROPENTONE (1-(spiro[4.5]dec-6-en-7-yl)pent-4-en-1-one); OLEFANTONE ((E)-5-methylheptan-3-one oxime); STRYRANYL ACETATE (1-phenylethyl acetate); SUPER MUGUET ((E)-6-ethyl-3-methyloct-6-en-1-ol); Yucca musk (cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (E)-2-((3,5-dimethylhex-3-en-2-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropyl ester); terpinene methyl (1-methyl-4-prop-2-ylcyclohexa-1,3-diene); terpinene propyl (1-methyl-4-prop-2-ylcyclohexa-1,4-diene); terpineol (2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-ol); terpineol methyl (2-(4- methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)propan-2-ol); terpineol (2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-ol); terpinol (1-methyl-4-(prop-2-ylidene)cyclohex-1-ene); terpineol acetate (2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)propan-2-yl acetate); tetrahydrolinalool (3,7-dimethyloctan-3-ol); tetrahydromyrcenol (2,6-dimethyloctan-2-ol); Tibetan musk (oxacyclohexadecane-2-one); musk Vanillin (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol); Cyclopropylanisole (1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-methoxybenzene); Tricyclic terpene aldehyde (2,4-dimethylcyclohex-3-enecarboxaldehyde); Tridecene-2-carbonitrile ((E)-trideca-2-enenitrile); Neoprivetaldehyde (3-phenylbutyraldehyde); Neoheliotrope (3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal); Neoheliotrope (3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl) -2-methylpropanal); undecatriene ((3E,5Z)-undecane-1,3,5-triene); methyldecenol ((E)-4-methyldec-3-en-5-ol); vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde); vanillone (2,2,5-trimethyl-5-pentylcyclopentanone); cyclohexadecenone ((Z)-cyclohexadecan-5-enone); violet nitrile ((2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienenitrile); ethyl naphthyl methyl ether (2-methoxynaphthalene); ZINARINE (2-(2,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)pyridine);BOIS CEDRE ESS CHINE (cedarwood oil); EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS ESS CHINA (eucalyptus oil); GALBANUM ESS (galbanum oil); GIROFLE FEUILLES ESS RECT MADAGASCAR (clove oil); LAVANDIN GROSSO OIL FRANCEORPUR (lavender oil); MANDARIN OIL WASHED COSMOS (mandarin oil); ORANGE TERPENES (orange terpenes); PATCHOULI ESS INDONESIE (patchouli oil); and YLANG ECO ESSENCE (ylang-ylang oil). These fragrance ingredients are particularly suitable for obtaining stable and well-performing microcapsules due to their favorable lipophilic and olfactory properties. ;

[0144] The at least one fragrance ingredient may comprise at least one pro-fragrance, i.e. a material capable of releasing a fragrance ingredient by stimulation such as a change in temperature, the presence of an oxidizing agent, the action of an enzyme or the action of light. Such pro-fragrances are well known in the art.

[0145] Functional Materials

[0146] In addition to fragrance ingredients, suitable functional materials to be incorporated into the core of the core-shell microcapsules include flavoring ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, bioactive agents (such as bactericides, insect repellents and pheromones), substrate enhancers (such as silicones and whitening agents), enzymes (such as lipases and proteases), dyes, pigments and nutraceuticals.

[0147] The at least one functional material may comprise at least one functional cosmetic ingredient. The functional cosmetic ingredient in the composition for encapsulation is preferably hydrophobic. Preferably, the cosmetic ingredient has a calculated octanol / water partition coefficient (ClogP) of 1.5 or greater, more preferably 3 or greater. Alternatively, preferably, the cosmetic ingredient has a ClogP of 2 to 7.

[0148] Particularly useful functional cosmetic ingredients may be selected from emollients, smoothing ingredients, water-absorbing ingredients, soothing and relaxing ingredients, decorative ingredients, deodorants, anti-aging ingredients, cell regeneration ingredients, drainage ingredients, remodeling ingredients, skin-smoothing ingredients, preservatives, antioxidants, antibacterial or antibacterial ingredients, cleansing ingredients, lubricating ingredients, structuring ingredients, hair conditioning ingredients, whitening ingredients, texturizing ingredients, softening ingredients, anti-dandruff ingredients and exfoliating ingredients.

[0149] Particularly useful functional cosmetic ingredients include, but are not limited to, hydrophobic polymers such as alkyl dimethyl siloxane, polymethyl silsesquioxane, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, styrene-ethylene-styrene and styrene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, etc.; mineral oils such as hydrogenated isoparaffin, silicone oil, etc.; plant oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe oil, etc.; fatty acids and fatty alcohols and their esters; glycolipids; phospholipids; sphingolipids such as ceramides; sterols and steroids; terpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and their derivatives; essential oils such as arnica oil, artemisia oil, bark oil, birch leaf oil, calendula oil, cinnamon oil, echinacea oil, eucalyptus oil, ginseng oil, jujube oil, sunflower oil, jasmine oil, lavender oil, lotus seed oil, perilla oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, valerian oil, wormwood oil, ylang-ylang oil and yucca oil.

[0150] In particular, the at least one functional cosmetic ingredient can be selected from sandalwood oil, such as santalinum spicate kernel oil; panthenol triacetate; tocopheryl acetate; tocopherol; naringin; ethyl linoleate; acacia acetate; farnesol; citronellyl methyl crotonate; and ceramide-2 (1-stearoyl-C18-sphingosine, CAS-No: 100403-19-8).

[0151] The at least one functional material may comprise an agent that inhibits or reduces malodor and its perception by adsorbing odors, an agent that provides a warming or cooling effect, an insect repellent, or a UV absorber.

[0152] In the microcapsule composition according to the present invention, the proportion of the functional material relative to the total weight of the solid content of the microcapsule composition may be about 10 to about 99 wt.-%, preferably about 50 to about 95 wt.-%, even more preferably about 70 to about 90 wt.-%.

[0153] In the context of the present invention, solids content is measured by using a thermobalance operating at 120° C. When the drying-induced weight change rate falls below 0.1% / min, the solids content is taken as a percentage by weight of the initial microcapsule composition deposited on the balance.

[0154] Monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts

[0155] Applicants have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the addition of monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts to a microcapsule composition in slurry form comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably from about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0156] In one embodiment, the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is selected from lithium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, ammonium salts and mixtures thereof.

[0157] In one embodiment, the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is a chloride, sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the monovalent and / or divalent salt is a chloride.

[0158] In one embodiment, the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, preferably calcium chloride.

[0159] In one embodiment, the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is completely dissolved in the aqueous phase.

[0160] In one embodiment, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is 0.01 wt.-% to 2.0 wt.-% relative to the neat microcapsule slurry. Optionally, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is 0.1 wt.-% to 1.5 wt.-% relative to the neat microcapsule slurry. Optionally, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is 0.15 wt.-% to 1.0 wt.-%, optionally 0.2 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule slurry.

[0161] In one embodiment, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt depends on the nature of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt. In one embodiment, the concentration of calcium chloride is higher than about 0.3 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule slurry.

[0162] In one embodiment, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt depends on the nature of the microcapsule shell.

[0163] In one embodiment, a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry comprises a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core, the core comprising at least one fragrance ingredient, wherein the shell comprises a hydrated polymer and a polymer stabilizer formed by the reaction of an aminosilane with a polyfunctional isocyanate, wherein the hydrated polymer is a coacervate, in particular a complex coacervate, optionally a complex coacervate formed of a polycation and a polyanion, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 28 wt % to about 34 wt %, preferably about 32 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt at a concentration of 0.1 wt.-% to 1.0 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule composition, wherein the aqueous phase accounts for about 62 wt % to about 68 wt % of the total weight of the slurry.

[0164] In one embodiment, the inorganic salt is calcium chloride. In one embodiment, the concentration of calcium chloride is higher than about 0.3 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule slurry.

[0165] The conductivity of the resulting microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry was greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0166] In one embodiment, the water is deionized water or tap water.

[0167] In one embodiment, the microcapsule composition may further comprise water, optionally deionized water, wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water is from 1 to greater than about 0.5.

[0168] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is from 1 to about 0.5.

[0169] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is from 1 to about 1.

[0170] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is from 1 to about 2.

[0171] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is from 1 to about 4.

[0172] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is from 1 to about 6.

[0173] In one embodiment, the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water (optionally deionized water) is less than about 10.

[0174] In one embodiment, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition further comprising water, optionally deionized water, is greater than about 2100 μS / cm.

[0175] method

[0176] The present invention further provides a method for preparing the microcapsule composition as defined above, said method comprising the following steps:

[0177] a) providing a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composition;

[0178] b) optionally, adding water to the microcapsule composition of step a), wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition of step a) to water is from 1 to greater than about 0.5;

[0179] c) adding a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt to the microcapsule composition of step a) or step b); and

[0180] d) optionally, adding water to the microcapsule composition obtained in step c), wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition obtained in step c) to water is 1 to above about 0.5;

[0181] wherein when step b) is not performed, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition obtained after step c) is higher than about 5000 μS / cm;

[0182] Optionally, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition obtained from step d) is higher than about 2100 μS / cm.

[0183] The core-shell microcapsules and the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts are as defined above.

[0184] Optionally, the water is deionized water.

[0185] The monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is added to the slurry provided in step a) in an amount such that the resulting conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0186] In one embodiment, a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is added to the microcapsule composition provided in step a) in an amount such that the resulting concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is from 0.01 wt.-% to 2.0 wt.-% relative to the undiluted neat slurry of the microcapsules provided in step a). Optionally, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is from 0.1 wt.-% to 1.5 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule slurry provided in step a). Optionally, the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is from 0.15 wt.-% to 1.0 wt.-%, optionally from 0.2 wt.-% to 0.8 wt.-%.

[0187] In one embodiment, the microcapsule composition is further diluted, optionally by adding water, wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water is from 1 to above about 0.5. In one embodiment, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition further comprising water is above about 2100 μS / cm.

[0188] In one embodiment, the microcapsule composition provided in step a) is first diluted by adding water before adding the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt, wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition to water is from 1 to above about 0.5. In one embodiment, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition comprising water is above about 2100 μS / cm.

[0189] A method is provided for preventing flocculation of a microcapsule composition as defined herein, wherein a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is added to a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, the microcapsule composition comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules comprise from about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably from about 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, of the composition, and an aqueous phase; and wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

[0190] In one embodiment, the salt is added as an aqueous solution to a microcapsule composition in slurry form, the microcapsule composition comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules comprising a core comprising at least one functional material and a shell encapsulating the core.

[0191] In one embodiment, the salt is added as a solid to a microcapsule composition in slurry form, the microcapsule composition comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules comprising a core comprising at least one functional material and a shell encapsulating the core.

[0192] In yet another aspect, there is provided the use of a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt to prevent flocculation in a microcapsule composition as defined herein.

[0193] consumer goods

[0194] Another aspect of the present invention provides a consumer product comprising the microcapsule composition as described herein.

[0195] The consumer product may be selected from household (home) care, personal care, fabric care and pet care products.

[0196] Suitable household care products include hard surface cleaners, heavy duty detergents and detergent powders, air care compositions.

[0197] Suitable personal care products include cleansing compositions (e.g. shampoos, bath and shower gels, liquid soaps, soap bars), conditioning compositions (e.g. hair care conditioners), bath and shower lotions, oral care compositions, deodorant compositions, antiperspirant compositions, skin care products.

[0198] Suitable fabric care compositions include laundry care detergents, laundry care conditioners, fabric refreshers, fragrance enhancers.

[0199] The encapsulated compositions according to the present invention are particularly useful when used as a fragrance delivery vehicle in consumer products which require good adhesion of the microcapsules to the substrate to which they are applied in order to deliver optimal fragrance benefits. Such consumer products include shampoos and conditioners, and fabric treatment products such as laundry detergents and conditioners.

[0200] The encapsulated composition of the present invention in the form of a slurry of microcapsules suspended in an aqueous suspending medium can be incorporated into a consumer product matrix as such.

[0201] The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples: Example

[0202] The volume median diameter Dv(50) of the microcapsules was measured by static light scattering involving laser diffraction particle size analysis using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000S particle size analyzer.

[0203] The conductivity was measured at 25°C using a SevenMulti pH conductivity meter.

[0204] Example 1.1: Preparation of microcapsule slurry (S1)

[0205] According to the improved method disclosed in Example 1 of WO2023 / 020883A1, a microcapsule slurry was prepared as follows:

[0206] a) preparing a core composition by mixing 0.7 g of dipodal aminosilane (bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)amine), 50 g of Takenate D-110N (from Mitsui) and 39 g of a fragrance composition;

[0207] b) emulsifying the core composition obtained in step a) in a mixture of 1.0 g of high methoxylated grade pectin (APA 104 type from Roeper) in 73 g of water, using a 300 ml reactor and a beam stirrer with an inclined beam, operating at a temperature of 25° C. with a stirring speed of 600 rpm for 10 minutes;

[0208] c) raising the temperature of the system to 85° C. within 4 hours, adding 0.3 g of trimesic acid (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), and maintaining the system at this temperature for 1.5 hours while maintaining stirring as in step b);

[0209] d) slowly cooling the system to 40° C. while maintaining stirring as in step b);

[0210] e) adding 10 g of 10% gelatin aqueous solution at a temperature of 40° C. while maintaining stirring as in step b);

[0211] f) slowly cooling the system to 10° C. while maintaining stirring as in step b);

[0212] g) finally stabilizing the slurry of core-shell capsules obtained in step f) at room temperature.

[0213] The solids content of the obtained slurry was 33 wt.-%, the volume median size of the capsules (d50) was 32 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 99%.

[0214] Example 1.2: Preparation of microcapsule slurry (S2)

[0215] According to the method disclosed in WO2021 / 213930A1, a microcapsule slurry is prepared. The shell of these capsules comprises a resin formed by the reaction of at least one trifunctional aromatic aliphatic isocyanate with at least one partially alkylated aminoaldehyde precondensate.

[0216] The solids content of the obtained slurry was 43 wt.-%, the volume mean size of the capsules (D50) was 10 μm and the encapsulation efficiency was 100%.

[0217] Example 1.3: Preparation of microcapsule slurry (S3)

[0218] According to the method disclosed in WO2017 / 001672A1, a microcapsule slurry is prepared. The shell of these capsules comprises a network of cross-linked amino plastic resin, wherein 75-100 wt% of the resin comprises 50-90 wt% of a terpolymer and 10-50 wt% of a polymer stabilizer; the terpolymer comprises:

[0219] (a) 20-35 wt% of moieties derived from at least one triamine,

[0220] (b) 30-60 wt % of moieties derived from at least one diamine,

[0221] (c) 20-35 wt% of moieties derived from alkylene and alkyleneoxy moieties having 1 to 6 methylene units.

[0222] The volume median size (d50) of the capsules was 25 μm.

[0223] Example 2: Conductivity measurement, dilution and filtration results

[0224] 2.1. Pure slurry

[0225] The conductivity measurements of slurries S1, S2 and S3 are shown in Table 1.

[0226] Table 1

[0227] *Comparative

[0228] 2.2. Dilute with water at a ratio of 1:2 (volume)

[0229] Slurries S1, S2 and S3 were diluted with deionized water (DI) in a ratio of slurry S:DI water = 1:2 (volume), and the conductivity and behavior of the diluted slurries when passing through a 75 μm sieve are shown in Table 2 (entries 3-S1, 5-S2 and 6-S3). For completeness, the conductivity of tap water and DI water is also recorded (entries 1 and 2, respectively). It can be observed that the diluted slurry S1 (entry 3) with a conductivity of 900 μS / cm blocked the sieve, while the diluted slurry S2 (entry 5) with a conductivity of 3800 μS / cm passed the sieve without leaving any residue on the sieve. Like S1, the diluted slurry S3 (entry 6) with a conductivity of 1500 μS / cm blocked the sieve.

[0230] Thus, there is a relationship between the conductivity of the neat slurry and the behavior of the slurry when diluted with water relative to a screen two to three times the size of the microcapsules.

[0231] Since tap water is known to have a higher conductivity than DI water due to the presence of trace salts, the neat slurry S1 was subsequently diluted with tap water at a ratio of S1:tap water = 1:2 (volume). The conductivity and behavior of the slurry diluted with tap water when passing through a 75 μm sieve are shown in Table 2 (entry 4). As expected, the conductivity of slurry S1 diluted with tap water is higher than that of slurry S1 diluted with DI water (1300 μS / cm vs. 900 μS / cm), however, the slurry diluted with tap water also cannot pass completely through the 75 μm sieve without leaving any residue on the sieve.

[0232] When 100 g of S1 diluted with deionized water (entry 3) was filtered through a 75 μm sieve, 85 g of dried microcapsules were recovered from the sieve. However, the amount of residue observed on the sieve after the slurry S1 was diluted with tap water was less than the amount of residue observed after the slurry was diluted with DI water. Subsequently, various monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts in solid form (entries 7 to 10) were added to the slurry S1 diluted with deionized water as described above (S1:DI=1:2, entry 3) and the conductivity of the diluted slurry was measured. The diluted slurry was passed through a 75 μm sieve and their behavior was recorded.

[0233] Table 2

[0234] a Salt concentration (%, wt) refers to the salt concentration in slurry S1 before dilution with water; *Comparative

[0235] Dilution of slurry S1 with deionized water at a ratio of slurry:DI water = 1:2 and subsequent addition of different inorganic salts (entries 7 to 10) resulted in an increase in the conductivity of the diluted slurry, with the result that the diluted slurry passed through a 75 μm sieve leaving no residue on the sieve.

[0236] For example, 100 g of slurry S1 was diluted with 200 g of deionized water. 0.5 g of MgCl2 was added to the diluted slurry under stirring. Stirring was performed for 10 minutes (entry 9). The diluted slurry was filtered through a 75 μm sieve. Less than 5 g of residue was recovered from the sieve.

[0237] In another set of experiments, solid calcium chloride was added to slurries S1 and S3 in various amounts under stirring (Table 3). The conductivity of the resulting slurries was measured. Subsequently, each slurry was diluted with DI water at a ratio (volume) of slurry:DI water = 1:2. The diluted slurries were passed through a 75 μm sieve and their behavior on the sieve was recorded.

[0238] Table 3

[0239] To the slurry (S1) prepared as in Example 1.1, different amounts of solid calcium chloride (entries 1 to 4, top row) were added under stirring until the salt was completely dissolved. Compared to neat slurry S1, the conductivity of the slurry increased (2600 μS / cm, Table 1, entry 1).

[0240] As expected, subsequent dilution of the salt-containing slurry with DI water (entries 1 to 4, bottom row) resulted in an increase in the conductivity of the diluted slurry compared to the conductivity of slurry S1 diluted only with DI water at a 2:1 ratio (900 μS / cm, Table 2, entry 3).

[0241] Likewise, 0.5 wt% solid calcium chloride was also added to slurry S3 (entry 5, top row) to achieve the effect of increasing the conductivity of the slurry from 4800 μS / cm (pure S3, Table 1, entry 3) to 9100 μS / cm when 0.5% CaCl2 was present in the slurry. Dilution of this slurry with DI water (1:2) resulted in a diluted slurry with significantly higher conductivity (3900 μS / cm) compared to the 1:2 diluted slurry S3 (1500 μS / cm, Table 2, entry 6).

[0242] It can be observed from Table 3 that subsequent dilution of the slurry containing added salt with DI water at a ratio of salted slurry:DI water = 1:2 results in a conductivity dependent behavior of the diluted slurry when passing through a 75 μm sieve. The conductivity of the diluted slurry below about 2000 μS / cm is not sufficient to allow the slurry to pass through a 75 μm sieve without clogging it.

[0243] 2.3. Dilution with water at different ratios

[0244] Slurry S1 having a conductivity of 8700 μS / cm to which 0.5 wt % CaCl was added (Table 3, entry 4, top row, again shown in Table 4, entry 1) was diluted with DI water at different ratios. Similarly, slurry S3 having a conductivity of 9100 μS / cm to which 0.5 wt % CaCl was added (Table 3, entry 5, top row, again shown in Table 4, entry 6) was diluted with DI water at different ratios.

[0245] The conductivity of the obtained diluted slurries was measured and the diluted slurries were passed through a 75 μm sieve and their behavior on the sieve was recorded (Table 4).

[0246] Table 4

[0247] These results demonstrate that a diluted slurry containing added salt and diluted with water at a ratio of 1: greater than about 0.5 requires a conductivity above at least about 2100 μS / cm in order to pass through a 75 μm screen without plugging it.

[0248] It can also be concluded that the conductivity of the neat undiluted slurry containing added salt is required to be at least about 5000 μS / cm so that when diluted with water at a ratio of 1: greater than about 0.5, the diluted slurry passes through a 75 μm mesh screen without clogging it.

Claims

1. A microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composition; and an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt, and wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is greater than about 5000 μS / cm.

2. The microcapsule composition according to claim 1, further comprising water, optionally deionized water, wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition according to claim 1 to water is 1 to above about 0.5, preferably the conductivity of the microcapsule composition further comprising water is above about 2100 μS / cm.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shell of the microcapsule comprises a melamine-formaldehyde polymer; a urea-formaldehyde polymer; a polyurea or polyurethane polymer; a polyamide; a polyacrylate; a polycarbonate; a polymer stabilizer formed by combining a polymeric surfactant with at least one aminosilane; a complex coacervate formed by crosslinking at least one protein with a first crosslinker and at least one polysaccharide; or a hydrated polymer and a polymer stabilizer formed by the reaction of an aminosilane with a multifunctional isocyanate; or a polymer stabilizer formed by combining a polymeric surfactant with at least one aminosilane, a hydrocolloid and a linker derived from an epoxy resin.

4. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shell of the microcapsules comprises a) a complex coacervate formed by crosslinking at least one protein with a first crosslinker and at least one polysaccharide; or b) a hydrated polymer and a polymeric stabilizer formed by the reaction of an aminosilane with a multifunctional isocyanate; or c) a polymeric stabilizer formed by combining a polymeric surfactant with at least one aminosilane, a hydrocolloid and a linker derived from an epoxy resin.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell of the microcapsules comprises a hydrated polymer and a polymer stabilizer formed by reaction of an aminosilane with a polyfunctional isocyanate, wherein the hydrated polymer is a coacervate, in particular a complex coacervate, optionally formed of a polycation and a polyanion.

6. The composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the volume mean diameter (Dv50) of the microcapsules is from about 5 microns to about 60 microns, optionally from about 10 microns to about 45 microns, optionally from about 25 to about 40 microns.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core further comprises a functional material selected from the group consisting of flavoring ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, bioactive agents, substrate enhancers, enzymes, dyes and pigments, nutraceuticals, and combinations thereof.

8. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is selected from lithium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, ammonium salts and mixtures thereof.

9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is a chloride, a sulfate, a carbonate, a bicarbonate or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the monovalent and / or divalent salt is a chloride, even more preferably wherein the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is calcium chloride.

10. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is from 0.01 wt.-% to 2.0 wt.-% relative to the microcapsule composition.

11. A method for preparing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: a) providing a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably about 30 wt % to about 40 wt % of the composition; b) optionally, adding deionized water to the microcapsule composition of step a), wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition of step a) to deionized water is 1 to greater than about 0.5; c) adding a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt to the microcapsule composition of step a) or step b); and d) optionally, adding deionized water to the microcapsule composition obtained in step c), wherein the volume ratio of the microcapsule composition obtained in step c) to deionized water is 1 to above about 0.5; wherein when step b) is not performed, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition obtained after step c) is higher than about 5000 μS / cm; Optionally, the conductivity of the microcapsule composition obtained from step d) is higher than about 2100 μS / cm.

12. A method for preventing flocculation of a microcapsule composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salt is added to a microcapsule composition in the form of a slurry, the microcapsule composition comprising a plurality of core-shell microcapsules, the core-shell microcapsules comprising a core and a shell encapsulating the core, the core comprising at least one perfume ingredient, wherein the core-shell microcapsules account for about 25 wt % to about 50 wt %, preferably about 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, of the composition, and an aqueous phase; and wherein the conductivity of the microcapsule composition is higher than about 5000 μS / cm.

13. Use of monovalent and / or divalent inorganic salts to prevent flocculation in a microcapsule composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. Consumer product comprising a microcapsule composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, optionally wherein the consumer product is selected from household (home) care, personal care, fabric care and pet care products.

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