Enteric HPMC Capsule Protects Collagen from Stomach Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional collagen supplements are not effectively absorbed due to their heat sensitivity and instability in stomach acid, leading to insufficient collagen absorption and reduced clinical effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Encapsulating collagen in enteric capsules made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with a low moisture content, which are resistant to stomach acid, allowing for delayed release in the small intestine, combined with hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin for enhanced absorption and skin benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collagen is encapsulated in traditional gelatine capsules, then the capsule is easy to manufacture and administer, but the collagen is broken down by stomach acid and loses clinical effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
An enteric coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the collagen core and the stomach acid environment. This coating acts as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between stomach acid and collagen, allowing the capsule to pass through the stomach intact and release collagen in the alkaline environment of the small intestine where absorption occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pH sensitivity parameter of the capsule shell by using enteric-coated gelatine instead of conventional gelatine. The enteric coating remains intact in acidic conditions (stomach pH) but dissolves in alkaline conditions (small intestine pH), thereby changing the release behavior of the capsule based on the pH environment to protect collagen from degradation.
2Productivity
If collagen is processed using conventional encapsulation methods, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but heat-sensitive collagen degrades and loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The enteric coating is applied preliminarily to the capsule shell before filling with collagen, creating a protective barrier in advance. This preliminary protective action ensures that when collagen is later exposed to gastric acid during digestion, it is already shielded, preventing the need for complex post-processing steps to protect collagen stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gelatine capsules with high moisture content are used, then the capsules are flexible and easy to swallow, but hygroscopic collagen absorbs moisture and degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The enteric coating serves as a moisture barrier intermediary between the external environment and the collagen core. This coating layer prevents moisture from penetrating into the capsule and reaching the hygroscopic collagen, thereby protecting collagen stability without requiring changes to the capsule's mechanical properties or swallowability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improved absorption and retention of collagen, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and maintaining skin health by protecting collagen from stomach acid and providing antioxidants for enhanced skin moisture and elasticity.
Implementation Method 1
Enteric capsules are resistant to stomach acid, allowing the formulation be released in the small intestine
Implementation Method 2
Enteric capsules are a type of delayed release dosage form... allowing the formulation be released in the small intestine
Implementation Method 3
HPMC capsule shells used herein have a lower moisture content, generally 10% w/w or less, typically 4-6% w/w compared with gelatine capsules
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a formulation comprising collagen, wherein the formulation is encapsulated in an enteric capsule and wherein the formulation is substantially free from carriers and free from excipients. Processes for preparing the formulation are also provided.