Gelatin: Source, Types & Production of Gelatin

The gelatin used in the manufacture of capsules is obtained from collagenous material by hydrolysis.

Blends are used to obtain gelatin solutions with the viscosity and bloom strength characteristics desirable for capsule manufacture.

There are two types of gelatin, Type A, derived mainly from pork skins by acid processing, and Type B, obtained from bones and animal skins by alkaline processing.

Blends of both type gelatin are used to obtain gelatin solutions with the viscosity and bloom strength characteristics desirable for capsule manufacturing of Hard Soft gelatin Capsules.

Types of Gelatin:

Type A gelatin

Properties of Gelatin

-A protein in nature so Protein is digested by proteolytic enzyme hence Gelatin is therapeutically inert.
-Insoluble in cold water
-Soluble in hot water
-Protein is digested by a proteolytic enzyme
-Obtained from the hydrolysis of collagen from animal connective tissue, bone, skin
-Chemical & physical properties of Gelatin depend upon the source of collagen & the manner of extraction.