Non-gelatin capsule shell formulation

Abstract

A film-forming hydrocolloid composition comprising kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, a bulking agent, plasticizer and water is described. The ratio of bulking agent to total carrageenan is from about 1:1 to 20:1. Kappa carrageenan is present in an amount of less than or equal to 50% by weight of total carrageenan present. To form the composition, all dry materials are mixed and added to a heated mixture of all liquid materials. The final mixture is heated until a composition free of particulate materials is formed. The formed composition can be cast or extruded into ribbons, films, sheets, tubes or the like, for encapsulating wet or dry materials including medicinal dosage forms, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, bath oils and gels, and paint balls.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of film-forming or gel-forming compositions, and more particularly to substitutes for mammalian-based gel forming materials used in the manufacture of sofigels and gelcaps. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Gelatin has a wide range of commercial utility. For example, gelatin is used in wet processed photographic emulsions, pharmaceutical dosage forms, cosmetics (binder), and a wide range of food products. Gelatin has many useful physical and chemical properties that support this broad range of utility. [0003] Gelatin is manufactured by the hydrolysis of animal by-products that contain collagen. This is usually found in animal bones, skins, and connective tissue. The collagen containing material is heated in water and the liquor produced is concentrated and dried, leaving behind the colorless or pale yellow protein that constitutes the hydrophilic colloid material known as gelatin. [0004] The primary sources of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] water to form 100% by weight of the composition, wherein the total of all carrageenan is in an amount less than or equal to 20% by weight of the composition. The kappa carrageenan provides gel strength while the iota carrageenan provides flexibility to the film-forming composition.

Problems solved by technology

The source of gelatin can be a problem for potential areas of use or for particular consumers.

As medication and / or diet supplements are provided in gelatin capsules without any indication of the source of the gelatin, the use of capsules is restricted in areas where religious beliefs question the source of the gelatin.

Additionally, due to reported possibilities of cross-contamination of diseases among species, for example bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“BSE” or “Mad Cow Disease”), the use of uncontrolled by-products from animals has lost some level of commercial acceptance.

However, kappa carrageenan gels tend to be brittle and exhibit syneresis (exudation of the liquid portion of the gel).

Despite the fact that kappa carrageenan is also able to gel, these publications teach that kappa carrageenan is detrimental when the end product desired is a film for capsule manufacture.