“…Controlled release of bioactive compounds is the basic principle of encapsulated systems [ 7 ]. Considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of environmentally friendly particles for encapsulation of essential oils [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], which have been widely applied as alternative controlling agents for agricultural pests [ 16 , 17 , 18 ] and for pharmacological purposes [ 19 , 20 ]. Specifically, the effectiveness of Piper nigrum (black pepper) essential oil against insects, mites, larvae, and aphids has been widely reported [ 21 , 22 ], as well as for the treatment of various diseases, such as intermittent fever, dysentery, stomachache, worms, and piles [ 23 ].…”