This fascinating book delves into the intriguing world of essential oils and their promising industrial, cosmetic, and medicinal applications. Among the many volatile constituents that make up these precious essences, we highlight 2-phenylethanol (2-PE), whose characteristic rose petal aroma has captivated the senses and conquered markets.
Wrapped in its volatility and challenged by its low water solubility, 2-PE finds its potential limited for biotechnological applications. However, this book presents an innovative approach to overcoming these obstacles and revealing the full potential of this valuable compound.
The key to unlocking the exceptional properties of 2-PE lies in forming inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. In their conical shape and hydrophobic cavity, these macrocyclic oligosaccharides can wrap molecules, such as 2-PE, in a protective embrace, making them more stable and gradually releasing their therapeutic virtues.
In this book, you will be taken through a study on the preparation and characterization of the inclusion complex between 2-PE and β-cyclodextrin. We will unveil the details of the synthesis using the spray drying technique, an approach that offers notable advantages in terms of speed and efficiency.
Throughout the pages, you will discover how analytical techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction, allow us to understand the structure and stability of this inclusion complex. In addition, we will explore the intriguing computational investigations that would enable us to visualize molecular interactions and estimate the theoretical formation of the complex.
But we don’t stop there. This book also delves into the biological applications of the 2-PE and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. You will be guided through antinociceptive activity assays in acute pain and motor coordination models. The surprising results reveal how the complex enhances the properties of 2-PE, opening up the way for promising therapeutic applications.
While we unravel the secrets of this encapsulated aroma, we will also journey through the rich information on essential oils, their commercial value, and their production, focusing on Brazil, one of the leading producers of these natural treasures.
I invite you to dive into this book’s pages, complete with scientific knowledge, intriguing discoveries, and exciting possibilities. Prepare to be captivated by the fragrance of words and let yourself be carried away by the science that transforms the potential of molecules into innovative solutions.
