HPMC capsules: current status and future prospects

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) plays a critical role in both the pharmaceutical and food industries, showcasing a wide range of applications. It is well recognized as a thickening agent, coating polymer, bioadhesive, and a binder in granulation processes, among other uses. Notably, HPMC has emerged as a significant substitute for animal-derived gelatin in the manufacturing of capsule shells. This review aims to comprehensively analyze existing literature concerning the utilization of HPMC in capsule production, addressing the concerns regarding its viability as an alternative to traditional hard gelatin capsules. Advancements in the manufacturing and filling processes of HPMC capsules, alongside enhancements in their dissolution profiles both in vivo and in vitro, will further confirm their advantages over gelatin capsules.

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Chemical Composition

Source of HPMC

The origin of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose can be traced back to various natural sources, primarily derived from wood pulp and cotton linters.

Since its introduction, HPMC has increasingly been adopted as a gluten alternative in the production of baked products.

Functions in Baking

HPMC serves multiple roles in the baking sector, including:

• Emulsion and foam stabilization: Essential for achieving optimal dough characteristics during baking.

• Viscosity enhancement: Contributes to increased thickness in the aqueous phase.

• Fat replacement: Functions as a lubricant, aiding in maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

• Gluten replacement: Particularly effective when used in combination with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

• Bulking agent

• Coating agent: Allows for the formation of films and barriers.

• Binding agent

• Water retention: Prolongs shelf-life and maintains moisture balance.

Health Implications

HPMC is recognized as a non-fermentable, soluble dietary fiber, offering a variety of health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and mitigating risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes.

Utilizing HPMC in gluten-free baked products allows for better diet management for individuals with celiac disease.

Production Process

The manufacturing process of HPMC encompasses several key steps:

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• Alkalinization: Wood pulp cellulose undergoes treatment with a 50 wt% sodium hydroxide solution within a reactor.

• Etherification: Methyl chloride and propylene oxide are introduced to add methoxy and propylene glycol groups respectively.

• Neutralization: Completed using a hydrogen chloride solution.

• Purification: Involves multiple washes with hot water followed by filtration.

• Drying and milling: The resultant product is dried, ground to achieve the desired granule size, and subsequently packaged.

Application in Food Products

HPMC is versatile and can be utilized in various baked goods, fillings, foams, and coatings. It effectively replaces gluten in gluten-free products when combined with CMC.

Key considerations when incorporating HPMC into food formulations include:

• Pre-dissolving HPMC/CMC to ensure optimal performance.

• Taking into account the water activity; some formulations may require 5-10% moisture.

• Adding HPMC post protein activation for maximum effectiveness.

• HPMC is compatible with high sugar concentrations, up to 50%.

Recommended methods for integrating HPMC/CMC in food products:

• Dissolve HPMC/CMC in a portion of the water to be used.

• Incorporate the remainder of HPMC/CMC with dry ingredients to prevent lump formation.

• Mix the dispersed blend with required oil before adding to the bakery mix.

Usage Levels in Baking

Regulatory Status

HPMC is approved by the FDA for direct addition to food products. In the European Union, it is classified as E 464 and deemed safe for its intended applications, with stipulations on its methyl and hydroxypropyl group content.

For further insights regarding general cellulose ethers, please reach out to us for expert guidance.

References

1. Wüstenberg, Tanja. Cellulose and cellulose derivatives in the food industry: fundamentals and applications. John Wiley & Sons.
2. Intratec. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Production. Intratec, San Antonio. Accessed 8 Oct.
3. Caballero, Benjamin, Paul Finglas, and Fidel Toldrá. Encyclopedia of food and health. Academic Press.
4. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). US Department of Health and Human Services. CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 172 Food Additives Permitted For Direct Addition To Food For Human Consumption. Accessed 08 October.
5. European Commission (EC). Commission Regulation NO231 laying down specifications for food additives. Official Journal of European Communities, 09 March.