Polyester Microcapsules via Interfacial Polymerization for Fragrance Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The perfume and flavor industry faces challenges with the rapid volatility of active compounds, leading to short-lived olfactive benefits, and there is a need for eco-friendly microcapsule delivery systems that maintain stability and performance in consumer products.

Innovation Solution

The development of polyester microcapsules obtained from polyol-based multiple emulsions, formed through a process involving the dispersion of a hydrophobic material, polyol, and a carboxylic acid derivative, which induces interfacial polymerization to create a stable microcapsule slurry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyurea and polyurethane-based microcapsules are used, then olfactive performance and stability are improved, but eco-friendliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoideco-friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the microcapsule shell from polyurea/polyurethane to polyester formed by polyol and carboxylic acid derivative. This parameter change maintains the functional performance (stability and olfactive delivery) while improving eco-friendliness by using biodegradable polyester materials instead of conventional polyurea/polyurethane

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If active compounds are released rapidly, then olfactive benefit is achieved quickly, but duration of action deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease speedVSAvoidduration of olfactive benefit

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microcapsule system provides dynamic control of fragrance release through sequential mechanisms: initial rapid release upon application for immediate olfactive impact, followed by sustained controlled release over time. The polyester shell degrades progressively, maintaining fragrance delivery throughout the week-long period as demonstrated in the patent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The microcapsules are pre-formulated with controlled degradation characteristics before application. The polyester shell is designed to degrade at specific rates, enabling predictable sequential release patterns without requiring real-time adjustment during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If microcapsules are made from eco-friendly materials, then environmental compatibility is improved, but stability in consumer product base deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeco-friendlinessVSAvoidstability in consumer product base

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite polyester materials formed from polyol and carboxylic acid derivative that combine eco-friendliness with enhanced stability. The specific polyester composition provides resistance to challenging consumer product environments (shampoo, conditioner, detergent) while maintaining biodegradability and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If polyester microcapsules are used instead of polyurea/polyurethane, then eco-friendliness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeco-friendlinessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: emulsion formation, polymerization, washing, and drying. Each step is independently optimized and controlled, making the overall process manageable despite the complexity of producing eco-friendly polyester microcapsules with controlled morphology and size distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach provides long-lasting olfactive performance while using eco-friendly materials, ensuring stability in consumer products and controlled release of fragrances, addressing the volatility and sustainability concerns.

Implementation Method 1

adding at least one carboxylic acid derivative A3 into the multiple dispersion E2; and applying conditions sufficient to induce interfacial polymerization and form polyester microcapsules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterfacial polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20240050917A1Process for preparing polyester microcapsules

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of polyester microcapsules. Microcapsules are also an object of the invention. Consumer products comprising said microcapsules, in particular perfumed consumer products or flavoured consumer products are also part of the invention.