Bio-enfleurage: a new method for microbial-based scent extraction

This research inquiry proposes the re-interpretation of a traditional 18th-century perfume technique called “enfleurage” through biodesign. Traditionally, enfleurage was employed for flowers too delicate to endure more aggressive extraction methods, using a fat-based carrier to capture their scent. The novel bio-enfleurage technique is designed, instead, to capture the scent from Streptomyces griseus, a bacterial strain found in most healthy soil. The paper will discuss the production of a petrichor scent with this novel bio-enfleurage process. Petrichor, the earthy fragrance experienced when rain hits dry ground, has long been chased by scientists and perfumers for its enduring appeal, resulting in the use of geosmin, its main odour compound, as a highly evocative material in scent formulation. This research bridges traditional perfume craft with biotechnology, illustrating a new process for capturing microbial-based aromatic compounds, which is transferable to other organisms and provides a sustainable, low-tech alternative for scent production.