Perfume Microcapsule Composition for Controlled Release Stability

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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, leading to instability and leakage of perfume from delivery systems in aggressive surfactant-containing bases, which reduces impact and stability.

Innovation Solution

A core-shell microcapsule delivery system is developed, comprising a carrier with a perfume formulation containing specific percentages of perfuming ingredients and a hydrophobic solvent, encapsulated in a polymeric shell, which enhances chemical stability and controlled release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If microcapsules are used as delivery system, then perfume release can be controlled, but chemical stability in surfactant-containing bases deteriorates and leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled releaseVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the perfume formulation by incorporating specific stabilizers (antioxidants, chelating agents) and adjusting the solvent system. This modifies the chemical environment within the microcapsule to resist degradation from surfactants, thereby improving chemical stability while maintaining controlled release capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining the polymeric shell with stabilizing agents and protective coatings. The multi-layer structure includes the core perfume formulation, intermediate stabilizer layer, and outer polymeric shell, creating a composite system that provides both controlled release and enhanced chemical stability against surfactant-containing bases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high levels of surfactants are present, then cleaning performance is improved, but diffusion speed of actives increases causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidleakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces stabilizers and protective agents as intermediary substances between the perfume actives and the surfactant-containing base. These intermediaries form a protective barrier that reduces the direct interaction between surfactants and perfume molecules, thereby preventing accelerated diffusion and leakage while allowing the surfactants to maintain their cleaning function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of surfactants (which accelerate diffusion and cause leakage) into a beneficial situation by using surfactant-compatible stabilizers that actually enhance the microcapsule stability. The stabilizers are specifically selected to work synergistically with surfactants, transforming the potentially harmful environment into a stable system that maintains controlled release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides improved chemical stability and reduced leakage, ensuring sustained perfume impact by protecting the perfume formulation within the microcapsule and controlling its release.

Implementation Method 1

A core-shell microcapsule delivery system is developed, comprising a carrier with a perfume formulation containing specific percentages of perfuming ingredients and a hydrophobic solvent, encapsulated in a polymeric shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

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

Data Source

PatentEP4077624B1Perfume formulation for 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 carrier and a perfume formulation, wherein the perfume formulation comprises 0 to 60 wt.% of a hydrophobic solvent, 40 to 100 wt.% of a perfume oil, wherein the perfume oil has at least two of the following characteristics: at least 35% of perfuming ingredients having a log P above 3, at least 20% of Bulky materials of groups 1 to 6 and at least 15% of high impact perfume materials having a Log T < -4, wherein the perfume formulation is entrapped in the carrier. Moreover, the present invention relates to perfuming compositions and perfumed consumer products comprising the delivery system according to the present invention.