JP5572086B2 - Soft capsule film and soft capsule - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a soft capsule film and a soft capsule constituted thereby.

  Soft capsules are suitable for the purpose of ingesting a solid or liquid substance at a specific dose, and are generally prepared by filling a hollow capsule prepared with a film with the contents. Currently, gelatin is most often used as the main raw material for soft capsule coatings. However, since gelatin is a protein obtained from the skin or bone of mammals, it may be rejected for reasons such as the user's religion or vegetarianism. In recent years, livestock infectious diseases such as mad cow disease and stenosis have become prevalent, and animal-derived gelatin tends to be shunned due to concerns about infection. Therefore, development of a soft capsule film using a non-animal substance instead of gelatin is demanded.

  In recent years, so-called gelatin-free soft capsule films that do not use animal-derived gelatin have been proposed using various polysaccharide raw materials. Examples of polysaccharide raw materials include gellan gum and carrageenan in JP-A-10-291928, water-soluble etherified starch derivatives in JP2003-55198, and plasticized hydroxypropyl in JP2002-529398A. Methyl cellulose, JP-T 2003-504326 discloses modified starch and carrageenan, International Publication WO 2004/096283 describes a water-soluble polysaccharide having no sulfate group and a water-soluble polysaccharide having a sulfate group such as carrageenan, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-167084 discloses water-soluble polymers. However, a polysaccharide having a sulfate group such as carrageenan may react with a compound having an amino group such as a protein, and the contents of the capsule may be limited. There is no film, and there is a demand for soft capsule films made of various bases. In addition, International Publication WO 2004/096283 describes that capsules cannot be prepared because water-soluble polysaccharides (gum agents) that do not have sulfate groups and glycerin alone do not cause polysaccharide gelation. Has been.

  In addition to the above-mentioned problems, soft capsules using conventional polysaccharides are limited in the size of capsules that can be produced because the gel strength is insufficient or the seal strength of the heat-sealed part is low. There were cases where problems such as poor yields occurred.

  The present invention is free from concerns including prions and viruses that cause mad cow disease and stricture, etc. possessed by gelatin, is excellent in heat sealability and transparency, and is also a compound having an amino group such as a protein. Soft capsule film that is difficult to react, soft capsules composed of this, and the contents used in the fields of food, cosmetics, quasi drugs or pharmaceuticals are encapsulated, and it has excellent disintegration and water solubility It is an object to provide a soft capsule.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors diligently studied to establish a new soft capsule. Surprisingly, a gum agent was used as a main raw material, and a polyol and water were mixed and dissolved as a plasticizer. A sol-like soft capsule film base prepared by adding a certain amount of a reversible gelling agent (hereinafter, the soft capsule film base may be simply referred to as “film base”), It was found that a soft capsule film free from gelatin, having high heat sealability and transparency, and excellent in gel strength can be obtained by forming the sheet by feeding it onto a sheet forming drum. Moreover, it discovered that the soft capsule comprised by this soft capsule membrane | film | coat was excellent in the disintegration property and water solubility while having the outstanding enclosure property required for a capsule. Furthermore, even when a reversible gelling agent is not added to the film base, a soft capsule film excellent in heat sealability and gel strength and mechanical suitability can be obtained by blending a gum agent and a plasticizer at a specific ratio. As a result, the present invention was completed.

  That is, according to the present invention, the mass ratio of the gum agent to the reversible gelling agent is 100: 0 to 88.0: 12.0. 10 to 120% by mass with respect to the total mass (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, mass% is expressed as “%” in this specification), preferably 10 to 110%, particularly preferably 15% or more The above-mentioned problems are solved by providing a soft capsule film manufactured using a film base prepared by adding less than 100% and an appropriate amount of water, and a soft capsule constituted thereby.

  The soft capsule film of the present invention contains only a small amount of a gelling agent or has a high gel strength and is excellent in heat sealability and transparency even though it does not contain it. In addition, the soft capsule film of the present invention does not contain a component such as a polysaccharide having a sulfate group, or contains only a small amount thereof. Therefore, a compound having an amino group such as a protein encapsulated in a soft capsule or an aldehyde group Reactivity with a compound having a aldehyde group or easily generating an aldehyde group is also low.

  The gum agent used in the present invention is not limited as long as it has a thickening property and a film property and the above soft capsule film can be prepared. Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting also in the origin and manufacturing method, You may prepare using a culture method, an enzyme method, a synthesis method, etc., and you may use what is marketed. Specifically, ama seed gum, almond gum, gum arabic, arabinogalactan, welan gum, oligoglucosamine, cashmere gum, gati gum, κ carrageenan, λ carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, glucosamine, sclerogum, ferrerlan, natto gum, locust bean gum, Pullulan, pectin (methylated galacturonic acid content of 50% or more, hereinafter abbreviated as “HM pectin”), methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (hereinafter abbreviated as “HPMC”), methylethylcellulose , Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol (hereinafter abbreviated as “PVA”), soybean protein, starches, modified starch Includes natural products such as powders and their partially decomposed products that acquire thickening and coating properties by heat denaturation. Moreover, when using the soft capsule of this invention for an industrial use etc., it is also optional to use the culture solution of the microorganisms which belong to an aureobasidium genus, enterobacter gum, etc. in addition to the above, for example. Among them, amaseed gum, gum arabic, welan gum, guar gum, κ carrageenan, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, pullulan, HM pectin, HPMC, PVA, soy protein, starches, modified starches and partially decomposed products thereof are particularly desirable. Pullulan, HPMC, PVA, and the like are desirable because they are excellent in water solubility, low viscosity, film formability, low oxygen permeability, solubility in water, etc., and pullulan is particularly desirable. Moreover, these gum agents may be used independently and can also use 2 or more types together. The blending ratio when using two or more kinds of gum agents is not particularly limited as long as the desired soft capsule film can be prepared.

  Since pullulan used in the present invention is usually advantageous in terms of availability and price, it is produced by culturing microorganisms belonging to the genus Aureobasidium in a medium containing a starch degradation product and the like. Pullulan is advantageously used. For example, pullulan (food additive) sold by Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., pullulan (for pharmacopoeia or cosmetics) sold by Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Inc. can be suitably used. Further, if necessary, pullulan derivatized by modification such as esterification with an arbitrary degree of substitution can also be used. The weight average molecular weight of pullulan used in the present invention is usually in the range of 20,000 daltons or more, preferably 50,000 daltons to 1,000,000 daltons, more preferably 100,000 daltons to 500,000 daltons. Chosen from. In addition, by selecting the weight average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of pullulan, the produced soft capsules can be adjusted to a desired disintegration rate. Therefore, if an appropriate weight average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution is used according to the application, Good. Although it depends on other components to be blended, generally, when the weight average molecular weight of pullulan is less than 50,000 dalton, it becomes difficult to form a sheet-like film, and when it exceeds 1,000,000 dalton, It may not be preferable because the dissolution rate becomes too low.

  The reversible gelling agent used in the present invention is a gelling agent having a property of sol-gel phase transition that forms a gel when the sol (aqueous solution) is cooled and changes to a sol again when the gel is heated. , Refers to substances that improve fluidity by applying heat, produce sol-gel phase transition properties at a certain temperature range, or produce sol-gel phase transition properties at a certain pH range, Contains a substance that produces a sol-gel phase transition property when used in combination with a thickener. The reversible gelling agent used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the heat sealability, transparency, gel strength and / or mechanical suitability of the capsule film of the present invention. Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting also in the origin and manufacturing method, You may prepare using a culture method, an enzyme method, a synthesis method, etc., and you may use what is marketed. Specific examples include agar, iota carrageenan, pectin (methylated galacturonic acid content less than 50%, hereinafter abbreviated as “LM pectin”), quince seed gum, gellan gum and the like. Among them, agar, ι carrageenan, LM pectin, gellan gum, etc. are desirable from the viewpoint of ease of dissolution and workability when preparing a film base of a sheet by mixing raw materials, and from the viewpoint of little coloring Agar and gellan gum are desirable, and gellan gum is particularly desirable. These reversible gelling agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Moreover, although the soft capsule film of the present invention can be prepared without adding a reversible gelling agent by adjusting the blending ratio of the gum, plasticizer, and aqueous solvent, from the point of mechanical suitability, It is desirable to add a reversible gelling agent. The blending ratio of the gel agent and the reversible gelling agent in the soft capsule film of the present invention is such that the mechanical suitability when preparing the soft capsule is good and the sealing strength and sheet strength that can be used as a soft capsule are obtained. The mass ratio of the gum agent to the reversible gelling agent is usually preferably 100: 0 to 88.0: 12.0, and 100: 0 to 92.9: 7.1. Is desirable, and 100: 0 to 95.2: 4.8 is particularly desirable.

  In order to adjust the plasticity of the soft capsule film of the present invention, a plasticizer and an aqueous solvent are used. Examples of the plasticizer include polyols such as polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, and non-reducing carbohydrates, and one or more selected from these may be used. Specifically, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol and glycerin, sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol and maltitol, α, α-trehalose (hereinafter simply referred to as “trehalose”). ), Non-reducing carbohydrates such as glycosyl α, α-trehalose, cyclic oligosaccharides and glycosyl cyclic oligosaccharides, and one or more of these derivatives can be appropriately selected and used. Among these, it is preferable to use one or more selected from glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mannitol, glycerin and mannitol are desirable, and glycerin that does not crystallize even when dried is particularly desirable. .

  In addition to the above components, the soft capsule film of the present invention may contain other components as long as the effects of the present invention are not hindered. However, the soft capsule film is adjusted so as not to reduce the water solubility of the soft capsule film. There is a need to. Substances that can be included include Azotobacter vinegar gum, alginic acid, sodium alginate, psyllium seed gum, curdlan, tara gum (when combined with thickeners such as xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar gum), chitosan, Examples include irreversible gelling agents such as dextran or derivatives thereof, sugar fatty acid esters, alcohols such as ethanol, minerals, chelating agents, coloring agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, and flavoring agents. In particular, sugar fatty acid esters such as sucrose stearate are preferably blended because they facilitate the work of peeling the film from a film preparation table such as made of polyethylene terephthalate during the production of the soft capsule film. These components are usually contained in an amount of 0.01 to 10%, preferably 0.01 to 5% of the total mass of the soft capsule film. If it exceeds 10%, the strength and mechanical suitability of the capsule film may be lowered.

  The blending ratio of the plasticizer in the soft capsule film of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the desired soft capsule film can be prepared, and is usually 10 with respect to the total mass of the gum agent and the reversible gelling agent. To 120%, preferably 10 to 110%, particularly preferably 15% to less than 100%. When the plasticizer is less than 10% with respect to the total mass of the gum agent and the reversible gelling agent, the softness (sheet strength) and seal strength required by the soft capsule film may not be obtained. If the plasticizer increases beyond 120% with respect to the total mass of the agent and the reversible gelling agent, sufficient sheet strength may not be obtained or sheeting may not be possible.

  The amount of the reversible gelling agent used in the soft capsule film of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the desired soft capsule film can be prepared. Usually, the total mass of the capsule film (including moisture) On the other hand, it is preferably 7.7% or less, more preferably 4.6% or less, and particularly preferably 3.1% or less. If it exceeds 7.7%, it is not preferable because of mechanical suitability and a decrease in sheet strength.

  The water content of the soft capsule film of the present invention is not limited as long as the sheet strength and seal strength as a soft capsule can be ensured, and usually 1 to 20% of the total mass (including water) of the capsule film, preferably It may be 2 to 18%, particularly preferably 3 to 15%.

As a method for producing the soft capsule film of the present invention, an aqueous solvent such as a gum agent, a reversible gelling agent, a plasticizer and water, or a gum agent, a plasticizer and an aqueous solvent are mixed and dissolved by heating, or Dissolve under pressure and heat according to conventional methods, after forming a thin film by methods such as casting, extrusion, spraying, roll coating, dipping, etc., and then drying in an atmosphere at or above room temperature By doing so, the method of shape | molding in a sheet form is mentioned. When the viscosity of the film base is relatively high, the soft capsule film of the present invention is mixed by heating with an aqueous solvent such as a gum, a reversible gelling agent, a plasticizer and water, or dissolved under pressure. And a high viscosity sol film base having a moisture content of 25 to 45%, preferably 30 to 35%, particularly preferably 30 to 33%, and defoamed overnight according to a conventional method. Good. When the reversible gelling agent is not included, the water content is 8% or more and less than 25%, desirably 15 to 23%, more desirably 17 to 23%, and particularly desirably 21 to 23%. What is necessary is just to use as a film base of a sol state. In general, the coating base of the present invention is suitable for the production of soft capsules by a rotary die type manufacturing method. Therefore, the strength of the coating base having the above-mentioned moisture content is determined by the natural dropping method (casting) from the container containing the base. Method) or a mechanical extrusion molding method, it is necessary to make the range suitable for mechanical suitability so that it can be dropped onto a drum for forming a sheet and can be formed into a uniform sheet. Normally, a sheet-like film base spread or rolled to a thickness of 2.2 mm is placed on a measuring table having a hole with a diameter of 1.3 cm in the center, and a rheometer sold by Sun Science Co., Ltd. Using a model number CR-500DX, COMPAC-100), set a plunger with a diameter of 5 mm in the center of the hole in the measuring table, apply it perpendicularly to the sheet-like film base, and apply at a table speed of 60 mm / min. And the strength when the coating base is pushed in by 6 mm (hereinafter referred to as “strength of the coating base”) is preferably about 150 to 1500 g / cm ² , and about 150 to 800 g / cm ² . More preferred is about 150 to 750 / cm ² . Although the film base of the present invention needs to have a constant film strength as described above for mechanical suitability, when workability decreases due to problems such as the viscosity of the solution, a low concentration prepared in advance. It is also optional to concentrate the aqueous solution of the film base to a desired film base strength by a method such as vacuum concentration.

  The capsule film thus obtained is usually filled with food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals and formed into a soft capsule, and the soft capsule is used for the purpose of ingesting it or dissolving it in an aqueous solution. Therefore, the soft capsule needs to have a proper disintegration property and water solubility as well as having a function of enclosing the contents inside. The disintegration rate in an aqueous medium takes into consideration the type, amount and temperature of the solvent, the strength of stirring, the thickness of the soft capsule film, the weight average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the gum agent, the reversible gelling agent and the plasticizer. The mixing ratio and the size and shape of the soft capsule can be adjusted by appropriately selecting them within the scope of the present invention. Further, when a nonionic polymer such as pullulan or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is used as a gum agent in the soft capsule film of the present invention, the water solubility of the capsule is characterized by being hardly affected by salts in the aqueous solution. ing.

  The thickness of the soft capsule film of the present invention may be determined as necessary, and is usually selected from the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, and 0.25 mm to 1.2 mm. The range of is particularly desirable. If the thickness is less than 0.1 mm, it is not preferable because it is easily broken, and if the thickness exceeds 2 mm, it may be unfavorable, such as a problem in soft capsule molding or an excessively long disintegration time.

  As a method for producing the soft capsule of the present invention, a conventional flat plate type, rotary die type or the like can be used. For example, the rotary die method will be described. While the contents are press-fitted between the two soft capsule films, the films are bonded to each other by pressing and heat-sealing with a rotary temperature-controllable mold. Into soft capsules. If necessary, it can be molded in an inert gas or vacuum, or it can be operated aseptically to prevent the inclusion of gases that degrade the quality of the contents such as oxygen and water vapor. Is voluntary.

  As the soft capsule forming apparatus, an apparatus capable of pressure-bonding and heat-sealing the films can be used, for example, a rotary die type automatic soft capsule manufacturing machine, a flat plate type automatic capsule manufacturing machine, or the like. In order to perform better heat sealing, in the case of a rotary die type automatic soft capsule manufacturing machine, it is desirable to use a model that can control the temperature of the die part for punching.

  The shape and size of the soft capsule in the present invention are not particularly limited. Shapes include round (spherical), oval (football), oblong (ellipse), tube, suppository, self-cut, double, square, etc. Usually, the content of the substance may be appropriately adjusted within a range of about 1 mg to about 20 g. Further, if necessary, the surface of the soft capsule of the present invention can be advantageously coated with a coating agent such as kaolin, talc or shellac.

The soft capsule constituted by the film of the present invention needs to be sufficiently sealed so that the content does not substantially leak out of the capsule during storage, and the pressure assumed to be applied to the soft capsule, It is desirable to have sufficient strength to withstand tension, shear force, vibration, and the like. The strength of the capsule can be measured by using an ordinary hardness meter, for example, a Kiya hardness meter (sold by Fujiwara Seisakusho Co., Ltd., maximum pressure weight 30 kg / cm ² ). Depending on the application, the strength of the soft capsule is usually 5 kg / cm ² or more, preferably 10 kg / cm ² or more. The strength of the soft capsule in the present invention is determined by fixing the capsule containing the contents to a measurement table so that its long axis is parallel to the measurement table of the hardness meter, and pressurizing so that the long axis is perpendicular to the long axis. The pressure weight (kg / cm ² ) when the capsule is shattered.

  The soft capsules of the present invention are used for the encapsulation of foods, sundries, cosmetics, quasi drugs and pharmaceuticals in the form of powders, granules, tablets, creams, emulsions, mass kits, pastes, oily liquids and the like. In addition, since the soft capsule of the present invention has a property of preventing the permeation of oxygen, if the capsule is sufficiently sealed, it is easy to prevent oxidative deterioration of the packaging object. Furthermore, even if it is ingested in the state of a soft capsule, put into an appropriate solvent as it is, or poured into a solvent, the capsule can be disintegrated or dissolved, and the contents can be released into the solvent. In addition, if a water-resistant substance such as oil or fat is coated on the side that comes into contact with the contents of the film, it is possible to contain a lot of water or an aqueous liquid in the capsule. Therefore, if these soft capsules are applied to food, sundries, cosmetics, quasi-drugs and pharmaceutical fields, the handling of these substances can be made safe and easy.

  The contents that can be softly encapsulated by the soft capsule film of the present invention are generally oily liquid, pasty oily liquid, powder suspension oily liquid, extract, and non-aqueous liquid. Can also be soft capsules. Moreover, not only a liquid but solid content, such as a powder, a granule, and an uncoated tablet, can also be made into the content. Examples of contents in the food field include salad oil, olive oil, butter oil, wasabi oil, chili oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, egg oil, lecithin and other liquid oils and seasonings, flavors, powdered oils, butter, cheese, margarine Such as solid oils and fats, fruit juices, vegetable extracts, garlic extract and other processed fruits and vegetables, seed pastes such as sesame paste, nut paste, corn paste, ginger, powdered rice cake, sweet potato powder, yam powder, etc. Rice flour, rice flour, wheat flour, barley flour, rye flour, pigeon flour, soy flour, soy germ flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour and other cereal powders, ground sesame seeds, ground flour, kinako flour, coarse ground coffee, etc. , Sardine paste, oyster meat extract, sea urchin paste, fishery products such as fish meal, livestock products such as livestock meat paste, milk, Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, ice cream, coffee fresh, gelled foods such as pudding, bavaria, jelly, jam, marmalade, sweeteners such as starch syrup, syrup, soy sauce, miso, mirin, vinegar, sauce, mayonnaise, Pasty or liquid seasonings such as ketchup, dressing, curry roux, powder seasonings such as sprinkles, spices such as chili, pepper, wasabi, ginger, eggplant, herbs, tea drinks made from various teas, coffee drinks , Soft drinks such as milk drinks, lactic acid bacteria drinks, alcoholic drinks such as sake, amazake, wine, liqueur, baby foods, therapeutic foods, health supplements, peptide foods, microorganisms, animal and plant extracts (royal jelly, propolis, etc.) And the like).

  Examples of contents in the cosmetics and quasi-drug fields that can be softly encapsulated by the film of the present invention include, for example, perfumes, mouth fresheners, mouth odor prevention agents, mouthwashes, toothpaste, bathing agents, antiperspirants, soaps, shampoo , Rinses, body soaps, body lotions, deodorants, hair creams, fairing agents, skin beautifiers, hair cleansing agents, hair restorers and the like. Moreover, miscellaneous goods, such as detergents, such as clothes and tableware, a deodorizing agent, a deodorizing agent, and an aromatic agent, may be sufficient. When a single-use type cosmetic is used as a content, a self-cut type capsule that can be easily threaded by hand is preferable. In addition, in the case of a bath agent or the like that is directly put into a bathtub, it is optional to use a capsule with a large capacity.

  Examples of the contents in the pharmaceutical field that can be softly encapsulated by the film of the present invention include, for example, therapeutic agents for caries and stomatitis, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antitumor agents, vitamin agents, drinks, oral nutrition Agents, tube feeding agents, liver oil, higher unsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by experiments.

<Experiment 1: Examination of blending ratio of gum, plasticizer and water on film formability of soft capsule film>
Pullulan (trade name “Pullulan” (food additive, weight average molecular weight 200,000 Dalton)) is used as a gum agent, and glycerin (Sakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and water (deionized) are used as plasticizers. These were mixed at a blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 1, and heated to dissolve to prepare a film base, each of which was poured into a mold and about 6 at 50 ° C. The sheet-shaped soft capsule film (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as “sheet”) having eight kinds of composition was prepared by drying for a period of time (test samples 1 to 8), and the thickness thereof was changed to digital calipers (manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation, The product name is “Digimatic Micrometer”), and the water content is measured by the usual Karl Fischer method.

Furthermore, in order to examine the quality of these seals as a soft capsule film, the evaluation items shown in Table 1 were evaluated by the following methods.
<Sheet>
“○” indicates that the sheet does not deform or tear even if it is removed from the formwork, “△” indicates that the sheet is deformed or torn when removed from the formwork, and “×” indicates that the sheet does not become a sheet. did.
<Heat seal (adhesiveness) strength>
The sheet was cut into 1 cm × 5 cm, and the two sheets were stacked with a width of 3 mm along the side of 5 cm, and a heat sealer (manufactured by Fuji Impulse Co., Ltd., trade name “FA type auto sealer”) was used. Heat sealing was performed at 0 ° C. (pressure heating). When holding the opposite part of the heat-sealed side with both hands and stretching it so that the two sheets are peeled off, “X” indicates that the two sheets are easily peeled off, and “△” indicates that peeling is difficult. The case where the portion other than the seal portion is torn than the seal portion is indicated as “◯”. Moreover, the same evaluation was performed with the heater of the heat sealer turned off, and the seal strength when pressure was applied in a non-heated state and pressure-bonded (non-heated) was also evaluated.
<Sheet strength>
The sheet was cut into 6 cm × 6 cm, placed on the top of a hollow cylindrical container having a diameter of 5 cm, bent along the side of the container, and the bent portion was fixed. A case where the sheet was torn when a 1 cm diameter syringe was applied to the center of the sheet placed at the top of the container at a right angle to the sheet surface and slowly applied with a force of 2 cm from the sheet surface. “No”, the sheet is not torn, and when the syringe is returned, a slight mark remains in the invaded site, “△”, the sheet is not torn, and when the syringe is returned, the invaded site can be distinguished from other sites. The case where it was not possible was marked as “◯”.
<Flexibility>
If the sheet is cut into 5cm x 5cm and folded or stretched easily in half by hand, it will be broken or broken. The case where cracking or tearing was repeated when repeated was "△", and the case where cracking or tearing was too hard and when bending was marked with "X".

  As is clear from Table 1, a sheet (test sample 1) using pullulan alone as a film base, and a sheet having a mass ratio of 82.8: 9.2 of pullulan and glycerin (test sample 2) Then, although both were made into sheets, it became a plastic-like molded product, and both the sealing strength and the flexibility were “x”. Further, in the sheet (test sample 3) in which the mass ratio of pullulan and glycerin is 73.6: 18.4, the sealing strength (pressure heating) “◯” and the sealing strength (pressure non-heating) “△” The sheet strength was “◯” and the flexibility was “△”. On the other hand, in the sheet (test samples 4 to 6) in which pullulan and glycerin are in a mass ratio of 64.4: 27.6 to 49.1: 42.9, the sealing strength (heating, non-heating) In the sheet (test sample 7), in which the sheet strength and flexibility were both evaluated as “◯” and the mass ratio of pullulan and glycerin was 46.0: 46.0 (Test Sample 7), The sheet strength and flexibility were evaluated as “x”. Moreover, the sheet | seat (test sample 8) which made pullulan and glycerin 36.8: 55.2 by mass ratio was not able to be made into a sheet. As a result, a sheet having a mass ratio of pullulan and glycerin of 73.6: 18.4 to 49.1: 42.9 in mass ratio is a capsule film excellent in sealing strength and sheet strength. It is shown that the ratio of 64.4: 27.6 to 49.1: 42.9 is particularly desirable in terms of processing appropriateness that does not require heating of the seal.

<Experiment 2: Effects of various gums on soft capsule film moldability of film base>
Since it was confirmed that an excellent soft capsule film can be prepared from a film base obtained by adding plasticizer glycerin and water to pullulan used as a gum in Experiment 1, prepared using a gum other than pullulan. The moldability of the soft capsule film of the prepared sheet was examined. Using pullulan, HPMC, kappa carrageenan, PVA, soybean protein and polyvinylpyrrolidone as gum agents, six kinds of mixing ratios (mass ratio) shown in Table 2 were prepared (test samples 1 to 6). The moisture content after drying and the film thickness of the prepared sheet were measured by the same method as in Experiment 1, and the results are shown in Table 2 together with the evaluation results of seal strength, sheet strength, sheet flexibility and transparency. . For transparency, conduct a visual observation. If it is colorless and transparent and has no turbidity, “◎”. If it is turbid or colored, the opposite side can be seen through the film. The case where a thing was not seen was evaluated as "x".

  As is apparent from the results in Table 2, the sheets prepared using pullulan, HPMC, kappa carrageenan, PVA, soy protein, or polyvinylpyrrolidone as gums are all inferior to sheets using pullulan in transparency. However, the sealing property, sheet strength, and sheet flexibility were excellent as with pullulan. Moreover, from the point of heat seal strength, what used HPMC, PVA, and polyvinylpyrrolidone was excellent similarly to the case where pullulan was used. This result shows that by using gum agents such as HPMC, kappa carrageenan, PVA, soybean protein, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, it can be used as a soft capsule film in the same manner as when pullulan is used. Moreover, it turned out that the pullulan, HPMC, PVA, or polyvinylpyrrolidone which can be sealed only by pressure bonding (non-heating) is desirable from the viewpoint of heat seal strength.

<Experiment 3: Effect of Combination of Two or More Plasticizers on Soft Capsule Formability of Film Base>
In Experiments 1 and 2, since it was confirmed that an excellent soft capsule film can be prepared from a film base prepared by mixing a gum agent, a plasticizer and water, not only glycerin alone but also glycerin as a plasticizer And a soft capsule film moldability of a sheet prepared by using other polyols together. Specifically, pullulan was used as a gum agent, sorbitol or trehalose was used as another polyol used in combination with glycerin as a plasticizer, and six types of sheets were prepared at the blending ratios (mass ratios) shown in Table 3 (test samples 1 to 1). 6). Table 3 shows the results obtained by measuring the moisture content and film thickness after drying of the prepared sheet by the same method as in Experiment 2 and evaluating the sealing strength, sheet strength, sheet flexibility and transparency.

  As is clear from the results in Table 3, the soft capsule film prepared by replacing a part of glycerin with sorbitol or trehalose as a plasticizer was excellent in transparency as in the case of using glycerin alone. From the viewpoint of heat seal strength, glycerin alone and those using glycerin 5/6 or more of the total mass of the plasticizer were excellent. This result shows that a sheet using glycerin and sorbitol and / or trehalose can be used as a soft capsule film in the same manner as a sheet using glycerin alone.

<Experiment 4: Effect of Various Gelling Agents on Soft Capsule Film Formability of Film Base>
Since Experiments 1 to 3 confirmed that a soft capsule film excellent in heat seal strength can be prepared by using a gum, a plasticizer, and water, a film base when a gelling agent is further blended A test was conducted to investigate the effect of the soft capsule film on the moldability. That is, agar, gelatin, iota carrageenan, LM pectin or quince seed gum was used as the reversible gelling agent, and alginic acid or curdlan was used as the irreversible gelling agent. While adding and stirring any one of these gelling agents to deionized water, dissolving under heat and pressure, adding pullulan and glycerin to achieve the blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 4 and mixing and stirring Then, eight kinds of sheets having a thickness of about 0.5 to 0.7 mm were prepared by the same method as in Experiment 1, and the film properties of the soft capsule film of the sheets were examined (test samples 1 to 8). Table 4 shows the results obtained by measuring the moisture content and film thickness after drying of the prepared sheet by the same method as in Experiment 2 and evaluating the sealing strength, sheet strength, sheet flexibility, and transparency. As for the seal strength, “◯” indicates that the strength equivalent to the sheet of the test sample 1 made of pullulan, glycerin, and water is obtained, and “◎” indicates that a stronger strength is obtained (other than the seal portion is broken). ".

  As is clear from Table 4, all soft capsule films (test samples 7 to 8) containing 0.5 parts by mass of alginic acid or curdlan as an irreversible gelling agent with respect to 4.5 parts by mass of pullulan have a sealing strength. In this respect, it was inferior to the soft capsule film (test sample 1) containing no reversible gelling agent, and was judged unsuitable as a soft capsule film. On the other hand, all of the five soft capsule films (test samples 2 to 6) obtained by adding 0.5 parts by mass of a reversible gelling agent to 4.5 parts by mass of pullulan are reversible in terms of seal strength. The result was stronger than that of the soft capsule (test sample 1) not containing the gelling agent. Moreover, about the transparency, in the case of the soft capsule film | membrane (test sample 2 and 8) using a reversible gelling agent and an irreversible gelling agent, it became a result inferior to a soft capsule film | membrane (test sample 1).

  These test results show that when a reversible gelling agent is added to pullulan, a stronger seal strength can be obtained than when not added. Moreover, when the reversible gelling agent is blended, it shows that the transparency is slightly inferior to the case where the reversible gelling agent is not blended.

<Experiment 5: Effect of Reversible Gelling Agent Addition on Soft Capsule Film Formability of Film Base>
In Experiment 4, it was found that by adding a reversible gelling agent, the sealing strength of the soft capsule film prepared with a gum agent, a plasticizer and water could be enhanced. A test was conducted to examine the effect on formability. At the same time, a rotary base type automatic soft capsule manufacturing machine is prepared by preparing film bases with the same ratio of gum and reversible gelling agent and with different amounts of water added, and using each film base. The mechanical suitability when preparing soft capsules was investigated. That is, blending of test sample 4 of Experiment 1 using pullulan as a gum agent and glycerin and water as plasticizers, and agar as a reversible gelling agent (sold by Ina Food Industry Co., Ltd., trade name “Ina Agar” ( ZL type)) was added. In the same manner as in Experiment 4, these raw materials were mixed and dissolved under heating and pressure to prepare a film base. This film base was dried by the same method as in Experiment 1 until the water content became 8%, and 8 sheets having the blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 5 were prepared, and the soft capsule film forming property of the sheet was examined. (Test samples 1 to 8). Table 5 shows together with the results of measuring the moisture content after drying and the film thickness of the prepared sheet by the same method as in Experiment 2 and evaluating the sealing strength (heating and non-heating), sheet strength and sheet flexibility. . Furthermore, in order to determine the mechanical suitability of the film base when preparing soft capsules with a rotary die type automatic soft capsule manufacturing machine, each test sample shown in Table 5 has three types that differ only in the mixing ratio of water. A film base was prepared. As an index of machine suitability, when a film base is supplied to a drum for manufacturing a sheet, supply from a solution tank containing the film base is possible by natural dropping or extrusion, and a homogeneous sheet can be obtained. "O" that can be prepared, can be prepared by natural fall although it takes time, and "△" that a homogeneous sheet can be prepared, supply of a film base by extrusion is difficult, or a uniform sheet cannot be prepared on a drum " “×” is determined and shown in Table 5. In addition, each of these coating bases is separately extended into a sheet of 3 cm × 3 cm and a thickness of 2.2 mm and placed on a table with a hole having a diameter of 1.3 cm in the center. With a rheometer (model number CR-500DX, COMPAC-100), a plunger with a diameter of 5 mm is set in the center of the hole of the measuring table, and a plunger with a diameter of 5 mm is perpendicular to the film base that has been extended into a sheet shape. At this time, the table was moved at a speed of 60 mm / min, the pressure weight (g / cm ² ) when the film base was pushed in by 6 mm was measured, and the strength of the film base is also shown in Table 5.

As is clear from Table 5, when pullulan is used alone as a film base (test sample 1) and when used in combination with a reversible gelling agent (test samples 2 to 8), in any case, a sheet Turned into. In addition, a sheet (test sample 1) made of pullulan, glycerin and water, which does not contain a reversible gelling agent, and a pullulan, glycerin, agar and water containing the reversible gelling agent agar, respectively Thus, the sheets (test samples 2 to 6) having a blending ratio of 62.9: 27.6: 1.5: 8.0 to 56.7: 27.6: 7.7: 8.0 have seal strength, While the sheet is excellent in flexibility, pullulan, glycerin, reversible gelling agent (agar) and water are in a mass ratio of 55.2: 27.6: 9.2: 8.0, respectively. Or in the sheet | seat (test sample 7 or 8) of the compounding ratio of 53.7: 27.6: 10.7: 8.0, both the sealing strength and the softness | flexibility of the sheet | seat fell. Further, in terms of the strength of the seal strength, when the mass ratio of the gum agent to the reversible gelling agent is 100: 0 (test sample 1) to 88.0: 12.0 (test sample 6), the seal is It is possible that 100: 0 (test sample 1) to 92.9: 7.1 (test sample 4) is desirable, and 100: 0 (test sample 1) to 95.2: 4.8 (test sample 3). ) Was particularly desirable. Further, when the reversible gelling agent is not added (test sample 1) to 7.7% (test sample 6) with respect to the total mass (including water) of the sheet, the sealing strength and the sheet flexibility are increased. It was confirmed that a sheet having excellent properties can be prepared, and in the case of no addition (test sample 1) to 4.6% addition (test sample 5), sealing is possible even without heating. Further, regarding the mechanical suitability of the coating base due to the difference in coating strength, a uniform sheet could not be formed on the sheet forming drum when the strength of the coating base was 147 g / cm ² or less (test sample 1). On the other hand, when the strength of the coating base is 173 g / cm ² (test sample 2) to 790 g / cm ² (test sample 5), the coating base can be supplied to the sheet forming drum by natural dropping, and 173 g / cm ² (test Samples 2) to 732 g / cm ² (test sample 3) could be supplied more efficiently. When the strength of the coating base was 942 g / cm ² (test sample 4) to 1465 g / cm ² (test sample 6), the coating base could be supplied to the sheet forming drum only by the extrusion method. This result, film base of the film strength is 173 to 1465g / cm ² is capable of producing soft capsules by the rotary die method, 173 to the desired ones of 790 g / cm ^2, 173 to 732 g / cm ² It tells us that things are particularly desirable. Although specific data is not shown, the film base (test sample 1) prepared only with pullulan, glycerin and water is compared with the film base (test samples 2 to 8) containing a reversible gelling agent. In addition, the transparency was high and there was little coloring.

<Experiment 6: Effect of strength of film base on mechanical suitability of film base not using reversible gel>
In Experiment 5, regardless of the use of the reversible gelling agent, the amount of water is adjusted so that the strength of the coating base is 173 to 1465 g / cm ^2. Therefore, a test was conducted to examine in more detail the relationship between the strength and mechanical suitability of a film base that does not use a reversible gel. That is, using pullulan as a gum agent, glycerin as a plasticizer, and water, a capsule film base having a blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 6 was prepared. Table 6 shows the results obtained by measuring the moisture content and film thickness after drying of the prepared sheet by the same method as 2 and evaluating the sealing strength (heating and non-heating), sheet strength and sheet flexibility. The mechanical suitability was evaluated by the same evaluation method as in Experiment 5. The results are also shown in Table 6.

As is apparent from Table 6, pullulan, glycerin and water were each in a mass ratio of 48.0: 12.0: 15 to 32.0: 28.0: 15 film base (test samples 3 to 6). ) Was found to be excellent in mechanical suitability. In addition, the strength of the film base at that time was 198 g / cm ² (test sample 6) to 986 g / cm ² (test sample 3). When the coating strength was 198 g / cm ² (test sample 6) to 506 g / cm ² (test sample 4), the coating base could be supplied to the sheet forming drum by natural dropping.

  These test results show that even when the reversible gelling agent is not blended, the coating base having the same coating strength as when the reversible gelling agent is blended by adjusting the blending ratio of the gel agent and the plasticizer. It shows that a film base excellent in mechanical suitability can be prepared by preparing.

<Experiment 7: Soft capsule>
After preparing the film base by the same method as in Experiment 1 except that the blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 7 was used, each was prepared using seasoning oil as the contents of the soft capsule, and the rotary die method as usual. Prepared oval-type seasoning oil-filled soft capsules having a major axis of about 13 mm, a minor axis of about 8 mm, and an internal volume of 250 mg (test samples 1 to 5). Table 7 shows the results of the disintegration test, the water solubility test, and the capsule strength measurement for each of the obtained soft capsules. The disintegration test was performed in accordance with the 13th revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and the time required for disintegration was measured. In the water solubility test, one capsule was put into a beaker containing 500 ml of purified water maintained at 37 ° C., stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and completely dissolved within 15 minutes. . Capsule strength was measured using a Kiyama-type hardness meter (manufactured by Fujiwara Seisakusho Co., Ltd., maximum pressurization weight 30 kg / cm ² ), and the pressurization weight when the capsules were crushed. The results are also shown in Table 7.

  As is clear from Table 7, all of the five soft capsules disintegrated within 10 minutes in the disintegration test and completely dissolved within 15 minutes in the water solubility test. Both disintegration and water solubility were good. From the viewpoint of capsule strength, it was evaluated that pullulan and glycerin had a mass ratio of 24: 6 (test sample 1) to 21: 9 (test sample 3). The characteristics of these soft capsules are comparable to those of gelatin soft capsules that are widely used.

<Experiment 8: Soft capsule>
After preparing the film base by the same method as in Experiment 1 except that the blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 8 was used, each was prepared using seasoning oil as the contents of the soft capsule, and the rotary die method as usual. Were used to prepare oval-type seasoning oil-filled soft capsules having a major axis of about 13 mm, a minor axis of about 8 mm, and an internal volume of 250 mg (test samples 1 to 6). Table 8 shows the results of measuring the disintegration test, the water solubility test, and the capsule strength of each soft capsule obtained in the same manner as in Experiment 7. The disintegration test was performed in accordance with the 13th revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and the time required for disintegration was measured. In the water solubility test, one capsule was put into a beaker containing 500 ml of purified water maintained at 37 ° C., stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and completely dissolved within 15 minutes. . Capsule strength was measured using a Kiyama hardness tester (manufactured by Fujiwara Seisakusho Co., Ltd., maximum pressurization weight 30 kg / cm ² ), and the pressurization weight when the capsules were crushed. The results are also shown in Table 8.

  As is apparent from Table 8, all six soft capsules disintegrated within 10 minutes in the disintegration test and completely dissolved within 15 minutes in the water solubility test. Both disintegration and water solubility were good. The capsule strength was slightly higher when the amount of glycerin in the total mass of the plasticizer was small. The characteristics of these soft capsules are comparable to those of gelatin soft capsules that are widely used.

<Experiment 9: Soft capsule>
After preparing five types of film bases having a thickness of about 0.5 to 0.7 mm in the same manner as in Experiment 4 except that the blending ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 9 was used, the contents of the soft capsules were prepared. As a conventional method, oval-type seasoning oil-encapsulating soft capsules having a major axis of about 13 mm, a minor axis of about 8 mm, and an internal volume of 250 mg were prepared by a rotary die method (test samples 1 to 5). Table 9 shows the results of the disintegration test, the water solubility test, and the capsule strength measurement of each soft capsule obtained in the same manner as in Experiment 7. The disintegration test was performed in accordance with the 13th revised Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and the time required for disintegration was measured. In the water solubility test, one capsule was put into a beaker containing 500 ml of purified water maintained at 37 ° C., stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and completely dissolved within 15 minutes. . The capsule strength was measured by using a Kiyama-type hardness meter (manufactured by Fujiwara Seisakusho Co., Ltd., maximum pressurization weight 30 kg / cm ² ) and measuring the pressurization weight when the capsule was crushed. The results are also shown in Table 9.

  As is apparent from Table 9, all of the five soft capsules disintegrated within 10 minutes in the disintegration test, and completely dissolved within 15 minutes in the water solubility test. Both disintegration and water solubility were good. Capsule strength showed the same value because the amount of plasticizer was almost the same. The characteristics of these soft capsules are comparable to those of gelatin soft capsules that are widely used.

  These test results show that an excellent soft capsule that is inferior to gelatin soft capsule can be prepared by using a film base containing pullulan, a reversible gelling agent, a plasticizer and water.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these examples.

<Soft capsule film>
Pullulan (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullulan” (food additive)) 5 parts by weight, glycerin 3 parts by weight and deionized water 2 parts by weight were mixed and heated to dissolve, and then this was put on polyethylene on a glass plate. An appropriate amount was extruded while being pressed onto a terephthalate-bonded product, rolled, and dried at 50 ° C. for 6 hours to produce a soft capsule film having a moisture content of about 8% and a thickness of 1.0 mm.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
Pullulan (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullulan” (food additive)) 4.7 parts by mass, ι carrageenan (Chuo Foods Co., Ltd., trade name “NEWGELIN GJ-300”) 0.3 parts by mass, After mixing 3 parts by mass of glycerin and 4 parts by mass of deionized water and heating and dissolving, this was extruded while pressing onto a glass flat plate with polyethylene terephthalate in close contact, rolled, and heated at 50 ° C. for 6 hours. The soft capsule film having a water content of about 8% and a thickness of 0.9 mm was produced.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
5 parts by weight of pullulan (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullan” (food additive)), 0.01 parts by weight of sucrose stearate (sold by Mitsubishi Chemical Foods, Inc., trade name “Sugar Ester S1670”), Dissolve 3 parts by weight of glycerin in 2 parts by weight of deionized water, drop a suitable amount onto a glass plate with polyethylene terephthalate in close contact, roll, dry at 50 ° C. for 7 hours, and have a water content of about 8 %, A soft capsule film having a thickness of 1.1 mm was produced.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
Pullulan (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullulan” (food additive)) 27 parts by weight, glycerin 8 parts by weight, sorbitol 2 parts by weight are dissolved in deionized water 10 parts by weight, and this is placed on a glass plate. An appropriate amount was extruded while being pressed onto a polyethylene terephthalate adhesive, rolled and dried at 50 ° C. for 7 hours to produce a soft capsule film having a water content of about 8% and a thickness of 0.5 mm.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
30 parts by mass of pullulan (trade name “Pullulan” (for cosmetics) sold by Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories Co., Ltd.), 0.01 part by mass of sucrose stearate (Mitsubishi Chemical Foods, Inc., trade name “Sugar Ester S1670”) , 15 parts by weight of glycerin, 1 part by weight of trehalose (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Treha”) was dissolved in 12 parts by weight of deionized water, and this was dissolved in an applicator (Yoshimitsu Seiki Co., Ltd. Type)), a suitable amount of polyethylene terephthalate on a flat glass plate is dropped, rolled, dried at 50 ° C. for 7 hours, and a soft capsule having a moisture content of about 10% and a thickness of 0.7 mm. A film was produced.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
Pullulan (Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullulan” (Pharmacopoeia)) 5 parts by weight, glycerin 3 parts by weight and deionized water 2 parts by weight were mixed and dissolved by heating. A suitable amount of polyethylene terephthalate is extruded onto a piece of polyethylene terephthalate while being pressed, rolled, gelled, and dried at 50 ° C. for 6 hours to produce a soft capsule film having a moisture content of about 8% and a thickness of 0.8 mm. did.

Since this product has excellent heat sealability and transparency, and the film strength is about 460 g / cm ² , soft capsules manufactured using this method by the rotary die method are excellent in content containment and collapse together. Excellent in water and solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
Pullulan (Hayashibara Shoji Co., Ltd., trade name “Pullulan” (food additive)) 5 parts by weight, glycerin 3 parts by weight and deionized water 1.0 part by weight are mixed and heated under pressure using a kneader. After preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount is extruded while pressing on a glass flat plate with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, and rolled to form a soft capsule film having a water content of about 10% and a thickness of 1.0 mm. Manufactured.

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount was extruded while pressing on a glass slab with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, A soft capsule film having a water content of about 6% and a thickness of 0.8 mm was produced.
Pullulan 20 parts by mass Glycerin 18 parts by mass ι Carrageenan 1 part by mass Ion-exchanged water 20 parts by mass

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount was extruded while pressing on a glass slab with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, A soft capsule film having a water content of about 4% and a thickness of 0.9 mm was produced by spreading.
Pullulan 15 parts by mass Glycerin 10 parts by mass Agar 2 parts by mass Ion-exchanged water 15 parts by mass

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
After preparing the sol-like composition by adding the agar to the ion-effect water and heating and dissolving it using a kneader while adding the ingredients shown below, and adding glycerin and pullulan until they are homogeneous. Then, an appropriate amount of this was extruded onto a glass flat plate with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, and rolled to produce a soft capsule film having a water content of about 9% and a thickness of 0.7 mm.
Pullulan 53 parts by mass Glycerin 10 parts by mass Agar 2 parts by mass Ion-exchanged water 35 parts by mass

Since this product is excellent in heat sealability and transparency and has a film strength of about 245 g / cm ² , it has excellent mechanical suitability, and soft capsules are produced by the extrusion method and the rotary die method using the natural drop method. be able to. Moreover, this product is excellent in the encapsulating property of the contents, and is also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount was extruded while pressing on a glass slab with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, Rolled to produce a soft capsule film having a moisture content of about 8% and a thickness of 1.1 mm.
Pullulan 30 parts by mass Glycerin 15 parts by mass LM pectin 3 parts by mass Ion-exchanged water 22 parts by mass

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount was extruded while pressing on a glass slab with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, Rolled to produce a soft capsule film having a water content of about 6% and a thickness of 0.8 mm.
Pullulan 40 parts by weight Soy protein 5 parts by weight Glycerin 22 parts by weight Agar 5 parts by weight Deionized water 40 parts by weight

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, an appropriate amount was extruded while pressing on a glass slab with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, Rolled to produce a soft capsule film having a water content of about 10% and a thickness of 1.0 mm.
Pullulan 24 parts by weight Glycerin 10 parts by weight Locust bean gum 1 part by weight Xanthan gum 0.001 part by weight Ion-exchanged water 10 parts by weight

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, this was extruded onto a glass plate with polyethylene terephthalate in close contact, rolled, A soft capsule film having a water content of about 7% and a thickness of 0.8 mm was produced.
Pullulan 30 parts by mass Polyvinyl alcohol 10 parts by mass Glycerin 20 parts by mass ι Carrageenan 3 parts by mass Ion-exchanged water 30 parts by mass

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
The components of the following blending composition were heated and pressurized using a kneader, and after preparing a sol-like composition, this was extruded onto a glass plate with polyethylene terephthalate in close contact, rolled, A soft capsule film having a water content of about 10% and a thickness of 1.0 mm was produced.
Pullulan 30 parts by weight Glycerin 16 parts by weight Quince seed gum 2 parts by weight Xanthan gum 0.001 part by weight Ion-exchanged water 52 parts by weight

  This product is excellent in heat-sealability and transparency, and soft capsules produced by the rotary die method are excellent in the encapsulating properties of the contents, and are also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Soft capsule film>
Based on the following composition, add gellan gum to ionic effect water and heat to dissolve with a kneader while heating. Add glycerin, pullulan, calcium lactate, trisodium citrate and stir until homogeneous to form a sol After preparing this composition, an appropriate amount of the composition was extruded onto a glass flat plate with polyethylene terephthalate adhered, and rolled to produce a soft capsule film having a water content of about 10% and a thickness of 1.0 mm.
Pullulan 28 parts by weight Glycerin 28 parts by weight Gellan Gum (Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.,
Product name “Kelcogel” (food additive)) 2.7 parts by mass Calcium lactate 0.3 parts by mass Trisodium citrate 0.3 parts by mass Ion-exchanged water 40 parts by mass

This product is excellent in heat sealability and transparency, and has a coating strength of about 432 g / cm ^2, so it has excellent mechanical suitability, and soft capsules are manufactured by the extrusion method and rotary die method using the natural drop method. be able to. Moreover, this product is excellent in the encapsulating property of the contents, and is also excellent in disintegration and water solubility. Further, since pullulan is used as a main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability and is suitable for enclosing contents that are susceptible to oxidation.

<Seasoning oil filled soft capsule>
Using a soft capsule coating prepared by the method of Example 2 or 10 with liquid seasoning oil as the contents, oblong type seasoning oil seal with a major axis of 18 mm, a minor axis of 7 mm, and an inner volume of 400 mg by a rotary die method as usual. A soft capsule was prepared.

  Each of these products is a seasoning oil-encapsulating soft capsule with excellent encapsulating contents and excellent disintegration and water-solubility, and it has low oxygen permeability because it is mainly made of pullulan. In addition, since the deterioration due to oxidation of the seasoning oil is prevented, it is a seasoning-encapsulated soft capsule excellent in storage stability. All of these products are suitable for seasoning oils such as instant noodles because they are easy to handle and dissolve easily when hot water is poured.

<Mouth freshener>
Each component was mixed according to the following prescription, and the contents of the liquid mouth refresher were prepared.
L-menthol 1 part by mass Medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride 2 parts by weight Lemon-lime flavor 7 parts by mass Then, using this content and the soft capsule film prepared by the method of Example 1, the diameter is measured by a rotary die method by a conventional method. A round-type soft refreshing capsule in the mouth having an inner volume of 35 mg was prepared.

  This product is a soft capsule for refreshing in the mouth that is excellent in encapsulating contents and also has excellent disintegration and water solubility, and can be used as it is in the mouth. In addition, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has low oxygen permeability and prevents deterioration due to oxidation of the content liquid, so it is suitable as a mouth freshener with excellent storage stability. .

<Bath agent>
Each component was mixed according to the following prescription, and the content of the liquid bath agent was prepared.
Liquid paraffin 50 parts by mass Isopropyl myristate 20 parts by mass POE sorbitandiolate 20 parts by mass L-menthol 5 parts by mass Squalane 5 parts by mass Lavender fragrance Appropriate amount Water-soluble dye Trace amount Purified water Trace amount Next, with the contents and the method of Example 11 Using the prepared soft capsule film, a round-type bath encapsulating soft capsule having a diameter of about 25 mm and an internal volume of 7,000 mg was prepared by a rotary die method using a conventional method.

  This product is a bath capsule-containing soft capsule excellent in disintegration and water-solubility, and can be used as it is without being opened. Further, since pullulan is used as a main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability characteristic, and deterioration due to oxidation of the content liquid is prevented, so that it is suitable as a bath agent having excellent storage stability.

<Soft capsule with hair oil>
Each component was mixed according to the following prescription, and the liquid content was prepared.
Liquid paraffin 33 parts by weight Castor oil 33 parts by weight Isopropyl myristate 34 parts by weight Perfume Appropriate Perfume solubilizer Appropriate Dye Appropriate Next, the contents and the soft capsule film prepared by the method of Example 5 or Example 16 were used. According to a conventional method, a self-cut hair oil-encapsulating soft capsule having a vertical width of about 11 mm, a horizontal width of about 30 mm, a height of about 11 mm, and an internal volume of about 3 ml was prepared by a rotary die method.

  All of these products are single-use hair oil-filled soft capsules that can be easily opened by hand, and the hair oil inside can be squeezed out for use. In addition, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has low oxygen permeability and prevents deterioration due to oxidation of the contents, so it is suitable as a hair oil-filled soft capsule excellent in storage stability. .

<Vitamin filled soft capsule>
Each component was mixed according to the following prescription, and the content of the liquid vitamin preparation was prepared.
Wheat germ oil 99 parts by weight Vitamin AD oil 2 parts by weight Vitamin E oil 24 parts by weight Then, using this content and the soft capsule film prepared by the method of Example 14 or Example 16, a rotary die is used as usual. By the method, an oval vitamin-encapsulated soft capsule having a major axis of 13 mm, a minor axis of 8 mm, and an internal volume of 250 mg was prepared.

  All of these products are vitamin-encapsulated soft capsules that are excellent in disintegration and water solubility, and can be ingested as they are. Moreover, since pullulan is used as the main raw material, it has a low oxygen permeability characteristic, and deterioration due to oxidation of the contents is prevented. Therefore, it is suitable as a vitamin preparation having excellent storage stability.

As described above, the soft capsule film of the present invention is mainly composed of a gum agent, a reversible gelling agent, a plasticizer and water, and thus has high safety, and is excellent in gel strength, heat sealability and transparency. Yes. In addition, the soft capsules produced using this were excellent in the encapsulation, disintegration and water solubility of the contents, and had characteristics comparable to soft capsules using gelatin. The soft capsule film of the present invention and the soft capsule formed thereby can be advantageously used in a wide range of fields in which soft capsules are used, such as foods, cosmetics, quasi drugs, pharmaceuticals, and miscellaneous goods. The present invention is an invention that exhibits such remarkable effects, and is a truly significant invention that contributes greatly to the world.

Claims (3)

And pullulan as a gum agent, the mass ratio of the agar as a reversible gelling agent 97.7: 2.3 to 92.9: 7.1, the sum of the plasticizer flop Ruran agar A soft capsule film containing 10 to 120% by mass and further containing water.   The soft capsule film according to claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is one or more polyols selected from glycerin, sorbitol, and α, α-trehalose. The soft capsule comprised by the soft capsule membrane | film | coat of Claim 1 or 2.