Gelatin

For many pharmaceutical applications, Gelatin is indispensable for decades. Gelatins are suitable for a variety of uses in the pharmaceutical industry, including hard- and soft-shell capsules, Binder in tables and acts as a matrix in vitamin coating. Low endotoxin gelatins are the basis for plasma expanders, vaccines and hemostatic sponges.

Types and Bloom of Gelatin :
Gelatin can be classified into two types and this is determined by gelatin pretreatment during the gelatin manufacturing process.
Type A gelatin with an isoionic point of 6–9 is obtained from acid-treated collagen, whereas type B gelatin (isoionic point of 5) is derived from an alkali-treated precursor. Gelatin derived from pig skin is normally referred to as type A gelatin and gelatin derived from beef skin is referred to as type B gelatin.

Gel strength and viscosity are the most important physical properties of gelatin. Gel strength, also known as ‘bloom’ value, is a measure of the strength and stiffness of the gelatin, reflecting the average molecular weight of its constituents, and is usually between 30 and 300 bloom (< 150 is considered to be a low bloom, 150–220 a medium bloom, and 220–300 a high bloom). Higher bloom value indicates greater gelatin strength. Based on the type of product required and its function, a different bloom value for gelatin is applied.