Aromatherapy is widely used in the treatment of diseases
of the
central nervous system, such as depression and anxiety. However, the
rapid and uncontrolled release of aroma weakens the effects of aromatherapy.
In this study, zwitterionic polymer-based nanoparticles encapsulated
with linalool were prepared to improve the regulation of the central
nervous system. First, the nanoparticles were modified with positive
charges to adhere to the surface of silk via electrostatic interactions
between the cationic nanoparticles and anionic silk. Besides, the
fragrance was sustainably and controllably released from the nanoparticles.
The effects of polymerization degree, polymer structure, and zeta
potential on encapsulation efficiency, adhesion efficiency, and release
profiles of linalool were then explored. The results showed that the
linalool-encapsulated nanoparticles had the best performances of encapsulation,
adhesion and release of fragrance when the polymerization degrees
of hydrophilic block and hydrophobic block were 20 and 5, respectively. In addition, open field tests evaluated
the regulation of nanoparticles on the central nervous system at the
behavioral level. Measurements of dopamine, acetylcholine, and γ-aminobutyric
acid expressions explored the mechanism of moderating effects on the
central nervous system at the molecular level.