Hypromellose (HPMC) : A Comprehensive Guide for Advanced Sustained Release Formulations
Product Overview Hypromellose (HPMC), a semi-synthetic cellulose ether polymer, is widely recognized as a versatile and essential excipient across pharmaceuticals, construction, food science, and cosmetics. Qingdao Acta Biotechnology’s Pharmaceutical Grade HPMC 2910 is engineered to surpass USP and Ph. Eur. standards, offering unmatched performance through its viscosity range of 14.28 mPa·s to over 75,000 mPa·s. This guide explores technical specifications, cross-industry applications, and the unique value of Acta’s HPMC offering, backed by rigorous third-party validation and real-world performance data.
Chemical Properties & Functional Characteristics of hypromellose
Chemical Nature: Derived from controlled methylation and hydroxypropylation of natural cellulose, resulting in a hydrophilic polymer with exceptional aqueous solubility (≥98% at 25°C) and film-forming capabilities .
Viscosity Range: Unparalleled diversity from 14 mPa·s (low MW) to >75,000 mPa·s (ultra-high MW), enabling precise formulation customization.
Thermal Gelation: Forms stable gels at 60–80°C (gelation point: 72.3°C ± 1.5°C), validated in food thickening applications .
pH Stability: Maintains structural integrity across pH 3–11, confirmed via spectroscopy in simulated gastric/intestinal fluids.
Biocompatibility: FDA GRAS-certified (GRN No. 876), non-toxic, and non-irritating, supported by in vivo studies on dermal and ocular tolerance .
Industry-Specific Applications & Dosage Guidelines of hypromellose
Pharmaceutical Industry
Application
Dosage Range
Function
Recommended Viscosity (mPa·s)
Supporting Evidence
Tablet Binder
1–3% w/w
Enhanced hardness (+15–20% vs. MCC)
15–100
J. Pharm. Sci., 2022
Controlled-Release Matrix
15–30% w/w
Zero-order release over 24h (R²=0.98)
4,000–100,000
Clin. Pharmacol. Ther., 2021
Film Coating Agent
2–5% w/w
Moisture barrier (WVTR <0.5g/m²/day)
5,000–15,000
Acta Biotech Coating Performance Report, 2024
Vegetarian Capsules
10–20%
Gelatin-free, dissolution <15 min
10,000–25,000
USP <701> Dissolution Test Compliance
Ophthalmic Lubricants
0.3–2.5% w/v
Prolonged corneal residence time (+40%)
14–100
Ophthalmic Research, 2023
2.Food Science Applications
Thickening Agent: Effective at 0.1–0.5% in sauces/dairy (viscosity increase: 12–15× baseline).