Softgel capsules and a method for preparing the softgel capsules
Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a softgel capsule including treating a softgel capsule with a solution including calcium salt, wherein the softgel capsule includes a fill material and a shell composition including pectin.
1. A method for treating a softgel capsule comprising
applying a treatment solution to a softgel capsule, wherein the treatment solution comprises a calcium salt and a sugar, wherein the softgel capsule comprises a fill material and a shell composition.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calcium salt comprises calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate or a combination thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution further comprises hydrochloric acid.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution further comprises water.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sugar comprises dextrose.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calcium salt is included in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the solution.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the pH of the solution is less than 3.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the dextrose is included in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the solution.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shell composition comprises a plasticizer, pectin, gellan gum, dextrose, gelatin, or a combination thereof.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the plasticizer comprises glycerin, sorbitol, sorbitol sorbitan solution, triacetin, polysorbate, or combinations thereof.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the plasticizer comprises glycerin, sorbitol sorbitan solution, or a combination thereof.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the plasticizer is sorbitol sorbitan solution.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising drying the capsules after treating the capsules.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the drying is performed by tumble drying the capsules.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the drying occurs for about 5 minutes to about 6 hours.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the drying is performed in a drying chamber or a drying tunnel.
17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adding the softgel capsule to washing treatment equipment, and applying the treatment solution for a time period of about 5 seconds to about 10 minutes.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the washing treatment equipment is fully automatic.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the washing treatment equipment is jacketed, and the washing equipment is cooled or chilled using an external chiller.