Sangelose-based gels and films: effects of glycerol and α-cyclodextrin and their pharmaceutical application.

Objective: To evaluate the possible application of Sangelose as an alternative to gelatine and carrageenan for the development of film substrates, and to examine the effect of glycerol and α-cyclodextrin (α-CyD) on the viscoelastic properties of Sangelose-based gels and the physical properties of the films. Significance Sangelose-based gels/films can serve as a potential viable alternative to gelatine and carrageenan in pharmaceutical applications. Methods: Glycerol (a plasticizer) and α-CyD (a functional additive) were added to Sangelose, and gels and films were prepared. The gels were evaluated by dynamic viscoelasticity measurements, and the films were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile tests, and contact angle measurements. Soft capsules were prepared using the formulated gels. Results: The strength of the gels was affected when only glycerol was added to Sangelose and α-CyD addition resulted in rigid gels. However, addition of α-CyD with 10% glycerol weakened the gels. Tensile tests suggested that glycerol addition affected the formability and malleability of the films, while α-CyD addition affected their formability and elongation properties. The addition of 10% glycerol and α-CyD did not affect the flexibility of the films, suggesting that the malleability and strength were impacted. Soft capsules could not be prepared by adding only glycerol or α-CyD to Sangelose. Soft capsules with favourable disintegration behaviour were obtained upon adding α-CyD to gels along with10% glycerol. Conclusions: Sangelose combined with a suitable amount of glycerol and α-CyD has preferable characteristics for film formation and may have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and health food sectors.