Gelatin

Gelatin is a natural protein obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen derived from animal connective tissues such as skin and bone. It is widely used in pharmaceutical and laboratory applications for its gelling, stabilizing, and binding properties. Gelatin appears as a light yellow to colorless solid or powder and forms clear, thermoreversible gels when dissolved in hot water and cooled.

🏭⚗️ Production
Gelatin is produced by treating animal-derived collagen with acid or alkali under controlled conditions to break down the protein into smaller, soluble fragments. The extracted gelatin solution is filtered, concentrated, and dried to yield a purified product suitable for pharmaceutical and laboratory use. Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is standardized for purity, viscosity, and bloom strength to ensure consistent performance in formulations.

🔬 Properties
Gelatin is a light yellow to colorless, odorless solid that swells in cold water and dissolves in hot water to form clear, viscous solutions. Upon cooling, these solutions form firm, elastic gels that are reversible upon heating. Gelatin is chemically stable under recommended storage conditions and exhibits excellent film-forming, binding, and encapsulating properties, making it highly versatile in pharmaceutical and experimental applications.

🧪 Applications
In pharmaceutical formulations, gelatin is used as a capsule shell material for soft and hard gelatin capsules, as a stabilizer in vaccines, and as a binder and coating agent in tablets. It also serves as a gelling agent in suppositories and topical preparations. In laboratory settings, gelatin is used in microbiological media as a solidifying agent, in electrophoresis as a stabilizing matrix, and in biochemical experiments requiring protein-based gels or encapsulation systems.

⚠️ Safety
Gelatin is generally regarded as safe for use in pharmaceutical and laboratory applications. However, it should be handled in clean, dry conditions to avoid microbial contamination and moisture absorption. Protective gloves and lab coats should be worn during handling, and the product should be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from humidity and direct heat, to preserve its stability and functionality.