SAMCAPS · Self-Assembled MicroCAPSules: Synthesis, Characterization, and Eco-friendly Application in Home Care Products

Self-Assembled MicroCAPSules: Synthesis, Characterization, and Eco-friendly Application in Home Care Products

The goal of SAMCAPS is to address the current need for bio-degradable materials in everyday consumer goods such as home-care products, toiletries, cosmetics, by exploiting new eco-friendly materials and methods of encapsulation of beneficial actives. The purpose of encapsulation is the protection of actives from aggressive environments and their faster and/or controlled and/or targeted delivery, allowing a smart and efficient use of materials. The implementation of encapsulation technology in formulated consumable goods remains a challenge, especially in liquid products, for preventing the premature release of the active before the product is used. A common way around this issue is represented by core-shell encapsulation via the polymerization of aminoplast resins like melamine, which has allowed enormous progress on the manufacture of goods with superior delivery of actives (especially perfume products, drugs, fertilizers, and isolation materials). However, these are characterized by an inefficient environmental and biodegradability profile, and they are limited to release of active via pressure whilst there is a need for new and different release triggers, especially with dilution. In this way, SAMCAPS tackles the challenge of the chemical industry, as a response to international undertakings such as the Paris Climate Act and the Europe 2020 policies for smart, sustainable and effective chemical use driving the growth of the industry. Our research program is focused on the training of four Early Stage Researchers for the creation of novel encapsulation systems with an improved environmental footprint. Thanks to the close collaboration of the two leading partners, Procter&Gamble and CSGI, our team can combine the fundamental scientific knowledge from academia with the applied scientific knowledge coming from industry. The project progresses through the synthesis and characterization of different types of stimuli-responsive, environmentally friendly polymers and their use in the protection and controlled delivery of actives. The capsule systems are tested in marketed products such as household goods and cosmetic products, thereby combining the development of new fundamental science with the understanding of the technical needs of a specific technology.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union