Organogels from essential volatile oils, characterization and applications

Organogels are semi-solid three-dimensional network composed of liquid oil captured in a polymeric network. Their applications are various, including food, pharmaceutic and lubrication technologies. Volatile oils, however, have not been used for the fabrication of organogels although possessing many beneficial properties including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, wound-healing and analgesic. Organogels were successfully fabricated from volatile oils and ethylcellulose by heating the polymer-oil mixture beyond polymer’s glass transition temperature, soft organogels were obtained with distinct colors and aroma. The release rates of the volatile oils from the gels, as was measured by thermal gravimetric analysis and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, showed a sustained release pattern reaching a plateau within two hours. The antifungal properties of the gel were evaluated against Penicillium commune, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus and Trichophyton rubrum; and significant inhibition was found. Our results indicate the great potential of these organogels for various applications including in onychomycosis (nails infection), food spoilage, for inhalation, and as a repellent and biopesticide.