Novel functional polymeric microcapsules, based on modified azobenzene moieties, are exhaustively investigated, both from a theoretical and experimental points of view. Theoretical calculations and several measurements demonstrate that visible light can act as a trigger for release of encapsulated material, as a consequence of trans-cis isomerization which modifies microcapsule surface topography and can induce a “squeezing” release mechanism. Interfacial polymerization of an oil-in-water emulsion is performed and leads to core-shell microcapsules which are characterized by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light scattering. These analyses put into evidence that microcapsules’ size and surface morphology are strongly affected by irradiation under visible light: moreover, these changes can be reverted by sample exposure to temperatures around 50°C. This last evidence is also confirmed by NMR kinetic analyses on modified azobenzene moiety. Finally, it is shown that these smart microcapsules can be successfully used to get a controlled release of actives such as fragrancies, as a consequence of visible light irradiation, as confirmed by an olfactive panel.

The development of photo-responsive capsules to tune and control the sustained-release of encapsulated actives is a fascinating and challenging route to improve the performances and effectiveness of a wide range of delivery applications. In this work, we report the preparation of visible light-responsive capsules obtained via oil-in-water interfacial polycondensation between modified diacyl-chloride azobenzene moiety and diamine flexible spacer in the presence of cross-linkers with different structures and functionalities. The effect on the release profile of the encapsulated perfume oil was investigated using three flexible spacers with different lengths (1,8-diaminooctane; 1,6-diaminohexane and 1,4-diaminobutane) and two types of cross-linkers (1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride and melamine). We analyzed how the properties of microcapsules can be tailored changing the design of the shell structure. Fine tuning of the perfume release profiles was obtained. The changes in capsules size and morphology due to visible light irradiation were monitored via light scattering, optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Perfume release was 50% faster in the systems prepared with melamine as the cross-linker. Modelling studies were carried out to support the discussion of the experimental results.