Enhancing Iota Carrageenan Soft Capsules with Modified Starch
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Keywords:
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Formulation, Iota Carrageenan, Modified Starch, Soft Capsule Shell
Abstract
Due to the increasing demand for gelatin alternatives, iota carrageenan, a polymer derived from seaweed, is being explored as a potential base material for soft capsule production. However, the rheological properties of iota carrageenan alone are insufficient for commercial manufacturing, necessitating the addition of fillers such as modified starches. This study evaluates the performance of iota carrageenan-based soft capsule shells using modified cassava, potato, and sago starches as fillers. Various mechanical and rheological properties were assessed, including elongation, stickiness, tensile strength, and viscosity. The results demonstrated that modified cassava starch provided the best overall balance of mechanical properties, exhibiting superior moldability (47.56 mm elongation), flexibility, and moderate stickiness (567.45 gf). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that cassava starch capsules had a more uniform outer surface with smoother internal morphology than other starches. These findings suggest that modified cassava starch is a promising candidate for large-scale production of high-quality soft capsules.
References
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Djafar, M. J., D. D. Perwatasari, T. Hidayat, and R. P. G. Putri (2024). Preliminary Study on the Effect of Plasticizer Concentration on Cooking Conditions and Characteristics of Soft Capsule Carrageenan Film Sheets. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2957(1); 030012.
Domene-López, D., J. C. García-Quesada, I. Martin-Gullon, and M. G. Montalbán (2019). Influence of Starch Composition and Molecular Weight on Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Films. Polymers, 11(7); 1084.
Fauzi, M. A. R. D., P. Pudjiastuti, E. Hendradi, R. T. Widodo, and M. C. I. M. Amin (2020). Characterization, Disintegration, and Dissolution Analyses of Carrageenan-Based Hard-Shell Capsules Cross-Linked with Maltodextrin as a Potential Alternative Drug Delivery System. International Journal of Polymer Science, 2020; 1–7.
Fauzi, M. A. R. D., P. Pudjiastuti, A. C. Wibowo, and E. Hendradi (2021). Preparation, Properties and Potential of Carrageenan-Based Hard Capsules for Replacing Gelatine: A Review. Polymers, 13(16); 2666.
Gagneten, M., S. G. Cáceres, I. A. R. Osuna, N. M. Olaiz, C. Schebor, and G. E. Leiva (2023). Modification of Cassava Starch by Acetylation and Pulsed Electric Field Technology: Analysis of Physical and Functional Properties. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 85; 103344.
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Gullapalli, R. P. (2010). Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels). Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 99(10); 4107–4148.
Haq, F., H. Yu, L. Wang, L. Teng, M. Haroon, R. U. Khan, and A. Nazir (2019). Advances in Chemical Modifications of Starches and Their Applications. Carbohydrate Research, 476; 12–35.
Harimurti, S., A. N. Mulyanti, A. Kusnindyasita, H. Widada, R. Febriansah, T. Suwanda, and M. Muhtadi (2023). Sago Starch and Sodium Alginate as Natural Cross-Linking for Capsule Alternatives. Jurnal Farmasi Sains Dan Praktis, 9(3); 212–222.
Hilliou, L. (2021). Structure–Elastic Properties Relationships in Gelling Carrageenans. Polymers, 13(23); 4120.
Hoag, S. (2017). Capsules Dosage Form. In Elsevier eBooks. pages 723–747.
Hülagü, D., C. Tobias, R. Dao, P. Komarov, K. Rurack, and V. Hodoroaba (2024). Towards 3D Determination of the Surface Roughness of Core–Shell Microparticles as a Routine Quality Control Procedure by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Scientific Reports, 14(1); 17936.
Jia, R., C. Cui, L. Gao, Y. Qin, N. Ji, L. Dai, and Q. Sun (2023). A Review of Starch Swelling Behavior: Its Mechanism, Determination Methods, Influencing Factors, and Influence on Food Quality. Carbohydrate Polymers, 321; 121260.
Lodha, A., A. Patel, J. Chaudhuri, P. Jadia, T. Joshi, and J. Dalal (2012). Formulation and Evaluation of Transparent Ibuprofen Soft Gelatin Capsule. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 4(5); 95.
Manzoor, A., A. H. Dar, V. K. Pandey, R. Shams, S. Khan, P. S. Panesar, and S. A. Khan (2022). Recent Insights into Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels and Their Potential Applications in Food Sector: A Review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 213; 987–1006.
Marta, H., Y. Cahyana, M. Djali, and G. Pramafisi (2022). The Properties, Modification, and Application of Banana Starch. Polymers, 14(15); 3092.
Moreton, R. and N. Armstrong (1998). The Effect of Film Composition on the Diffusion of Ethanol Through Soft Gelatin Films. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 161(1); 123–131.
Naharros-Molinero, A., M. A. Caballo-González, F. J. De La Mata, and S. Gírcía-Gallego (2023). Shell Formulation in Soft Gelatin Capsules: Design and Characterization. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 13(1); 2302250.
Nazarudin, N., U. Ulyarti, I. A. Pratama, and S. D. Yuwono (2023). Improving the Characteristics of Edible Film Using Modified Cassava Starch Over Ethanol Precipitation. Science & Technology Indonesia, 8(1); 32–37.
Ningrum, R. S., F. I. Rodhibilah, D. Sondari, N. Sudarmanto, and D. A. Pramasari (2022). Effect of Precipitation Time on the Physicochemical Properties of Modified Sago Starch. Springer Proceedings in Physics, 275; 423–434.
Ock, S. Y., W. S. Lim, G. D. Park, M. H. Lee, and H. J. Park (2020). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Plant-Derived Soft-Shell Capsules Formulated with Hydroxpropyl Starches from Different Botanical Sources. Polymer Testing, 91; 106871.
Olatunji, O. (2020). Carrageenans. In Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials. pages 121–144.
Rahmawati, I., E. Liviawaty, R. I. Pratama, and N. Junianto (2023). Carrageenan in Seaweed (Eucheuma Sp.) and Use of Carrageenan in Fishery Food Products: A Review. Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, 23(6); 1–10.
Soraya, M., H. Laksono, H. Purwoto, C. K. Dyah, R. P. G. Putri, I. Royanti, and D. D. P. Sari (2024a). Optimizing Seaweed Capsule Shell Formula with Multiple Disintegrants to Accelerate Disintegration Time. IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 1358(1); 012001.
Soraya, M., R. P. G. Putri, H. Purwoto, I. Royanti, C. K. Dyah, D. D. P. Sari, and H. Laksono (2024b). Enhancing Carrageenan-Based Capsule Shell Formulation from Kappaphycus Striatum for Accelerated Disintegration Time with Multiple Disintegrant. 1377(1); 012003.
Sringam, J., P. Pankongadisak, T. Trongsatitkul, and N. Suppakarn (2022). Improving Mechanical Properties of Starch-Based Hydrogels Using Double Network Strategy. Polymers, 14(17); 3552.
Sun, Y., J. Gu, H. Tan, Y. Zhang, and P. Huo (2018). Physicochemical Properties of Starch Adhesives Enhanced by Esterification Modification with Dodecenyl Succinic Anhydride. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 112; 1257–1263.
Tindal, S. (2018). Soft Capsules. In Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. pages 361–370.
Tseng, H. (2023). The Importance of Extensional Viscosity on a Peculiar Ear-Flow Front for Injection Molding Simulations of Fiber-Reinforced Composites. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 37(5); 1774–1790.
Tsuji, Y., H. Okuyama, H. Yanagimoto, A. Hyono, M. Chiba, and H. Takahashi (2019). Shape of Capsules Containing Healing Agent for Self-Healing Coating, by Heat Treatment. Zairyo-to-Kankyo, 68(6); 152–156.
Wlodarczyk-Stasiak, M., A. Mazurek, J. Jamroz, S. Pikus, and R. Kowalski (2019). Physicochemical Properties and Structure of Hydrothermally Modified Starches. Food Hydrocolloids, 95; 88–97.
Yusriadi, Y., E. Sulastri, N. I. F. Rahman, N. Ambianti, and N. Aanisah (2022). Design and Development of Modified Starch from Indonesian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) for Enteric Film Coating Polymer Applications. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 84(1); 99–107.
Zhang, C., Y. Xie, and J. Zou (2019). Effect of the Viscoelastic Properties of Modified Starch as a Wall Material on the Surface Morphology of Microcapsules. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(10); 4725–4730.
Zia-Ud-Din, N., H. Xiong, and P. Fei (2017). Physical and Chemical Modification of Starches: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12); 2691–270.
Arias, L. V. A., V. De Souza Silva, J. M. M. Vieira, F. M. Fakhouri, and R. A. De Oliveira (2024). Plant-Based Films for Food Packaging as a Plastic Waste Management Alternative: Potato and Cassava Starch Case. Polymers, 16(17); 2390.
Bhatt, P., V. Kumar, R. Goel, S. K. Sharma, S. Kaushik, S. Sharma, and M. Tesema (2022). Structural Modifications and Strategies for Native Starch for Applications in Advanced Drug Delivery. BioMed Research International, 2022; 1–14.
Das, S., B. Bhattacharya, T. Jamatia, B. Sinha, B. Das, R. Mazumder, and P. K. Yadav (2023). Efficacy of Cassava Starch in the Design of Drug Delivery Platforms: From Roots to Polymers. Research Square, Preprint (Version 1); 1–41.
Dash, A. and S. Singh (2023). Pharmaceutics: Basic Principles and Application to Pharmacy Practice. Elsevier.
Debnath, A., M. Uddin, R. Jahan, A. Rana, and M. Karim (2022). Development of Methods for Quantification of Gelatin in Vegetable Capsule Shell and for Classification of Capsule Shell as from Vegetable or Animal Sources by Chemometric Analysis of FTIR Spectroscopic Data. Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 57(2); 91–98.
Djafar, M. J., D. D. Perwatasari, T. Hidayat, and R. P. G. Putri (2024). Preliminary Study on the Effect of Plasticizer Concentration on Cooking Conditions and Characteristics of Soft Capsule Carrageenan Film Sheets. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2957(1); 030012.
Domene-López, D., J. C. García-Quesada, I. Martin-Gullon, and M. G. Montalbán (2019). Influence of Starch Composition and Molecular Weight on Physicochemical Properties of Biodegradable Films. Polymers, 11(7); 1084.
Fauzi, M. A. R. D., P. Pudjiastuti, E. Hendradi, R. T. Widodo, and M. C. I. M. Amin (2020). Characterization, Disintegration, and Dissolution Analyses of Carrageenan-Based Hard-Shell Capsules Cross-Linked with Maltodextrin as a Potential Alternative Drug Delivery System. International Journal of Polymer Science, 2020; 1–7.
Fauzi, M. A. R. D., P. Pudjiastuti, A. C. Wibowo, and E. Hendradi (2021). Preparation, Properties and Potential of Carrageenan-Based Hard Capsules for Replacing Gelatine: A Review. Polymers, 13(16); 2666.
Gagneten, M., S. G. Cáceres, I. A. R. Osuna, N. M. Olaiz, C. Schebor, and G. E. Leiva (2023). Modification of Cassava Starch by Acetylation and Pulsed Electric Field Technology: Analysis of Physical and Functional Properties. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 85; 103344.
Garcia, M. A. V. T., C. F. Garcia, and A. A. G. Faraco (2020). Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications of Native and Modified Starch: A Review. Starch - Stärke, 72(7–8).
Guelpa, A., M. Bevilacqua, F. Marini, K. O’Kennedy, P. Geladi, and M. Manley (2015). Application of Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) Viscograms and Chemometrics for Maize Hardness Characterisation. Food Chemistry, 173; 1220–1227.
Gullapalli, R. P. (2010). Soft Gelatin Capsules (Softgels). Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 99(10); 4107–4148.
Haq, F., H. Yu, L. Wang, L. Teng, M. Haroon, R. U. Khan, and A. Nazir (2019). Advances in Chemical Modifications of Starches and Their Applications. Carbohydrate Research, 476; 12–35.
Harimurti, S., A. N. Mulyanti, A. Kusnindyasita, H. Widada, R. Febriansah, T. Suwanda, and M. Muhtadi (2023). Sago Starch and Sodium Alginate as Natural Cross-Linking for Capsule Alternatives. Jurnal Farmasi Sains Dan Praktis, 9(3); 212–222.
Hilliou, L. (2021). Structure–Elastic Properties Relationships in Gelling Carrageenans. Polymers, 13(23); 4120.
Hoag, S. (2017). Capsules Dosage Form. In Elsevier eBooks. pages 723–747.
Hülagü, D., C. Tobias, R. Dao, P. Komarov, K. Rurack, and V. Hodoroaba (2024). Towards 3D Determination of the Surface Roughness of Core–Shell Microparticles as a Routine Quality Control Procedure by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Scientific Reports, 14(1); 17936.
Jia, R., C. Cui, L. Gao, Y. Qin, N. Ji, L. Dai, and Q. Sun (2023). A Review of Starch Swelling Behavior: Its Mechanism, Determination Methods, Influencing Factors, and Influence on Food Quality. Carbohydrate Polymers, 321; 121260.
Lodha, A., A. Patel, J. Chaudhuri, P. Jadia, T. Joshi, and J. Dalal (2012). Formulation and Evaluation of Transparent Ibuprofen Soft Gelatin Capsule. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 4(5); 95.
Manzoor, A., A. H. Dar, V. K. Pandey, R. Shams, S. Khan, P. S. Panesar, and S. A. Khan (2022). Recent Insights into Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels and Their Potential Applications in Food Sector: A Review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 213; 987–1006.
Marta, H., Y. Cahyana, M. Djali, and G. Pramafisi (2022). The Properties, Modification, and Application of Banana Starch. Polymers, 14(15); 3092.
Moreton, R. and N. Armstrong (1998). The Effect of Film Composition on the Diffusion of Ethanol Through Soft Gelatin Films. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 161(1); 123–131.
Naharros-Molinero, A., M. A. Caballo-González, F. J. De La Mata, and S. Gírcía-Gallego (2023). Shell Formulation in Soft Gelatin Capsules: Design and Characterization. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 13(1); 2302250.
Nazarudin, N., U. Ulyarti, I. A. Pratama, and S. D. Yuwono (2023). Improving the Characteristics of Edible Film Using Modified Cassava Starch Over Ethanol Precipitation. Science & Technology Indonesia, 8(1); 32–37.
Ningrum, R. S., F. I. Rodhibilah, D. Sondari, N. Sudarmanto, and D. A. Pramasari (2022). Effect of Precipitation Time on the Physicochemical Properties of Modified Sago Starch. Springer Proceedings in Physics, 275; 423–434.
Ock, S. Y., W. S. Lim, G. D. Park, M. H. Lee, and H. J. Park (2020). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Plant-Derived Soft-Shell Capsules Formulated with Hydroxpropyl Starches from Different Botanical Sources. Polymer Testing, 91; 106871.
Olatunji, O. (2020). Carrageenans. In Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials. pages 121–144.
Rahmawati, I., E. Liviawaty, R. I. Pratama, and N. Junianto (2023). Carrageenan in Seaweed (Eucheuma Sp.) and Use of Carrageenan in Fishery Food Products: A Review. Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, 23(6); 1–10.
Soraya, M., H. Laksono, H. Purwoto, C. K. Dyah, R. P. G. Putri, I. Royanti, and D. D. P. Sari (2024a). Optimizing Seaweed Capsule Shell Formula with Multiple Disintegrants to Accelerate Disintegration Time. IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 1358(1); 012001.
Soraya, M., R. P. G. Putri, H. Purwoto, I. Royanti, C. K. Dyah, D. D. P. Sari, and H. Laksono (2024b). Enhancing Carrageenan-Based Capsule Shell Formulation from Kappaphycus Striatum for Accelerated Disintegration Time with Multiple Disintegrant. 1377(1); 012003.
Sringam, J., P. Pankongadisak, T. Trongsatitkul, and N. Suppakarn (2022). Improving Mechanical Properties of Starch-Based Hydrogels Using Double Network Strategy. Polymers, 14(17); 3552.
Sun, Y., J. Gu, H. Tan, Y. Zhang, and P. Huo (2018). Physicochemical Properties of Starch Adhesives Enhanced by Esterification Modification with Dodecenyl Succinic Anhydride. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 112; 1257–1263.
Tindal, S. (2018). Soft Capsules. In Handbook of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Formulations. pages 361–370.
Tseng, H. (2023). The Importance of Extensional Viscosity on a Peculiar Ear-Flow Front for Injection Molding Simulations of Fiber-Reinforced Composites. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 37(5); 1774–1790.
Tsuji, Y., H. Okuyama, H. Yanagimoto, A. Hyono, M. Chiba, and H. Takahashi (2019). Shape of Capsules Containing Healing Agent for Self-Healing Coating, by Heat Treatment. Zairyo-to-Kankyo, 68(6); 152–156.
Wlodarczyk-Stasiak, M., A. Mazurek, J. Jamroz, S. Pikus, and R. Kowalski (2019). Physicochemical Properties and Structure of Hydrothermally Modified Starches. Food Hydrocolloids, 95; 88–97.
Yusriadi, Y., E. Sulastri, N. I. F. Rahman, N. Ambianti, and N. Aanisah (2022). Design and Development of Modified Starch from Indonesian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) for Enteric Film Coating Polymer Applications. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 84(1); 99–107.
Zhang, C., Y. Xie, and J. Zou (2019). Effect of the Viscoelastic Properties of Modified Starch as a Wall Material on the Surface Morphology of Microcapsules. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(10); 4725–4730.
Zia-Ud-Din, N., H. Xiong, and P. Fei (2017). Physical and Chemical Modification of Starches: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(12); 2691–270.
Authors
Perwatasari, D. D. ., Putri, R. P. G. ., Puspantari, W. ., Royanti, I., Wibowo, D. S. ., Hidayat, T. ., Wahyuni, T., Purwoto, H. ., Manalu, L. P. ., & Laksono, H. (2025). Enhancing Iota Carrageenan Soft Capsules with Modified Starch. Science and Technology Indonesia, 10(1), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.26554/sti.2025.10.1.183-190
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