The Study of Fragrance Encapsulation Using Zeolite

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Wong Sawang, Bang Sue, 10800 Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Aroma is a key component in food, cosmetics, and consumer products, significantly influencing human perception and satisfaction. However, most fragrances are volatile and susceptible to degradation upon exposure to air, heat, and light, reducing product quality and shelf life. Therefore, the development of efficient encapsulation systems for fragrance retention and controlled release is essential. This study investigates the use of zeolites—nanoporous materials with high specific surface areas and excellent adsorption capabilities—as encapsulation carriers for three commonly used cosmetic fragrances: D-limonene (DL), benzyl acetate (BA), and geraniol (GE), which vary in molecular size. The encapsulation efficiency (%EE) and loading efficiency (%LE) of each fragrance were evaluated and compared. The effect of incorporating Tween 80 (T80), a nonionic surfactant, into the system was also examined. Fragrance content and stability were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) one day after preparation and after 30 days of storage at ambient temperature. Results indicated that the presence of T80 helped stabilize %EE and %LE across different fragrance types, whereas in the absence of T80, encapsulation performance appeared more dependent on fragrance molecular characteristics. Additionally, retention studies revealed that systems containing T80 exhibited improved fragrance retention, particularly for low molecular weight, highly volatile compounds. These findings suggest that T80 may modulate the interaction between fragrance molecules and zeolite surfaces, improving both initial loading and long-term retention. This knowledge supports the development of more effective fragrance delivery systems for applications requiring sustained aroma release.