🌱💊 Beyond Gelatin: The Science Behind Vegetarian Capsules!

The question

How are vegetarian capsules made, and why are they considered a suitable alternative to traditional gelatin capsules?

What I built

We created an educational infographic explaining vegetarian capsules, focusing on HPMC as a plant-based alternative to animal gelatin. It illustrates the two main preparation methods, their advantages, and examples of commercial products available in the pharmaceutical market.

What it revealed

• Finding 1: HPMC is a plant-derived polymer used as an alternative to animal gelatin in capsule shells.
• Finding 2: Vegetarian capsules can be prepared using conventional and thermogelation methods.
• Finding 3: Their low moisture content (4–8%) makes them useful for moisture-sensitive drugs.
• Finding 4: Vegetarian capsules provide a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans and support more sustainable pharmaceutical choices.