Pharmaceutical

The variety of gelatin properties such as its capacity of forming flexible plasticized or hard films, act as a colloid or a binding agent, makes it to be recognized as one of the most versatile raw materials for hard or soft capsules.

Capsules are one of the most popular drug dosage forms. The gelatin film masks the taste and odour of the drugs enclosed and protects them, at the same time, from the environment. Depending on the nature of the substance to be encapsulated, hard or soft capsules can be used. Soft capsules are used for liquid or paste fillings based on oil, while hard capsules were in the past only used for solid substances (powder, granules, pellets, tablets, small capsules, ...). Recently, hard capsules have also been launched for liquid fillings, which became possible after a modified body/cap design and an additional sealing step of the filled capsules (preventing leaking of the filling).

• Hard Capsules applications
• Soft Capsules applications

Should you want more information on the application of gelatin in pharmaceutical products, please contact the sales office in your region.

Gelatins having a high gel strength are most suitable for the manufacture of hard capsules. Their strength, flexibility and clarity provide unique characteristics that allow the manufacture of various sizes, colours and designs for assuring a snap closure after filling the hard capsules.

Hard capsules are made of pure gelatin using an immersion process. They are supplied to the pharmaceutical industry as closed empty capsules where they are opened, filled and definitely closed.

The soft capsules are manufactured through a mixture of gelatin, plasticizer (mostly glycerine and/or sorbitol) and water, and they distinguish from the hard capsules for having their filling introduced at the same time of manufacturing. They also exist in varies shapes, sizes and colours and may contain one or more active ingredients.

A medium grade gelatin is normally used for soft capsules production. The gelatin Bloom is responsible for the rigidity of the gel and strength of the capsule wall. Viscosity is very important in the characteristics of the gelatin film during manufacturing (melting and setting behaviour). Particle size, gel mass, clarity and colour are other processing requirements necessary to be under control for a good quality soft capsule.