Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 19, 2025

Abstract: Microencapsulation is an advanced technique used to protect active ingredients by encapsulating them within a protective shell, enabling controlled release in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, cosmetics, and chemistry. This study aims to synthesize and characterize the microencapsulation of Origanum majorana L. essential oil to impart antibacterial properties for potential applications in drug delivery systems. Origanum majorana L., a plant native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated in Turkey, is recognized for its antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. The microencapsulation process was carried out using the coacervation method, and the effect of ultrasonication time on the structure of the nano/microcapsules was evaluated. The resulting nano/microcapsules were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the surface oil and total oil content of the nano/microcapsules were determined, and their encapsulation efficiency were calculated. The results revealed that ultrasonication time significantly influenced the morphology, structural interactions, and thermal behavior of the microcapsules. Shorter sonication durations yielded more compact and thermally resistant polymeric structures, while intermediate durations provided a favorable balance between stability and porosity. These findings highlight the potential of Origanum majorana L. essential oil-loaded microcapsules as promising candidates for antimicrobial delivery systems with enhanced structural integrity and thermal performance.