| abstract |
Gelatin-free capsule for use in oral administration of medicines, cosmetic or bath applications, or dietary supplements can be prepared from compositions comprisinga) 8-50% by weight of water-dispersible or water-soluble plasticizer,b) 0.5 to 12% by weight kappa-carrageenan,c) 0 to 60% dextrins, andd) 1% to 95% by weight water,with the kappa-carrageenan comprising at least 50% by weight of all gums forming or contributing to formation of thermoreversible gels in the composition. A capsule for oral administration or cosmetic application may comprise a fill material to be administered to a patient or subject and a capsule, the capsule comprising an aqueous based film comprisinga) water-dispersible or water-soluble plasticizer, andb) carrageenan,with the carrageenan comprising at least 50% or 75% by weight of kappa-carrageenan, and the carrageenan comprising at least 50% or 75% by weight of all gums which form or contribute to the formation of thermoreversible gels. A process for forming the capsules may comprise heating the composition, casting or extruding the composition into a film, gelling the composition by cooling, associating a fill material with the gelled composition (usually as a film) and sealing the film about the fill material. |