Characteristics of HPMC hollow capsules
HPMC hollow capsules are a widely used pharmaceutical polymer material with excellent performance. Its characteristics can be summarized from the following aspects.
1. Material and source
Pure natural concept: HPMC hollow capsules are made of plant raw materials hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and appropriate excipients. They are purely plant-based and can meet the medication requirements of vegetarians and people with special beliefs.
No animal residue risk: Since HPMC hollow capsules are not of animal origin, there is no potential risk of growth hormones or drugs accumulated in animals.
2. Physical properties
Low water content: HPMC hollow capsules have a low water content, generally 4%~5%, which is about 60% lower than that of gelatin hollow capsules. This feature makes HPMC hollow capsules suitable for filling hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive contents to extend the shelf life of the product.
High toughness: HPMC hollow capsules maintain good performance even at low humidity, and their toughness is better than that of gelatin hollow capsules. At the same time, HPMC hollow capsules can also maintain good morphology and performance under high temperature or high humidity conditions.
Shape and specifications: HPMC hollow capsules are cylindrical, consisting of a cap and a body that can be fitted and locked, and are hard and elastic. The product specifications mainly include 00#, 0#, 1#, etc. The shape, size, appearance and filling method are the same as those of gelatin hollow capsules, and there is no need to replace equipment and parts.
3. Chemical stability
No risk of cross-linking reaction: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a cellulose derivative, chemically inert, and has excellent compatibility with most substances. Therefore, HPMC hollow capsules have no risk of cross-linking reaction, avoiding the formation of a network structure formed by the reaction of the aldehyde group of the contents with the amino group of the amino acid in the gelatin, thereby affecting the release of the drug.
Avoid Maillard reaction: Since HPMC hollow capsules do not contain amino acids, Maillard reaction of drugs can be avoided.
4. Application advantages
Improve digestion and absorption: HPMC hollow capsules can enhance the absorption and digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Advantages of enteric coating: The surface of HPMC hollow capsules is relatively rough, and its affinity with most enteric coating materials is significantly higher than that of gelatin. The speed and uniformity of coating material attachment are better than gelatin, especially the reliability of coating at the body-cap junction is significantly improved.
5. Storage and transportation
Environmental adaptability: HPMC hollow capsules have strong adaptability to the environment. During production, transportation, use and storage, the ambient temperature should be controlled at 1525℃ and the relative humidity should be controlled at 35%65% to maintain the performance of the product for a long time.
In summary, HPMC hollow capsules have the characteristics of pure natural, low water content, high toughness, no risk of cross-linking reaction, significant application advantages and good environmental adaptability. These characteristics make HPMC hollow capsules have broad application prospects in the field of food and medicine.
