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The Use of the HPMC Capsule Shell
The Use of the HPMC Capsule Shell
The hpmc capsule shell is an alternative to gelatin and is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.hpmc capsule shell It is a very important ingredient in the manufacture of capsules, as it provides a good barrier to prevent the leaking of the liquid filling material. It also helps to maintain stability and protects the contents from oxidation. Moreover, it is easy to seal these capsules. In addition, it is tamper resistant and reduces oxygen permeation. This makes it perfect for the storage of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a widely-used and versatile polymer in the pharmaceutical and food industries.hpmc capsule shell It is used as a thickening agent, coating polymer, binder in the process of granulation, bioadhesive, and in modified release formulations. It is also used as a substitute for gelatin in the production of two-piece capsules. It has many advantages over other capsules, including being less expensive and more flexible. It can withstand high temperature and humidity conditions, making it ideal for hygroscopic formulations. However, it is not as machineable as gelatin, and it can cause higher rejection rates when used in automatic capsule filling machines.
The use of hpmc is becoming increasingly popular as a capsule shell for pharmaceuticals and natural health products, due to its low animal-derived content, as well as its good heat resistance and flexibility. It is also highly compatible with a wide range of drugs, and can be used in combination with other materials such as plastics, aluminium and PET, as well as being biodegradable. This makes it an excellent choice for encapsulating bioactives and other sensitive ingredients, including probiotics.
In contrast to the gelatin capsule, hpmc can be filled with almost any liquid. This is possible because of the fact that it is not prone to reactions with water or other liquids, so it will keep its shape and form when filled. This feature is especially helpful for encapsulating delicate ingredients such as probiotics, as it can help to preserve their live cultures during the encapsulation and packaging processes.
However, the permeability of HPMC to oxygen is slightly lower than that of gelatin. It is therefore necessary to add gelling promoters to the hpmc during manufacturing to ensure the proper formation of the gel. Various gelling systems have been experimented with, including tamarind seed polysaccharide, carageenan (kappa and iota), pectin, furcellaran, and cellulose ethers. Other promoting agents include EDTA, sodium citrate and potassium chloride.
Although the permeability of HPMC to oxygen increases with increasing gelling degree, it is not as great as that of gelatin. This is why the need for a better gelling system is still a major challenge for research and development of new capsules.
The permeability of hpmc can be improved by using the correct gelling promoter and increasing the pH of the solution. It is also useful to add a surfactant to the solution in order to reduce the surface tension of the film. Another method of improving the permeability of hpmc is by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation.
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