On the production and release of Hedychium coronarium essential oil from nanoformulations

Biopolymers are usually used in encapsulation techniques to protect natural products from degradation. The essential oil of Hedychium coronarium presents a floral scent, which justifies its use in perfumes, in addition, its antimicrobial activity may contribute to its stability as natural protectant. Thus, this work aims to investigate the Hedychium coronarium essential oil extraction by steam distillation and to enhance the physicochemical stability of this essential oil through encapsulation in polycaprolactone, also preserving its odor properties. The employed nanoprecipitation process presented a 1:3 optimal polymer/oil ratio, which yielded an average particle diameter of 159 nm. The morphology was evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the essential oil encapsulation was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The formulations pH remained stable for 90 days and the controlled release of the compounds was evaluated through antioxidant activity analysis. The release and diffusion of compounds from the formulations were evaluated over time and fitted with the Peppas equation.