14 Questions
What is a common application of cellulose capsules?
Encapsulating pharmaceuticals
What is a characteristic of vegan capsules?
They are made from plant-based materials
What is the purpose of plant-based coatings?
To improve the appearance and shelf life of a supplement
What is a characteristic of starch capsules?
They are made from starch derived from plants
What is a benefit of hypromellose capsules compared to gelatin capsules?
Higher stability in various environments
What is a common source of cellulose used in cellulose capsules?
Wood pulp or cotton linters
What is the primary component of hypromellose capsules?
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
What is a major advantage of hypromellose capsules over gelatin capsules?
They are less brittle
What is a potential drawback of hypromellose capsules?
They may have a higher moisture content
What is a characteristic of hypromellose?
It is hydrophilic and non-ionic
What is the primary application of hypromellose capsules?
Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement products
What is involved in the manufacturing process of hypromellose capsules?
Extruding the solution through a die to form a tube-like shape
What is a benefit of hypromellose capsules in terms of product differentiation?
They can be colored and printed
What is a potential issue with hypromellose capsules?
They are sensitive to high humidity and temperature
Study Notes
Non-Gelatin Capsules
Vegan Capsules
- Made from plant-based materials, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Can be made from a variety of sources, including:
- Tapioca starch
- Potato starch
- Cornstarch
- Cellulose
- Often used for dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals
Cellulose Capsules
- Made from plant fibers, typically wood pulp or cotton linters
- Cellulose is a natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable material
- Used for encapsulating pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and vitamins
- Provides a neutral flavor and odor, making it suitable for a wide range of applications
Plant-based Coatings
- Used to coat capsules, tablets, or pills to improve:
- Appearance
- Shelf life
- Bioavailability
- Made from natural polymers, such as:
- Cellulose
- Starch
- Pectin
- Alginates
- Can be customized to provide specific release patterns or flavors
Starch Capsules
- Made from starch derived from plants, such as:
- Potato
- Corn
- Tapioca
- Starch is a natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic material
- Used for encapsulating pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and vitamins
- Provides a neutral flavor and odor, making it suitable for a wide range of applications
Hypromellose Capsules
- Made from hypromellose, a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose
- Used for encapsulating pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and vitamins
- Provides a neutral flavor and odor, making it suitable for a wide range of applications
- Hypromellose is a popular alternative to gelatin due to its:
- High dissolution rate
- Low moisture content
- Stability in various environments
Discover the world of non-gelatin capsules made from plant-based materials. Learn about vegan-friendly options, cellulose capsules, starch capsules, and hypromellose capsules. Explore their benefits and applications in pharmaceuticals and supplements.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
