Biodegradable microcapsules

Abstract

Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry obtainable by a process comprising the following steps in this order: (i) Providing an internal non-aqueous phase comprising at least one first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient and optionally at least one further crosslinking agent; (ii) Providing an external aqueous phase comprising at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide and optionally at least one protective colloid, and optionally adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein; (iii) Emulsifying or dispersing the internal non-aqueous phase in the external aqueous phase, optionally in the presence of at least one stabilizer and / or at least one emulsifier, to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion or dispersion; (iv) optional addition of at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (v) first crosslinking by adding at least one catalyst to obtain a microcapsule slurry; (vi) Curing of the microcapsule slurry at a temperature of at least 60 °C and optionally the addition of another polysaccharide and / or another protein; (vii) Cooling and optionally second crosslinking by adding at least one second crosslinking agent; and (viii) optionally separating the microcapsules from the microcapsule slurry and, if necessary, drying the microcapsules or adjusting the viscosity of the microcapsule slurry by adding at least one thickening agent.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] In a non-claimed aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing biodegradable microcapsules, in particular biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules, as well as dispersions of such microcapsules (microcapsule slurry) that enclose at least one hydrophobic active ingredient, preferably for perfume- or aroma-containing polysaccharide- and protein-based microcapsules, which exhibit balanced biodegradability, stability, and performance compared to prior art microcapsules. Furthermore, the present invention relates to biodegradable microcapsules that contain at least one hydrophobic active ingredient, which are obtainable by the process described here but not according to the invention.In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the microcapsules and dispersions as an ingredient in household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, fragrance enhancers or fragrance boosters in liquid or solid form, cosmetics, personal care products, perfume compositions, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products, or print coatings for paper. Finally, the present invention relates to consumer products containing such microcapsules or microcapsule dispersions.

[0002] Microcapsules are particles consisting of a core and a wall material surrounding the core. The core can be a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance surrounded by a polymeric, dense, permeable, or semipermeable wall material. During production, the polymers of the starting materials precipitate onto the substances to be encapsulated after emulsification and coacervation or interfacial polymerization. The core is also referred to as the inner phase. Other names for the wall are outer phase, shell, or envelope. The diameter of the microcapsules is typically in the range of 1 to 1,000 µm. The wall thickness is typically 0.5 to 150 µm, but can range from 5 to 10 -9 m to 5 - 10 -6 m can be varied. Typically, loadings of 25 to 95 wt.% are possible, but also those of 1 to 99 wt.%.

[0003] The encapsulation of an active ingredient with a suitable wall material (coating material) can be done for several reasons: - Conversion of liquids into a manageable powder form (e.g. coating of vegetable oils, fats); - Time-controlled release of substances (dose control, depot effect for pharmaceuticals, pesticides and fertilizers); - Taste, smell and colour lamination (e.g. bitter or pungent flavourings); - Protection from light, oxidation, heat, acids or bases (e.g. vitamins, flavorings, etc.) - Moisture protection (e.g. hygroscopic salts or minerals); - Delaying the loss of volatile components (e.g. aroma substances); - Prevention of premature chemical reactions with other mixture components; - Better handling before or during processing (flow behavior, dust development); - Protection of personnel from harmful or unpleasant substances (chemicals, aroma concentrates); or improved solubility / suspensibility through surface modification.

[0004] Hydrophobic active ingredients, such as fragrances or flavors, can be easily incorporated into numerous and diverse application formulations through encapsulation.

[0005] The contents of microcapsules can be released in different ways and is based in particular on one of the mechanisms described below: - The capsules are mechanically torn by crushing or shearing. This mechanism is used, for example, in carbonless paper. - The capsules are destroyed by melting the wall material. Due to this mechanism, ingredients such as raising agents or flavorings, for example, in baking mixes, are only released during the baking process. - The capsules are destroyed by dissolving the wall material. This mechanism is used, for example, in washing powders so that encapsulated ingredients such as enzymes are only released during the washing process. - The capsules remain intact, and the capsule contents are gradually released by diffusion through the capsule wall. Based on this mechanism, a slow and even release of the active ingredients in the body can be achieved.

[0006] Due to their properties, microcapsules are used in the printing industry, the food industry (vitamins, flavors, plant extracts, enzymes, microorganisms), agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), the feed industry (minerals, vitamins, enzymes, medicines, microorganisms), the pharmaceutical industry, the detergent industry and the cosmetics industry, among others.

[0007] Many everyday items such as cleaning products, fabric softeners, washing powders, liquid detergents, shower gels, shampoos, deodorants, body lotions, etc., are now scented with fragrances or fragrance blends. Very often, the fragrances interact with other ingredients in the formulation, or the more volatile components of a scented product evaporate prematurely. This usually results in the fragrance impression of the perfume changing over time or even disappearing completely.

[0008] The microencapsulation of such fragrance mixtures offers the possibility of reducing or completely preventing interactions in the perfumed product or the evaporation of the volatile fragrance components.

[0009] A variety of capsule wall or coating materials are known for the production of microcapsules. The capsule wall can be made of either natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic materials. Natural shell materials include gum arabic, agar-agar, agarose, maltodextrins, alginic acid or its salts, e.g., sodium alginate or calcium alginate, fats and fatty acids, cetyl alcohol, collagen, chitosan, lecithins, gelatin, albumin, shellac, polysaccharides such as starch or dextran, polypeptides, protein hydrolysates, sucrose, and waxes. Semi-synthetic capsule wall materials include chemically modified celluloses, especially cellulose esters, and cellulose ethers, e.g., cellulose acetate, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose, as well as starch derivatives, especially starch ethers and starch esters.Synthetic shell materials include polymers such as polyacrylates, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0010] Depending on the type of capsule wall material and the manufacturing process, microcapsules are created with different properties in terms of diameter, size distribution and physical and / or chemical properties.

[0011] Polyurea microcapsules or polyurea-polyurethane microcapsules, formed by polymerization between a polyisocyanate and a polyamine and / or a diol or polyol, are well-known capsules used in a variety of technical fields, including perfumery.

[0012] Polyurea microcapsules produced by the reaction of two polyisocyanates and a polyamine are described, for example, in WO 2011 / 161229 or WO 2011 / 160733. According to WO 2011 / 161229 or WO 2011 / 160733, the polyurea microcapsules are produced in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a protective colloid. WO 2012 / 107323 discloses polyurea microcapsules with a polyurea shell comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate with guanazole (3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole) and an amino acid in the presence of anionic stabilizers or surfactants such as anionic polyvinyl alcohol. EP 0 537 467 B describes microcapsules produced from polyisocyanates with polyethylene oxide groups in the presence of stabilizers such as polyvinyl alcohol.According to WO 2007 / 096592, microencapsulation can be carried out in an oil phase emulsified in a continuous aqueous phase, which is generally stabilized by a surfactant system such as polyvinyl alcohols or their carboxylated and sulfonated derivatives.

[0013] The exemplary prior art delivery systems described above exhibit both good stability, ie the ability to retain the active ingredient and thus the ability of the capsules to avoid the loss of volatile components, and good performance, e.g. the fragrance release in the case of fragrance or odor capsules.

[0014] However, the microcapsules according to the state-of-the-art described above have the disadvantage that the polymeric capsule wall or shell material requires a high polymer content to ensure sufficient stability and prevent excessive loss of active ingredient. Furthermore, the microencapsulation process releases plastic into the environment, where it can cause problems as "microplastics," potentially leading to environmental damage or adverse health effects.

[0015] As plastic particles increasingly face public criticism for their environmental impacts and the demand for bio-based and biodegradable solutions increases due to ever-increasing societal pressure regarding environmental concerns, there is a need to develop new materials for microencapsulation to achieve a reduction in microplastics in the environment. Bio-based and biodegradable materials are at the forefront of this effort.

[0016] Against this background, there is a need for microcapsules whose production increasingly utilizes biodegradable capsule wall materials, while simultaneously exhibiting excellent stability and release properties for the respective applications. It is important that not only the macromolecular material of the capsule wall itself is biocompatible, but also each of the fragments resulting from degradation.

[0017] However, this task of using biodegradable materials to reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment is not trivial in the case of microencapsulation, since the desired functionality of the microcapsule, such as odor properties and positive secondary properties such as high stability, toxicological stability, conflict with the requirements for rapid biodegradability in many applications.

[0018] It is particularly difficult to produce microcapsules that exhibit both good stability and good release of the active ingredient. The ability of the capsules to retain active ingredients, and thus the ability of the capsules to prevent loss of volatile components, depends particularly on the stability of the capsules in the product base. However, capsules with good stability do not automatically exhibit good biodegradability.

[0019] As the degree of cross-linking increases, the stability of the microcapsules increases, but at the same time, the ability of the capsule shell to biodegrade decreases. Very stable microcapsules have lower performance, such as sensory performance, because the number of microcapsules that rupture and release active ingredients due to pressure, friction, etc., decreases. If they are too unstable, they are destroyed during storage and also lose their performance.

[0020] The present invention is therefore based on the complex task of providing microcapsules which preferably meet one, several or preferably all of the following requirements: - Improved biodegradability, - No toxic effects on humans or the environment; - Maintaining sufficient stability, - Suitability for a wide variety of active ingredients to be encapsulated, - excellent release behavior of the encapsulated active ingredients, and - are accessible by known microcapsule manufacturing processes, and - The ingredients are readily available, meaning they can be made from bio-based or sustainably produced raw materials.

[0021] Surprisingly, it was discovered that this problem can be solved by producing the microcapsule from a polysaccharide and / or a protein and a cross-linking agent in an aqueous emulsion in the presence of a catalyst by interfacial polymerization. Cross-linking enables the formation of a biodegradable and stable capsule shell or capsule wall, which can be used to encapsulate a wide range of hydrophobic or lipophilic active ingredients. Summary of the invention

[0022] The present object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments emerge from the wording of the dependent patent claims and from the following description.

[0023] A first, unclaimed subject matter of the invention therefore relates to a process for producing a biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule, which comprises the following steps in this order: (i) providing an inner non-aqueous phase containing at least one first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient and optionally at least one further crosslinking agent and optionally at least one catalyst; (ii) providing an external aqueous phase containing at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide and optionally at least one protective colloid, and optionally adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein; (iii) emulsifying or dispersing the inner non-aqueous phase in the outer aqueous phase, optionally in the presence of at least one stabilizer and / or at least one emulsifier, to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion / dispersion; (iv) Optionally, addition of at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (v) first crosslinking by adding at least one catalyst to obtain a microcapsule slurry; (vi) curing the microcapsule slurry at a temperature of at least 60 °C and optionally adding at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (vii) cooling and optionally second crosslinking by adding at least one second crosslinking agent; and (viii) Optionally separating the microcapsules from the microcapsule slurry and optionally drying the microcapsules or adjusting the viscosity of the microcapsule slurry by adding at least one thickener.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a microcapsule containing at least one lipophilic active ingredient or a microcapsule slurry prepared by the process described herein but not according to the invention.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable microcapsule comprising or consisting of (a) a core containing or consisting of at least one hydrophobic active ingredient; (b) a capsule shell comprising or consisting of a cross-linking matrix or units of at least one polysaccharide and / or at least one protein and at least one first cross-linking agent; and optionally at least one first protective colloid and / or optionally at least one further cross-linking agent.

[0026] Finally, in a further unclaimed aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the microcapsules according to the invention or of dispersions containing the microcapsules according to the invention for the production of household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, fragrance enhancers, fragrance lotions or fragrance enhancers in liquid or solid form, cosmetics, body care products, perfume compositions, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products or print coatings for paper.

[0027] Surprisingly, it has been found within the scope of the present invention that in the production of the microcapsules, a combination of polysaccharide and / or protein and subsequent crosslinking with a polyisocyanate having at least two or more isocyanate groups leads to stable microcapsules that ensure efficient encapsulation of lipophilic active ingredients with subsequent targeted release of these active ingredients, while at the same time the microcapsules have good biodegradability due to their bio-based and biodegradable building blocks.

[0028] By using polysaccharide and / or protein, the polyisocyanate content of the capsule wall or capsule shell material can be reduced, i.e. replaced by bio-based capsule wall components and thus the proportion of bio-based capsule wall components can be increased without compromising the stability of the microcapsule wall.

[0029] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description and claims. In this regard, any feature or variation of one aspect of the invention may be used or substituted for another aspect of the invention. It should also be understood that the examples disclosed herein describe and illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention, and in particular, that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0030] All percentages are by weight unless otherwise stated. Numerical examples given in the form "from x to y" include these values. If multiple preferred numerical ranges are given in this format, all ranges resulting from the combination of the different endpoints are also included.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “at least one” or “one or more” refer to 1 or more, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more.

[0032] The term “and / or” expresses that a connection exists or an alternative is provided.

[0033] Numerical examples specified in the form "x to y" include the specified values. If multiple preferred numeric ranges are specified in this format, all ranges resulting from combining the various endpoints are also included. Illustrations The Fig. show diagrams of the particle size distribution (d(0.5) value) of microcapsules according to the invention with different compositions. Fig.is a diagram comparing the particle size distribution of a prior art microcapsule and a microcapsule according to the invention. A MALVERN Mastersizer 3000 was used to determine the particle size distribution. The corresponding calculation is based on Mie theory. Fig. is a graph showing the free oil content of microcapsules according to the present invention compared to microcapsules according to the prior art. Fig. is a graph showing the free oil content in microcapsules according to the present invention compared to prior art microcapsules. Fig. is a graph showing the free oil content of microcapsules according to the present invention prepared without and with an additional crosslinking agent. Fig.is a diagram showing the stability of microcapsules according to the invention in a fabric softener. Fig. is a diagram showing the sensory evaluation of microcapsules according to the invention. A comma is used for the decimal place in the y-axis figures. Fig. is a diagram showing in general terms the correlation between stability, performance and biodegradability of microcapsules depending on the degree of cross-linking. Fig. is a diagram showing the particle size distribution (d(0.5) value) of chickpea protein-based microcapsules according to the invention. Fig. is a graph showing the free oil content in microcapsules according to the present invention based on chickpea protein. The Fig.show the sensory evaluation of microcapsules according to the invention based on chickpea protein and dextrin from pea starch in comparison to a pure fragrance oil reference in a fabric softener formulation, each after one week of maturation in the fabric softener, after machine drying and after line drying. The Fig. show the sensory evaluation of microcapsules according to the invention based on chickpea protein and dextrin from pea starch in comparison to a pure fragrance oil reference in a fabric softener formulation, respectively after two and four weeks of maturation in the fabric softener, after machine drying and after line drying. The Fig.show the sensory evaluation of freshly produced and one-year-old inventive microcapsules based on chickpea protein and pea starch dextrin, produced with a dual catalyst system, compared to the corresponding microcapsules produced with a single DABCO catalyst or bi-catalyst.

[0034] In the Fig. the dot was used as a decimal separator. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] In a first unclaimed aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing a biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule, comprising the following steps in this order: (i) providing an inner non-aqueous phase containing at least one first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient and optionally at least one further crosslinking agent and optionally at least one catalyst; (ii) providing an external aqueous phase containing at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide and optionally at least one protective colloid, and optionally adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein; (iii) emulsifying or dispersing the inner non-aqueous phase in the outer aqueous phase, optionally in the presence of at least one stabilizer and / or at least one emulsifier, to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion / dispersion; (iv) Optionally, addition of at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (v) first crosslinking by adding at least one catalyst to obtain a microcapsule slurry; (vi) curing the microcapsule slurry at a temperature of at least 60 °C and optionally adding at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (vii) cooling and optionally second crosslinking by adding at least one second crosslinking agent; and (viii) Optionally separating the microcapsules from the microcapsule slurry and optionally drying the microcapsules or adjusting the viscosity of the microcapsule slurry by adding at least one thickener.

[0036] In another variant, the process described here but not according to the invention for producing a biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule comprises the following steps in this order: (i) providing an inner non-aqueous phase containing at least one first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient and optionally at least one further crosslinking agent and optionally at least one catalyst; (ii) providing an external aqueous phase containing at least one protective colloid and optionally at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide, and optionally adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein; (iii) emulsifying or dispersing the inner non-aqueous phase in the outer aqueous phase, optionally in the presence of at least one stabilizer and / or at least one emulsifier, to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion / dispersion; (iv) optionally adding at least one polysaccharide or at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one protein or at least one further protein; (v) first crosslinking by adding at least one catalyst to obtain a microcapsule slurry; (vi) curing the microcapsule slurry at a temperature of at least 60 °C and optionally adding at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (vii) cooling and optionally second crosslinking by adding at least one second crosslinking agent; and (viii) Optionally separating the microcapsules from the microcapsule slurry and optionally drying the microcapsules or adjusting the viscosity of the microcapsule slurry by adding at least one thickener.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, microcapsules are understood to be microparticles that contain at least one or more active ingredients as core material inside the capsule and are enclosed by a capsule shell or capsule wall. The active ingredients are preferably hydrophobic or lipophilic. Such active ingredients are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in fats and oils. The terms "microcapsule" and "capsule," or "hydrophobic" and "lipophilic," are used synonymously for the purposes of the present invention.

[0038] In the context of the present invention, the capsule shell or capsule wall is preferably composed of several crosslinking matrices or crosslinking units, which preferably have different compositions and are produced through several process steps or process sequences, in particular crosslinking steps, during the production of the microcapsule according to the invention. The crosslinking matrix comprises or consists of at least one polysaccharide and / or at least one protein. These capsule wall components are crosslinked with one another by means of a crosslinking agent and a catalyst through interfacial polymerization via selectively catalyzed mechanisms, thus forming a three-dimensional network of polysaccharide, protein, and crosslinking agent.

[0039] In a first step (i) of the process described here but not according to the invention, an inner non-aqueous phase is provided which contains at least one crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient to be encapsulated and optionally a further crosslinking agent

[0040] In addition, a catalyst can be added in this step (i), particularly in the case of dual catalyst systems. This catalyst is preferably oil-soluble. Therefore, the internal non-aqueous phase can additionally contain a catalyst.

[0041] The first crosslinking agent according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention for producing the capsule shell or capsule wall is a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups, selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, hydroaromatic, aromatic or heterocyclic polyisocyanates, their substitution products and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned first crosslinking agents.

[0042] The at least one isocyanate or polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups used in the process described here but not according to the invention for producing the biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule comprises at least two isocyanate groups for forming polymeric networks by polymerization which form a capsule shell or capsule wall.

[0043] Polyisocyanates are R-substituted organic derivatives (RN=C=O) of isocyanic acid (HN=C=O). Organic isocyanates are compounds in which the isocyanate group (-N=C=O) is bonded to an organic radical. Polyfunctional isocyanates, or polyisocyanates, are compounds that contain at least two or more, i.e., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 50, 100, 200, or even more, isocyanate groups (-N=C=O) in the molecule. Polyisocyanates with two isocyanate groups are also called diisocyanates.

[0044] Polyisocyanates can be classified as aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, hydroaromatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic isocyanates or polyisocyanates. Furthermore, the polyisocyanates of the invention can be linear or branched.

[0045] Polyisocyanates, especially aromatic polyisocyanates, are highly reactive compounds. The polyaddition reactions of polyisocyanates with diols or polyols form the basis of polyurethane chemistry, and the polyaddition reactions of polyisocyanates with amines form the basis of polyurea chemistry.

[0046] According to the invention, at least difunctional, preferably polyfunctional polyisocyanates are used, ie all aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic isocyanates are suitable provided they have at least two reactive isocyanate groups.

[0047] Particularly preferred are aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, hydroaromatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic polyisocyanates, their substitution products, and mixtures of the aforementioned monomeric or oligomeric compounds. Of the aforementioned polyisocyanates, aliphatic and / or aromatic compounds are preferably used.

[0048] In preferred embodiments of the process described here, but not according to the invention, the polyisocyanate contains an average of 2 to 5 functional -N=C=O groups. These include, for example, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic di-, tri-, and higher polyisocyanates.

[0049] Among the above-mentioned polyisocyanates, diisocyanates and polyisocyanates with three functional -NC=O groups are particularly preferred and are therefore preferably used in the practice of the present invention. Diisocyanates with the general structure O=C=NRN=C=O, where R represents aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic radicals, are preferably used. The radicals preferably have five or more carbon atoms.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the process described here but not according to the invention, the at least one polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups is selected from the group of aliphatic polyisocyanates and / or aromatic polyisocyanates. In an even more preferred variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the at least one polyisocyanate is a combination of two different aliphatic polyisocyanates or a combination of one aliphatic and one aromatic polyisocyanate.

[0051] The number of functional groups ensures optimal cross-linking or networking of the capsule wall, resulting in microcapsules that exhibit prolonged slow release of active ingredients as well as good stability in the consumer product.

[0052] In a preferred variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the polyisocyanate is an aliphatic polyisocyanate.

[0053] The term "aliphatic polyisocyanate" refers to any polyisocyanate molecule that is not aromatic. Furthermore, the molecule comprises at least two isocyanate groups, i.e., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 50, 100, 200, or more isocyanate groups directly bonded to a corresponding number of different carbon atoms of the same aliphatic molecule, as well as derivatives of such compounds.

[0054] The aliphatic polyisocyanate molecule having at least two isocyanate groups, i.e., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 50, 100, 200 or more isocyanate groups, may further be linear, branched or cyclic and may have any substitutions, for example aliphatic substituents, aromatic substituents, one or more heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and / or sulfur, halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and / or iodine and / or other functional groups such as alkoxy groups.

[0055] The linear aliphatic polyisocyanate molecule is preferably selected from linear C2 to C20 alkyl, preferably linear C3 to C15 alkyl, linear C4 to C12 alkyl, linear C5 to C10 alkyl, linear C6 to C9 alkyl, or linear C7 to C8 alkyl. Preferably, the linear aliphatic molecule does not comprise an aromatic structure.

[0056] The branched aliphatic polyisocyanate molecule is preferably selected from C2 to C20 branched alkyl, preferably C3 to C15 branched alkyl, C4 to C12 branched alkyl, C5 to C10 branched alkyl, C6 to C9 branched alkyl, C7 to C8 branched alkyl.

[0057] The shorter the carbon chain of the polyisocyanate molecule, the higher the reaction rate compared to longer-chain analogues.

[0058] The cyclic aliphatic polyisocyanate molecule comprises at least 1, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more non-aromatic ring structures, wherein the ring structure itself preferably consists only of C atoms. Of course, the C atoms of the ring structure may bear suitable substituents. The at least 1-ring structures preferably consist, independently of one another, of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-membered rings. The cyclic aliphatic molecule preferably comprises 2 to 20 C atoms, such as 3 to 15 C atoms, 4 to 12 C atoms, 5 to 10 C atoms, 6 to 9 C atoms, or 7 to 8 C atoms.

[0059] In another variant of the process described here, but not according to the invention, the polyisocyanate is an aromatic polyisocyanate. The term "aromatic polyisocyanate" refers to any polyisocyanate compound in which two or more isocyanate groups are directly bonded to aromatic carbon atoms and which contains, for example, a phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl, or diphenyl moiety as the aromatic component, as well as to derivatives of such polyisocyanate compounds.

[0060] Aromatic polyisocyanates react significantly faster than aliphatic polyisocyanates and are therefore preferably used in the process according to the invention.

[0061] The linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanate can be present as a monomer or polymer. A monomeric polyisocyanate is a molecule that is not linked to any other molecule, in particular not via one or more crosslinking agents. A polymeric polyisocyanate comprises at least two monomers linked by one or more crosslinking agents. The at least two monomers do not necessarily have to be the same monomers, but can be different monomers. A polymeric polyisocyanate preferably comprises at least two or more monomers, i.e. at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 or more monomers linked to one another via at least one crosslinking agent.

[0062] The linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanate preferably has a limited size / molecular weight that allows reactivity with the one or more crosslinking agents. Examples of suitable molecular weights are preferably approximately 100 g / mol to 5-10 4 g / mol, preferably 120 g / mol to 2 - 10 4 g / mol, 140 g / mol to 10 4 g / mol, 160 g / mol to 5 - 10 3 g / mol, 180 g / mol to 2 - 10 3 g / mol, 200 g / mol to 10 3 g / mol, 220 g / mol to 900 g / mol, 240 g / mol to 800 g / mol, 260 g / mol to 700 g / mol, 280 g / mol to 600 g / mol, 300 g / mol to 500 g / mol, 320 g / mol to 450 g / mol, or 340 g / mol to 400 g / mol.

[0063] Any number of different linear, branched, and / or cyclic aliphatic and / or aromatic polyisocyanates can be used. For example, at least one, i.e., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 different linear aliphatic polyisocyanates are used. For example, at least one, i.e., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 different branched aliphatic polyisocyanates are used. For example, at least one, i.e., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 different branched cyclic polyisocyanates are used.

[0064] Preferably, derivatives of linear, branched, and / or cyclic aliphatic polyisocyanates are used. A derivative, as used herein, is to be understood in the broadest sense as a compound derived from a compound by a chemical reaction. Examples of derivatives are oligomers and / or adducts of the aforementioned linear or branched aliphatic polyisocyanates. Preferred oligomers are biurets, isocyanurates, uretdiones, iminooxadiazinediones, and preferred adducts are trimethylolpropane adducts. These oligomers / adducts are well known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,855,490 A or US Pat. No. 4,144,268 A.

[0065] Preferably, the aliphatic polyisocyanate is present only in monomeric form and / or dimerized form (as isocyanate) or in oligomeric form.

[0066] The derivatives of linear, branched or cyclic polyisocyanates and / or their mixtures can also be obtained by reaction of the polyisocyanates with polyalcohols (e.g. glycerol), polyamines, polythiols (e.g. dimercaprol).

[0067] The isocyanate compounds defined above include, in particular, the various isomers, if present, alone or in combination. For example, methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H12MDI) includes 4,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), 2,4'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), and / or 2,2'-methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate).

[0068] Examples of aliphatic polyisocyanates include commercially available BAYHYDUR N304 and BAYHYDUR N3Q5, aliphatic water-dispersible polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene diisocyanate, DESMODUR N3400, DESMODUR N3600, DESMODUR N3700 and DESMODUR N3900, which are low-viscosity, polyfunctional aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene diisocyanate, and DESMODUR 3600 and DESMODUR N100, which are aliphatic polyisocyanates based on hexamethylene diisocyanate, each available from Bayer Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA.

[0069] According to a further preferred variant of the present invention, the linear or branched aliphatic polyisocyanates are selected from the group consisting of pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI, such as Stabio D-370N or D-376N from Mitsui Chemicals Inc, Japan), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), ethyl ester lysine triisocyanate, lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester and derivatives thereof, wherein each of the derivatives preferably comprises more than one isocyanate group and optionally further comprises one or more groups selected from the group consisting of biuret, isocyanurate, uretdione, iminooxadiazinedione and trimethylolpropane adduct, and / or wherein the cyclic aliphatic polyisocyanate(s) is (are) selected from the group consisting of isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (H6XDI, such as Takenate 600 from Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Japan), 1,2-bis-(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,4-bis-(isocyanato-methyl)-cyclohexane, methylenebis-(cyclohexyl isocyanate) (H12MDI) and derivatives thereof, each of the derivatives preferably comprising more than one isocyanate group and optionally further comprising one or more groups selected from the group consisting of biuret, isocyanurate, urethyl, urethane and others, isocyanurate, uretdione, iminooxadiazinione and trimethylolpropane adduct (such as TMP adduct) of H6XDI, in particular Takenate D-120N from Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Japan.

[0070] Particularly preferred are aliphatic polyisocyanates derived from renewable raw materials, such as PDI (Stabio D-370N or D-376N from Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Japan). It has been found that such aliphatic polyisocyanates derived from renewable raw materials do not impair the quality / properties of the core-shell capsules.

[0071] Other suitable commercially available polyisocyanates are LUPRANAT M20 (BASF), where the average n is 0.7; PA PI 27 (Dow Chemical), where the average n is 0.7; MONDUR MR (Bayer), where the average n is 0.8; MONDUR MR Light (Bayer) with an average n of 0.8; MONDUR 489 (Bayer) with an average n of 1.0; poly-[(phenylisocyanate)-coformaldehyde (Aldrich Chemical, Milwaukee, WI), other isocyanate monomers such as DESMODUR N3200 (Bayer) and TAKENATE D110-N (Mitsui Chemicals Corporation, Rye Brook, NY). Other representative polyisocyanates include TAKENATE D-110N (Mitsui), DESMODUR L75 (Bayer) and DESMODUR IL (Bayer).

[0072] In a preferred variant, the polyisocyanate used in the preparation of the polyurea / polyurethane microcapsules according to the invention is used as the only polyisocyanate component, ie without admixture of another, different polyisocyanate component.

[0073] Examples of monomeric polyisocyanates which can be used according to the present invention and which contain at least two polyisocyanate groups are: Ethylene diisocyanate, trimethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethyl diisocyanate, ethylene diisothiocyanate, tetramethylene diisothiocyanate, hexamethylene diisothiocyanate, cyclobutane 1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane 1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane 1,4-diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, mixtures of 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate and 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisothiocyanate, xylylene 1,4-diisothiocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, mixtures of 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate and 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, Xylylene-1,4-diisocyanate, xylylene-1,3-diisocyanate and mixtures of xylylene-1,4-diisocyanate and xylylene-1,3-diisocyanate, 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, mixtures of 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate and 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, hexahydro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, hexahydro-1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, mixtures of hexahydro-1,4-phenylene diisocyanate and hexahydro-1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,3-Diisocyanatobenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene-2,4-diisocyanate, 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene-2,4-diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyldiphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylpropane diisocyanate, naphthylene-1,4-diisocyanate, naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate, triphenylmethane-4,4',4"-triisocyanate, toluene-2,4,6-triisocyanate, dimethyldiphenylmethane-2,2',5,5'-tetraisocyanate or mixtures of the aforementioned compounds.

[0074] Industrially produced di- and polyisocyanates are preferably used as polymerizable compounds with at least two polyisocyanate groups, e.g. TDI: toluene diisocyanate (isomer mixture of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate in a ratio of 80:20), HDI: hexamethylene diisocyanate-(1,6), IPDI: isophorone diisocyanate or DMDI: diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate.

[0075] Other particularly preferred monomeric polyisocyanate compounds are: diisocyanates such as 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, 1,5-diisocyanato-2,2-dimethylpentane, 2,2,4- and 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-diisocyanatohexane, 1,10-diisocyanatodecane, 1,3- and 1,4-diisocyanatocyclohexane, 1-polyisocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-polyisocyanatomethylcyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate), 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane, 2,4- and 2,6-diisocyanatomethylcyclohexane, and mixtures thereof. In principle, aromatic polyisocyanates, e.g., tolylene diisocyanates or 4,4'-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane, can also be used.

[0076] Other specific examples of diisocyanates include: B. 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), hydrogenated MDI (H12MDI), xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (TMXD1), 4,4'-diphenyldimethylmethane diisocyanate, di- and tetraalkyldiphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4'-dibenzyl diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate, the isomers of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI), optionally in a mixture, 1-methyl-2,4-diisocyanatocyclohexane, 1,6-diisocyanato-2,2,4-trimethylhexane, 1,6-diisocyanato-2,4,4-trimethylhexane, 1-isocyanatomethyl-3-isocyanato-1,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane, chlorinated and brominated diisocyanates, phosphorus-containing diisocyanates, 4,4'-diisocyanatophenyl perfluoroethane, tetramethoxybutane-1,4-diisocyanate, butane-1,4-diisocyanate, (HDI), dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, ethylene diisocyanate, phthalic acid bisisocyanatoethyl ester, also polyisocyanates with reactive halogen atoms such as 1-chloromethylphenyl-2,4-diisocyanate,1-Bromomethyl-phenyl-2,6-diisocyanate, 3,3-bischloromethyl ether-4,4'-diphenyl diisocyanate.,

[0077] Surprisingly, it was found that the use of longer-chain aliphatic diisocyanates with six, seven, eight, nine, ten or even more carbon atoms leads to the formation of more stable capsule shells or capsule walls.

[0078] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner non-aqueous phase comprises a mixture of two or more different polymerizable polyisocyanates, for example polyisocyanates with different chain lengths, which can form copolymers.

[0079] Accordingly, in the process described here but not according to the invention, it is also possible to use derivatives of polyisocyanates which can be prepared by modifying the above-mentioned diisocyanates or mixtures thereof by known methods and which contain, for example, uretdione, urethane, isocyanurate, biuret and / or allophanate groups.

[0080] Very particular preference is given to a combination of at least two different, preferably aliphatic polyisocyanates or a combination of at least one aliphatic and at least one aromatic polyisocyanate.

[0081] In such a combination, the different reaction rates of the polyisocyanates are exploited: aromatic polyisocyanates react significantly faster than aliphatic polyisocyanates and the reaction rate is higher for the short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanates, ie aliphatic polyisocyanates with one to five carbon atoms, preferably three to five carbon atoms, than for the longer-chain analogues.

[0082] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the various aliphatic and / or aromatic polyisocyanates therefore also have different chain lengths. In this context, longer-chain polyisocyanates preferably have six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, twenty, twenty-five, or more carbon atoms, but more preferably six to twelve carbon atoms, and particularly preferably six to eight carbon atoms. Shorter-chain polyisocyanates are understood to mean polyisocyanates with one to five carbon atoms, and preferably polyisocyanates with three to five carbon atoms.

[0083] According to the invention, preference is given to a combination of a short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) and a long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C20, C25 or more) or a combination of a short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) with a long-chain aromatic polyisocyanate (C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C20, C25 or more) or a combination of a long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C20, C25 or more) with a short-chain aromatic polyisocyanate.

[0084] Particularly preferred in this context is the use of a mixture of different aliphatic polyisocyanates having two or more isocyanate groups with chain lengths of one to twelve carbon atoms in the chain, preferably three to eight carbon atoms and particularly preferably four to seven carbon atoms, for producing the biodegradable microcapsules according to the invention.

[0085] Aliphatic polyisocyanates are particularly preferred in this context due to their chemical similarity to bio-based systems. For example, both lysine and 1,5-diisocyanatopentane share the same degradation product, 1,5-diaminopentane, and are therefore particularly well-suited for the production of bio-based and biodegradable microcapsules while taking environmental aspects into account.

[0086] Primary embodiments include mixtures of longer-chain and shorter-chain diisocyanates in any desired mixing ratio. Preferably, the mixing ratio of longer-chain diisocyanates to shorter-chain diisocyanates is in the range of 4:1 to 1:4, and particularly preferably 2:1 to 1:2.

[0087] Examples of preferred specific mixtures of at least one aliphatic polyisocyanate and at least one aromatic polyisocyanate are a mixture of a biuret of hexamethylene diisocyanate with a trimethylol adduct of xylylene diisocyanate, a mixture of a biuret of hexamethylene diisocyanate with a polyisocyanurate of diisocyanate or a mixture of a biuret of hexamethylene diisocyanate with a trimethylolpropane adduct of toluene diisocyanate.

[0088] According to the invention, it is even more preferred if in the above-mentioned combination of a short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate and a long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate, or in the combination of a short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate and a long-chain aromatic polyisocyanate, or in the combination of a long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate with a short-chain aromatic polyisocyanate, the polyisocyanates are present in a mixture of monomeric or oligomeric or polymeric forms.

[0089] This results in the following combinations preferably for use in the process described here but not according to the invention: - short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and short-chain aromatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and long-chain aromatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and short-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer) and short-chain aromatic polyisocyanate (monomer or oligomer or polymer); - long-chain aliphatic polyisocyanate (monomer) and long-chain aromatic polyisocyanate (oligomer or polymer); with the definitions for short-chain and long-chain substances described above.

[0090] It has been found that the choice of at least two aliphatic polyisocyanates with different chain lengths and degrees of polymerization or the choice of mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic polyisocyanates leads to a significant gain in stability and performance (fragrance release in the case of fragrance or odor capsules) due to the different reaction rates of the polyisocyanate components, dissociations and crosslinking structures.

[0091] With the previously mentioned polyisocyanate combinations or polyisocyanate mixtures of two different aliphatic or one aliphatic and one aromatic polyisocyanate, particularly stable and better, ie more densely branched, cross-links can be formed within the capsule shell.

[0092] Thus, the process described here, which is not according to the invention, can be used to produce high-performance (fragrance-releasing) microcapsules consisting either of a mixture of an aliphatic and an aromatic polyisocyanate or of a mixture of two different aliphatic polyisocyanates. Such microcapsules are very stable and characterized by excellent fragrance storage properties, which in turn translates into improved performance (fragrance release) of the capsules, e.g., in the field of fragrance encapsulation.

[0093] The use of two different polyisocyanates results in microcapsules that exceed the stability of microcapsules made from a single polyisocyanate system, as shown in the following examples.

[0094] The microcapsule made from an aliphatic-aliphatic polyisocyanate mixture is just as effective as a microcapsule made from an aliphatic-aromatic polyisocyanate mixture, as illustrated in the following examples. Accordingly, within the scope of the present invention, the combination of at least two different polymerizable (preferably aliphatic and / or aromatic) polyisocyanates is generally preferred.

[0095] The proportion of the first crosslinking agent in the inner non-aqueous phase is in a range of 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.15 to 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase. Most preferably, the first crosslinking agent is provided in the inner non-aqueous phase in a range of 0.5 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase.

[0096] The first crosslinking agent is added to the inner non-aqueous phase either as such, e.g. as a solid, or in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0097] The first crosslinking agent is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.01 to 2 mol / l, preferably at a concentration of 0.1 to 1.5 mol / l, particularly preferably at a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 mol / l. The solution has a pH of 7 to 14, preferably a pH of 12.

[0098] To improve the crosslinking of the at least one polysaccharide and / or the at least one protein, at least one further crosslinking agent is optionally added to the inner non-aqueous phase. The further crosslinking agent is different from the first crosslinking agent.

[0099] However, in the case of chickpea-based microcapsules, it is preferable not to use any additional cross-linking agent, as the resulting microcapsules already exhibit excellent properties, thus allowing a reduction in the total components required for the production of efficient microcapsules. However, additional cross-linking agents could be added to further improve the capsule properties.

[0100] The further crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase, peroxidase, secondary plant substances selected from the group consisting of polyphenols, in particular tannin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, hesperidin, cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, carvacrol, as well as mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned crosslinking agents.

[0101] The enzyme transglutaminase catalyzes the cross-linking of two amino acids, glutamine and lysine, via isopeptide bonds. The phenolic groups of the secondary plant substances cross-link the peptides via hydrogen bonds. The aldehydes, cinnamaldehyde and vanillin, react covalently with the free amino groups of the proteins via the reactive aldehyde groups.

[0102] Particularly preferred other crosslinking agents are cinnamaldehyde, tannin and gallic acid.

[0103] Particularly advantageous combinations of first crosslinker and further crosslinker are: polyisocyanate plus transglutaminase; polyisocyanate plus peroxidase; polyisocyanate plus polyphenylol; Polyisocyanate plus tannin; Polyisocyanate plus gallic acid; Polyisocyanate plus ferulic acid; polyisocyanate plus hesperidin; polyisocyanate plus cinnamaldehyde; Polyisocyanate plus vanillin; Polyisocyanate plus carvacrol; or Polyisocyanate plus a mixture of two or more of the other crosslinking agents described above.

[0104] The content of further crosslinking agent in the inner non-aqueous phase is in a range of 0.05 to 5 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase. Most preferably, the further crosslinking agent in the inner non-aqueous phase is used in a range of 0.15 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase.

[0105] The further crosslinking agent is added to the inner non-aqueous phase either as such, e.g. as a solid, or in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0106] The additional crosslinking agent is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.01 to 2 mol / l, preferably at a concentration of 0.1 to 1.5 mol / l, particularly preferably at a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 mol / l. The solution has a pH of 7 to 14, preferably a pH of 12.

[0107] The combined use of at least one first crosslinker and at least one further crosslinker, which differ from each other, leads to microcapsules with significantly improved stability and thus to a lower proportion of escaping perfume oil.

[0108] Due to the low proportion of the polyisocyanate component, it is possible according to the present invention to produce protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules in which the absolute polyisocyanate content is only 1 / 50 of the entire capsule, which contains at least one lipophilic active ingredient to be encapsulated. Thus, using the process described here but not according to the invention, protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules with a polyisocyanate content of only 0.6 wt.%, based on the total weight of the capsule, can be produced. The polyisocyanate content is preferably approximately 1.8 wt.% of the capsule. Despite the low polyisocyanate content, the microcapsules according to the invention are characterized by high stability.

[0109] In step (i) of the process described here but not according to the invention, the at least one crosslinking agent is first substantially dissolved together with the at least one or more active ingredients to be encapsulated, optionally in an inert non-aqueous solvent or a solvent mixture of inert non-aqueous solvents. The term “substantially dissolved” is to be understood as meaning that at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 98% by weight, particularly preferably 99.9% by weight of the aforementioned constituent is dissolved in the solvent or solvent mixture in order to be able to use it in the present process. Preferably, the at least one polyisocyanate and the at least one active ingredient to be encapsulated are completely dissolved in the solvent or solvent mixture.If a solvent does not ensure sufficient solubility of the isocyanates, this disadvantage can be overcome by using suitable solubility promoters.

[0110] Preferred solvents for the internal non-aqueous phase are immiscible with water, do not react with the isocyanate component(s) or the active ingredient component(s), and are low-odor or odorless in the amounts used.

[0111] The term "solvent" in the sense of the present invention encompasses all types of oil bodies or oil components, in particular vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil and the like, modified vegetable oils, e.g. alkoxylated sunflower or soybean oil, synthetic (tri-)glycerides such as, for example, technical mixtures of mono-, di- and triglycerides of C6 to C22 fatty acids, fatty acid alkyl esters, e.g. methyl or ethyl esters of vegetable oils (Agnique® ME 18 RD-F, Agnique® ME 18 SD-F, Agnique® ME 12C-F, Agnique® ME1270), fatty acid alkyl esters based on these C6 to C22 fatty acids, mineral oils and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable and preferred lipophilic solvents are: Guerbet alcohols based on fatty alcohols having 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 10, carbon atoms,Esters of linear C6 to C22 fatty acids with linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohols or esters of branched C6 to C13 carboxylic acids with linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohols, such as myristyl myristate, myristyl palmitate, myristyl stearate, myristyl isostearate, myristyl oleate, myristyl behenate, myristyl erucate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, cetyl isostearate, cetyl oleate, cetyl behenate, cetyl erucate, stearyl myristate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl isostearate, stearyl oleate, stearyl stearate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl myristate, isostearyl palmitate, Isostearyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl behenate, oleyl myristate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl behenate, oleyl lucat, behenyl myristate, behenyl palmitate, behenyl stearate, Behenyl isostearate, behenyl oleate, behenyl behenate, behenyl erucate, erucyl myristate, erucyl palmitate, erucyl stearate, erucyl isostearate, erucyl oleate,Erucyl behenate and erucyl erucate.,

[0112] Also suitable are esters of linear C6 to C22 fatty acids with branched alcohols, in particular 2-ethylhexanol, esters of C18 to C38 alkylhydroxycarboxylic acids with linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty acids, in particular dioctylalate, esters of linear or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, dimerdiol or trimertriol) and / or Guerbet alcohols, triglycerides based on C6 to C10 fatty acids, liquid mono- / di- / triglyceride mixtures of C6 to C18 fatty acids, esters of C6 to C22 fatty alcohols and / or Guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, in particular benzoic acid, esters of C2 to C12 dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols with 1 to 22 C atoms or polyols with 2 to 10 C atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, vegetable oils, branched primary alcohols, substituted cyclohexanes, linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohol carbonates, such as dicaprylyl carbonate (Cetiol® CC);Guerbet carbonates based on fatty alcohols having 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms, benzoic acid esters with linear or branched C6 to C22 alcohols, linear or branched, symmetrical or asymmetrical dialkyl ethers having 6 to 22 carbon atoms per alkyl group, such as dicaprylyl ethers, ring-opening products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols, silicone oils (cyclomethicones, silicone methicones, etc.), aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons, such as squalene, squalene or dialkylcyclohexanes, and / or mineral oils;

[0113] Preferred solvents are also, in particular, esters of linear C6 to C22 fatty acids with branched alcohols, esters of C18 to C38 alkylhydroxycarboxylic acids with linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohols, linear or branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohols, in particular dioctyl malates, esters of linear or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example,, propylene glycol, dimerdiol or trimertriol, and / or Guerbet alcohols, triglycerides based on C6 to C10 fatty acids, liquid mono- / di- / triglyceride mixtures based on C6 to C18 fatty acids, esters of C6 to C22 fatty alcohols and / or Guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, in particular benzoic acid, esters of C2 to C12 dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols with 1 to 22 C atoms or polyols with 2 to 10 C atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups, vegetable oils, branched primary alcohols, substituted cyclohexanes, linear and branched C6 to C22 fatty alcohol carbonates, such as, for example, dicaprylyl carbonate (Cetiol TM CC), Guerbet carbonates based on fatty alcohols with 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 10, carbon atoms, esters of benzoic acid with linear or branched C6 to C22 alcohols, linear or branched, symmetrical or asymmetrical dialkyl ethers with 6 to 22 carbon atoms per alkyl group, such as.B, dicaprylyl ether (Cetiol TM OE), ring-opening products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols, silicone oils (cyclomethicones, silicon methicone types, etc.) and / or aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons, such as squalene, squalene or dialkylcyclohexanes.

[0114] Furthermore, liquid linear and / or branched and / or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons or any mixtures thereof can be used as solvents in the present invention. These can be, for example, alkanes having 4 to 22, preferably 6 to 18, carbon atoms, or any mixtures thereof.

[0115] Particularly suitable inert solvents for the inner non-aqueous phase are alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons such as diisopropylnaphthalene or substituted biphenyls, chlorodiphenyls, paraffins, chloroparaffins, natural vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil, peanut oil, palm oil, tricresyl phosphate, silicone oil, dialkyl phthalates, dialkyl adipates, partially hydrogenated terphenyl, alkylated biphenyl, alkylated naphthalene, diaryl ethers, aryl alkyl ethers and higher alkylated benzene, benzyl benzoate, isopropyl myristate as well as all mixtures of these hydrophobic solvents and mixtures of one or more of these hydrophobic solvents with kerosene, paraffins and / or isoparaffins.

[0116] Vegetable oils, triglycerides, benzyl benzoate, or isopropyl myristate are preferably used as solvents for the inner non-aqueous phase. Particular preference is given to vegetable oils from the group consisting of palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, corn germ oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, safflower oil, modified vegetable oils, and mixtures thereof.

[0117] The above-mentioned solvents are used in the process described here but not according to the invention either individually or as a mixture of two or more solvents.

[0118] In an alternative and preferred variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the at least one polyisocyanate is dissolved directly in a solution of the at least one active ingredient, preferably one or more fragrances or flavorings or a perfume oil, so that essentially no solvent, as described above, is present in the core of the microcapsule according to the invention. Eliminating a solvent in the microcapsule core is advantageous in that it reduces manufacturing costs and takes environmental considerations into account.

[0119] In particular, the fragrances or flavors are dissolved in solvents commonly used in the perfume or flavor industry. The solvent is preferably not an alcohol, since alcohols react with the isocyanates. Examples of suitable solvents include diethyl phthaloate, isopropyl myristate, Abalyn® (rosins available from Eastman), benzyl benzoate, ethyl citrate, limonene, or other terpenes or isoparaffins. Preferably, the solvent is highly hydrophobic. Preferably, the fragrance or flavor solution contains less than 30% solvent. More preferably, the fragrance or flavor solution contains less than 20%, and even more preferably, less than 10% solvent, all of these percentages being defined as a weight percent relative to the total weight of the fragrance or flavor solution. Most preferably, the fragrance or flavor is substantially free of solvent.

[0120] If the at least one hydrophobic active ingredient is already mixed with a solvent or solvent mixture, the use of an inert solvent or solvent mixture is not necessary. In this case, the at least one first crosslinking agent can be mixed directly with the hydrophobic active ingredient to obtain an internal non-aqueous phase.

[0121] In the process described here, but not according to the invention, any material suitable for inclusion in microcapsules can be considered as the active ingredient to be encapsulated or as the core material for producing the microcapsules according to the invention. Hydrophobic, i.e., water-insoluble or water-immiscible liquids or solids, as well as suspensions, are preferred active ingredients to be encapsulated. These are predominantly nonpolar substances. Such hydrophobic substances are almost always lipophilic, i.e., they dissolve readily in fat and oil.

[0122] For the purposes of this description, the core material is a hydrophobic active ingredient, i.e. a substance that has a specific effect or causes a specific reaction, e.g. a pharmaceutical, a pesticide, a cosmetic active ingredient, a food active ingredient, etc.

[0123] The at least one active ingredient to be encapsulated, which is used in the process described here but not according to the invention, is a hydrophobic or lipophilic active ingredient. This ensures that the active ingredient to be encapsulated is located in the inner non-aqueous phase during the production of the microcapsule according to the invention and does not mix with the outer aqueous phase, since otherwise no emulsion can form and no precipitation of the capsule wall material can occur on the droplet surface. This results in the lipophilic drug being completely enclosed as core material in the microcapsule during the subsequent emulsification and crosslinking of the capsule wall components. The inner non-aqueous phase thus formed is characterized by its organically hydrophobic, oily character.

[0124] In a particularly preferred variant of the present invention, the at least one lipophilic or hydrophobic active ingredient is in particular a lipophilic or hydrophobic fragrance or flavoring or a lipophilic or hydrophobic perfume oil or flavor (fragrance or flavor mixture), a cooling agent, a TRPV1 or a TRPV3 modulator, a substance that causes a sharp taste or a feeling of warmth or heat on the skin or mucous membranes or a tingling sensation in the mouth or throat, or active ingredients with an astringent effect, a pesticide, a biocide, an insecticide, a substance from the group of repellents, a food additive, a cosmetic active ingredient, a pharmaceutical active ingredient, a dye, a dye precursor;an agrochemical, a dye, a luminescent paint, an optical brightener, a solvent, a wax, a silicone oil, a lubricant, a printing coating for paper or a mixture of two or more of the abovementioned active ingredients;

[0125] In a preferred variant of the present invention, the hydrophobic or lipophilic active ingredients include, in particular, hydrophobic fragrances or fragrance mixtures of two or more fragrances (perfume oils) or hydrophobic aroma substances or aroma mixtures of two or more aroma substances (aromas) or also biogenic principles.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention, the microcapsules have a core material in the form of a hydrophobic single fragrance or single fragrance substance, wherein the core material comprises at least one single fragrance or single fragrance substance or mixtures thereof, selected from one or more of the following groups: extracts from natural raw materials and their fractions or components isolated therefrom; single fragrances from the group of hydrocarbons; aliphatic alcohols; aliphatic aldehydes and acetals; aliphatic ketones and oximes; aliphatic sulfur-containing compounds; aliphatic nitriles; esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids; formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates and 3-methyl-2-butenoates of acyclic terpene alcohols; acyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones and their dimethyl and diethyl acetals;Formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates and 3-methyl-2-butenoates of cyclic terpene alcohols; cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones; cyclic alcohols; cyclic and cycloaliphatic ethers; cyclic and macrocyclic ketones; cycloaliphatic aldehydes; cycloaliphatic ketones; esters of cycloaliphatic alcohols; esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids; aromatic hydrocarbons; araliphatic alcohols; esters of araliphatic alcohols and aliphatic carboxylic acids; araliphatic ethers; aromatic and araliphatic aldehydes; aromatic and araliphatic ketones; aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and their esters; nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds; phenyl ethers and phenyl esters; heterocyclic compounds; lactones; and mixtures of the above-mentioned active ingredients.

[0127] Suitable fragrances and flavorings for the production of the capsules according to the invention are described in the literature.

[0128] The microcapsules according to the invention preferably have a core material in the form of a hydrophobic single fragrance or single aroma, wherein the core material comprises at least one single fragrance or single aroma from one or more of the following groups: - Hydrocarbons, such as 3-carene; a-pinene; beta-pinene; alpha-terpinene; gamma-terpinene; p-cymene; bisabolene; camphene; caryophyllene; cedrene; farnesene; limonene; longifolene; myrcene; Ocimene; valences; (E,Z)-1,3,5-undecatriene; - Aliphatic alcohols, such as hexanol; octanol; 3-octanol; 2,6-dimethylheptanol; 2-methylheptanol, 2-methyloctanol; (E)-2-hexenol; (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenol; 1-octen-3-ol; mixture of 3,4,5,6,6-pentamethyl-3,4-hepten-2-ol and 3,5,6,6-tetramethyl-4-methyleneheptan-2-ol; (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienol; 3,7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol; 9-decenol; 10-undecenol; 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol; - Aliphatic aldehydes and their acetals, such as hexanal; heptanal; octanal; nonanal; decanal; undecanal; dodecanal; tridecanal; 2-methyloctanal; 2-methylnonanal; (E)-2-hexenal; (Z)-4-heptenal; 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal; 10-undecenal; (E)-4-decenal; 2-dodecenal; 2,6,10-trimethyl-5,9-undecadienal; heptanal diethyl acetal; 1,1-dimethoxy-2,2,5-trimethyl-4-hexene; citronellyloxyacetaldehyde; - Aliphatic ketones and their oximes, such as 2-heptanone; 2-octanone; 3-octanone; 2-nonanone; 5-methyl-3-heptanone; 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime; 2,4,4,7-tetramethyl-6-octen-3-one; - Aliphatic sulfur-containing compounds such as 3-methylthiohexanol; 3-methylthiohexyl acetate; 3-mercaptohexanol; 3-mercaptohexyl acetate; 3-mercaptohexyl butyrate; 3-acetylthiohexyl acetate; 1-menthene-8-thiol; - Aliphatic nitriles, such as 2-nonenonitrile; 2-tridecenonitrile; 2,12-tridecenonitrile; 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienonitrile; 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenonitrile; - Aliphatic carboxylic acids and their esters, such as, for example, (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl formate; ethyl acetoacetate; isoamyl acetate; hexyl acetate; 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acetate; 3-methyl-2-butenyl acetate; (E)-2-hexenyl acetate; (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate; octyl acetate; 3-octyl acetate; 1-octen-3-yl acetate; ethyl butyrate; butyl butyrate; isoamyl butyrate; hexyl butyrate; (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl isobutyrate; hexyl crotonate; ethyl isovalerate; ethyl 2-methylpentanoate; ethyl hexanoate; allyl hexanoate; ethyl heptanoate; allyl heptanoate; ethyl octanoate; ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate; methyl 2-octinate; methyl 2-noninate; allyl 2-isoamyloxyacetate; methyl 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoate; - Acyclic terpene alcohols, such as B., citronellol; geraniol; Nerol; linalool; lavadulol; nerolidol; farnesol; tetrahydrolinalool; tetrahydrogeraniol; 2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol; 2,6-Dimethyloctan-2-ol; 2-Methyl-6-methylene-7-octen-2-ol; 2,6-Dimethyl-5,7-octadien-2-ol; 2,6-Dimethyl-3,5-octadien-2-ol; 3,7-Dimethyl-4,6-octadien-3-ol; 3,7-Dimethyl-1,5,7-octatrien-3-ol; 2,6-Dimethyl-2,5,7-octatrien-I-ol; and their formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerianates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates, 3-methyl-2-butenoates; - Acyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones, such as geranial, neral, citronellal, 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal, 7-methoxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal, 2,6,10-trimethyl-9-undecenal, geranylacetone and the dimethyl and diethyl acetals of geranial, neral and 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal; - Cyclic terpene alcohols, such as menthol; isopulegol; a-terpineol; terpinenol-4; menthan-8-ol; menthan-1-ol; menthan-7-ol; borneol; isoborneol; linalool oxide; nopol; cedrol; ambrinol; vetiverol; guaiaol; and their formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates, 3-methyl-2-butenoates; - Cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones, such as menthone; isomentone; 8-mercaptomenthan-3-one; carvone; camphor; fenchone; α-ionone; beta-ionone; α-n-methylionone; beta-n-methylionone; α-isomethylionone; beta-isomethylionone; α-iron; β-iron; α-damascenone; beta-damascenone; gamma-damascenone; d-damascenone; 1-(2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one; 1,3,4,6,7,8a-hexahydro-1,1,5,5-tetramethyl-2H-2,4a-methanonaphthalene-8(5H)-one; nootkatone; Dihydronootkatone; α-sinensal; beta-sinensal; acetylated cedarwood oil (methyl cedryl ketone); - Cyclische Alkohole, wie z.B. 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol; 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol; 3-Isocamphylcyclohexanol; 2,6,9-Trimethyl-(Z2,Z5,E9)-cyclododecatrien-1-ol; 2-Isobutyl-4-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol; aus der Gruppe der cycloaliphatischen Alkohole wie z.B., 3,3,3-Trimethylcyclohexylmethanol; 2-Methyl-4-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)butanol; 2-Methyl-4-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol; 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol; 3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)-pentan-2-ol; 3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)-4-penten-2-ol; 3,3-dimethyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1-yl)-4-penten-2-ol; 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)pentan-3-ol; 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclo-hexyl)hexan-3-ol; - Zyklische und cycloaliphatische Ether, wie z. B., Cineol; Cedrylmethylether; Cyclododecylmethylether; (Ethoxymethoxy)cyclododecan; a-Cedrenepoxid; 3a,6,6,9a-Tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2, 1-b]furan; 3a-Ethyl-6,6,9a-trimethyl-dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan; 1,5,9-Trimethyl-13-oxabicyclo[10.1.0]trideca-4,8-dien; Rosenoxid; 2-(2,4-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-methyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-1,3-dioxan; - Zyklische Ketone, wie z. B., 4-tert-Butylcyclohexanon; 2,2,5-Trimethyl-5-pentylcyclopentanon; 2-Heptylcyclopentanon; 2-Pentylcyclopentanon; 2-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-on; 3-Methyl-cis-2-penten-1-yl-2-cyclopenten-1-on; 3-Methyl-2-pentyl-2-cyclopenten-1-on; 3-Methyl-4-cyclopentadecenon; 3-Methyl-5-cyclopentadecenon; 3-Methylcyclopentadecanon; 4-(1-Ethoxyvinyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexanon; 4-tert-Pentylcyclohexanon; 5-Cyclohexadecen-1-on; 6,7-Dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanon; 9-Cyclo-heptadecen-1-on; Cyclopentadecanon; Cyclohexadecanon; - Cycloaliphatische Aldehyde, wie z.B. 2,4-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexencarbaldehyd; 2-Methyl-4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-butenal; 4-(4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarbaldehyd; 4-(4-Methyl-3-penten-1-yl)-3-cyclohexencarbaldehyd; - Cycloaliphatische Ketone, wie z. B., 1-(3,3-Dimethylcyclohexyl)-4-penten-1-on; 1-(5,5-Dimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-penten-1-on; 2,3,8,8-Tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2-naphthalenylmethyl-keton; Methyl-2,6,10-trimethyl-2,5,9-cyclododecatrienyl-keton; tert-Butyl-(2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-keton; - Esters of cyclic alcohols, such as B., 2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 2-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; decahydro-2-naphthyl acetate; 3-Pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ylacetate; decahydro-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenylpropionate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenyl isobutyrate; 4,7-methanooctahydro-5- or -6-indenyl acetate; - Esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, such as allyl-3-cyclohexylpropionate; allylcyclohexyloxyacetate; methyl dihydrojasmonate; methyl jasmonate; Methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane carboxylate; Ethyl 2-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-2-cyclohexenecarboxylate; Ethyl 2,3,6,6-tetramethyl-2-cyclohexenecarboxylate; Ethyl 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-acetate; - Aromatic hydrocarbons such as styrene and diphenylmethane; - Araliphatische Alkohole, wie z. B., Benzylalkohol; 1-Phenylethylalkohol; 2-Phenylethylalkohol; 3-Phenylpropanol; 2-Phenylpropanol; 2-Phenoxyethanol; 2,2-Dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol; 2,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)propanol; 1,1-Dimethyl-2-phenylethylalkohol; 1,1-Dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol; 1-Ethyl-1-methyl-3-phenylpropanol; 2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol; 3-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol; 3-Phenyl-2-propen-1-ol; 4-Methoxybenzylalkohol; 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)ethanol; - Ester von araliphatischen Alkoholen und aliphatischen Carbonsäuren, wie z. B., Benzylacetat; Benzylpropionat; Benzylisobutyrat; Benzylisovalerat; 2-Phenylethylacetat; 2-Phenylethylpropionat; 2-Phenylethylisobutyrat; 2-Phenylethylisovalerat; 1-Phenylethylacetat; α-Trichlormethylbenzylacetat; a,a-Dimethylphenylethylacetat; a,a-Dimethylphenylethylbutyrat; Cinnamylacetat; 2-Phenoxyethylisobutyrat; 4-Methoxybenzylacetat; - Araliphatische Ether, wie z. B., 2-Phenylethylmethylether; 2-Phenylethylisoamylether; 2-Phenylethyl-1-ethoxyethylether; Phenylacetaldehyd-Dimethylacetal; Phenylacetaldehyd-Diethylacetal; Hydratropaaldehyd-Dimethylacetal; Phenylacetaldehyd-Glycerinacetal; 2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane; 4,4a,5,9b-Tetrahydroindeno[1,2-d]-m-dioxin; 4,4a,5,9b-Tetrahydro-2,4-dimethyl-indeno[1,2-d]-m-dioxin; - Aromatische und araliphatische Aldehyde, wie z. B., Benzaldehyd; Phenylacetaldehyd; 3-Phenylpropanal; Hydratropaldehyd; 4-Methylbenzaldehyd; 4-Methylphenylacetaldehyd; 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-isopropylphenyl)propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)propanal; 3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)propanal; Zimtaldehyd; a-Butylzimtaldehyd; a-Amylcinnamaldehyd; a-Hexylcinnamaldehyd; 3-Methyl-5-phenylpentanal; 4-Methoxybenzaldehyd; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyd; 4-Hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyd; 3,4-Methylendioxybenzaldehyd; 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyd; 2-Methyl-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-methylendioxyphenyl)propanal; - Aromatische und araliphatische Ketone, wie z. B., Acetophenon; 4-Methylacetophenon; 4-Methoxyacetophenon; 4-tert-Butyl-2,6-dimethyl-acetophenon; 4-Phenyl-2-butanon; 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanon; 1-(2-naphthalenyl)ethanon; Benzophenon; 1,1,2,3,6-Hexamethyl-5-indanyl-methylketon; 6-tert-Butyl-1,1-dimethyl-4-indanylmethylketon; 1-[2,3-Dihydro-1,1,2,6-tetramethyl-3-(1-methylethyl)-1H-5-indenyl]ethanon; 5',6',7',8'-Tetrahydro-3',5',5',6',8',8'-hexamethyl-2-acetonaphthon; - Aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and their esters, such as benzoic acid; phenylacetic acid; methyl benzoate; ethyl benzoate; hexyl benzoate; benzyl benzoate; phenyl acetate methyl ester; phenyl acetate ethyl ester; geranyl phenyl acetate; phenylethyl phenyl acetate; methyl cinnamate; ethyl cinnamate; benzyl cinnamic acid; phenylethyl cinnamic acid; cinnamic acid allylphenoxyacetate; methyl salicylate; isoamyl salicylate; hexyl salicylate; cyclohexyl salicylate; cis-3-hexenyl salicylate; benzyl salicylate; phenylethyl salicylate; methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate; ethyl 3-phenylglycidate; ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycidate; - Nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, such as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitro-1,3-dimethyl-5-tert-butylbenzene; 3,5-dinitro-2,6-dimethyl-4-tert-butylacetophenone; cinnamonitrile; 5-phenyl-3-methyl-2-pentenonitrile; 5-phenyl-3-methylpentanoic acid nitrile; methyl anthranilate; methyl N-methylanthranilate; Schiff's bases of methyl anthranilate with 7-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal, 2-methyl-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal or 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde; 6-isopropylquinoline; 6-isobutylquinoline; 6-sec-butylquinoline; indole; scatole; 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine; 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine; 4-(4,8-dimethyl-3,7-nonadienyl)pyridine; - Phenole, Phenylether und Phenylester, wie z. B., Estragol; Anethol; Eugenol; Eugenylmethylether; Isoeugenol; Isoeugenylmethylether; Thymol; Carvacrol; Diphenylether; Beta-Naphthylmethylether; Beta-Naphthylethylether; beta-Naphthylisobutylether; 1,4-Dimethoxybenzol; Eugenylacetat; 2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol; 2-Ethoxy-5-(1-propenyl)phenol; p-Cresylphenylacetat; aus der Gruppe der heterocyclischen Verbindungen wie z.g., 2,5-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-2H-furan-3-on; 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-2H-furan-3-on; 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-on; 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-on; - Lactone, wie z. B., 1,4-Octanolid; 3-Methyl-1,4-octanolid; 1,4-Nonanolid; 1,4-Decanolid; 8-Decen-1,4-olid; 1,4-Undecanolid; 1,4-Dodecanolid; 1,5- Decanolid; 1,5-Dodecanolid; 1,15-Pentadecanolid; cis- und trans-11-Pentadecen-1,15-olid .cis- and trans-12-pentadecen-1,15-olide; 1,16-hexadecanolide; 9-hexadecen-1,16-olide; 10-oxa-1,16-hexadecanolide; 11-oxa-1,16-hexadecanolide; 12-oxa-1,16-hexadecanolide; ethylene 1,12-dodecanedioate; ethylene 1,13-tridecanedioate; coumarin; 2,3-dihydrocoumarin; octa-hydrocoumarin; as well as the stereoisomers, enantiomers, positional isomers, diastereomers, cis / trans isomers and epimers of the aforementioned substances.

[0129] Of the aforementioned individual fragrances or odorants that can be encapsulated in the spirit of the present invention, fragrances or odorants that have an aldehyde, carboxylic acid or ester functionality are particularly preferably used.

[0130] Aldehydic fragrances or odorants, which also include the corresponding acetals as well as esters and lactones, can be divided into the following groups, namely (i) aliphatic aldehydes and their acetals; (ii) cycloaliphatic aldehydes; (iii) aromatic or araliphatic aldehydes; (iv) aliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic esters; and (v) Lactones;or mixtures thereof.

[0131] The above-mentioned fragrances and odorants with aldehyde, carboxylic acid or ester functionality and their mixtures are selected from one or more of the following groups: - Aliphatic aldehydes and their acetals, such as B., hexanal; heptanal; octanal; Nonanal; decanal; Undecanal; dodecanal; tridecanal; 2-methyloctanal; 2-methylnonanal; (E)-2-hexenal; (Z)-4-heptenal; 2,6-Dimethyl-5-Heptenal; 10-Undecenal; (E)-4-Decenal; 2-dodecenal; 2,6,10-trimethyl-5,9-undecadienal; heptanal diethyl acetal; 1,1-Dimethoxy-2,2,5-trimethyl-4-hexene; citronellyloxyacetaldehydes; - Cycloaliphatische Aldehyde, wie z.B. 2,4-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexencarbaldehyd; 2-Methyl-4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-butenal; 4-(4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarbaldehyd; 4-(4-Methyl-3-penten-1-yl)-3-cyclohexen-carbaldehyd; - Aromatische und araliphatische Aldehyde, wie z. B., Benzaldehyd; Phenylacetaldehyd; 3-Phenylpropanal; Hydratropaldehyd; 4-Methylbenzaldehyd; 4-Methylphenylacetaldehyd; 3-(4-Ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-isopropylphenyl)propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-propanal; 3-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)propanal; Zimtaldehyd; a-Butylzimtaldehyd; a-Amylcinnamaldehyd; a-Hexylcinnamaldehyd; 3-Methyl-5-phenylpentanal; 4-Methoxybenzaldehyd; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyd; 4-Hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyd; 3,4-Methylendioxybenzaldehyd; 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyd; 2-Methyl-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propanal; 2-Methyl-3-(4-methylendioxyphenyl)propanal; - Aliphatische Carbonsäureester, wie z. B., (E)- und (Z)-3-Hexenylformiat; Ethylacetoacetat; Isoamylacetat; Hexylacetat; 3,5,5-Trimethylhexylacetat; 3-Methyl-2-butenylacetat; (E)-2-Hexenylacetat; (E)- und (Z)-3-Hexenylacetat; Octylacetat; 3-Octylacetat; 1-Octen-3-ylacetat; Ethylbutyrat; Butylbutyrat; Isoamylbutyrat; Hexylbutyrat; (E)- und (Z)-3-Hexenylisobutyrat; Hexylcrotonat; Ethylisovalerat; Ethyl-2-methylpentanoat; Ethylhexanoat; Allylhexanoat; Ethylheptanoat; Allylheptanoat; Ethyloctanoat; Ethyl-(E,Z)-2,4-decadienoat; Methyl-2-octinat; Methyl-2-noninat; Allyl-2-isoamyloxyacetat; Methyl-3,7- dimethyl-2,6-octadienoat; - Esters of cyclic alcohols, such as B., 2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 2-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; decahydro-2-naphthyl acetate; 3-Pentyltetrahydro-2 / - / -pyran-4-ylacetate; decahydro-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenylpropionate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- or -6-indenyl isobutyrate; 4,7-methanooctahydro-5- or -6-indenyl acetate; - Esters of araliphatic alcohols and aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as benzyl acetate; benzyl propionate; benzyl isobutyrate; benzyl isovalerate; 2-phenylethyl acetate; 2-phenylethyl propionate; 2-phenylethyl isobutyrate; 2-phenylethyl isovalerate; 1-phenylethyl acetate; α-trichloromethylbenzyl acetate; α,α-dimethylphenylethyl acetate; α-dimethylphenylethyl butyrate; cinnamyl acetate; 2-phenoxyethyl isobutyrate; 4-methoxybenzyl acetate; - Esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, such as allyl-3-cyclohexylpropionate; allylcyclohexyloxyacetate; methyl dihydrojasmonate; methyl jasmonate; Methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane carboxylate; Ethyl 2-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene carboxylate; Ethyl 2,3,6,6-tetramethyl-2-cyclohexene carboxylate; Ethyl 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-acetate; - Aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acid esters, such as methyl benzoate; ethyl benzoate; hexyl benzoate; benzyl benzoate; phenyl acetate methyl ester; phenyl acetate ethyl ester; geranyl phenyl acetate; phenylethyl phenyl acetate; methyl cinnamate; ethyl cinnamate; benzyl cinnamic acid; phenylethyl cinnamic acid; cinnamic acid; allyl phenoxyacetate; methyl salicylate; isoamyl salicylate; hexyl salicylate; cyclohexyl salicylate; cis-3-hexenyl salicylate; benzyl salicylate; phenylethyl salicylate; methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate; ethyl 3-phenylglycidate; ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycidate.

[0132] Aldehydes, acetals, esters and lactones are listed below with their trade names, which are particularly preferred as representatives of groups (i) to (v) in the sense of the process described here but not according to the invention: Aldehyde: 2-Methylpentanal; Aldehyd C12 MNA HM; Aldehyd C 4; Aldehyd C 5; Aldehyd C 6; Aldehyd C 7; Aldehyd C 8; Aldehyd C 9; Aldehyd C 10; Aldehyd C 11 ISO; Aldehyd C 11 MOA PURE; Aldehyd C 11 UNDECANAL; Aldehyd C 11 UNDEYLENIC; Aldehyd C 12; Aldehyd C 12 MNA; Aldehyd C 13; ALDEHYDE MADARINE; AMYL CINNAMIC ALDEHYDE ALPHA; ANISALDEHYDE-O; ANISYL ALDEHYDE; BENZALDEHYDE NAT.BERGAMAL; BORONAL; BOURGENOAL; CAMPHONELIC ALDEHYDE; CITRAL; CITRONELLAL HM; CITRONELLYL OXYACET ALDEHYDE; CITRYLAL; CITROYLAL E HM; CORTEX ALDEHYDE; CORTEX ALDEHYDE 50 PCT PEMOSA; CROTONALDEHYD; CUMINALALDEHYD; CYCLAMENALDEHYD; DECADIENAL TRANS,TRANS-2,4, DECANAL CIS-4; DECANAL TRANS-2; DECANAL TRANS-2 NAT; DECANAL TRANS-4; DECANAL-9,1; DODECANIENAL 2,6; DODECANAL TRANS-2; DUPICAL; EPOXYDECENAL-4,5-2 10% TRI; ETHYLHEXANAL; FARENAL®; FLORHYDRAL; GERALDEHYD; HELIONAL; HELIOPAN; HELIOTROPIN; HEPTADIENAL TRANS,TRANS,2-4; HEPTENAL CIS-4; HEPTENAL TRANS-2; HEXENAL TRANS-2; HEXYLZIMTALDEHYD ALPHA; HYDRATROPES ALDEHYD; HYDROXYCITRONELLAL; INTRELEVEN-ALDEHYD SPEC.ISONONYLALDEHYD; ISOVALERIANSÄUREALDEHYD; ZITRONENALDEHYD H&R JS I; LILIAL; LINOLAL; LYRAL; MAJANTAL; MANDRINAL; MANDRAINE ALDEHYDE 10% IN TEC BHT; MEFRANAL; MELONAL®; METHODY CITRONELLAL; METHYLBUTYRALDEHYD; METHYLZIMTALDEHYD ALPHA; METHYL PHENYLPENTENAL-4,2,2; METHYL THIO PROPANAL-3; METHYL TRIDECANAL-12 10% VT; METHYL-3-BUTEN-2-AL; METHYL-5-PHENYL-2-HEXEN-2-AL; MUGENAL 50 DPG; NEOCYCLO CITRAL; NONADIENAL; TRANS,CIS-2,6; NONENAL CIS-6; NONENAL TRANS-2; ONCIDAL® 3 / 060251; PENTENAL TRANS-2; PERILLA ALDEHYDE; PHENYLACET ALDEHYDE; PHENYLBUTENAL TRANS-2,2; PHENYLPROPYL ALDEHYDE; PINOACET ALDEHYDE; PROFRANESAL; PROPIONALALDEHYDE 2-(P-TOLYL); PROPIONIC ALDEHYDE; PS-IRALDEIN X NEU; SAFRANAL; SALICYLALDEHYD FG; SILVIAL; TETRAHYDROCITRAL; TIGLICALDEHYD-2,2; TOLYLALDEHYD PARA FG; TRIDECENAL TRANS-2; TRIFERNAL; UNDECADIENAL-2,4; UNDECENAL TRANS-2; VERNALALDEHYD; VERTOCITRAL; VERTOMUGAL; VERTIPRENAL; VETRAL ROH; ZIMTALDEHYD NAT.HM; Acetals: FLOROPAL; HEPTANAL DIETHYLACETAL; NONANDIENAL DIETHYLACETAL; OKOUMAL; PHENYLACET ALD. GLYCERIN ACETAL; PHENYLACETALDEYHDEDIMETHYLACETAL; Ester: JASMAL; EVERY TIME; KHARISMAL; TIRAMISONEO.

[0133] In a further variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, flavorings can also be encapsulated as core material in the form of a single flavor, wherein the core material contains at least one single flavoring or mixtures thereof as active ingredient.

[0134] Typical examples of aroma substances or flavorings that can be encapsulated according to the invention are selected from the group consisting of: acetophenone; allyl caproate; alpha-ionone; beta-ionone; anisaldehyde; anisyl acetate; anisyl formate; benzaldehyde; benzothiazole; benzyl acetate; benzyl alcohol; benzyl benzoate; beta-ionone; butyl butyrate; butyl capronate; butylidenephthalide; carvone; camphene; caryophyllene; cineole; cinnamyl acetate; citral; citronellol; citronellal; citronellyl acetate; cyclohexyl acetate; cymene; damascone; decalactone; dihydrocoumarin; dimethyl anthranilate; dimethyl anthranilate; dodecalactone; ethoxyethyl acetate; ethyl butyric acid; ethyl butyrate; ethyl caprinate; ethyl capronate; ethyl crotonate; ethyl furaneol; ethyl guaiacol; ethyl isobutyrate; ethyl isovalerate; ethyl lactate; ethyl methyl butyrate; ethyl propionate; eucalyptol; eugenol; ethylheptylate; 4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone; gamma decalactone; geraniol; geranyl acetate; geranyl acetate; grapefruit aldehyde;Methyldihydrojasmonat (z.g., Hedion®); Heliotropin; 2-Heptanon; 3-Heptanon; 4-Heptanon; trans-2-Heptenal; cis-4-Heptenal; trans-2-Hexenal; cis-3-Hexenol; trans-2-Hexensäure; trans-3-Hexensäure; cis-2-Hexenylacetat; cis-3-Hexenylacetat; cis-3-Hexenylcapronat; trans-2-Hexenylcapronat; cis-3-Hexenylformiat; cis-2-Hexylacetat; cis-3-Hexylacetat; trans-2-Hexylacetat; cis-3-Hexylformiat; para-Hydroxybenzylaceton; Isoamylalkohol; Isoamylisovalerat; Isobutylbutyrat; Isobutyraldehyd; Isoeugenolmethylether; Isopropylmethylthiazol; Laurinsäure; Leavulinsäure; Linalool; Linalooloxid; Linalylacetat; Menthol; Menthofuran; Methylanthranilat; Methylbutanol; Methylbuttersäure; 2-Methylbutylacetat; Methylcapronat; Methylcinnamat; 5-Methylfurfural; 3,2,2-Methylcyclopentenolon; 6,5,2-Methylheptenon; Methyldihydrojasmonat; Methyljasmonat; 2-Methylmethylbutyrat; 2-Methyl-2-pentolsäure; Methylthiobutyrat; 3,1-Methylthiohexanol; 3-Methylthiohexylacetat; Nerol; Nerylacetat; trans,trans-2,4-Nonadienal;2,4-nonadienol; 2,6-nonadienol; 2,4-nonadienol; nootkatone; delta-octalactone; gamma octalactone; 2-octanol; 3-octanol; 1,3-octenol; 1-octyl acetate; 3-octyl acetate; palmitic acid; Paraldehyde; Phellandrene; pentanedione; phenylethyl acetate; phenylethyl alcohol; phenylethyl alcohol; phenylethyl isovalerate; piperonal; propionaldehyde; propyl butyrate; Pulegones; Pulegol; sensory; sulfurol; terpinene; terpineol; terpinolene; 8,3-thiomenthanone; 4,4,2-thiomethylpentanone; thymol; delta-undecalactone; gamma-undecalactone; valences; valeric acid; vanillin; acetoin; ethyl vanillin; Ethyl vanillin isobutyrate (3-ethoxy-4-isobutyryloxybenzaldehyde); Maltol and maltol derivatives (preferably ethyl maltol); coumarin and coumarin derivatives;Gamma-lactones (preferably gamma-undecalactone, gamma-nonalactone, gamma-decalactone); delta-lactones (preferably 4-methyldeltadecalactone, massoilactone, deltadecalactone, tuberolactone); methyl sorbate; divanillin; 4-hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)furanone; 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone; 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone; isoamyl acetate; ethyl butyrate; n-butyl butyrate; isoamyl butyrate; ethyl 3-methylbutyrate; ethyl n-hexanoate; allyl n-hexanoate; n-butyl n-hexanoate; ethyl n-octanoate; Ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenyl glycidate; Ethyl 2-trans-4-cis-decadienoate; 4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone; 1,1-Dimethoxy-2,2,5-trimethyl-4-hexane; 2,6-Dimethyl-5-hepten-1-al; phenylacetaldehyde; 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)furan; 2-methyl-3-furanthiol; bis(2-methyl-3-furyl) disulfide; furfuryl mercaptan; Methional; 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline; 3-mercapto-2-pentanone; 2,5-dimethyl-3-furanthiol; 2,4,5-trimethylthiazole; 2-acetylthiazole;2,4-Dimethyl-5-ethylthiazole; 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline; 2-methyl-3-ethylpyrazine; 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine; 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine; 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine; 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine; 3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine; 2-acetylpyrazine; 2-pentylpyridine; (E,E)-2,4-Decadienal; (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal; (E)-2-Octenal; (E)-2-Nonenal; 2-Undecenal; 12-methyltridecanal; 1-penten-3-one; 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone; Guaiacol; 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone; 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone; cinnamaldehyde; cinnam alcohol; methyl salicylate; isopulegol as well as the stereoisomers, enantiomers, positional isomers, diastereomers, cis / trans isomers or epimers of these substances not expressly mentioned here; and mixtures of the aforementioned substances.

[0135] In an alternative embodiment according to the present invention, the microcapsules according to the invention use a fragrance mixture or a perfume oil or an aroma mixture or an aroma as the active ingredient to be encapsulated or as the core material. These are compositions that contain at least one fragrance or one aroma. Such compositions, in particular fragrance mixtures or perfume oils, preferably consist of two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fragrances. The fragrance mixtures or perfume oils are preferably selected from the group of extracts from natural raw materials, such as essential oils, concretes, absolutes, resins, resinoids, balsams, tinctures such as, for example, ambergris oil; amyris oil; angelica seed oil; angelica root oil; anise oil; valerian oil; basil oil; tree moss absolute; bay oil; mugwort oil; benzoin resin; bergamot oil; beeswax absolute; birch tar oil; bitter almond oil; savory oil; Beechnut oil; Cabreuva oil;Cade oil; Calmus oil; Camphor oil; Cananga oil; Cardamom oil; Cascarilla oil; Cassia oil; Cassia oil absolute; Castoreum oil absolute; Cedar leaf oil; Cedarwood oil; Cistus oil; Citronella oil; Citron oil; Copaiva balsam; Copaiva balsam oil; Coriander oil; Costus root oil; Cumin oil; Cypress oil; Davana oil; Dill herb oil; Dill seed oil; Eau de brouts absolute; Oakmoss absolute; Elemi oil; Tarragon oil; Eucalyptus citriodora oil; Eucalyptus oil; Fennel oil; Pine needle oil; Galbanum oil; Galbanum resin; Geranium oil; Grapefruit oil; Guaiac wood oil; Gurjun balsam; Gurjun balsam oil, Helichrysum absolute; Helichrysum oil; Ginger oil; Orris root oil absolute; Iris root oil; Jasmine oil absolute; Calamus oil; Blue chamomile oil; Roman chamomile oil; Carrot seed oil; Cascarilla oil; Pine needle oil; Spearmint oil; Caraway oil; Labdanum oil; Labdanum oil absolute; Labdanum resin; Lavandin oil absolute; Lavandin oil; Lavender absolute; Lavender oil; Lemongrass oil; Lovage oil; Distilled lime oil; Pressed lime oil; Linalool oil; Litsea cubeba oil;Bay oil; Mace oil; Marjoram oil; Mandarin oil; Masso bark oil; Mimosa absolute; Musk seed oil; Musk tincture; Clary sage oil; Nutmeg oil; Myrrh absolute; Myrrh oil; Myrtle oil; Clove leaf oil; Clove flower oil; Neroli oil; Olibanum absolute; Olibanum oil; Opopanax oil; Orange blossom absolute; Orange oil; Origanum oil; Palmarosa oil; Patchouli oil; Perilla oil; Peru balsam oil; Parsley leaf oil; Parsley seed oil; Petitgrain oil; Peppermint oil; Pepper oil; Allspice oil; Pine oil; Pennyroyal oil; Rose oil absolute; Rosewood oil; Rose oil; Rosemary oil; Dalmatian sage oil; Spanish sage oil; Sandalwood oil; Celery seed oil; Spicy lavender oil; Star anise oil; Styrax oil; Tagetes oil; Fir needle oil; Tea tree oil; Turpentine oil; Thyme oil; Tolu balsam; Tonka absolute; Tuberose absolute; Vanilla extract; Violet leaf absolute; Verbena oil; Vetiver oil; Juniper berry oil; Wine yeast oil; Wormwood oil; Wintergreen oil; Ylang oil; Hyssop oil; Civet absolute; Cinnamon leaf oil; Cinnamon bark oil; and fractions thereof or components isolated therefrom.

[0136] Particularly preferably, in the process described here but not according to the invention, fragrances or flavorings are used which are selected from the group consisting of: AGRUMEX LC; AGRUNITRIL; ALDEHYDE C11 UNDECYLENIC; ALDEHYDE C12 LAURIN; ALDEHYDE C12 MNA; ALDEHYDE C14 SOG; ALDEHYDE C16 SOG; ALLYLAMYLGLYCOLATE; ALLYLCAPRONATE; ALLYLCYCLOHEXYL PROPIONATE; ALLYLHEPTYLATE; AMBROCENIDE® 10 TEC; AMBROCENIDE® Crist. 10% IPM; AMBROXIDE; ANETHOLE NAT. EX STAR ANISE; ANISALDEHYDE PURE; APRIFLOREN®; BENZYL ACETONE; BENZYL SALICYLATE; BORNEOL L / ISOBORNEOL 65 / 35; BUCHU LEAF OIL; ÜCITRONELLOL 950; CLONAL; CYCLOHEXYL SALICYLATE; CYMOL PARA SUPRA; DAMASCONE DELTA; DIHYDROMYRCENOL; DIMETHYLBENZYLCARBINYL BUTYRATE; DYNASCONE; ETHYLENE BRASSYLATE; ETHYL METHYL BUTYRATE-2; ETHYL SAFFRONATE; EUCALYPTOL NATURAL; EUCALYPTUS OIL GLOBULUS 80 / 85%; EUGENOL NATURAL; FARENAL®; FENNEL OIL AROMA TYPE SWEET NATURALFILBERTON 10% IPM; FILBERTON; FLORAL OPAL; GALBASCON; GERANIOL 60; GLOBANON®; HEDIONE; HERBAFLORATE; HERBANAT; HERBYL PROPIONATE; HEXENYL ACETATE CIS-3; HEXENYL SALICYLATE CIS-3; HEXYL ACETATE; HEXYL ACETATE S; HEXYLISOBUTYRATE; HEXYL SALICYLATE; ISOAMYLBUTYRATE; ISOBORNYL ACETATE; ISOPROPYLMETHYLBUTYRATE-2; ISORALDEIN 70; JAVANOL; FIGHTER DL; CRESOL METHYL ETHER P(CR<10 PPM); LEMONILE; LIGUSTRAL; LILY; LINALOOL; MANZANAT; MELONAL; METHYLHEPTIN CARBONATE; METHYLOCTIN CARBONATE; MUSCENONE; NEOCYCLOCITRAL; NEROLINE BROMELIA; NEROLINE YARA YARA CRYST.NEROLION; NORLIMBANOL; ORANGE OIL; ORIVON; OZONIL; PATCHOULI OIL; VEGETABLE OIL TRIGLYCERIDE; PHELLANDRENE FRACTION FROM EUCALYPTUS OIL; PHENIRATION®; PHENYLETHYL ACETATE; ROSE OXIDE HIGH CIS; SANDRANOL®; STYRENE ACETATE; SULTANENE®; TERPINENE GAMMA; TETRAHYDROLINALOOL; TIMBERSILK; TRIETHYLCITRATE; UNDECAVERTOL; VERTOCITRAL; VERTOFIX; YSAMBER® K and mixtures of the foregoing active ingredients.

[0137] Exemplary cooling agents used as hydrophobic agents in the preparation of the microcapsules according to the invention include one or more of menthol and menthol derivatives (for example, L-menthol, D-menthol, racemic menthol, isomenthol, neoisomenthol, neomenthol), menthyl ethers (e.g., (1-menthoxy)-2-propanediol, (1-menthoxy)-2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1-menthyl methyl ether), menthyl esters (e.g., menthyl formate, menthyl acetate, menthyl isobutyrate, menthyl lactate, L-menthyl L-lactate, L-menthyl D-lactate, menthyl (2-methoxy) acetate, menthyl (2-methoxyethoxy) acetate, menthyl pyroglutamate), menthyl carbonates (e.g., menthyl propylene glycol carbonate, Menthylethylene glycol carbonate, menthylglycerol carbonate or mixtures thereof), the half esters of menthol with a dicarboxylic acid or derivatives thereof (e.g.Monomenthyl succinate, monomenthyl glutarate, monomenthyl malonate, monomenthyl succinate, monomenthyl glutarate, monomenthyl malonate, O-menthyl succinate-N, N-(dimethyl)-am id, O-menthyl succinam id), menthanecarboxamides (e.g. menthanecarboxylic acid-N-ethylamide [WS3], N-alpha-(methanecarbonyl)-glycine ethyl ester [WS5], menthanecarboxylic acid N-(4-cyanophenyl)-amide, menthanecarboxylic acid-N-(alkoxyalkyl)-amide), menthone and menthone derivatives (e.g. L-menthone glycerin ketal), 2,3-dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butanoic acid derivatives (e.g. 2,3-Dimethyl-2-(2-propyl)-butanoic acid-N-methylamide [WS23]), Isopulegol or its esters (1-(-)-isopulegol, 1-(-)-isopulegol acetate), menthane derivatives (e.g. p-menthane-3,8-diol), cubebol or synthetic or natural mixtures containing cubebol, pyrrolidone derivatives of cycloalkyldione derivatives (e.g. 3-(methyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one) or tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ones (e.g. icilin or related compounds as described in WO 2004 / 026840).Other cooling active ingredients include menthol (L-menthol, D-menthol, racemic menthol, isomenthol, neoisomenthol, neomenthol), L-menthyl methyl ether, menthyl formate, menthyl acetate, menthone, isopulegol, L-(-)-isopulegol acetate), and cubebol, which have a cooling taste effect. Suitable cooling agents are known in the art and are described, for example, in US 2017 / 216802 (A1), US 2010 / 273887 (A1), EP 2 033 688 (A2), and EP 1 958 627 (A2).

[0138] In an alternative embodiment, a TRPV1 or TRPV3 modulator is used as the active ingredient to be encapsulated or as the core material in the polyurea / polyurethane microcapsules according to the invention. TRPV1 and TRPV3 modulators are known in the art and refer to TRP channels (transient receptor potential channels) of the vanilloid (TRPV) subfamily. TRPV1 modulators convey a spicy taste and a pungent sensation associated with capsaicin and piperine. The TRPV3 protein belongs to the family of non-selective cation channels, which play a role in a variety of processes, including temperature sensation and vasoregulation. The TRPV3 channel is directly activated by several natural products such as carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol. Some other monoterpenoids that either induce a sensation of warmth or are skin sensitizers can also open the channel.Monoterpenoids also induce agonist-specific desensitization of TRPV3 channels in a calcium-independent manner.

[0139] In another variant, the polyurea / polyurethane microcapsules according to the invention use as the active ingredient to be encapsulated or as the core material an active ingredient selected from the group of substances which cause a sharp taste or a feeling of heat or warmth on the skin or mucous membranes or a tingling sensation in the mouth or throat, or are active ingredients with a sharp or biting or astringent effect.

[0140] The heat-inducing or hot active ingredients are preferably selected from the group consisting of: paprika powder, chili powder, extracts of paprika, extracts of paprika, extracts of chili pepper, extracts of ginger roots, extracts of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta), extracts of paracress (Jambu oleoresin; Spilanthes acmella, orSpilanthes oleracea), extracts of Japanese pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum), extracts of Kaempferia galanga, extracts of Alpinia galanga, extracts of water pepper (Polygonium hydropiper), capsaicinoids, in particular capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin or nonivamide; gingerols, in particular gingerol-[6], gingerol-[8], or gingerol-

[10] ; shogaols, in particular shogaol-[6], shogaol-[8], shogaol-

[10] ; gingerdiones, in particular gingerdione-[6], gingerdione-[8] or gingerdione-

[10] ; paradols, in particular paradol-[6], paradol-[8] or paradol-

[10] Dehydrogingerdiones, in particular dehydrogingerdione-[6], dehydrogingerdione-[8] or dehydrogingerdione-

[10] ; piperine; piperine derivatives; ethyl 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) acetate and 3-phenylpropyl 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) acetate and mixtures thereof.

[0141] The active ingredients perceived as stinging or sharp are preferably selected from the group consisting of: aromatic isothiocyanates, in particular phenylethyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, cyclopropyl isothiocyanate, butyl isothiocyanate, 3-methylthiopropyl isothiocyanate, 4-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate, 4-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate and mixtures thereof.

[0142] The active ingredients that cause tingling are preferably selected from the group consisting of 2E,4E-decadienoic acid N-isobutylamide (trans-pellitorin), in particular as described in WO 2004 / 043906; 2E,4Z-decadienoic acid N-isobutylamide (cis-pellitorin), in particular as described in WO 2004 / 000787; 2Z,4Z-decadienoic acid N-isobutylamide; 2Z,4E-decadienoic acid N-isobutylamide; 2E,4E-decadienoic acid N-([2S]-2-methylbutyl)amide; 2E,4E-decadienoic acid N-([2S]-2-methylbutyl)amide; 2E,4E-decadienoic acid N-([2R]-2-methylbutylamide); 2E,4Z-decadienoic acid N-(2-methylbutyl)amide; 2E,4E-decadienoic acid-N-piperide (achilleamide); 2E,4E-decadienoic acid-N-piperide (Sarmentin); 2E-decenoic acid-N-isobutylamide; 3E-decenoic acid-N-isobutylamide; 3E-nonenoic acid N-isobutylamide; 2E,6Z,8E-decatrienoic acid-N-isobutylamide (spilanthol); 2E,6Z,8E-decatrienoic acid-N-([2S]-2-methylbutyl)amide (homospilanthol); 2E,6Z,8E-Decatrienoic acid N-([2R]-2-methylbutyl)amide; 2E-decene-4-ynoic acid-N-isobutylamide; 2Z-decen-4-ylic acid-N-isobutylamide;2E,6Z,8E,10E-Dodecatetraensäure-N-(2-methylpropyl)amid (alpha-Sanshool); 2E,6Z,8E,10E-Dodecatetraensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (alpha-Hydroxysanshool); 2E,6E,8E,10E-Dodecatetraensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (gamma-Hydroxysanshool); 2E,4E,8Z,10E,12E-Tetradecapentaensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (gamma-Hydroxysanshool); 2E,4E,8E,10E,12E-Tetradecapentaensäure-N-(2-Hydroxy-2- methylpropyl)amid (Gamma-Hydroxyisosanshool); 2E,4E,8Z,10E,12E-Tetradecapentaensäure-N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)amid (gamma-Dehydrosanshool); 2E,4E,8Z,10E,12E-Tetradecapentaensäure-N-(2-methylpropyl)amid (gamma-Sanshool); 2E,4E,8Z,11Z-Tetradecatetraensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (Bungeanool); 2E,4E,8Z,11E-Tetradecatetraensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (Isobungeanool); 2E,4E,8Z-Tetradecatriensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (Dihydrobungeanool) und 2E,4E-Tetradecadiensäure-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)amid (Tetrahydrobungeanool) und Mischungen davon.;

[0143] Active ingredients with astringent action are preferably selected from the group consisting of: catechins, in particular epicatechins, gallocatechins, epigallocatechins and their respective gallic acid esters, in particular epigallocatechin gallate or epicatechin gallate, their oligomers (procyanidins, proanthocyanidins, prodelphinidins, procyanirins, thearubigenins, theogallins) and their C- and O-glycosides; dihydroflavonoids such as dihydromyricetin, taxifolin, and their C- and O-glycosides, flavonols such as myricetin, quercetin and their C- and O-glycosides such as quercetrin, rutin, gallic acid esters of carbohydrates such as tannin, pentagalloylglucose or their reaction products such as elligatannin, aluminum salts, zg, alum, and mixtures thereof.

[0144] In a further variant according to the first and / or second aspect of the present invention, biogenic principles can also be encapsulated as core material, wherein the core material comprises at least one biogenic principle or mixtures thereof.

[0145] Biogenic principles are understood to mean active ingredients with biological activity, e.g. tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, tocopherol palmitate, ascorbic acid, carnotine, carnosine, caffeine, (deoxy)ribonucleic acid and its fragmentation products, β-glucans, retinol, bisabolol, allantoin, phytantriol, panthenol, AHA acids, amino acids, ceramides, pseudoceramides, essential oils, plant extracts and vitamin complexes.

[0146] In a further variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, substances for printing varnishes for paper, as described in US 2800457 A, are also used as the active ingredient to be encapsulated or as the core material, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated in the present description.

[0147] The inner non-aqueous phase may contain, for example, 20 to 80% by weight, preferably 25 to 75% by weight and more preferably 33 to 50% by weight of the hydrophobic active ingredient to be encapsulated, 0.1 to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.15 to 3.5% by weight and more preferably from 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of a first crosslinking agent and additionally up to 100% by weight of a hydrophobic solvent, based on the total weight of the inner non-aqueous phase.

[0148] Thus, with the method described here but not according to the invention, a high active ingredient loading in the microcapsules according to the invention can be achieved.

[0149] In a further step (ii) of the process described here but not according to the invention, an external aqueous phase is provided which contains at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide and optionally at least one protective colloid.

[0150] Suitable solvents for preparing the outer aqueous phase are water or mixtures of water and at least one water-miscible organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents are glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and other analogues. However, the solvent is preferably water.

[0151] According to the present invention, the at least one protein is selected from the group consisting of proteinogenic L-amino acids, animal or vegetable proteins, in particular protein isolates, animal or vegetable proteins in the form of fractions, partial or complete hydrolysates or intermediates produced by physico-chemical processes or fermentative or enzymatic treatment of the proteins, in particular proteins from the group consisting of: meat (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish), crabs, crustaceans, mussels, molluscs, insects, eggs, milk, in particular casein and whey, rennet casein, whey protein concentrate 80%, gelatin, algae, cereals, in particular wheat, barley, rye, spelt, gluten, in particular wheat gluten, rapeseed, sunflowers, rice, potatoes, corn, soybeans, beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, lupins, peanuts, alfalfa, hemp, other proteins from edible plants,Chitosan and mixtures thereof.

[0152] Among the above-mentioned proteins, gelatin, milk proteins, whey proteins, chickpea proteins and pea proteins are particularly preferred.

[0153] The amino acids are proteinogenic L-amino acids. The L-amino acids are selected from the group consisting of L-alanine, L-arginine, L-asparagine, L-aspartic acid, L-cysteine, L-glutamine, L-glutamic acid, L-glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, and L-valine.

[0154] Of the aforementioned amino acids, L-glutamine and L-lysine are particularly preferred.

[0155] In a preferred variant, one of the above-mentioned proteins is used in combination with one or more free L-amino acids. Preferred combinations are: milk protein with L-glutamine and / or L-lysine. With such a combination, both large and small molecules are incorporated into the network, thereby increasing stability. Furthermore, the amino acids L-glutamine and / or L-lysine are particularly easy to crosslink using an enzymatic cross-linker such as transglutaminase.

[0156] The proteins mentioned have the advantageous effect of having an emulsifying effect. Through their emulsifying effect, they contribute to the stabilization of the emulsion. Due to their more or less flexible structure and their differently charged regions within the molecule, proteins are amphiphilic and thus surface-active. By modifying the proteins, e.g., through physical or chemical modification, the secondary and / or tertiary structure of the molecule can be altered. For example, the emulsifying properties can be influenced by changing the spatial availability of charged regions of the molecule or by exposing amino acid side chains. Due to these advantageous properties, an additional emulsifier or protective colloid can be dispensed with in the process described here, which is not according to the invention.

[0157] The proportion of the at least one protein in the outer aqueous phase is in a range of 0.25 to 5.0 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase. Most preferably, the at least one protein is used in a range of 1.0 to 1.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase.

[0158] According to a preferred variant of the present invention, chickpea protein is used as the protein component.

[0159] According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the at least one polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of - indigestible fibres and dietary fibres, in particular insoluble fibres, especially cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, in particular quaternised hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), hemicelluloses, lichenin, chitin, chitosan, lignin, xanthan, plant fibres, in particular cereal fibres, potato fibres, apple fibres, citrus fibres, bamboo fibres, extracted sugar beet fibres; Oat fiber and soluble fiber, in particular inulin, in particular native inulin, highly soluble inulin, granulated inulin, high performance inulin, pectins, alginates, agar, carrageenan, gum arabic (Senegal type, Seyal type), konjac gum, gellan gum, curdlan (paramylon), guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, raffinose, xylose, polydextrose and lactulose; - Starch, in particular wheat, potato, corn, rice, tapioca and oat starch, modified starch and starch derivatives, e.g. dextrins or maltodextrins, in particular dextrins and maltodextrins from wheat, potatoes, corn, rice, peas, chickpeas and oats, in particular maltodextrins DE8-10, DE17-20, DE18-20, cyclodextrins, oligosaccharides, in particular oligofructose; and - sugar alcohols, in particular sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, maltilol syrup, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol; - Glucose, as well as mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned polysaccharides.

[0160] Among the aforementioned polysaccharides, gum arabic and maltodextrins are particularly preferred. The most preferred maltodextrins are DE8-10 potato; DE17-20 corn; DE17-20 potato; and DE18-20 wheat.

[0161] In addition, dextrins are also preferred, especially dextrins from pea starch, especially for the production of chickpea-based microcapsules. However, any polysaccharide can be used for the production of chickpea-based microcapsules according to the present invention.

[0162] The proportion of the at least one polysaccharide in the outer aqueous phase is in a range of 0.5 to 7.0 wt.%, preferably in a range of 1.5 to 6.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase. Most preferably, the at least one polysaccharide is used in a range of 3.0 to 5.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase.

[0163] Preferably, the outer aqueous phase contains both main components of the capsule shell, i.e., at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide. When protein and polysaccharide are used in combination, soluble or insoluble protein-polysaccharide complexes are formed. The emulsion thus formed is less prone to aggregate formation, so the addition of a protective colloid or an additional emulsifier is not required in the process described here but not according to the invention.

[0164] According to an alternative variant, the outer aqueous phase contains at least one protective colloid and the protein building block(s) and / or the polysaccharide building block(s) is / are added after emulsification.

[0165] The following combinations of protein and polysaccharide are particularly preferred for the construction of the capsule wall or capsule shell: chickpea protein and dextrin (preferably from pea starch); whey protein and maltodextrin; milk protein and maltodextrin; whey protein and gum arabic; gelatin and maltodextrin; milk protein, L-glutamine, L-lysine and maltodextrin; and gelatin, milk protein and maltodextrin.

[0166] The most preferred capsule shell materials are a combination of gelatin and DE8-10 potato maltodextrin or a combination of milk protein, L-glutamine and / or L-lysine, and maltodextrin. Microcapsules manufactured with these capsule shell materials yield microcapsules with a free oil content in isopropanol of ≤ 1%.

[0167] According to another embodiment, the capsule wall comprises chickpea proteins as protein building blocks and dextrins (preferably from pea starch) as polysaccharide building blocks. Surprisingly, it has been found that such microcapsules have excellent encapsulation and release properties, enabling efficient encapsulation and targeted release of the active ingredient(s). Furthermore, such microcapsules exhibit excellent storage properties with an extended shelf life of more than one year without deterioration of the product properties such as encapsulation efficiency or release properties. The chickpea dextrin-based microcapsules are able to efficiently encapsulate the active ingredient(s) over a long period of time and effectively suppress the leakage / evaporation of volatile active ingredients, such as fragrances (see Fig. and b)

[0168] In an alternative variant, maltodextrin is used as a polysaccharide component for the production of the microcapsules.

[0169] Preferably, for the above-mentioned chickpea-based microcapsules, a combination of aliphatic and aromatic polyisocyanates is used as a crosslinking agent, more preferably a combination of aliphatic and aromatic polyisocyanates in a molar ratio of about 80:20.

[0170] In the latter microcapsules, preferably no further cross-linking agents or protein and / or polysaccharide components are added.

[0171] The components for the capsule wall described and exemplified above—proteins and polysaccharides—are readily available from biological sources. Furthermore, they are readily biodegradable.

[0172] In an alternative variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the outer aqueous phase is provided with only one of the main components of the capsule shell, protein or polysaccharide. In this variant, the other main component, polysaccharide or protein, is added optionally in process step (iv) after emulsification / dispersion and before or with the addition of the catalyst in process step (v).

[0173] By using at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide, the content of the crosslinking agent polyisocyanate in the capsule shell can be reduced, preferably to an isocyanate content of up to 50 wt.%, more preferably to an isocyanate content of up to 20 wt.%, based on the capsule shell, compared to prior art microcapsules, which have a high polyisocyanate content. By replacing polyisocyanate with protein and / or polysaccharide as components for the construction of the capsule wall or capsule shell, the polyisocyanate content in the microcapsule is reduced, resulting in a lower degree of crosslinking.

[0174] Surprisingly, however, this lower degree of cross-linking leads, on the one hand, to stable microcapsules and, on the other hand, to microcapsules with better biodegradability, as shown in the following examples.

[0175] Optionally, a protective colloid can be added to the outer aqueous phase.

[0176] A protective colloid is a polymer system that prevents the clumping (agglomeration, coagulation, flocculation) of emulsified, suspended, or dispersed components in suspension or dispersion. During solvation, protective colloids bind large amounts of water and, depending on the concentration, produce high viscosities in aqueous solutions. In the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions, the protective colloid attaches its hydrophobic moiety to the primary particles and applies its polar, i.e., hydrophilic, molecular moiety to the aqueous phase. Through this bond to the interface, it lowers the interfacial tension and prevents agglomeration of the primary particles. Furthermore, it stabilizes the emulsion and promotes the formation of comparatively smaller droplets and thus also of corresponding microcapsules.

[0177] In the process described here but not according to the invention, the protective colloid exhibits emulsifying properties in addition to the above-mentioned properties. If the emulsifying properties of the protective colloid are sufficient, such as carboxymethylcellulose, acid-modified starch, polyvinyl alcohol, ammonium derivatives of polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrenesulfonates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinyl acrylates, the use of an emulsifier in the subsequent emulsification / dispersion step (iii) can advantageously be dispensed with in the process described here but not according to the invention. For example, in the case of chickpea-based microcapsules, polyvinyl alcohol is preferably the only protective colloid, which is preferably added to the aqueous phase.

[0178] The protective colloid used in the process described here but not according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of - Diols, in particular ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, isomeric butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and - Polyols, preferably triols, in particular glycerol and its ethoxylation and propoxylation products, trimethylolpropane and its ethoxylation and propoxylation products, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and its derivatives, in particular ammonium- or sulfonate-functionalized polyvinyl alcohols, polyphenols, preferably 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, polysaccharides, in particular glucose, starches or chemically, mechanically and / or enzymatically modified starches, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, in particular quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose, - Polyvinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid-vinyl copolymers, sodium lignosulfonates, maleic acid anhydride / styrene copolymers, ethylene / maleic anhydride copolymers, copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and acid esters of polyethoxylated sorbitol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, - Animal and vegetable polymers, in particular gum arabic (Senegal type and Seyal type), proteins, gelatin, olibanum resin, shellac, lignin, chitosan, saponin and mixtures of the aforementioned compounds.

[0179] Starches, especially modified starches, or animal or plant polymers are naturally occurring substances that are biodegradable. In combination with the polyisocyanates described here, the present process can therefore yield bio-based and biodegradable capsule shells. In the process described here, but not according to the invention, the starch and the animal and plant polymers therefore also act as so-called biocrosslinkers.

[0180] The starch used in the process described here but not according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, rye, wheat, barley, oat, rice, pea, chickpea and tapioca starch and mixtures thereof.

[0181] The chemically modified starches are preferably acid-modified starches, alkali-modified starches, oxidized starches, acetylated starches, succinated starches or octylsuccinated starches.

[0182] The outer aqueous phase preferably comprises at least one protective colloid selected from polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinyl alcohols, and mixtures thereof. Polyvinylpyrrolidones are particularly preferred. Commercially available standard polyvinylpyrrolidones have molecular weights in the range of approximately 2,500 to 750,000 g / mol.

[0183] Even more preferably, polyols, polyphenols, or starch, especially modified starch, are used as protective colloids. Polyvinyl alcohol or its ammonium derivatives, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, modified starch, or carboxymethylcellulose are particularly preferably used as protective colloids for the production of the microcapsules according to the invention.

[0184] According to the invention, combinations of two or more different protective colloids can also be used in the production of the microcapsule according to the invention.

[0185] In the process described here, but not according to the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous to use a combination of one of the above-mentioned protective colloids with starch as an additional protective colloid in the outer aqueous phase. Such a combination stabilizes the emulsion due to the high number of functional hydroxyl groups and, on the other hand, promotes a reaction between the protective colloid and the polyisocyanate(s), thereby shifting the reaction equilibrium of the reaction between the protective colloids and the polyisocyanate(s) toward the products, i.e., the polyurethanes. Furthermore, the large number of functional hydroxyl groups in the starch enables the formation of particularly pronounced crosslinks.

[0186] Depending on the number of functional groups and / or the size of the protective colloid, the aforementioned protective colloids exhibit different reaction rates with the isocyanate groups of the at least one polyisocyanate. For example, glycerin, due to its size, reacts more rapidly with the isocyanate groups than, for example, starch. Therefore, the crosslinking of the protective colloid with the isocyanate groups of the polyisocyanate can be controlled by the selection of the protective colloid.

[0187] The combination of glycerin with starch or with modified starch or the combination of glycerin with quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose or gum arabic type Seyal has proven particularly advantageous. In such a combination, the previously described properties of both protective colloids are used: high reaction rate of the glycerin on the one hand and number of polymerizable functional groups of the other protective colloid on the other hand.

[0188] The protective colloids used in the process described here but not according to the invention have a dual function in that, on the one hand, they act as a protective colloid and thus prevent the agglomeration of the emulsified, suspended or dispersed components, stabilize the subsequently formed emulsion, promote the formation of small droplets and stabilize the finally formed microcapsule dispersion.

[0189] The amount of protective colloid used or the amount of a combination of protective colloids is thus in a range of 1 to 6 wt.%, preferably in a range of 2 to 4 wt.%, more preferably in a range of 2 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase.

[0190] The outer aqueous phase is preferably prepared with stirring by adding successively the polysaccharide and / or the protein and optionally the protective colloid or vice versa to the outer aqueous phase, or by adding the components simultaneously to the outer aqueous phase.

[0191] To improve the solubility of the protein, the pH of the external aqueous phase is optionally adjusted to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein, i.e. to a pH lower than the isoelectric point of the protein used.

[0192] The isoelectric point is the pH value at which the isoelectric state is reached, i.e., at which the positive and negative charges in ampholytes or zwitterions (e.g., amino acids and proteins) balance each other. This value is a constant characteristic of each amino acid and depends on the pKa value of the functional group. In addition to amino acids, peptides and proteins also have an isoelectric point. At the isoelectric point, amino acids, and thus also proteins, exhibit the lowest water solubility.

[0193] Preferably, the pH of the aqueous phase is adjusted to a pH in the range of 2.0 to 7.0, more preferably to a pH in the range of 2.0 to 6.0, and most preferably to a slightly acidic pH in the range of 3.0 to 5.0, depending on the isoelectric point of the protein used. Adjusting the pH to a pH below the isoelectric point, i.e., to a pH below the isoelectric point, of the protein has the advantage that at such a pH, the emulsifying properties and solubility of the protein are at their highest.

[0194] The pH of the external aqueous phase is adjusted by adding an organic acid. For this purpose, an organic acid, e.g., formic acid or acetic acid, is added to the external aqueous phase before the emulsification step, and a pH within the above-mentioned ranges is adjusted.

[0195] The inner non-aqueous phase, which contains at least a first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient, is emulsified or dispersed in the outer aqueous phase in a further process step (iii) to form an oil-in-water emulsion / dispersion.

[0196] The oil-in-water emulsion is prepared by mixing the inner non-aqueous phase and the outer aqueous phase. The weight ratio of the inner non-aqueous phase to the outer aqueous phase is preferably in a range of 70:30 to 60:40, preferably in a range of 30:70 to 60:40.

[0197] In order to facilitate the formation of an emulsion or dispersion of an inner non-aqueous phase and an outer aqueous phase, to stabilize the emulsion or dispersion formed and to prevent demixing of the inner non-aqueous (oily / organic / hydrophobic) phase and the outer aqueous (hydrophilic) phase, a stabilizer and / or an emulsifier or an emulsifying aid is optionally added to the emulsion or dispersion in the process described here but not according to the invention.

[0198] Preferably, a stabilizer is added to the outer aqueous phase to stabilize the emulsion / dispersion to prevent demixing of the inner non-aqueous (oily) phase and the outer aqueous phase.

[0199] The preferred stabilizers for the production of the polysaccharide- and protein-based microcapsules according to the invention are primarily acrylate copolymers containing sulfonate groups. Also suitable are copolymers of acrylamides and acrylic acid, copolymers of alkyl acrylates and N-vinylpyrrolidone, such as LUVISKOL® K15, K30, or K90 (BASF); sodium polycarboxylates, sodium polystyrenesulfonates, vinyl and methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers, as well as ethylene-, isobutylene-, or styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers; microcrystalline cellulose, which is commercially available, for example, under the name VIVAPUR®; dilutan gum, xanthan gum, or carboxymethylcelluloses.

[0200] The amount of stabilizers used may be in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt.% and preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 wt.%, each based on the outer aqueous phase.

[0201] Optionally, in the process described here but not according to the invention, an emulsifier, preferably an O / W emulsifier, is used, which enables a homogeneous distribution of the oil droplets of the inner non-aqueous phase in the outer aqueous phase and stabilizes the emulsion. The same applies to the mixing of solid, insoluble active ingredients into the outer aqueous phase to stabilize the resulting dispersion.

[0202] The addition of an emulsifier is optional, particularly when the protein or protective colloid has no or only slight, i.e., insufficient, emulsifying properties. If an emulsifying protein and / or protective colloid is used, the use of an emulsifier can advantageously be omitted in the process described here but not according to the invention.

[0203] Suitable emulsifiers include non-ionic surfactants from at least one of the following groups: - adhesion products of 2 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide and / or 0 to 5 moles of propylene oxide to linear fatty alcohols with 8 to 22 C atoms, to fatty acids with 12 to 22 C atoms, to alkylphenols with 8 to 15 C atoms in the alkyl group and to alkylamines with 8 to 22 C atoms in the alkyl radical; - Alkyl and / or alkenyl oligoglycosides with 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the alk(en)yl radical and their ethoxylated analogues; - Additives of 1 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide to castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil; - Additives of 15 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide to castor oil and / or hydrogenated castor oil; - Partial esters of glycerol and / or sorbitan with unsaturated, linear or saturated, branched fatty acids with 12 to 22 C atoms and / or hydroxycarboxylic acids with 3 to 18 C atoms, as well as their adducts with 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; - Partial esters of polyglycerol (average degree of self-condensation 2 to 8), polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 400 to 5,000), trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol), alkyl glucosides (e.g. methyl glucoside, butyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside) and polyglucosides (e.g. cellulose) with saturated and / or unsaturated, linear or branched fatty acids having 12 to 22 C atoms and / or hydroxycarboxylic acids having 3 to 18 C atoms and their adducts with 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide, preferably Cremophor®; - Mixed esters of pentaerythritol, fatty acids, citric acid and fatty alcohol and / or mixed esters of fatty acids with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, methyl glucose and polyols, preferably glycerol or polyglycerol; - mono-, di- and trialkyl phosphates and mono-, di- and / or tri-PEGalkyl phosphates and their salts; - wool wax alcohols; - polysiloxane-polyalkyl-polyether copolymers or corresponding derivatives; - Block copolymers, e.g., polyethylene glycol-30 dipolyhydroxystearates; polymeric emulsifiers, e.g., Pemulen types (TR-1, TR-2) from Goodrich or Cosmedia® SP from Cognis; - Polyalkylene glycols and glycerol carbonate.

[0204] Typical anionic emulsifiers which can be used in the process described here but not according to the invention for producing the isocyanate-based microcapsules are aliphatic fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid or behenic acid, and dicarboxylic acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, such as azelaic acid or sebacic acid.

[0205] Furthermore, zwitterionic surfactants can be used as emulsifiers in the process described here, but not according to the invention, for producing the polysaccharide- and protein-based microcapsules. Zwitterionic surfactants are surface-active compounds that carry at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one carboxylate and one sulfonate group in the molecule. Particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are the so-called betaines, such as N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinates, for example, cocoalkyldimethylammonium glycinate; N-acylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinate, for example, cocoacylaminopropyldimethylammonium glycinate; and 2-alkyl-3-carboxylmethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazolines, each containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group, as well as cocoacylaminoethylhydroxyethylcarboxymethylglycinate. The fatty acid amide derivative known under the CTFA name cocamidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred.

[0206] Suitable emulsifiers also include ampholytic surfactants. Ampholytic surfactants are surface-active compounds that, in addition to a C8 / 18 alkyl or acyl group, contain at least one free amino group and at least one -COOH or -SO3H group in the molecule and are capable of forming inner salts. Examples of suitable ampholytic surfactants are N-alkylglycines, N-alkylpropionic acids, N-alkylaminobutyric acids, N-alkyliminodipropionic acids, N-hydroxyethyl-N-alkylamidopropylglycines, N-alkyltaurines, N-alkylsarcosines, 2-alkylaminopropionic acids, and alkylaminoacetic acids, each with approximately 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. Particularly preferred ampholytic surfactants are N-cocoalkylaminopropionate, cocosacylaminoethylaminopropionate and C12 / 18-acyl sarcosine.

[0207] Finally, cationic surfactants can also be used as emulsifiers, preferably methylquaternized difatty acid triethanolamine ester salts, quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose, chitosan modified with propylene glycol and quaternized with epichlorohydrin, distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDMAC), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (cetrimonium bromide), with dequalinium chloride being particularly preferred.

[0208] The emulsifiers may be added to the outer aqueous phase in an amount of about 0.5 to about 10 wt.%, preferably about 1 to about 5 wt.%, based in each case on the total weight of the outer aqueous phase.

[0209] Emulsion formation (for liquid active ingredients) or dispersion formation (for solid active ingredients), i.e., the emulsification or dispersion of the inner non-aqueous or oily phase with the outer aqueous or hydrophilic phase, occurs under high turbulence or high shear, with the strength of the turbulence or shear determining the diameter of the resulting microcapsules. Microcapsules can be produced continuously or discontinuously. As the viscosity of the aqueous phase increases or the viscosity of the oily phase decreases, the size of the capsules generally decreases.

[0210] The process described here, but not according to the invention, for producing the polysaccharide- and protein-based microcapsules can be carried out, for example, using the inline technique. The inner non-aqueous phase and the outer aqueous phase are first fed separately to an emulsifying turbine by means of a forced-feed pump, then combined shortly before entering the emulsifying turbine or combined in the emulsifying turbine, at a throughput volume of 1,200 to 1,500 l / h. Furthermore, the process described here, but not according to the invention, for producing the polysaccharide- and protein-based microcapsules can also be carried out in conventional dispersing or emulsifying apparatus.

[0211] The emulsification or dispersion of the outer aqueous phase and the inner non-aqueous phase takes place during the production of the microcapsules according to the invention, for example, with the aid of an emulsification turbine (IKA Eurostar 20 high-speed stirrer).

[0212] The emulsification or dispersing process in the process described here but not according to the invention is advantageously carried out for a time of 30 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably from 1 to 4 minutes and most preferably from 1 to 2.5 minutes, at a stirring speed of 1 000 rpm to 5 000 rpm, preferably at 3 000 rpm to 4 000 rpm, until a capsule size of 10 to 50 µm ± 5 µm is reached.

[0213] After completion of the emulsification or dispersion step (iii), an oil-in-water emulsion or dispersion is present in which the inner oil phase with the active ingredients to be encapsulated is finely emulsified or dispersed in the outer aqueous phase in the form of droplets.

[0214] In an alternative variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the emulsification or dispersing step (iii) is followed by the addition of at least one polysaccharide or at least one protein, optionally in a process step (iv), as described above. If the outer aqueous phase is provided with only at least one main protein component in process step (ii), at least one polysaccharide is added in process step (iv). If, on the other hand, the outer aqueous phase is provided with only at least one main polysaccharide component in process step (ii), at least one protein is added in process step (iv). The separate addition leads to the formation of several layers (“layer-by-layer”), the individual layers of which are cross-linked with one another in the subsequent process step (v). This makes it possible, for example, to control the charge of the emulsion and thus the aggregation stability.

[0215] Alternatively, in process step (iv), an additional protein and / or polysaccharide can optionally be added, which is the same as or different from the at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide from process step (ii), or has a different charge, or changes the charge upon changing the pH. By adding an additional protein and / or polysaccharide, additional layers are built up ("layer-by-layer"), the individual layers of which are cross-linked in the subsequent process step (v). This leads to a denser and more stable network of capsule wall components and thus to more stable capsule shells, thereby increasing the stability of the microcapsule.

[0216] The further protein and / or the further polysaccharide is selected from the group of proteins and / or polysaccharides as already defined in detail above for process step (ii). The same applies to the preferred variants or preferred combinations of the protein and / or polysaccharide described therein.

[0217] In a subsequent process step (v) of the process described here but not according to the invention, a first crosslinking of the material of the capsule shell or capsule wall is carried out, also with stirring.

[0218] The first crosslinking occurs after emulsification or dispersion by adding a catalyst to crosslink the above-described layers (“layer-by-layer”) of the capsule wall components and stabilize the resulting capsule shell. Catalyzed polymerization reactions take place between the carboxyl and / or sulfo group and / or hydroxyl group of the polysaccharide and the amino group of the protein, on the one hand, and the isocyanate group of the first crosslinking agent, on the other hand, by interfacial polymerization at the interface between the outer aqueous phase and the dispersed inner phase, i.e., at the interface of the emulsified or dispersed oil droplets containing the active ingredient to be encapsulated. If the catalyst is added to the inner non-aqueous phase, crosslinking also occurs after emulsification or dispersion of the non-aqueous and aqueous phases.

[0219] By the catalyzed crosslinking between the functional groups of the at least one polysaccharide and / or the at least one protein of the previously described layers and the functional groups of the first crosslinking agent, first crosslinking units or a first crosslinking matrix are formed for constructing a capsule shell or capsule wall.

[0220] The formation of the first crosslinking units in the process described here, but not according to the invention, is based on the polyaddition reaction between polysaccharide and first crosslinking agent and / or protein and first crosslinking agent. The hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide react with the isocyanate groups of the first crosslinking agent to form polyurethane, and the amino groups of the protein react with the isocyanate groups of the first crosslinking agent to form polyurea. In addition to polyurethane and polyurea, soluble or insoluble complexes of protein and polysaccharide are also formed during the first crosslinking step (v), which form the capsule wall matrix or capsule shell.

[0221] The higher the number of crosslinking functional groups in the capsule wall building blocks, the stronger the spatial crosslinking and the denser and more stable the resulting capsule shell or capsule wall of the microcapsule. In addition to the number of functional groups, the chain length of the individual capsule wall building blocks also has a significant influence on the mechanical properties, i.e., the stability of the microcapsules: For example, the large number of hydroxyl groups in starch enables the formation of particularly pronounced spatial crosslinking; longer-chain capsule wall building blocks, e.g., polyisocyanates, lead to the formation of more stable capsule walls.

[0222] Through the formation of the first cross-linking matrix or the first cross-linking units, the emulsified or dispersed oil droplets with the core material, i.e. the encapsulated active ingredients, are enclosed at the interface by the cross-linking matrix or the cross-linking units on the outside, so that a capsule wall is formed which impedes the diffusion of the encapsulated active ingredient.

[0223] The addition of the at least one catalyst to the emulsion or dispersion accelerates the crosslinking reaction between the polysaccharide and / or protein and the crosslinking agent and catalyzes the reaction in favor of the formation of a first crosslinking matrix or first crosslinking units.

[0224] The catalyst added in the process described here, but not according to the invention, is preferably diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), also known as triethylenediamine (TEDA), a bicyclic tertiary amine. DABCO is generally used as a catalyst for the production of polyurethane plastics. The tertiary amine, which has lone electron pairs, promotes the reaction between the isocyanate groups of the first crosslinking agent and the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide.

[0225] In addition to DABCO, catalysts based on bismuth or tin are also used to catalyze the first crosslinking, such as catalysts based on bismuth(II) salts or bismuth(III) salts, as described in KC Frisch & LP Rumao, Catalysis in Isocyanate Reactions, Polymer Reviews, 1970, 5:1, pages 103 - 149, DOI: 10.1080 / 15583727008085365, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated in the present description in this respect.

[0226] According to the invention, a combination of DABCO and one of the above-mentioned catalysts is preferred. Such a mixture leads to a multiplication of reactivity, as described in K.C. Frisch & L.P. Rumao, Catalysis in Isocyanate Reactions, Polymer Reviews, 1970, 5:1, pages 103-149, DOI: 10.1080 / 15583727008085365, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety into the present description in this regard.

[0227] Surprisingly, it has been found that the combination of DABCO and a bismuth catalyst such as bismuth neodecanoate is particularly preferred and leads to very stable and excellently functioning microcapsules. With this catalyst combination, the bismuth catalyst is preferably added to the internal non-aqueous phase and the DABCO catalyst to the aqueous phase prior to emulsification, or alternatively, to the mixture after emulsification of the non-aqueous phase and the aqueous phase.

[0228] DABCO and the aforementioned catalysts preferably catalyze the polyurethane reaction between the at least one polymerizable polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups and the diols or polyols in the process described here but not according to the invention.

[0229] The amount of catalyst added to the external aqueous phase is in a range of 0.001 to 1 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.02 to 0.75 wt.%, and particularly preferably in a range of 0.05 to 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the external aqueous phase. However, the catalyst content can also be increased in the case of sluggish polymerization.

[0230] The catalyst is added to the emulsion or dispersion either as such, for example as a solid, or in the form of an aqueous solution, preferably in water, with stirring. The catalyst is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.5 to 2 mol / l, preferably 1 mol / l.

[0231] The catalyst is added at a stirring speed of 500 rpm to 2 000 rpm, preferably 1 000 rpm to 1 500 rpm, and at a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 30 °C, preferably at temperatures of 22 °C to 26 °C.

[0232] Even more preferably, process step (v) of catalyzed initial crosslinking is carried out by gradually heating the emulsion or dispersion to a temperature in the range of 60°C to 90°C, preferably to a temperature in the range of 65 to 85°C, particularly preferably to a temperature in the range of 70 to 80°C. The first crosslinking in the process described here but not according to the invention is carried out for a period of about 30 minutes to 90 minutes, preferably for a period of 40 minutes to 70 minutes, and particularly preferably for a period of 60 minutes.

[0233] After the initial crosslinking and formation of the capsule shell or capsule wall, the capsules produced by the process described here but not according to the invention are present as raw microcapsules in the form of an aqueous dispersion or slurry.

[0234] After crosslinking, the microcapsules in the slurry still have a flexible shell that lacks particular stability and therefore breaks easily. For this purpose, the shell is cured. Curing in process step (vi) is preferably carried out by gradually increasing the microcapsule slurry to a temperature of at least 60°C, preferably to a temperature in the range of 60°C to 65°C, but not more than up to the boiling point of the microcapsule slurry. Curing is typically carried out for a period of at least 3 hours, preferably for a period of 4 hours, and most preferably for a period of 5 hours. Alternatively, it is, for example,In the case of chickpea protein-based microcapsules, it is advantageous to cure the microcapsules at a temperature of 70 °C for one hour, followed by an increase in temperature to preferably 80 °C (within about half an hour) and preferably a further hour of curing at 80 °C.

[0235] Additionally, it is advantageous to add hardening agents to the microcapsule slurry. For this purpose, natural plant tannins of the tannin type are used. These are chemically proanthocyanidins, such as those found in dicotyledonous perennials, shrubs, and leaves, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. The terpenes generally have molecular weights in the range of 500 to 3,000 kDa. A preferred example of a suitable tannin is corigallin. For hardening, an aqueous preparation of the tannins is added to the aqueous dispersion containing the raw microcapsules. Typically, the tannins are added in amounts of about 0.1 to about 2% by weight, and preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.5% by weight, based on the microcapsules.

[0236] In order to optimize the crosslinking of the capsule wall matrix, in an alternative variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, a further protein and / or a further polysaccharide can optionally be added to the microcapsule slurry in process step (vi).

[0237] The further protein and / or polysaccharide is selected from the group of proteins and / or polysaccharides as already defined in detail above for process step (ii). The same definitions and preferred embodiments and / or preferred combinations as for the protein and / or polysaccharide also apply in full to the further protein and / or polysaccharide.

[0238] The further protein and / or the further polysaccharide can be identical to or different from the protein and / or polysaccharide from process step (ii). Preferably, the further protein and / or the further polysaccharide differs from the protein and / or polysaccharide from process step (ii).

[0239] The addition of another protein and / or another polysaccharide leads to further cross-linking with the first cross-linking agent and contributes to the formation of a particularly dense and stable network of capsule wall building blocks.

[0240] The curing step (vi) of the process described here but not according to the invention is followed by a step of cooling the microcapsule slurry to room temperature and optionally a second crosslinking step of the capsule wall building blocks by adding a second crosslinking agent.

[0241] As a second crosslinking agent for the second crosslinking step, the process described here, but not according to the invention, uses at least one crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase, peroxidase, secondary plant substances selected from the group consisting of polyphenols, in particular tannin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, hesperidin, cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, carvacrol, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned crosslinking agents, as already described above in connection with the first and further crosslinking agents. The same definitions and preferred embodiments as for the first and further crosslinking agents also apply without restriction to the second crosslinking agent.

[0242] Particularly preferred other crosslinking agents are cinnamaldehyde, tannin and gallic acid.

[0243] In a preferred variant of the process described here but not according to the invention, the second crosslinking agent differs from the first and further crosslinking agents in process step (i).

[0244] The content of the second crosslinking agent is in a range of 0.1 to 5 wt.%, preferably in a range of 0.15 to 2.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase. Most preferably, the second crosslinking agent is used in the internal non-aqueous phase in a range of 0.5 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the non-aqueous phase.

[0245] The second crosslinking agent is added to the emulsion or dispersion either as such, for example as a solid, or in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0246] The second crosslinking agent is present in the aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.01 to 2 mol / l, preferably at a concentration of 0.1 to 1.5 mol / l, particularly preferably at a concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 mol / l. The solution has a pH of 7 to 14, preferably a pH of 12.

[0247] More preferably, the second crosslinking in process step (vii) is carried out by gradually heating the emulsion or dispersion to a temperature in the range of 20°C to 50°C, preferably to a temperature in the range of 30 to 40°C. The second crosslinking in the process described here but not according to the invention is carried out for a period of about 20 minutes to 10 hours, preferably for a period of 30 minutes to 8 hours.

[0248] To optimize the first crosslinking in process step (v) and / or the second crosslinking in process step (vii) of the process described here but not according to the invention, the pH of the emulsion or dispersion is optionally adjusted to a pH above or below the isoelectric point of the protein used. At a pH below the isoelectric point, the net electrostatic charge of a protein is positive; above the isoelectric point, the net charge of a protein is negative.

[0249] Preferably, the pH is adjusted to a pH in the range of pH 2.0 to pH 4.0, more preferably to a pH in the range of pH 2.5 to pH 3.5, and most preferably to a pH of 3.0 to obtain a positive charge on the protein. To obtain a negative charge on the protein, the pH is preferably adjusted to a pH in the range of pH 8.0 to pH 12.0, more preferably to a pH in the range of pH 9.0 to pH 10.0, and most preferably to a pH of 9.5.

[0250] For this purpose, an organic acid, e.g. formic acid or acetic acid, or a base, e.g. sodium hydroxide solution, is added to the emulsion or dispersion and a pH value is adjusted within the above-mentioned ranges.

[0251] Carrying out the first cross-linking and / or the second cross-linking at a pH value above or below the isoelectric point has the advantage of changing the electrical charge of the protein, allowing electrostatic interactions to positively influence capsule formation. Furthermore, such modification of the proteins positively influences their emulsifiability.

[0252] During the first and second cross-linking steps, the stirring power is reduced, for example to a stirring speed of about 800 to 1200 rpm, in order to prevent the forming microcapsules from immediately breaking again.

[0253] An important criterion for the usability of microcapsules is the weight ratio of core material to capsule wall material. While the highest possible proportion of core material is desirable to ensure the highest possible usability, the capsule must also contain a sufficient proportion of capsule wall material to ensure its stability.

[0254] According to the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous that the microcapsules are designed such that the microcapsules have a weight ratio of core material to capsule wall material which is from 50:50 to 90:10, preferably from 70:30 to 80:20.

[0255] After complete curing, the microcapsules produced by the process described here, which is not according to the invention, are present as a dispersion in water, also referred to as a microcapsule dispersion or microcapsule slurry. In this form, the microcapsules are essentially ready for sale.

[0256] To prevent demixing or creaming of such a suspension and thus achieve high storage stability, it has proven advantageous for the suspension to have a viscosity of 12 to 1,500 mPas. To achieve the desired viscosity of the suspension, a thickener is preferably used.

[0257] Xanthan gum, diutan gum, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or guar gum are preferably used as thickeners.

[0258] To improve shelf life, one or more preservatives are optionally added to the microcapsule slurry or the microcapsule slurry is dried.

[0259] Preservatives preferably used are 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, phenoxyethanol-based products, products made from mixtures of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (2.5%) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (2.5%) or similar.

[0260] Alternatively, and for the purpose of preservation, the microcapsule slurry is preferably dried.

[0261] For drying the microcapsule slurry, processes such as freeze-drying are possible, but what is meant is spray drying, for example, in a fluidized bed. It has proven advantageous to add additional polysaccharides, preferably dextrins and especially maltodextrins, to the suspension at temperatures of about 20 to about 50°C, preferably about 40°C, to assist the drying process and protect the capsules during this process. The amount of polysaccharides used can be about 50 to about 150 wt.%, preferably about 80 to about 120 wt.%, based on the capsule mass in the dispersion.

[0262] The spray drying itself can be carried out continuously or batchwise in conventional spraying systems, wherein the inlet temperature is about 170 to about 200 °C, preferably about 180 to 185 °C, and the outlet temperature is about 70 to about 80 °C, preferably about 72 to 78 °C.

[0263] By catalyzed crosslinking of polysaccharide and / or protein with the first crosslinking agent and optionally the second crosslinking agent, large molecules are introduced into the network of the capsule shell, which increase the amount of natural components in the capsule shell or the microcapsule slurry and thus increase the biodegradability of the capsule shell, as shown in the following embodiments.

[0264] The process described here, but not according to the invention, is further characterized by the fact that protein and polysaccharide, as well as polyisocyanates, are polymerized and / or crosslinked as the main components via specifically catalyzed mechanisms, thus enabling the production of bio-based and biodegradable microcapsules based on biocompatible polymers. In contrast to conventional microcapsules, in which polyisocyanates make up a large portion of the capsule shell material, the exact opposite is the case here: The polyisocyanates no longer function as the main material in the microcapsules according to the invention, but serve exclusively as crosslinkers for the amino acids and the other aforementioned components.

[0265] The process described here, but not according to the invention, thus makes it possible to replace part of the polyisocyanate with biodegradable wall materials such as proteins and / or polysaccharides, thus reducing the polyisocyanate content without impairing or losing the functionality of the microcapsules, such as the odor properties and positive secondary properties such as high stability, i.e., the ability to retain the active ingredient. Thus, the process described here, but not according to the invention, makes it possible to produce microcapsules that, on the one hand, exhibit excellent functionality and, on the other hand, are readily biodegradable.

[0266] Surprisingly, it has been found that with the process described here but not according to the invention, microcapsules can be produced with an amount of starting material isocyanate or other microcapsule starting materials of the prior art reduced by up to 25%, preferably by up to 50%, more preferably by up to 75%, without any loss or deterioration in the stability of the microcapsules obtained, as shown in the following embodiments.

[0267] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a microcapsule or microcapsule slurry produced by the process described herein but not according to the invention.

[0268] The biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules are characterized by the fact that they consist of or comprise the following components: (a) a core containing or consisting of at least one hydrophobic active ingredient; (b) a capsule shell comprising or consisting of a cross-linking matrix or cross-linking units of at least one polysaccharide and / or at least one protein and at least one first cross-linking agent; and optionally a protective colloid and / or optionally a second cross-linking agent.

[0269] The microcapsule according to the invention consists of a core surrounded or enclosed by the capsule shell or capsule wall. Any material suitable for encapsulation in microcapsules can be used as the core material for producing the microcapsules according to the invention. Hydrophobic, water-insoluble, or water-immiscible liquids or solids, as well as suspensions, are preferably suitable as encapsulation materials.

[0270] For the purposes of this specification, the core material is a hydrophobic active ingredient, i.e., a substance that has a specific effect or elicits a specific reaction, e.g., a drug, a pesticide, a cosmetic active ingredient, a food active ingredient, etc., as described above. The term "hydrophobic active ingredient" means that the active ingredient to be encapsulated is located in the inner non-aqueous phase during microcapsule preparation and does not mix with the outer aqueous phase.

[0271] By polymerizing and / or crosslinking functional groups of protein and / or polysaccharide with polyisocyanate, a stable capsule wall is formed from alternating and dense and thus stable crosslinking matrices or crosslinking units based on polyurea and polyurethane as well as soluble or insoluble complexes of protein and polysaccharide.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule shell comprises or consists of: a cross-linking matrix or cross-linking units from a polymerization and / or cross-linking of at least one protein with the first and optionally the second cross-linking agent and / or a cross-linking matrix or cross-linking units from a polymerization and / or cross-linking of at least one polysaccharide with the first and optionally the second cross-linking agent.

[0273] The crosslinking matrix or crosslinking units from a polymerization and / or crosslinking of at least one protein with the first and optionally the second crosslinking agent is predominantly a polyurea-based network, and the crosslinking matrix or crosslinking units from a polymerization and / or crosslinking of at least one polysaccharide with the first and optionally the second crosslinking agent is predominantly a polyurethane-based network and soluble or insoluble complexes of protein and polysaccharide.

[0274] In addition to the polyurea and / or polyurethane formation described above, the reactivity of the polyisocyanates in the crosslinking steps described above produces byproducts such as urea, allophanate, biuret, uretidione, carbodiimide, uretonimine, etc., as described in MF Sonnenschein, Introduction to Polyurethane Chemistry, Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets, and Trends, First Edition, 2015, John Wiley & Sons, pages 105 to 126, the respective disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. These byproducts are part of the capsule shell or capsule wall, respectively.

[0275] By constructing the capsule wall from several individual, defined and alternating cross-linking matrices or cross-linking units, particularly stable microcapsules with excellent sensory properties can be produced, while at the same time the shell components can be significantly reduced.

[0276] In addition to the main components mentioned above, the capsule shell may optionally contain a protective colloid and / or optionally another cross-linking agent.

[0277] In a preferred variant according to the second aspect, the microcapsules according to the invention are in the form of a dispersion or slurry in which the microcapsules are dispersed in the outer aqueous phase. The weight fraction of the microcapsules in the dispersion or slurry is approximately 20 to 60 wt.%, in particular approximately 25 to 50 wt.%, particularly preferably approximately 30 to 35 wt.%.

[0278] The microcapsules produced by the process described here but not according to the invention can be characterized by the d(0.5) value of their size distribution: 50% of the capsules are larger, 50% of the capsules are smaller than this value.

[0279] To determine the particle size distribution, the inventive microcapsules with different compositions were dispersed in water in a dynamic process, and the particle size was then determined using laser diffraction. Depending on the size of the capsule, the laser beam is refracted differently and can thus be converted into a size. Mie theory was used for this purpose. A MALVERN Mastersizer 3000 was used for particle measurement. The corresponding calculation is based on Mie theory.

[0280] The microcapsules according to the invention are characterized in that they have a particle size distribution with a d(0.5) value of 18 to 50 µm, preferably a d(0.5) value of 22 to 30 µm.

[0281] The corresponding particle size distributions of the microcapsules according to the invention are shown in the Fig. as well as in Fig. shown: Fig.: Symcap B: 20% isocyanate content; whey protein / pectin and maltodextrin; microcapsule according to the present invention; Fig. : Symcap B: 20% isocyanate content; milk protein and maltodextrin, additional crosslinker tannin; microcapsule according to the present invention; Fig. : Symcap B: 30% isocyanate content; milk protein, L-glutamine, L-lysine, and maltodextrin; microcapsule according to the present invention; Fig. : Symcap B: 20% isocyanate content; gelatin and maltodextrin; microcapsule according to the present invention. Fig. Comparison of particle size distribution: microcapsule according to the prior art, Symcap G 2.1: 100% isocyanates, polyvinyl alcohol, and guanidinium carbonate; microcapsule according to the present invention, Symcap B: 20% isocyanates, milk protein, tannin. Fig. : Symcap B: 75% isocyanate content; chickpea protein and dextrin from pea starch; microcapsule according to the present invention.

[0282] The direct comparison of the microcapsules shows that with the method described here but not according to the invention, microcapsules with the same particle size distribution as microcapsules of the prior art can be achieved.

[0283] Surprisingly, the protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule produced by the process described here, but not according to the invention, despite a reduction in the polyisocyanate content in the microcapsule wall, has a comparable stability and a comparable content of unintentionally leaking perfume oil as microcapsules according to the prior art, as in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and in Fig.9. Microcapsules according to the invention, which are produced with an additional second crosslinking agent, have a comparable, if not even better, stability and thus a lower free oil content than microcapsules of the prior art, as in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, which is particularly due to a more efficient encapsulation of the odorous substances.

[0284] In particular, the use of an additional crosslinking agent, especially with a reduction in the isocyanate content, leads to a significant improvement in stability and thus to a low proportion of leaking perfume oil (see samples 7 and 8 as well as samples 3 and 4, 5 and 6 in the Fig. ).

[0285] The use of the microcapsules, especially those produced with an additional crosslinker, in the target application shows comparable stability values ​​compared to state-of-the-art microcapsules despite the reduced polyisocyanate content (see Fig. ).

[0286] The protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention also demonstrate a significant improvement in sensory performance (fragrance release) compared to prior art capsules, which can be attributed to the stable active ingredient encapsulation and the associated low active ingredient losses. The microcapsules according to the invention demonstrate a significantly higher sensory intensity during fragrance release upon opening the capsules by mechanical friction or pressure, as described in Fig. and Fig. shown.

[0287] With increasing degree of cross-linking, which depends on the cross-linking agent and its concentration, the stability of the microcapsules also increases, but at the same time the ability of the capsule shell to biodegrade decreases. Fig. shows the general correlation between stability, performance, and biodegradability of microcapsules depending on the degree of cross-linking. For example, if the microcapsules are very stable, the performance, e.g., sensory performance, is lower because the number of microcapsules that rupture and release the active ingredients through rubbing, pressure, etc., is reduced. If the microcapsules are too unstable, they are destroyed during use or storage and also fail to perform.

[0288] The protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention have a polyisocyanate content reduced by up to 75% compared to prior art polyurea / polyurethane microcapsules, without any loss or reduction in the stability or active ingredient loading of the microcapsules to be encapsulated, as shown in the following exemplary embodiments. In contrast to prior art microcapsules, the isocyanates no longer function as the main material of the capsule shell or capsule wall, but serve exclusively as crosslinkers for the proteins and / or polysaccharides of the capsule shell. The absolute polyisocyanate content of the microcapsules described here therefore corresponds to only 1.5% of the total microcapsule.

[0289] Due to the lower polyisocyanate content in the capsule shell or capsule wall on the one hand, and the use of a protein and / or polysaccharide as a capsule wall component on the other, the microcapsules according to the invention are more biodegradable than capsules from the prior art. Microcapsules according to the invention exhibit significantly better biodegradability, as the following examples demonstrate.

[0290] Biodegradability is the ability of organic material to be degraded into water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and biomass after a certain period of time under defined conditions of temperature, oxygen and humidity in the presence of microorganisms or fungi.

[0291] According to OECD 301F, a microcapsule is considered readily biodegradable if more than 60% of the wall material has degraded after 28 days.

[0292] The microcapsules according to the invention have a biodegradability according to OECD 301F after 28 days of ≥ 10%, preferably a biodegradability of ≥ 50%, more preferably a biodegradability of ≥ 70% and most preferably a biodegradability of ≥ 90%.

[0293] The combination of the starting materials enables the creation of microcapsules according to the invention with sufficient stability (both mechanical and diffusion stability during use), high sensory performance, and simultaneously excellent biodegradability. At the same time, the composition of the starting materials allows the degree of cross-linking to be kept low, which significantly increases the biodegradability of the microcapsules. This breaks the previously held correlation between sensory performance, high cross-linking, and biodegradability.

[0294] Due to the biodegradability, excellent stability and excellent release capacity of the microcapsules as well as the possibility of encapsulating a wide range of hydrophobic active ingredients with the microcapsules according to the invention, the protein and polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention can be used for a wide range of fragrance and flavoring applications.

[0295] Furthermore, the microcapsule according to the invention is a universal capsule with which a broad spectrum of fragrances or flavors can be encapsulated according to the state of the art, including fragrances or flavors that have aldehyde, carboxylic acid or ester functionality, so that there are no restrictions on individual active ingredients.

[0296] Due to their advantageous properties, in particular their stability and targeted release of the active ingredients as well as their biodegradability, the microcapsules according to the invention are suitable for a wide range of applications and in particular for use in household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, fragrance enhancers, fragrance lotions and fragrance enhancers, cosmetics, personal care products, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products or print coatings for paper and the like.

[0297] In a further unclaimed aspect, the present invention thus relates to the use of the inventive biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules or a dispersion of the inventive biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules for the production of household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, fragrance enhancers, fragrance lotions and fragrance enhancers in liquid or solid form, cosmetics, body care products, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products, or print coatings for paper. The inventive microcapsules are particularly suitable for the encapsulation of hydrophobic fragrances or aromas, which can be used in various household and textile care products.

[0298] Finally, the present invention relates to household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, fragrance enhancers, fragrance lotions and fragrance enhancers, cosmetics, personal care products, agricultural products, pharmaceutical products or print coatings for paper and the like, which contain the biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention or a dispersion of the biodegradable protein- and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention.

[0299] The proportion of microcapsules in the aforementioned products is 0.05 to 15 wt.%, based on the total weight of the product, preferably 0.2 to 5 wt.%. Examples of implementation

[0300] The biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsules according to the invention and their advantageous properties are described in more detail in the following examples. Example 1: Free oil content of the microcapsules according to the invention compared to the microcapsules SYMCAP ® G2.1 and SYMCAP ® G3 according to the state of the art

[0301] The following stability data refer to a test at 40 °C in a commercially available formulation, e.g. a fragrance enhancer or fabric softener.

[0302] In the following examples, state-of-the-art microcapsules were selected whose capsule walls are based exclusively on a polyurea network (samples 1 and 2). A mixture of hexamethylene diisocyanate and 4,4'-methyldiphenylene diisocyanate in a ratio of 80:20 was used as the polyisocyanate. Polyvinyl alcohol was used as the protective colloid, and guanidinium carbonate was used for crosslinking. Generally, no catalyst was used in the preparation of these capsules, and the synthesis was carried out at a pH of 9.

[0303] Microcapsules according to the invention were prepared with two different proteins (samples 3 to 10). One was gelatin, the other was milk protein to which the amino acids glutamine L and lysine L were additionally added. The polysaccharide used in both cases was maltodextrin DE 8-10. The polyisocyanate used was a mixture of hexamethylene diisocyanate and 4,4'-methyldiphenylene diisocyanate in a ratio of 80:20. DABCO was used as the catalyst. Cinnamaldehyde was used as an additional crosslinking agent. Sample 11 was prepared using chickpea protein as the protein component and dextrin from pea starch as the polysaccharide component; no additional crosslinking agent was used. The latter sample was prepared with a combination of two different catalysts, DABCO and bismuth neodecanoate.The bismuth catalyst was added to the inner non-aqueous phase, and the DABCO catalyst was added to the mixture after emulsification of the non-aqueous phase and the aqueous phase, along with the chickpea protein solution and the dextrin solution. A mixture of Desmodur® N-3400 and Mondur M flakes in a molar ratio of 80:20 was used as the polyisocyanate component. The chickpea microcapsules were cured for one hour at 70 °C, then the temperature was increased to 80 °C (within approximately half an hour) and cured for another hour at 80 °C.

[0304] The perfume oil content in all samples was 35% of the obtained microcapsule slurry, with the perfume oil mixed with vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:1.

[0305] The amount of free oil is measured in isopropanol. This means that a specific amount of the microcapsule slurry is mixed with isopropanol, stirred for 30 seconds, and a sample is taken. The sample is measured using GC-MS. The result indicates how much of the encapsulated oil has migrated into the isopropanol or has not been fully encapsulated. The free oil content thus provides information about whether the process itself has worked, i.e., whether the perfume oil has been fully encapsulated and / or whether the capsule shell is stable enough to prevent the perfume oil from leaking into the isopropanol. In this context, values ​​of less than 1% are considered an indicator of successful encapsulation and a stable capsule shell.

[0306] The free oil content of the microcapsules according to the invention was compared with the free oil content of the state-of-the-art microcapsules SYMCAP®G2.1 (100%) and SYMCAP®G3 (75%).

[0307] State-of-the-art microcapsules: Sample 1: SYMCAP® G2.1: Isocyanate content: 100%; cross-linked with polyvinyl alcohol and guanidinium carbonate. Sample 2: SYMCAP® G3: Isocyanate content: 75%; cross-linked with polyvinyl alcohol and guanidinium carbonate.

[0308] Microcapsules according to the present invention: Sample 3: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 50%; gelatin and maltodextrin; Sample 4: SYMCAP B: 50% isocyanate content; gelatin and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent: gallic acid; Sample 5: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 30%; gelatin and maltodextrin; Sample 6: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 30%; gelatin and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent cinnamaldehyde; Sample 7: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 50%; milk protein + L-glutamine + L-lysine and maltodextrin; Sample 8: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 50%; milk protein + L-glutamine + L-lysine and maltodextrin; additional crosslinker cinnamaldehyde; Sample 9: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 30%; milk protein + L-glutamine + L-lysine and maltodextrin; Sample 10: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 30%; milk protein + L-glutamine + L-lysine and maltodextrin; additional crosslinker cinnamaldehyde; Sample 11: SYMCAP B: Isocyanate content 75%; chickpea protein + dextrin from pea starch

[0309] Since good results were already achieved with an isocyanate content of 50%, an attempt was made to further reduce the isocyanate content by secondary crosslinking and to achieve results comparable to those achieved with state-of-the-art microcapsules. Table 1: Components of the capsule wall Free oil in isopropanol (%) gelatin Example 1: 0.28 SYMCAP® G2.1 - 100% isocyanate. (State of the art) Example 2: SYMCAP® G3 - 75% isocyanate (state of the art) 0.26 Example 3: SYMCAP B - 50% isocyanate (according to the invention) 0.76 Example 4: SYMCAP B - 50% isocyanate + crosslinker (according to the invention) 0.07 Example 5: SYMCAP B - 30% isocyanate (according to the invention) 2.62 Example 6: SYMCAP B - 30% isocyanate + crosslinker (according to the invention) 0.25 Milk protein and amino acids Example 1: SYMCAP® G2.1 - 100% isocyanate (state of the art) 0.28 Example 2: SYMCAP® G3 - 75% isocyanate (state of the art) 0.26 Example 7: SYMCAP B - 50% isocyanate (according to the invention) 0.40 Example 8: SYMCAP - 50% isocyanate + crosslinker (according to the invention) 0.17 Example 9: SYMCAP - 30% isocyanate (according to the invention) 3.49 Example 10: SYMCAP - 30% isocyanate + crosslinker (according to the invention) 0.68 Chickpea protein Example 11: SYMCAP B - 75% isocyanate (according to the invention) 2.50

[0310] The results are in the Fig. as well as in Fig. for sample 11.

[0311] As can be seen from the above results, the microcapsules according to the invention with reduced isocyanate content have a nearly comparable free oil content to the prior art microcapsules. Crosslinking with an additional crosslinking agent can further increase the stability of the microcapsule wall and further reduce the free oil content.

[0312] All three microcapsule samples according to the invention have a free oil content of less than 1%, which is an indicator of successful encapsulation and a stable capsule shell. Example 2: Free oil content of microcapsules according to the invention with and without additional crosslinking agent (transglutaminase (TG))

[0313] The microcapsules were prepared with three different proteins: gelatin, milk protein, and milk protein supplemented with the amino acids L-glutamine and L-lysine. The polysaccharide used in both cases was maltodextrin DE 8-10. DABCO was used as the catalyst. The microcapsule samples were prepared with or without an additional cross-linking agent; transglutaminase (TG) was used as the additional cross-linking agent.

[0314] The free oil content was determined as described in Example 1.

[0315] The results are in Fig. shown. Example 3: Stability of microcapsules in use

[0316] The stability of microcapsules according to the invention and of prior art microcapsules produced as described above or analogously was measured in the target application. The stability test was carried out using a representative fabric softener (fabric softener) into which the microcapsule slurry was incorporated at 1 wt.% and stored at room temperature or 40°C. After defined time intervals (24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks aging), samples were taken and the stabilities measured.

[0317] State-of-the-art microcapsules: Sample 1: SYMCAP® G2.1: Isocyanate content: 100%; Sample 2: SYMCAP® G3: Isocyanate content: 75%;

[0318] Microcapsules according to the present invention: Sample 3: Symcap B: isocyanate content 50%, pea protein, dextrin. Sample 4: Symcap B: isocyanate content 50%, gelatin, maltodextrin Sample 5: Symcap B: Isocyanate content 50%, milk protein, amino acids, crosslinker transglutaminase, maltodextrin Sample 6: Symcap B: isocyanate content 30%, gelatin, maltodextrin Sample 7: Symcap B: Isocyanate content 30%, gelatin, crosslinker tannin, maltodextrin

[0319] Measurement: The capsule contents were analyzed by headspace GC / MS (SPME fiber: PDMS-DVB 65 µm cladding). Analysis:

[0320] Integration of the area of ​​each perfume oil compound and calculation of the stability interval ΣGC areas of all encapsulated components of the sample · 100%. Capsule stability = 100% - ΣGC areas of all perfume components of the quantification standard

[0321] The identification of fragrance components is based on an internal database as well as commercially available analytical databases of fragrance formulas.

[0322] This results in a percentage of the perfume oil remaining in the capsule. For example, a result of 98% means that 2% of the original amount of perfume oil is no longer in the capsule.

[0323] The results are in Fig. shown.

[0324] As from Fig. As can be seen, the use of an additional crosslinking agent shows equivalent stability values ​​in the application despite the reduced polyisocyanate content. Example 4: Sensory evaluation of the microcapsules according to the invention

[0325] For the sensory evaluation, the microcapsules according to the invention were compared with microcapsules according to the state of the art, ie with microcapsules prepared as described above:

[0326] State-of-the-art microcapsules: Sample 1: SYMCAP® G2.1: Isocyanate content: 100%;

[0327] Microcapsules according to the present invention: Sample 2: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 30%; gelatin and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent tannin; Sample 3: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 20%; milk protein and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent tannin; Sample 4: SYMCAP B: isocyanate content 75%; chickpea protein and dextrin from pea starch (corresponds to sample 11 of Example 1); Perfume oil: Tomcap

[0328] The sensory evaluation was conducted as follows: The above-mentioned microcapsules were each added to a fabric softener at a slurry concentration of 0.4 wt.% (perfume tomcap) and then washed. Loading the capsules with 17.5% perfume oil (+ 17.5% vegetable oil = total load 35%) and a dosage of 0.4% capsule slurry resulted in a comparison dosage of pure perfume oil of 0.07% perfume oil in the fabric softener. 30 g of fabric softener was used for a 2 kg wash load, including the terry towels. The washing instructions were as follows: The wash load containing the terry towels (cotton cloth) was placed in the washing machine, and the fabric softener was added to the fabric softener compartment. The "Express 20; 900 rpm" wash program was started. The terry towels were then dried overnight at room temperature.

[0329] 16 test subjects evaluated the fragrance intensity of the terry towels after washing by conducting pairwise comparison tests with a corresponding content of free perfume oil in the fabric softener on a scale of 1 (no smell) to 9 (very strong smell).

[0330] For sample 4, a corresponding scale was used, ranging from 1 (no odor) to 6 (very strong odor). The corresponding results are shown in Fig. (samples 1 to 3) or Fig.and b (Sample 4). The microcapsules were stored in the fabric softener formulation for one week or longer, preferably one week, two weeks, or four weeks (labeled in the figures as 1-week sample, 2-week sample, etc.). After washing, the towels were divided into two groups and either air-dried by hanging them on a clothesline (labeled "line-dried" in the figures) or machine-dried in a dryer (labeled "machine-dried" in the figures). The towels were then labeled accordingly and stored in large plastic bags until testing.

[0331] The fragrance release was carried out in three steps. The first step involved smelling an untreated cloth. The second step involved smelling a lightly kneaded cloth; the cloth was subjected to slight mechanical stress by repeatedly moving it back and forth between the hands, causing the capsules to break. The third step described the smell after the cloths had been vigorously rubbed, causing the capsules to break. After each step, the fragrance intensity was assessed.

[0332] The results of the sensory evaluation are in Fig. as well as in the Fig. shown for sample 4.

[0333] The microcapsules according to the invention have virtually the same, if not more intense, odor than the prior art microcapsules. In particular, the use of an additional crosslinking agent leads to improved sensory performance.

[0334] Microcapsules based on chickpea proteins (sample 4) appear to be very stable and are able to efficiently suppress evaporation of the volatile fragrance components. The significant increase in intensity after grinding and / or rubbing indicates efficient encapsulation of the fragrance. The tests demonstrate high mechanical and thermal stability of the microcapsules according to the invention (washing machine, dryer) with simultaneous targeted release of the active ingredient. Furthermore, the microcapsules according to the invention exhibit increased chemical stability, e.g., when incorporated into consumer product formulations and aged, which enables efficient encapsulation of the active ingredient and effective preservation of long-term product quality. Therefore, the capsules according to the invention enable efficient encapsulation and excellent and targeted release of the active ingredients.Furthermore, the microcapsules according to the invention are less affected by the drying process in the dryer than the fully synthetic microcapsules of the prior art. Therefore, the bio-based core-shell microcapsules according to the invention are ideally suited for incorporation into a wide variety of consumer product formulations. While the free, unencapsulated fragrance oil quickly evaporated after the drying process and storage and was no longer perceptible, the bio-based microcapsules according to the invention enabled stable encapsulation of the fragrance and exhibited excellent and targeted release behavior, thus enabling a readily perceptible fragrance intensity (i.e., high sensory performance).Even after four weeks of aging in the fabric softener, efficient encapsulation of the fragrance could be observed based on the efficient fragrance release and the high intensities, indicating a high stability of the core-shell microcapsules according to the invention in the fabric softener and thus in the consumer product formulations (see . Fig. and b).

[0335] The advantage here lies in the stability of the microcapsules according to the invention. Despite the isocyanate reduction to 30%, they exhibit comparable stability relative to the capsule shell.

[0336] Due to the advantageous properties described above, consistent quality and thus sensory stability can be expected from the microcapsules according to the invention compared to the prior art microcapsules. In contrast, the prior art microcapsules are less degradable than the microcapsules according to the invention. Example 5: Biodegradability of the microcapsules according to the invention

[0337] Biodegradability according to OECD 301F was determined as follows: Degradability of the wall material in a non-adapted inoculum, measured by manometric respiration (oxygen consumption). Table 2: Microcapsules with different isocyanate contents Biodegradability according to OECD 301F after 28 days [%]. Symcap B: 50% isocyanate content; gelatin and maltodextrin 2.7 Symcap B: 30% isocyanate content; gelatin and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent cinnamaldehyde 20 Symcap B: 30% isocyanate content; gelatin and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent cinnamaldehyde; beeswax 25 Symcap B: 20% isocyanate content; milk protein and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent tannin 63 Symcap B: 10% isocyanate content; milk protein and maltodextrin; additional crosslinking agent ferulic acid, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 87

[0338] Biodegradability increases as the amount of isocyanate (crosslinker) decreases. Example 6: Sensory evaluation of the microcapsules according to the invention depending on the catalyst system and the storage stability

[0339] In another example, the encapsulation efficiency was analyzed as a function of the catalyst system used to produce the microcapsules according to the invention. Furthermore, the storage stability was tested.

[0340] The samples tested were prepared using chickpea protein as the protein component and dextrin from pea starch as the polysaccharide component; no additional crosslinking agent was used. The samples were prepared using a combination of two different catalysts, DABCO and bismuth neodecanoate (dual catalyst system). The bismuth catalyst was added to the internal non-aqueous phase, and the DABCO catalyst was added to the mixture after emulsification of the non-aqueous phase and the aqueous phase. A mixture of Desmodur® N-3400 and Mondur M flakes in a molar ratio of 80:20 was used as the polyisocyanate component. The chickpea microcapsules were cured at 70°C for one hour, then the temperature was increased to 80°C (within approximately half an hour) and cured at 80°C for another hour.In addition, corresponding samples of chickpea dextrin microcapsules were prepared using only one catalyst for the preparation of the microcapsules, i.e., either the DABCO catalyst or the bismuth neodecanoate catalyst.

[0341] The sensory evaluation was carried out according to Example 4 as described above and on a scale of 1 (no odor) to 6 (very strong odor). The corresponding results are shown in the Fig. and b. The microcapsules were incubated in the fabric softener formulation for one week ( Fig. or two weeks ( Fig. stored for a long time. After washing, the towels were air-dried by hanging them on a clothesline (referred to as "line-dry" in the images).

[0342] A comparison of the above-mentioned samples shows that microcapsules prepared using a dual catalyst system exhibit better intensity compared to microcapsules prepared using only one catalyst instead of a dual catalyst system, indicating more efficient encapsulation and / or increased stability of the microcapsules (see Fig. and b).

[0343] In addition, freshly prepared microcapsules (using the dual catalyst system described above) were compared with one-year-old microcapsules (also using the dual catalyst system). The comparison shows that the freshly prepared microcapsules have a long shelf life. Even after one year of storage, the microcapsules could be efficiently incorporated into the product formulation (fabric softener) and demonstrated excellent stability, encapsulation, and release properties. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2011 / 161229

[0012] WO 2011 / 160733

[0012] WO 2012 / 107323

[0012] EP 0 537 467

[0012] WO 2007 / 096592

[0012] US 4855490 A

[0064] US 4144268 A

[0064] WO 2004 / 026840

[0137] US 2017 / 216802

[0137] US 2010 / 273887

[0137] EP 2 033 688

[0137] EP 1 958 627

[0137] WO 2004 / 043906

[0142] WO 2004 / 000787

[0142] US 2800457 A

[0146] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] KC Frisch & LP Rumao, Catalysis in Isocyanate Reactions, Polymer Reviews, 1970, 5:1, pages 103 - 149, DOI: 10.1080 / 15583727008085365 [0225, 0226] MF Sonnenschein, Introduction to Polyurethane Chemistry, Polyurethanes: Science, Technology, Markets, and Trends, First Edition, 2015, John Wiley & Sons, pages 105 to 126

[0274]

Claims

[1] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry, obtainable by a process comprising the following steps in this order: (i) providing an internal non-aqueous phase comprising at least a first crosslinking agent and at least one hydrophobic active ingredient and optionally at least one further crosslinking agent; (ii) providing an external aqueous phase comprising at least one protein and / or at least one polysaccharide and optionally at least one protective colloid, and optionally adjusting the pH of the aqueous phase to a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein; (iii) emulsifying or dispersing the internal non-aqueous phase in the external aqueous phase, optionally in the presence of at least one stabilizer and / or at least one emulsifier, to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion or dispersion; (iv) optionally adding at least one further polysaccharide and / or at least one further protein; (v) first crosslinking by adding at least one catalyst to obtain a microcapsule slurry; (vi) curing the microcapsule slurry at a temperature of at least 60 °C and optionally adding another polysaccharide and / or another protein; (vii) cooling and optionally second crosslinking by adding at least one second crosslinking agent; and (viii) optionally separating the microcapsules from the microcapsule slurry and optionally drying the microcapsules or adjusting the viscosity of the microcapsule slurry by adding at least one thickener. [2] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanate having two or more isocyanate groups, selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, hydroaromatic, aromatic or heterocyclic polyisocyanates, their substitution products and mixtures of the aforementioned compounds, in particular wherein the at least one polyisocyanate comprises two aliphatic polyisocyanates or one aliphatic and one aromatic polyisocyanate, in particular wherein the at least one polyisocyanate comprises polyisocyanates in alternating monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric structure with different chain lengths; and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned first crosslinking agents. [3] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least further or at least second crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of transglutaminase, peroxidase, secondary plant substances selected from the group consisting of polyphenols, in particular tannin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, hesperidin, cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, carvacrol, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned crosslinking agents. [4] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one hydrophobic active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, flavorings, cooling agents, TRPV1 and TRPV3 modulators, substances that cause a sharp taste or a sensation of warmth or heat on the skin or mucous membranes or a tingling or prickling sensation in the mouth or throat or active ingredients with a stinging or biting or astringent effect, pesticides, biocides, insecticides, a substance from the group of repellents, food additives, cosmetic active ingredients, pharmaceutical active ingredients, agrochemicals, dyes, dye precursors; luminous ink, optical brighteners, solvents, waxes, silicone oils, lubricants, printing coating for paper, and mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned active ingredients. [5] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one polysaccharide or the at least one further polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of - indigestible fibers and dietary fiber, in particular insoluble fiber, in particular cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, in particular quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), hemicelluloses, lichenin, chitin, chitosan, lignin, xanthan, vegetable fibers, in particular cereal fibers, potato fibers, apple fibers, citrus fibers, bamboo fibers, extracted sugar beet fibers; oat fibers and soluble fibers, in particular inulin, in particular native inulin, highly soluble inulin, granulated inulin, high performance inulin, pectins, alginates, agar, carrageenan, gum arabic, konjac gum, gurdlan (paramylon), guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan, raffinose, xylose, polydextrose and lactulose; - Starches, in particular starch from wheat, potatoes, maize, rice, tapioca and oats, chemically, mechanically and / or enzymatically modified starch; and starch derivatives, e.g. dextrins or maltodextrins, in particular dextrins and maltodextrins from wheat, potatoes, maize, rice and oats, in particular maltodextrins DE8-10, DE17-20, DE18-20, cyclodextrins, oligosaccharides, in particular oligofructose; and - sugar alcohols, in particular sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, maltilol syrup, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol; - Gellan; glucose, and mixtures of the aforementioned polysaccharides. [6] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one protein or the at least one further protein is selected from the group consisting of proteinogenic L-amino acids, animal or vegetable proteins, in particular protein isolates, animal or vegetable proteins in the form of fractions, partial or complete hydrolysates or intermediates produced by physico-chemical processes or fermentative or enzymatic treatment of the proteins, in particular proteins of the group consisting of: meat (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish), crabs, shellfish, mussels, molluscs, insects, eggs, milk, in particular casein and whey, rennet casein, whey protein concentrate 80%, gelatin, algae, cereals, in particular wheat, barley, rye, spelt, gluten, in particular wheat gluten, rapeseed, sunflowers,Rice, potatoes, corn, soy, beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, lupins, peanuts, alfalfa, hemp, other proteins from edible plants, chitosan, and mixtures thereof. [7] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one protective colloid is selected from the group consisting of - Diols, in particular ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, isomeric butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, and - polyols, preferably triols, in particular glycerol and its ethoxylation and propoxylation products, trimethylolpropane and its ethoxylation and propoxylation products, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and its derivatives, in particular ammonium- or sulfonate-functionalized polyvinyl alcohols, polyphenols, preferably 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, polysaccharides, in particular glucose, starches or chemically, mechanically and / or enzymatically modified starches, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, in particular quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose, - polyvinylpyrrolidone, maleic acid vinyl copolymers, sodium lignosulfonates, maleic anhydride / styrene copolymers, ethylene / maleic anhydride copolymers, copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and acid esters of polyethoxylated sorbitol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, - animal and vegetable polymers, in particular gum arabic (type Senegal and type Seyal), proteins, gelatin, olibanum resin, shellac, lignin, chitosan, saponin, as well as mixtures of the aforementioned compounds; and / or the protective colloid is used in combination with starch. [8] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one catalyst is selected from the group consisting of diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), bismuth catalyst and tin catalyst, as well as mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned catalysts. [9] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first crosslinking takes place at a temperature of 60 °C to 90 °C. [10] Biodegradable protein and / or polysaccharide-based microcapsule or microcapsule slurry according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein the curing of the microcapsules is carried out at a temperature of 60 °C to 90 °C and / or for a period of at least 3 hours. [11] Biodegradable microcapsule comprising or consisting of (a) a core comprising or consisting of at least one hydrophobic active ingredient; (b) a capsule shell comprising or consisting of a crosslinking matrix or crosslinking units of at least one polysaccharide and / or at least one protein and at least one first crosslinking agent; and optionally at least one protective colloid and / or optionally at least one further crosslinking agent. [12] Biodegradable microcapsule according to claim 11, wherein the capsule shell comprises or consists of: a cross-linking matrix or cross-linking units from a polymerization and / or cross-linking of at least one protein with the first and optionally the further cross-linking agent and / or a cross-linking matrix or cross-linking units from a polymerization and / or cross-linking of at least one polysaccharide with the first and optionally the further cross-linking agent. [13] Microcapsule slurry comprising a microcapsule according to any one of claims 1 to 12, optionally in combination with a thickener and / or a preservative. [14] Household products, textile care products, detergents, fabric softeners, cleaning agents, scent boosters and fragrance enhancers, cosmetics, personal care products, perfume compositions, agricultural products or pharmaceutical products, comprising microcapsules according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a microcapsule slurry according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or claim 13.

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