Softgel

Softgel is a type of dosage form used for delivering medicines and nutritional supplements. It consists of a gelatin-based shell surrounding a liquid fill. Softgel technologies are an increasingly popular dosage form in both the prescription and consumer health markets due to the benefits they offer to patients, including easy swallowing and improved bioavailability.

History

The softgel technology was first developed in the early 20th century by the pharmaceutical company R.P. Scherer Corporation. The company's founder, Robert Pauli Scherer, invented a machine that could produce soft gelatin capsules, which was a significant advancement in the pharmaceutical industry.

Composition

The shell of a softgel is made from gelatin, a substance derived from animal collagen. Other ingredients can be added to the shell to modify its characteristics, such as glycerin to make the gelatin more plastic, and sorbitol to prevent the gelatin from becoming too brittle. The fill of a softgel can be a liquid, a suspension, or a semisolid, depending on the drug or supplement being encapsulated.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing process for softgels involves the encapsulation of the fill material inside the gelatin shell. This is typically done using a process known as rotary die encapsulation, in which the fill material is pumped into a rotating die that forms the gelatin into capsules.

Advantages

Softgels offer several advantages over other dosage forms. They are easy to swallow, making them a preferred choice for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. The liquid fill can also improve the bioavailability of the drug or supplement, meaning more of the active ingredient is absorbed into the body.

Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, softgels also have some disadvantages. They are more sensitive to heat and humidity than other dosage forms, which can cause them to stick together or leak. They also require more complex manufacturing processes and equipment, which can increase their cost.

Applications

Softgels are used in a wide range of applications, from over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements to prescription medications. They are particularly useful for delivering oil-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, and for drugs that are poorly soluble in water.