What is Gelatin made of ?
- Collagen derived from animal connective tissue, bone, skin, and sinew is hydrolyzed to make gelatin.
- On hydrolysis, this long polypeptide chain releases 18 amino acids, the most common of which are glycine and alanine.
- The chemical and physical properties of it, vary based on the collagen source and extraction method.
Type of Gelatin
- It is divided into two categories. There are two types of:
- Type A &
- Type B.
- Pork skin is used to make Type A, which is created through acid hydrolysis.
- Alkaline hydrolysis produces Type B gelatin, which is primarily made from animal bones.
- The two types can be differentiated by their isoelectric points (4.8–5.0 for Type B and 7.0–9.0 for Type A) and by their viscosity building and film-forming characteristics.
- Any type of it can be utilised, however hog skin and bone gelatin are frequently combined to improve shell properties. Pork skin gelatin contributes flexibility and clarity, while bone gelatin contributes stiffness.
- The physicochemical properties of it depend on bloom strength and viscosity.
What is Bloom strength and Viscosity in Gelatin?
- Bloom strength : It is an empirical gel strength measurement that indicates the stiffness of the gel. It is measure by “Bloom Gelometer”


- Bloom strength range of 150–280 g are considered appropriate for capsules manufacturing.
- The viscosity of gelatin solutions is important parameter to the control of the thickness of the cast film.
References
- Allen L. and Ansel H. (2014). Ansel’s Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. Philadelphia: Lipincott Williams and Wilkins.
- Aulton, M. and Taylor, K. (2013). Aulton’s Pharmaceutics book- The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, (4th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
- Dash, A., Singh, S. and Tolman, J. (2014). Pharmaceutics – Basic Principles and Application to Pharmacy Practice. USA: Academic Press.
- Felton, L. (2012). Remington Essentials of Pharmaceutics. UK: Pharmaceutical press.
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