Biodegradable Perfume Microcapsules for Low-Leakage Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The perfumery industry faces challenges with rapid loss of olfactive benefit due to high volatility of odoriferous compounds, particularly 'top-notes', and the need for biodegradable delivery systems that maintain chemical stability and reduce leakage in aggressive surfactant-containing products.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable carrier system with a core-shell microcapsule structure, using a biodegradable shell and matrix materials, encapsulates perfume formulations, ensuring at least 60% biodegradability within 60 days and minimizing leakage to less than 40% over 15-30 days in detergents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional delivery systems are used to protect perfume ingredients, then chemical stability is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidbiodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite microcapsule structure with a biodegradable polymer shell (such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) or polycaprolactone) combined with specific perfume formulations. This composite approach provides both the chemical stability needed to protect the perfume during storage and the biodegradability required for environmental sustainability, resolving the contradiction between durability and eco-friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If microcapsules are used to control perfume release, then volatility is reduced, but leakage in surfactant-containing products increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolatility controlVSAvoidperfume leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the parameters of the microcapsule shell by using biodegradable polymers with specific molecular weights, crystallinity levels, and glass transition temperatures. These parameter changes optimize the shell's resistance to surfactants while maintaining controlled volatility, preventing both premature leakage and excessive volatility loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates local quality differences within the microcapsule structure by using core-shell configurations where the shell material properties are specifically tailored to resist surfactant penetration while the core contains the perfume formulation. This localized optimization allows the shell to provide surfactant resistance at the interface while the interior maintains volatility control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable materials are used for the carrier, then environmental friendliness is improved, but chemical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs biodegradable polymers with controlled degradation rates, effectively creating a 'short-living' carrier that maintains structural integrity and chemical stability during the product's shelf life and usage period, then degrades in the environment. This approach provides environmental friendliness while ensuring adequate stability during the functional lifespan of the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively protects and releases perfume, maintaining stability and impact while being environmentally friendly, with reduced leakage and improved release characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

High levels of surfactants also increase the speed of diffusion of actives out of the delivery system, such as a microcapsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

the carrier has a biodegradability of at least 60 % within 60 days according to OECD301F

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP4077625B1Perfume delivery system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of perfume delivery systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a delivery system comprising a biodegradable carrier and a perfume formulation and a perfuming composition and a perfumed consumer product comprising such delivery system.