Bloom Strength of Soft Gelatin Capsule Testing
Измерение bloom strength of soft gelatin capsule is essential in pharmaceutical quality control. It directly reflects the mechanical integrity and consistency of gelatin material, ensuring capsules meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations. This article explores the fundamentals of bloom strength, how to test it, and why choosing reliable equipment like the CHT-01 Тестер твердости желатиновых капсул from Cell Instruments is crucial for dependable results.
Understanding Bloom Strength in Gelatin Capsules
Bloom strength is a measure of the firmness or gel strength of gelatin, which directly influences the elasticity, rupture resistance, and dissolution behavior of soft gelatin capsules. The term originates from the Bloom test, which measures the weight in grams needed by a standard plunger to depress the surface of a gelatin gel by 4 mm under specific conditions (usually at 10°C after 17–18 hours of gelation).
In the context of soft gelatin capsules, high bloom strength generally indicates a firmer and more resilient capsule shell, contributing to improved product stability, mechanical resistance during packaging, and better control over drug release.
Importance of Bloom Strength Testing in Pharmaceutical Quality Control
The bloom strength of soft gelatin capsule must be consistently monitored for the following reasons:
- Гарантия качества продукции: Ensures the structural integrity of the capsule.
- Соблюдение нормативных требований: Meets pharmacopeial standards like USP and EP.
- Formulation Stability: Identifies variations in raw gelatin batches.
- Consumer Safety: Ensures capsules don’t rupture prematurely or dissolve too slowly.
These quality benchmarks are especially critical for temperature-sensitive or moisture-sensitive drugs.
Instruments Used: Bloom Strength Of Soft Gelatin Capsule Test
Bloom Tester – Measuring Gel Strength of Gelatin
А bloom tester evaluates the mechanical strength of a gelatin gel, which is closely tied to capsule performance. This test involves:
- Preparing gelatin solution (6.67% w/w),
- Conditioning the gel at 10°C ±0.1°C for 16-18 hours,
- Applying a standard plunger (12.7 mm) to measure the resistance (in grams).
Although this test focuses on raw gelatin properties, it’s vital for upstream material evaluation in capsule production.
Gelatin Capsule Hardness Test – Evaluating Final Product
Once capsules are formed, their hardness и resistance to force need to be validated using a gelatin capsule hardness test. This test involves applying force to the capsule shell until deformation or rupture occurs, simulating stress during packaging, storage, and ingestion.
One of the most effective tools for this is the CHT-01 Тестер твердости желатиновых капсул от Клеточные инструменты.
Procedure for Testing Gelatin Capsule Hardness
Подготовка образца
- Clean capsules and condition them at 20–25°C with 50% RH.
- Ensure no visible defects before testing.
Выполнение теста
- Калибровка: Perform calibration using certified weights or displacement gauges.
- Настраивать: Load capsule horizontally between clamps.
- Приложение силы: Start the test at a preset speed (e.g., 100 mm/min).
- Measurement: Record the force (N) at rupture or maximum deformation.
Анализ данных
- Use peak force as the hardness index.
- Compare across batches to assess gelatin consistency or detect formulation issues.
- Link trends to bloom strength of raw gelatin when troubleshooting variations.
Role in Regulatory Compliance and R&D
By correlating bloom tester results with gelatin capsule hardness test data, quality control teams can establish critical quality attributes (CQAs) that support ICH Q8–Q10 compliance, and build a strong quality-by-design (QbD) framework. Additionally, the CHT-01 supports method development for novel formulations, making it ideal for R&D labs.
Choosing the Right Bloom Tester
To perform accurate quality control tests for soft gelatin capsules, the CHT-01 by Клеточные инструменты offers precision, usability, and full compliance with industry needs.
Key Features Include:
- Высокая точность: Precision ball screw and stepper motor for ±0.5% F.S. accuracy.
- Универсальность: Customizable clamps for various capsule shapes and sizes.
- Intuitive Interface: 7-inch touchscreen and PLC controls.
- Вывод данных: Real-time display, microprinter, and RS232 connectivity.
- Multi-Test Programs: Measure force, peak load, and displacement.
- Автоматические функции: Auto return, data statistics, and overload protection.
With this device, laboratories and production facilities can efficiently conduct repeatable and compliant gelatin capsule hardness tests, aligned with both bloom strength requirements and pharmacopeial standards.
Contact Us Get Bloom Testing Solution
The loop tack test method is essential for quantifying the instant bonding capability of pressure-sensitive adhesives. By following recognized standards like ПСТК-16, ASTM D6195, и ФИНАТ ФТМ 9, and utilizing precision equipment such as the Клеточные инструменты LTT-01, laboratories can ensure reliable, repeatable, и standard-compliant adhesive performance evaluations.
For organizations seeking customization, automation, or expert support, Клеточные инструменты offers full technical solutions tailored to your material testing needs across packaging, medical, pharmaceutical, and beyond.
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