Microcapsules for Industrial Innovation
Every successful innovation begins with an idea and with people willing to explore what might be possible. Since 2009, researchers at ICN2 have been developing microencapsulation: a way of enclosing tiny amounts of an ingredient inside a protective shell. These microscopic capsules can protect their contents and release them at the right moment, for example through moisture, heat or friction. It is a small-scale technology with very practical possibilities, helping everyday products work better, last longer and deliver active ingredients more effectively. Figure 1 shows real microcapsules in a textile.
Microencapsulation can provide:
- Protection: A microscopic shell can shield an ingredient from light, oxygen or moisture, helping it remain effective for longer.
- Controlled release: The capsule can hold an ingredient until it is needed. In textiles, for example, fragrance can be released gradually as clothes are worn.
- A better experience: Encapsulation can hide an unwanted taste or smell, making some products more pleasant and convenient to use.
- Delivery where it matters: Capsules can help release active ingredients where they are needed, in a controlled and efficient way.
The story began in 2009, when the Maspoch Lab (NanoUP) expanded its work into applications involving consumer chemicals and therapeutic biologics, creating a stream of innovation relevant across several industries. Today, the microencapsulation product-development line is headed by Dr. Mary Cano, who has also led projects in other industrial sectors. It is a story of scientific curiosity becoming useful knowledge, ready to grow through collaboration.
Figure 1
From the Laboratory to Everyday Life
A discovery reaches its full potential when it can make the journey from the laboratory into people's lives. That is where the collaboration between ICN2 and Lucta SA, based in Granollers, Catalunya, became decisive. Together, the two organisations set out to develop a better way to protect fragrances and release them gradually from textiles. ICN2 contributed the scientific expertise to design a new microcapsule with the stability, safety, fabric adhesion and long-lasting fragrance performance required for real products. Lucta brought the product-development experience, industrial perspective and commercial capability needed to turn that science into a scalable, affordable market solution.
The result was more than a research success. It enabled Lucta to enter the market for fragrances for fabric softeners with a technology designed to retain fragrance until clothes are worn. In 2013, Lucta began selling Luctacaps, its proprietary line of microencapsulated fragrances, with millions of euros in global sales. This outcome shows the model's strength: society supports ambitious research; scientists turn that support into new knowledge and technology; and an industrial partner turns the technology into products that reach customers worldwide. The value created then helps reinforce the cycle of research, innovation and impact.
Gemma Tedó, Innovation Group Director at Lucta, captured the spirit of the partnership: “We expect to continue our commercial venture with ICN2 and recognise the quality of ICN2's work and their dedication to innovation and impact, by helping companies like ours to provide market solutions to businesses and consumers.”