Controlled release, biodegradable core-shell microcapsule compositions

1 . A biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition with controlled release of an active material,

(i) the core of the biodegradable core-shell microcapsule comprising at least one active material, and

(ii) the shell of the biodegradable core-shell microcapsule comprising at least one biopolymer cross-linked with two or more cross-linking agents,

wherein said microcapsule retains the at least one active material for at least four weeks at elevated temperature in a consumer product base and releases the at least one active material in response to at least one triggering condition,

wherein the at least one biopolymer is a whey protein, plant storage protein, cellulose, modified cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, gum, modified gum, lignin, or a combination thereof, and

wherein the two or more cross-linking agents is a polyisocyanate in combination with a second cross-linking agent selected from an aldehyde, a polyphenol, or a combination thereof.

2 . The biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 , wherein the whey protein or the plant storage protein is denatured.

3 . The biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one active material is a fragrance, pro-fragrance, flavor, malodor counteractive agent, vitamin or derivative thereof, anti-inflammatory agent, fungicide, anesthetic, analgesic, antimicrobial active, anti-viral agent, anti-infectious agent, anti-acne agent, skin lightening agent, insect repellant, animal repellent, vermin repellent, emollient, skin moisturizing agent, wrinkle control agent, UV protection agent, fabric softener active, hard surface cleaning active, skin or hair conditioning agent, flame retardant, antistatic agent, nanometer to micron size inorganic solid, polymeric or elastomeric particle, taste modulator, cell, probiotic, or a combination thereof.

4 . The biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biopolymer is a polygalactomannan gum.

5 . The biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 , wherein the polyphenol is tannic acid.

6 . The biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio between the at least one biopolymer and the two or more cross-linking agents is in the range of 60:1 to 3:10.

7 . A consumer product comprising the biodegradable core-shell microcapsule composition of claim 1 .

8 . A method of producing a biodegradable core-shell microcapsule according to claim 1 , comprising

(a) denaturing at least one plant storage protein,

(b) emulsifying the at least one denatured plant storage protein with at least one active material, and

(c) cross-linking the at least one denatured plant storage protein with one or more cross-linking agents, thereby producing a biodegradable core-shell microcapsule.

9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the at least one plant storage protein is a seed or grain storage protein, vegetable storage protein, or a combination thereof.

10 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the one or more cross-linking agents are selected from an aldehyde, epoxy compound, polyvalent metal cation, polyphenol, maleimide, sulfide, phenolic oxide, hydrazide, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide derivative, carbodiimide derivative, polyol, amine, enzyme, or a combination thereof.