Non-Animal Softgel Capsule Shell Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-animal softgel capsules have longer dissolution and disintegration times compared to animal-derived gelatin capsules, which can be problematic for immediate release pharmaceutical products needing rapid absorption.
Innovation Solution
A softgel composition using a shell composition comprising non-animal derived gelling agents like carrageenan and starch, combined with water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol or pullulan, which dissolves completely in less than 30 minutes in dissolution tests, enhancing the bioavailability and absorption rate of active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-animal derived gelling agents (carrageenan, starch) are used in softgel capsules, then the formulation is suitable for vegetarian/vegan applications, but the dissolution and disintegration times increase to 20-40 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-animal derived gelling agents (carrageenan or starch) with water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan, povidone, or polyethylene glycol) to create a composite shell composition. This composite structure maintains vegetarian suitability while the water-soluble polymer component accelerates dissolution, reducing disintegration time to 30 minutes or less.
2Reliability
If conventional non-animal softgel formulations are used, then animal-derived ingredients are avoided, but the dissolution time extends to 20-40 minutes which is problematic for immediate release products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the softgel shell by incorporating water-soluble polymers alongside non-animal gelling agents. This parameter change transforms the dissolution characteristics, reducing disintegration time from 20-40 minutes to 30 minutes or less, while maintaining the animal-free formulation required for immediate release pharmaceutical products.
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 solution significantly reduces the dissolution and disintegration times of non-animal softgel capsules, ensuring faster release and absorption of active ingredients, addressing the need for immediate relief in pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a water soluble polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan gum, polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer, high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, povidone, a surfactant, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in certain embodiments is a softgel composition comprising a fill material encapsulated in a shell composition. The shell composition having a non-animal derived gelling agent and a water soluble polymer. The shell composition completely dissolving in less than 30 minutes when subject to a dissolution with a USP Apparatus II with paddies at 75 RPM in 900 ml of 0.1N HCL and deionized water at 37 degrees C.