Seamless Capsule Shell Using Low Bloom Gelatin for Rapid Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seamless capsules face a challenge in achieving both sufficient strength for maintaining content and easy dissolution in the oral cavity, with previous methods using high-bloom gelatin resulting in inadequate solubility.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a multiple nozzle system where a gelatin with a bloom value of 50 to 190 is used, combined with water and ethanol, to create a capsule shell that dissolves in 60 seconds or less, ensuring rapid and smooth dissolution in the oral cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gelatin with high bloom value (200-300) is used to produce capsule shell, then the capsule shell has sufficient strength to maintain content, but the capsule shell does not dissolve easily in the oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of bloom value from the conventional high range (200-300) to a lower range (50-190). This parameter change fundamentally alters the gelatin's properties, enabling both sufficient shell strength during production and rapid dissolution (60 seconds or less) in the oral cavity, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and solubility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite preparation solution containing gelatin (15-40% by mass), water, and ethanol. This composite material system allows the gelatin to form a shell with appropriate strength during manufacturing while maintaining high solubility in the oral cavity, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of dissolution
2Ease of manufacture
If gelatin with low bloom value (50-190) is used to improve capsule shell solubility, then the capsule shell dissolves rapidly in the oral cavity, but the capsule shell may not have sufficient strength for production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and changes the critical parameter of bloom value to the optimal range (50-190), which simultaneously provides both adequate shell strength for production and rapid dissolution capability, resolving the apparent contradiction between strength and solubility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local qualities in the capsule shell by controlling gelatin concentration (15-40% by mass) and using a water-ethanol preparation solution. This allows the shell to have sufficient strength during the production process while maintaining rapid solubility in the oral cavity
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
The process produces seamless capsules with a capsule shell that dissolves rapidly in the oral cavity without leaving an unpleasant feeling, maintaining content safety and compatibility with shape stability and solubility.
Implementation Method 1
a method for producing a seamless capsule, comprising the following steps; a step of simultaneously extruding both the capsule content solution from a first nozzle and a preparation solution of the capsule shell from a second nozzle to form a composite jet, using a multiple nozzle comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle having concentrically increasing diameters
Implementation Method 2
the preparation solution of the capsule shell contains a gelatin in an amount of 15 to 40 % by mass based on the total amount of the capsule shell... the capsule shell-dissolution time of the capsule shell of 60 seconds or less when the dissolution time is determined by a disintegration test using water as a test solution
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention is related to a seamless capsule which easily dissolves in the oral cavity etc. The present invention provides a seamless capsule comprising a capsule content solution, and a capsule shell enclosing the capsule content solution, wherein the capsule shell comprises a gelatin having a bloom value of 50 to 190 and wherein the seamless capsule has a capsule shell-dissolution time of 60 seconds or less when the dissolution time is determined by a disintegration test using water as a test solution.