Measurement of Soft Elastic Gelatin Capsule Firmness with a Universal Testing Machine

Abstract

An indication of the firmness of Soft Elastic Gelatin (SEG) capsules was obtained by measurement in a universal testing machine (Instron, Model 1122). Capsules were packed in both glass and polystyrene containers and then exposed them in closed containers to 25°C and 75% RH, 35°C and 75% RH, and 45°C and 75% RH for a period of 21 weeks. At the end of 2, 12, and 21 week periods, samples were withdrawn from environmental chambers and evaluated them for firmness by subjective as well as objective techniques. The deformation of capsules measured by the universal testing machine appears to be a reliable and sensitive method for measuring firmness of SEG Capsules.