Engineering innovative Pullulan-Hyaluronan water-soluble packaging films for fast-disintegrating hard capsules

The demand for environmentally friendly packaging solutions in the pharmaceutical industry has intensified due to increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and health concerns associated with animal-derived products. This study explores the fabrication of innovative pullulan-hyaluronan (Pul/HA-PBA) water-soluble films, with a focus on employing phenylboronic acid-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) as a novel gelling agent. This approach aims to enhance disintegration performance compared to conventional hard capsules κ-carrageenan or gellan gum as gelling agents. The unique reversible sol–gel transition of Pul/HA-PBA hydrogel facilitated by phenylboronic ester crosslinks ensures rapid disintegration and dissolution in gastrointestinal conditions, addressing critical issues associated with conventional hard capsules. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on the films and capsules, evaluating factors such as transparency, thickness, mechanical strength, moisture content, and micromorphology. Disintegration and dissolution tests were performed under various conditions, including acidic environments and the presence of potassium ions, to assess the release kinetics. Comparisons were made with commercially available gelatin capsules and pullulan capsules using κ-carrageenan. Overall, the findings suggest that Pul/HA-PBA films represent a promising and versatile alternative for pharmaceutical packaging, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for fast-disintegrating hard capsules, thereby meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly and non-animal-based pharmaceutical solutions.