Gelatine's many functionalities including...

· Film formation

· Adhesion

· Neutral taste and aroma

· Low allergenic potential

· Variable dissolution rate

...make it a versatile ingredient for many kosher pharmaceutical formulations.

Gelatine Capsules

Gelatine capsules are one of the most convenient forms of encapsulation used for medicines and dietary supplements. Gelatine protects the capsule contents from the deleterious effects of atmospheric oxygen, light, moisture, and dust.

· Thermoreversible gelation

Gelatine- Coating for Tablets

Gelatine-coated tablets are prepared using a special dipping process or by incorporation into premade hard or soft gelatine capsules.




Nutrient Encapsulation

Traditionally difficult-to-dose oil-soluble nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), can be converted into easily dosable, free-flowing powders using gelatine. Spray-drying an emulsion consisting of gelatine, sugar, and the oil-based active ingredient yields an easily handled dry material that is readily dispersible in water. These spray-dried nutrients are routinely used for multivitamin preparations, effervescent tablets, and other beverage products, and may also be compressed into tablets. Low-Bloom gelatins, 80-150 Bloom, are typically used for this application.

Nutraceuticals

Gelatine is a healthy and natural foodstuff that is approximately 90% protein. It contains no fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol, or preservatives.

There are observations and medical experiences on the positive effect of gelatine on skin, nails, hair and bones. Experimental findings and clinical studies carried out in the past two decades strongly suggest that gelatine hydrolysate may have a beneficial effect on joint health both in terms of prevention and therapy. Further studies have shown that osteoarthritis patients consuming gelatine hydrolysate experience significant pain reduction and subsequently, reduced consumption of analgesics.

Hard gelatine capsules are produced using high-Bloom gelatins, 200-260 Bloom, and can be produced in various sizes and colors. Hard gelatine capsules are manufactured using a "dipping process" that forms two separate capsule halves, "body" and "cap." Automated systems produce up to 40,000 capsules per hour by dipping polished stainless steel pins into a concentrated gelatine solution (25% to 35%) that is maintained at a constant temperature.

After drying, cutting, and assembling, the hard capsules are ready for filling with powder, granules, or liquids.

Soft gelatine capsules are easy to swallow, and dissolve readily in the body, improving the bioavailability of the active substance. Special coatings provide resistance to gastric juices, allowing developers to specify the time required for capsule dissolution. Medium-Bloom gelatine, 150- 200 Bloom, is used for the production of soft gelatine capsules.

Spherical or tube-shaped capsules are ideal for products intended for topical application. The contents can be easily squeezed out. Special soft gelatine capsules have also been developed for suppository products.

Sponges Wound

Soft gelatine capsules are manufactured using a simultaneous production and filling process referred to as the "rotary die process." Two bands of material containing 40 - 50% gelatine and 15-25% plasticizers are passed through counter-rotating dies. Precision pumps fill the liquid contents into the wells of the capsules via a heated filling wedge. The capsules are then sealed, washed, dried and, if desired, printed upon. A rotary die machine can produce 10,000 to 100,000 soft gelatine capsules per hour. The filling volume is between 60μl and 15ml. The capsules may also receive a coating that maintain capsule integrity through the stomach, and release active ingredients once they have reached the intestinal tract. Capsules may also be enhanced for products designed for chewable or lozenge-type applications.

Due to excellent compatibility with human tissue, gelatine is used in products designed for the treatment of wounds. Gelatine sponges are used routinely in dentistry and surgery to fill temporary cavities and top bleeding. Sponges made of pharmaceutical gelatine are fully absorbed by the body, and allow new cells to enter the wound, accelerating the healing process. If desired, antibiotics may be incorporated into gelatine sponges.

Specially tested pharmaceutical gelatine is dissolved in aqueous solution, aerated, carefully dried, cut, packed, and sterilized. High-Bloom gelatines, 200-260 Bloom, are used for the preparation of sponges.

High-molecular, native collagen is an important moisture retainer used in creams and lotions and is suitable for all types of skin. It has been proven that collagens increase hydration, improve skin feeling and decrease the extent and depth of wrinkles.

Gelatin hydrolysate possesses properties that are essential for the care and protection of skin and hair. These natural biological cosmetic ingredients are isolated and purified using mild extraction or gentle enzymatic degradation. They are dermatological compatible and free of all contaminants.

Gelatin hydrolysates are valuable components of hair care products due to their affinity to keratin. Film-forming properties improve hair gloss and handling, especially if previously treated with chemical preparations. Proteins provide substantial structural protection from adverse effects of permanent waving and bleaching. Addition of protein hydrolysates to hair coloring sprays and toners facilitates increased volume and uniformity of color absorption.

Back to kosher gelatin home page

· Improving joint mobility
· Improving bone firmness
· Stimulating the formation of cartilage
· Improving firmness and elasticity of ligaments and tendons
· Enhancing the formation of healthy skin and strong hair and nails

Aspic Products, Dairy Products, Fruit Gums

FEATURES & BENEFITS

· Excellent clarity - allows developers to create brilliant colors with no turbidity
· Smooth gel consistency - cuts easily and uniformly
· Reduced syneresis
· Optimized texture - ranging from soft and creamy to strong and rigid
· Neutral taste - will not mask flavors

Ice Cream, Low-fat Foods, Marshmallows

FEATURES & BENEFITS

· Ice crystal control - optimizes size and distribution for perfect texture and mouthfeel
· Aeration - excellent foam formation
· Stabilization - maintains homogenous pre-mix and optimum overrun
· Thermoreversible gelation - improves melt characteristics and mouthfeel

Sausages, Spreads

FEATURES & BENEFITS

· Gelling - adhesive
· Water binding - emulsion stabilizer

Wine, Juice 

FEATURES & BENEFITS

· Clarification - removal of turbidity and tanning substances
· Viscosifying - increasing thickness, improving mouthfeel

Back to kosher gelatin home page.

Proper dispersion and solubilization are critical to ensuring proper functionality of gelatine. Regardless of your application, proper dissolution begins with swelling.

Gelatine is able to absorb five to 10 times its own weight of cold water. The time required to absorb this quantity of water varies with particle size of the gelatine.

Small particles, < 0.08mm, typically swell completely within minutes
Medium particles, 0.80mm - 2.00mm, usually require approximately 10 minutes
Large particles, > 2.00mm, will require an hour or more

Solvent composition will also affect the rate of swelling.

Citric, acetic, or tartaric acids will reduce swelling time
High levels of solids, sugar or salt for example, will increase swelling time


Solubilization

Although completely swollen, gelatine is only partially soluble at temperatures below 40ºC. Increased heat facilitates solubilization, but can adversely affect gelatine functionality if not monitored and controlled. Gelatine solution held at 60ºC for two hours, for example, can exhibit a 5% reduction in gelling power. Such losses are increased with extended time, or under acidic or alkaline conditions. Temperatures in excess of 100ºC should be avoided as short exposure times can cause substantial losses of functionality.


High and Low Percentage Gelatine Solutions

Dissolution of very low or very high concentration gelatine solutions can be facilitated using specific dissolution protocols.


High concentration gelatine solutions - 20% to 40% gelatine

Use only large/coarse particle gelatine. (Fine particles absorb water very quickly, leading to lumps that are difficult to dissolve.)
Quickly disperse coarse gelatine into water with sufficient agitation to ensure complete wetting of all particles. Stop mixing when all water is absorbed to avoid the induction of air. Allow mixture to sit until completely swollen.
Place mixture in a 60º-70ºC water bath. To minimize induction of air, do not begin mixing until most of gelatin is solubilized. If air is incorporated, the solution can be degassed by allowing it to stand (without mixing) at a maximum temperature of 60°C for up to two hours.

Low concentration gelatine solutions -up to 15% gelatine

Gelatine solutions with a concentration of up to maximum 15% can be prepared according to the method described above. However, because lower concentration solutions contain a larger quantity of free water, the dissolution process can be reduced using either of the following processes

PROCESS 1

i. Disperse the entire quantity of gelatine into half of the required quantity of water and allow it to swell sufficiently.

ii. Boil the remaining water, and add it while stirring to the swelled gelatine solution. Continue stirring until the gelatine is completely dissolved.

PROCESS 2

i. Under vigorous agitation, slowly pour gelatine into hot water (80°- 90°C).

ii. Continue stirring until gelatine is completely dissolved. Undesirable lumps can occur if the gelatine is added too quickly or if stirring is carried out too slowly.

iii. Prepared solution should be cooled as quickly as possible to 60°C in order to prevent loss of gelling capacity.