Research centre develops slow release technology for fragrance industry to extend scent life
The NANOTEC NanoMolecular Sensor Laboratory, which is a member of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in the region, has found a way to develop coating and encapsulating techniques for fragrance molecules that can extend the scent.
The research was originally conducted on molecules used in potpourri, responding to requests from local producers and exporters of the scented household product, but the researchers say it could be of great benefit in perfume or cosmetic applications too.
Extending product life
Extending aromatic fragrance is vital when it comes to exporting the aromatic products to overseas clients.
In tests, the fragrance from the potpourri generally lasted for only one month in a 30 degree Celsius environment, but this could be doubled using the slow release technology.
“The ability to do encapsulation and coating helps to keep the molecule intact and extend the aromatic fragrance for an additional time. This is vital advantage for the local aromatic industry,” explained Dr Gamolwan Tumcharern, head of NanoMolecular Sensor Lab.
According to the researcher, by being able to extend the life of a specific export product using nanotechnology, local companies can adapt and apply the know-how to applications such as perfume and cosmeceuticals.
Good for economy
Local healthcare and beautification exporting companies are using the technology as a marketing tool to increase product value and expand global markets in Japan, Europe and North America.
Increasing the export of goods is important to increasing national GDP and helps strengthen economic development.
In the tests, the control of the extension and release of the potpourri scent was scientifically calculated using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) thermogram technique under 50 degrees Celsius for up to 3 hours.