Electrostatic spray-dried controlled release fragrance systems for topicals
A novel electrostatic spray-dried fragrance system designed for topical applications, offering enhanced scent retention and prolonged release with minimal greasy residue, using biodegradable microcapsules.
Overview
The proposed solution is an advanced fragrance delivery system tailored for topical applications such as ointments, creams, roll-ons, and sprays. Utilizing electrostatic spray drying (ESD), this approach encapsulates volatile fragrance oils within biodegradable materials like modified starch and gum arabic. The resulting microcapsules provide a controlled release of fragrance, enhancing the initial scent strength and extending its duration, while minimizing greasy feel and phase separation. This system offers significant improvements in scent retention over traditional methods.
Technical specifications
- Encapsulation Technique: Electrostatic spray drying (ESD) using biodegradable wall materials.
- Materials: Modified starch, gum arabic, pullulan, maltodextrin, and natural fixatives.
- Fragrance Emulsion: High loading (>10%) converted into free-flowing microcapsules.
- Applications: Suitable for ointments, sticks, roll-ons, creams, and sprays.
- Rheology: Tunable viscosity range of 80,000–100,000 cP for ointments.
- Stability: Capable of maintaining stability and fragrance release at 40°C/75% RH for 3 months.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Further development phases include optimizing the fragrance blend and encapsulation conditions, benchmarking fragrance retention, and conducting stability and skin compatibility tests to advance to higher readiness levels.
About Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
KU Leuven is a large comprehensive public research university in Leuven, Belgium, anchored by a major academic medical center and a broad multidisciplinary profile. Industry engages through co-located facilities and shared labs, including access to advanced cleanrooms and prototyping via imec’s Leuven campus. Integration with UZ Leuven supports clinical partnerships and data-rich trials, while research and technology parks around the city connect companies with faculty and student talent. Research is backed by competitive European and Belgian funding, including the European Commission and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). KU Leuven Research & Development manages IP, licensing, and spin-off formation, offering standardized agreements and dedicated partnership managers.
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