Preparation of food grade capsules for targeted drug delivery

Nowadays capsules are commonly made of synthetic polymers or animal derived gelatin, which are of great safety and health concerns. We used zein and pectin to prepare a novel capsule by taking advantages of their unique physicochemical properties.

Zein is a major corn protein, while pectin is a gelforming polysaccharide obtained from most citrus fruits. In this specially designed capsule, zein acts as a water barrier to protect pectin from swelling while pectin protects zein from intestinal digestion. More importantly, by varying the ratio of these two materials and modifying the capsule design, targeted drug delivery either to the stomach, the small intestine or the colon can be achieved.

Special Features and Advantages:

• The capsule materials used are food-grade, plant-based and under-utilised byproducts. Thus, they are safe, fit for vegetarians and inexpensive

• Suitable for both drug and health food industries

• Gold Medal -- 42nd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2014)