Film forming compositions comprising modified starches and iota-carrageenan and methods for manufacturing soft capsules using same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a modified starch and a carrageenan, especially iota-carrageenan, where the compositions are suitable for use in manufacturing soft capsules.

1. An edible, soft capsule which comprises a soft, dry shell which comprises:
 (v)(a) about 12-24 weight % iota-carrageenan;  
 (vi)(b) about 30-60 weight % modified starch;  
 (vii)(c) about 10-60 weight % plasticizer; and  
 (viii)(d) about 1-4 weight % sodium phosphate dibasic buffer system; and, L  
 wherein said shell encloses a soft capsule fill material.  
 
     
     
       2. A soft capsule according to  claim 1  wherein the plasticizer is comprised of glycerin or sorbitol or a mixture thereof and the modified starch is selected from the group consisting of modified corn starch, acid modified hydroxypropylated corn starch and hydroxypropylated acid modified tapioca starch. 
     
     
       3. An edible, soft capsule which comprises a soft, dry shell which comprises:
 (a) iota-carrageenan;    (b) modified starch; and    (c) plasticizer,    
       wherein the weight ratio of iota-carrageenan to modified starch is at least  1 . 5 : 1  and wherein said shell encloses a soft capsule fill material. 
     
     
       4. An edible, soft capsule which comprises:
 (a) a soft dry shell comprising: 
 (i) iota-carrageenan;  
 (ii) modified starch; and  
 (iii) plasticizer,  
    wherein the weight ratio of iota-carrageenan to modified starch is at least  1 . 5 : 1 , and    (b) soft capsule fill material.   
     
     
       5. A soft shell capsule according to  claim 4  wherein the soft, dry shell also comprises buffer. 
     
     
       6. An edible, soft capsule, which comprises a soft, dry shell which comprises:
 (a) about  12 - 24  weight %  iota-carrageenan;      (b) about  30 - 60  weight %  modified starch;      (c) about  10 - 60  weight %  plasticizer; and      (d) about  1 - 4  weight %  buffer,      
       wherein said shell encloses a soft capsule fill material.