During a visit to a health food store, you will probably come across two kinds of capsules - gelatin and HPMC. Both are used for medicinal purposes, but they have some very different properties. HPMC is a form of gelling agent, and it is made of pectin and glycerin. Compared to gelatin, HPMC is more absorbent, making it a great choice for people who have trouble swallowing pills.hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-toxic and virtually insoluble polymer that is used as a coating polymer. It is also used as a disintegrant in capsules. HPMC capsules are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. It has been used in lowering LDL cholesterol in men with mild-moderate hypercholesterolemia. It is a natural material that is considered safe for human consumption.The demand for HPMC capsules is increasing due to the increasing demand from the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry.

HPMC Hollow Capsules


The increased use of vegetarian-based capsules is also driving the global HPMC capsule market.The HPMC capsule market is segmented into five regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of Europe. In terms of region, Europe dominates the market. However, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period due to the increasing demand from China, India, and other developing countries.The HPMC capsule market is divided into different types. Thermal-gelled capsules do not utilize a gelling system, but have a smooth, glossy exterior similar to hard gelatin capsules. Cold-gelled capsules have a slightly rougher interior surface.Unlike gelatin capsules, HPMC capsules are not self-gelling. They require a gelling agent, which is a colloidal mixture of organic hydrocolloids such as starch, tragacanth, and carbomer. Gelling agents stabilize formulations and enhance their thickness and viscosity. They also prevent spillage from the nasal cavity by the mucociliary clearance.Gelling agents are used at 0.5%-10% concentration in a semisolid dosage form. A gelling agent may be synthetic, natural, or a semisynthetic compound.

Some HPMC capsules contain a gelling agent, such as carrageenan, as a gelling aid. This offers a practical alternative to gelatin capsules.Some HPMC capsules contain ionic gel promoters that enhance the gelation process. This is a relatively new concept for HPMC capsules. However, the USP does not specify this test for HPMC capsules.Several dissolution studies have been carried out on HPMC capsules. The results have revealed a greater variability in performance of the gelling system in the HPMC matrix.Several studies have been performed to evaluate the disintegration and dissolution performance of HPMC capsules and gelatin capsules. Both types of capsules are used in different pharmaceutical applications. However, differences in in-vitro and in-vivo performance are still unclear.HPMC is a plant-derived polymer, which has been used in pharmaceutical products for many years.

In addition to its bioadhesive and solubility enhancer properties, HPMC is also used for coating and thickening applications. HPMC has also been shown to inhibit crystallization. HPMC has been granted food-additive status by the European Commission and FDA.HPMC capsules are a good alternative to gelatin capsules. They are available in a wider range of sizes, and their physical dimensions are comparable to gelatin capsules. HPMC capsules are also compatible with a variety of products, including herbal formulations, mineral supplements and probiotics.However, HPMC capsules have poor machineability, and they do not dissolve as quickly as gelatin capsules. They also have a rougher surface and tend to lodge in the oesophagus.During the past few years, the global HPMC capsules market has witnessed a huge growth. It is driven by the increasing demand for vegetarian-based capsules. These capsules provide several advantages over gelatin capsules.