PectinA purified carbohydrate obtained primarily from citrus fruits and apples.
Pectin films have a good capacity to carry actives and are particularly suitable for low pH applications and ideal for consumer medical devices. Solubility can be adjusted by varying the molecular weight of the polymer, but generally pectins dissolve slowly which aids controlled release and topical applications.
CollagenUsed in specialist medical device and pharmaceutical applications, purified natural collagen provides a robust absorbable film which can be used as a long lasting barrier membrane and can incorporate a range of active ingredients.
GelatinDerived from the natural protein collagen, gelatine is used extensively in the food industry. In film forming, it provides an excellent base for carrying flavours and produces a smooth mouth feel and dissolves rapidly.
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseDerived from alkali treated cellulose, HPMC has been used as an alternative to gelatin in a number of applications. Providing a film base whose solubility properties can be modified by selection of the appropriate molecular weight polymer, fast dissolving variants have a smooth mouth feel and good carrying characteristics.
Hydroxypropyl CelluloseA highly flexible polymer that forms films that have high elongation and moderate tensile strength. HPC is a non-ionic water soluble cellulose ether which exhibits thermoplastic behaviour and, when manufactured with a high hydroxypropyl substitution, requires little or no plasticizer. Typically slow dissolving, the films have good carrying capacity and reasonable clarity.
Modified Carboxymethyl CelluloseCMC is a cellulose derivative which has been enzymatically modified to reduce molecular weight. This type of material is ideal for applications requiring a fast dissolving base. Also capable of carrying a range of active components, CMC has a neutral flavour and produces films with excellent clarity and good dimensional stability.
PullulanProduced by fermentation of starch, Pullulan is a natural polysaccharide which is ideal for cosmetic applications. Being readily soluble in water and stable over a wide range of pH, Pullulan provides an excellent base for soaps, body scrubs and other wash-away products. Films produced from Pullulan are resistant to oil and form a good oxygen barrier, thus stabilising sensitive ingredients incorporated into the film matrix.
Material
| Time to dissolve
| | Pullulan | 3 | Modified CMC
| 5 | | Gelatin | 5 | | HPMC | 10 | | Pectin | 45 | | High M.W. HPMC | 240 | | HPC | 360 |
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