Development of essential oil diffusion matrices using non-ionic surfactants-supported NADES and hydrophobic NADES

Planta Medica, vol. 92

Abstract

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as a promising class of green solvents, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional organic solvents for extraction, reaction media, and product formulations [ 1 ]. In this study, we demonstrate that NADES, in combination with non-ionic surfactants, can form stable emulsions that effectively solubilize and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from lavender essential oil (LEO). Specifically, we investigated both hydrophilic and hydrophobic NADES to assess their performance in solubilizing and releasing 25 VOCs, identified via headspace analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA); revealed five distinct clusters (C, N1, N3, N5, and N9). While hydrophilic NADES excelled at initial solubilization, hydrophobic NADES provided a more controlled, sustained release, making them advantageous for long-lasting fragrance applications. These findings are consistent with additional research showing NADES can encapsulate lipophilic bioactive compounds in hydrogel matrices [ 2 ], while other carrier systems, such as starch matrices with enzymatically controlled degradation [ 3 ] and low-molecular-weight substances like succinic acid [ 4 ] have also demonstrated efficacy in modulating volatile release. Overall, this work underscores the critical role of the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) in NADES-based systems and shows how tuning surfactant concentrations can significantly influence VOC release. By highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for optimizing NADES compositions, this study contributes to the broader pursuit of sustainable solvent systems across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fragrance industries. These insights foster new possibilities in sustainable fragrance technology. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Authors 5

1. Samir Scandar Aachen Natural Products Laboratory Institute of Biology Leiden

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Natali Rianika Mustafa Aachen Natural Products Laboratory Institute of Biology Leiden

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Claudia Zadra

   University of Perugia

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via del Giochetto, Ed. B, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy

4. Maria Carla Marcotullio

   University of Perugia

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via del Giochetto, Ed. B, University of Perugia, 06122 Perugia, Italy

5. Y H Choi Aachen Natural Products Laboratory Institute of Biology Leiden

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands