Poly(ester urea) Microcapsules for Fragrance Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The perfumery industry faces challenges in maintaining the stability and olfactory performance of odoriferous compounds due to their volatility, particularly 'top-notes,' which are rapidly lost, and existing microcapsule delivery systems struggle to maintain stability in aggressive surfactant-containing consumer product bases.

Innovation Solution

The development of poly(ester urea) based core-shell microcapsules is achieved by reacting polyisocyanates with polyaminoesters derived from polyols and amino-acids, forming a stable shell around hydrophobic perfume oils, ensuring long-lasting fragrance release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If polyurea or polyurethane-based microcapsules are used for fragrance delivery, then long-lasting olfactory effect is achieved, but stability in aggressive surfactant-containing consumer product bases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveolfactory effect durationVSAvoidstability in consumer product base
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the shell material from conventional polyurea/polyurethane to poly(ester urea) formed by reacting polyisocyanates with polyaminoesters. This compositional parameter change provides both long-lasting olfactory release and enhanced stability in aggressive surfactant-containing consumer product bases, simultaneously resolving the contradiction between duration and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite shell material poly(ester urea) that combines characteristics of both polyester and polyurea. This composite material integrates the hydrolytic stability of polyester with the cohesive strength and controlled release properties of polyurea, achieving both long-lasting olfactory effect and stability in challenging consumer product formulations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If conventional microcapsule delivery systems are used, then fragrance encapsulation is achieved, but physical dissociation or degradation occurs in challenging bases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance encapsulationVSAvoidphysical stability in challenging base
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the shell material composition parameters by using poly(ester urea) instead of conventional materials. This compositional change maintains effective fragrance encapsulation while providing resistance to physical dissociation and degradation in aggressive surfactant-containing consumer product bases, simultaneously improving both encapsulation efficiency and compositional stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If hydrophobic perfume oils are used for fragrance delivery, then olfactive performance is achieved, but volatility loss particularly of top-notes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveolfactive performanceVSAvoidvolatility loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The poly(ester urea) shell forms a flexible protective barrier around the hydrophobic perfume oil core. This shell structure controls the release rate of volatile fragrance components, preventing rapid evaporation of top-notes while maintaining effective olfactive performance throughout extended use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The microcapsule system provides dynamic fragrance release, adjusting the delivery rate of volatile components based on environmental conditions and usage. The poly(ester urea) shell enables sustained release of top-notes and other fragrance components, maintaining olfactive performance over time while minimizing volatility loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 poly(ester urea) microcapsules provide enhanced stability and prolonged olfactory performance in challenging consumer product bases, effectively protecting and releasing perfume oils, thereby addressing the volatility and stability issues of traditional microcapsules.

Implementation Method 1

a shell comprising a reaction product between at least one polyisocyanate having at least two isocyanate groups and a polyaminoester

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the polyaminoester is obtained by a reaction between a polyol and an amino-acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation Reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3894063B1Poly(ester urea) microcapsules
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 FIRMENICH SA
  • EP3894063B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3894063B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3894063B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of poly(ester urea) microcapsules. Poly(ester urea) microcapsules are also an object of the invention. Perfuming compositions and consumer products comprising said microcapsules, in particular perfumed consumer products in the form of home care or personal care products, are also part of the invention.