Natural Polymers as Substitutes for Gelatine Capsules: A Comprehensive Overview

Volume: 11 | Issue: 01 | Year 2025 | Subscription
International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering
Received Date: 01/03/2025
Acceptance Date: 01/30/2025
Published On: 2025-02-08
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By: Sandeep Rai and Pradeep Uthale

Sandeep Rai1* and Pradeep Uthale2

*General Manager R&D, Dyne Chemicals LLP, 3312/18, Chhatral GIDC- Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Phase-IV, Taluka – Kalol, District – Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382729, India
Application Manger, Dyne Chemicals LLP, 3312/18, Chhatral GIDC- Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382729, India Phase-IV, Taluka – Kalol, District – Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382729, India

Abstract

Gelatine capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for over a century due to their easy-to-swallow nature and their ability to release pharma active ingredients in a controlled manner. However, due to growing concerns over health, ethical issues, and environmental issues associated with the use of animal-derived products, there has been a significant interest towards developing natural, plant-based, and synthetic alternatives to gelatine. This article briefly explores the various natural polymers that have been studied and developed / being developed as a substitute for gelatine capsules, focusing on their important properties, applications, advantages, and challenges. Gelatine capsules have been a pharmaceutical standard for over a century due to their biocompatibility and controlled drug release properties. However, ethical, health, and environmental concerns regarding animal-derived gelatine have driven research into natural polymer alternatives. This review explores plant-based and microbial polymers such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), starch, agar, alginate, pullulan, and chitosan as viable substitutes. These alternatives offer biocompatibility, stability, and dissolution properties suitable for pharmaceutical applications, though challenges such as mechanical strength and cost remain. Advancements in formulation technologies will further enhance their feasibility for mainstream adoption in capsule manufacturing.

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How to cite this article: Sandeep Rai and Pradeep Uthale, Natural Polymers as Substitutes for Gelatine Capsules: A Comprehensive Overview. International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering. 2025; 11(01): -p.

How to cite this URL: Sandeep Rai and Pradeep Uthale, Natural Polymers as Substitutes for Gelatine Capsules: A Comprehensive Overview. International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering. 2025; 11(01): -p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijpse/article=15071

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