Optimizing Seaweed Capsule Shell Formula with Multiple Disintegrants to Accelerate Disintegration Time

Abstract

Abstract Seaweed-based capsule shells are gaining popularity due to their animal-free sourcing and guaranteed quality. However, these shells often suffer from prolonged disintegration. Various studies have explored formulations with additional disintegrants like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-30, yet results have fallen short of pharmacopeia standards. In this research, multiple disintegrants and formulations were tested to develop seaweed capsule shells with rapid disintegration times. The variation in composition of disintegrants was determined using Simplex Lattice Design (SLD) in Design Expert® 13.0.12. By altering the variables in the form of concentrations of PVP K-30, Avicel PH 101, Primogel, Amylum Manihot, Carrageenan, Tween 80, and Aquadest. Primary targets were to identify disintegrants that can significantly reduce disintegration time while maintaining adherence to pharmacopeia standards. Using primogel can fully produce a capsule shell with a promising disintegration time of around 17 minutes, thereby achieving the objective of expediting the disintegration process. Primogel also reduces the critical gel point to 48.23°C when completely replacing PVP K-30. However, balancing desirability proved challenging, as reducing PVP K-30 led to increased disintegration time. Other disintegrants, like Avicel PH 101 or amylum manihot, had no significant impact on disintegration time or gel point. These findings contribute to understanding the complex relationship between disintegrants and their effects on seaweed capsule shell properties, advancing the objectives in optimizing formulation for improved pharmaceutical applications.