Process for the preparation of microcapsules

A process for preparing a core-shell microcapsule slurry, said process comprising the steps of:

• (i) dissolving a monomer in an oil phase comprising a hydrophobic active ingredient;
• (ii) preparing a dispersing phase comprising modified starch, wherein the dispersing phase is not miscible with the oil phase;
• (iii) adding the oil phase to the dispersing phase to form a two-phase dispersion;
• and
• (iv) performing a curing step to form the core-shell microcapsule slurry;
• wherein:
• chitosan is further added in the dispersing phase in step ii) and/or in the two-phase dispersion before performing step iv),
• a weight ratio between the chitosan and the modified starch is between 0.01 and 1.5,
• the monomer reacts with the modified starch in the presence of chitosan during the curing step;
• the process is conducted in the absence of polyamine such that a shell of the core-shell microcapsule slurry results only from autopolymerization of the at least one polyisocyanate;
• and
• the monomer is used in an amount between 0.1 to 2% by weight based on a total weight of the oil phase.