Methods of producing films and capsules made from modified carboxymethylcellulose materials

Abstract

Films and/or capsules for the delivery of and/or coating of active ingredients are provided. Such edible films and/or capsules comprise particular modified carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) materials either alone or in combination with other types of hydrocolloids or biogums. The utilization of such modified CMC products aids in the production of such films and/or capsules through the availability of larger amounts of base materials with lower amounts of water requiring evaporation therefrom. In such a manner, not only may dimensionally stable, flexible, non-tacky, salt tolerant, and quick dissolving edible films and/or capsules be produced, but the amount of time required for such manufacture is minimal when compared with traditional methods of production with cellulosic-based materials. Furthermore, such novel edible films and/or capsules exhibit excellent clarity, retention of actives, and other physical properties (such as tensile strength, elongation, and ability to be cut into various shapes and sizes, etc.) that make such ultimate products attractive for use in a variety of functions. Furthermore, such films and/or capsules also exhibit properties in dissolution that permit controlled release of actives at any particularly desired rate. The novel method of manufacture as well as the ultimate edible films and/or capsules exhibiting such physical characteristics are also encompassed within this invention.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.