PURIFICATION AND MICROENCAPSULATION OF EUCALYPTOL: OPTIMIZING EVAPORATION AND ENHANCING PHARMACEUTICAL EFFICACY

Abstract

Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), a monoterpene with significant pharmacological properties, has garnered attention for its potential applications in pharmaceuticals. However, its clinical efficacy is constrained by challenges such as poor solubility, volatility, and instability. This study explores the optimization of purification and microencapsulation techniques to enhance the stability and controlled release of eucalyptol. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was employed to achieve a high-purity eucalyptol extract, followed by further refinement using gas chromatography (GC). The microencapsulation process was conducted using biodegradable polymers, including polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), through a solvent evaporation technique. The effects of various PEG/PCL ratios (1:1 to 4:1) on encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution, and drug release were examined. Results indicated that the 4:1 PEG:PCL ratio optimized encapsulation efficiency and significantly reduced the evaporation rate by 50%, enhancing the stability of eucalyptol. Controlled release of eucalyptol was observed, with formulations achieving sustained release over 24 hours and maintaining over 80% stability after four months. The findings highlight the potential of advanced extraction and microencapsulation methods to improve the therapeutic efficacy and stability of eucalyptol, paving the way for its broader application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This research contributes to the understanding of microencapsulation processes and presents strategies for refining drug delivery systems for volatile compounds like eucalyptol.