229  Developing novel smell test for Parkinson's disease using microencapsulation of essential oils in alginate. Issue 6 (27th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Haoxuan; Ismail, Ahmed; Azevedo, Helena; Castrejon-Pita, Rafa; Giovannoni, Gavin; Noyce, Alastair
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: A79
• Page End: A79
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-ABN.258
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Olfactory dysfunction is an early, non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease. The UPSIT is one of the most commonly used smell tests. However, newer methods to encapsulate smells might offer better performance and longer 'shelf life'. We developed a prototype of a novel smell test involving microen- capsulation of essential oils (EO) in alginate gel. Methods: A dual infusion pump system with a stainless-steel nozzle needle, containing an inner and outer needle, emitted EO and alginate respectively. The alginate beads expelled from the needle were solidified in calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution (1M). Various alginate viscosities were investigated. Microcapsules were separated into 3 storage conditions: open, closed and loosely sealed (LS). Their size, weight and scent retention were monitored over six months. Results: 98% of LS microcapsules remained functional at six months. The average weight of microcap- sules decreased by 15.9%, reaching 0.0024g by six months. However, microcapsules made using medium viscosity (>2000cP) alginate and those kept in LS conditions, remained relatively constant in weight. Mor- phological analysis revealed the average diameter of microcapsules to be 2mm. Conclusion: This pilot project has provided insight into the microencapsulation process, indicating that medium viscosity alginate and LS storage are favourable for future development of a cheap and widely applicable smell test. [e-mail]