Synthesis and Optimization of Eucalyptus globulus and Eugenia caryophyllus Microcapsules by Molecular Inclusion Technique

The growing interest in green alternatives to synthetic chemicals has driven the utilization of plant extracts, essential oils (EOs), and phenolic compounds in consumer products, leveraging their bioactive properties. Essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil (EO) and clove oil (CO), are complex volatile compounds with diverse biological activities. EO, rich in 1,8-cineole, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties, while CO, dominated by eugenol, demonstrates antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, making them valuable for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. However, EOs are prone to degradation from environmental factors like humidity, light, and temperature. Microencapsulation, particularly with β-cyclodextrin, is a promising strategy to enhance the stability and controlled release of EOs. Optimal encapsulation conditions for EO and CO microcapsules were identified using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). Key parameters, including temperature and wall material, significantly influenced encapsulation efficiency. Ideal conditions for EO microcapsules included 45 °C and 9 g of wall material, while CO microcapsules required 45 °C and 8 g of wall material. Both encapsulations utilized an ethanol-to-essential oil ratio of 20:1, with water-to-wall material ratios of 9:1 for EO and 8:1 for CO microcapsules. Under optimal conditions, actual encapsulation efficiency reached approximately 79.5%, closely aligning with predicted values. These findings highlight the potential of microencapsulation to extend EO shelf life and enhance functionality in consumer products.