As one of the main dosage forms of drugs and dietary supplements, the selection of raw materials for capsules is particularly important. Gelatin and HPMC are the most common raw materials for capsule shells on the market. The two are significantly different in production process, performance, application scenarios, market acceptance, etc.
1. Source of raw materials and production process
1.1. Gelatin
Gelatin is mainly derived from animal bones, skin or connective tissue, and is commonly found in cattle, pigs, fish, etc. Its production process includes acid treatment, alkali treatment and neutralization, followed by filtration, evaporation and drying to form gelatin powder. Gelatin requires fine temperature and pH control during production to ensure quality.
Natural source: Gelatin is derived from natural biological materials and is considered a more “natural” choice in some markets.
Low cost: Due to mature production processes and sufficient raw materials, the production cost of gelatin is relatively low.
Good molding properties: Gelatin has good molding properties and can form a solid capsule shell at low temperatures.
Stability: Gelatin exhibits good physical stability at room temperature.
1.2. HPMC
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a semi-synthetic polysaccharide formed by chemical modification of cellulose. Its production process includes etherification, post-treatment and drying of cellulose. HPMC is a transparent, odorless powder with a highly uniform chemical structure.
Vegetarian-friendly: HPMC is derived from plant cellulose and is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and people with religious dietary restrictions.
Strong stability: HPMC has high stability under extreme temperatures and humidity, and is not easy to absorb moisture or deform.
Good chemical stability: It does not react chemically with most active ingredients of drugs and is suitable for formulations containing sensitive ingredients.
2. Physical and chemical properties
2.1. Gelatin
Gelatin capsules have good solubility in humidity and will quickly dissolve in gastric juice at room temperature to release drug ingredients.
Good biocompatibility: Gelatin has no toxic side effects in the human body and can be completely degraded and absorbed.
Good solubility: In the gastrointestinal environment, gelatin capsules can quickly dissolve, release drugs, and improve the bioavailability of drugs.
Good moisture resistance: Gelatin can maintain its physical shape under moderate humidity and is not easy to absorb moisture.
2.2. HPMC
HPMC capsules dissolve slowly and are usually more stable under high humidity. Its transparency and mechanical strength are also better than gelatin.
Superior stability: HPMC capsules can still maintain their structure and function under high temperature and humidity, and are suitable for storage in humid or temperature-fluctuating environments.
Transparency and appearance: HPMC capsule shells are transparent and beautiful in appearance, and have high market acceptance.
Dissolution time control: The dissolution time of HPMC capsules can be controlled by adjusting the production process to better meet the drug release requirements of specific drugs.
3. Application scenarios and market demand
3.1. Gelatin
Due to low cost and mature technology, gelatin capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical and health care products industry. Especially in general drugs and dietary supplements, gelatin capsules dominate.
Widely accepted by the market: Gelatin capsules have been accepted by the market for a long time and have high consumer awareness.
Suitable for large-scale production: Mature production technology makes gelatin capsules easy to produce on a large scale and at low cost.
Strong adaptability: It can be applied to the packaging of a variety of drugs and supplements, and has strong adaptability.
3.2. HPMC
The non-animal origin of HPMC capsules makes it popular among vegetarians and certain religious groups. In addition, HPMC capsules also show obvious advantages in drug formulations that require controlled drug release time.
Demand in the vegetarian market: HPMC capsules meet the growing demand of the vegetarian market and avoid the use of animal ingredients.
Suitable for specific drugs: HPMC is a more suitable choice for drugs that are intolerant to gelatin or contain gelatin-sensitive ingredients.
Emerging market potential: With the rise of health awareness and vegetarian trends, the demand for HPMC capsules in emerging markets has grown significantly.
4. Consumer acceptance
4.1. Gelatin
Gelatin capsules have a high consumer acceptance due to their long application history and wide use.
Traditional trust: Traditionally, consumers are more accustomed to using gelatin capsules.
Price advantage: Usually cheaper than HPMC capsules, making them more acceptable to price-sensitive consumers.
4.2. HPMC
Although HPMC capsules are still in the acceptance stage in some markets, their non-animal origin and stability advantages have gradually attracted attention.
Ethics and health: HPMC capsules are considered to be more in line with environmental protection, health and ethical consumption trends, and are suitable for consumers who are more sensitive to product ingredients.
Functional needs: For specific functional needs, such as controlled drug release, HPMC capsules are considered to be a more professional choice.
Gelatin and HPMC capsules each have their own advantages and are suitable for different market needs and application scenarios. Gelatin capsules dominate the traditional market with their mature process, low cost and good biocompatibility. HPMC capsules are gradually becoming the new favorite of the market due to their plant origin, excellent stability and growing health and vegetarian demand.
As the market pays more attention to vegetarianism, environmental protection and health concepts, the market share of HPMC capsules is expected to continue to grow. However, gelatin capsules will still maintain an important position in many fields due to their price and traditional advantages. The selection of the appropriate capsule type should be based on the specific product needs, market goals and cost-effectiveness.
Post time: Jun-26-2024