Capsule-Shell Excipient · Softgels · Gummies
Pharma-grade gelatin, the protein that forms hard capsule and softgel shells and sets gummies and jellies. Type A and Type B grades by Bloom, sourced and supplied by Chelora Pharmachem, Mumbai, and delivered across India with a batch COA and SDS.
How Buying Works
Send the quantity, type (A or B), Bloom, viscosity, grade (IP, BP, USP-NF or EP), city and date. Quote CAS 9000-70-8 so there is no confusion.
Price, lead time and packing in one reply, with the specification, COA and SDS/MSDS for your QA team to review.
Samples can be arranged for Bloom and viscosity checks, capsule or softgel trials and vendor qualification before your commercial order.
Packed, labelled and sent with invoice, batch COA and transport documents. Repeat orders are planned with you.
Product Overview
Gelatin (gelatine, pharmaceutical gelatin; CAS 9000-70-8) is a protein obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen from pigskin, bovine hide or bovine bone. It is supplied as faintly yellow, translucent granules, powder or sheets that swell in cold water, dissolve in warm water and set to a clear, thermoreversible gel on cooling. Pharma grades are sold as Type A (acid-processed) or Type B (alkali-processed) and graded by gel strength, measured in Bloom, and by viscosity.
Its gel melts just below body temperature, which is why gelatin is the classic material for hard capsule shells and softgels. It also works as a tablet binder and coating agent, a stabiliser in some vaccines, and the base of absorbable haemostatic sponges. In food and nutraceuticals it sets gummies, jellies and desserts. Because the source animal matters to many buyers and regulators, the type and origin are agreed before every order.
As a chemical supplier in Mumbai, Chelora Pharmachem supplies pharmacopoeia-grade gelatin to capsule, softgel, tablet and nutraceutical manufacturers across India, with a batch-wise COA, SDS/MSDS and specification. Tell us the type, animal source, Bloom, viscosity and mesh size you need, and we match the grade to your shell or formulation process. For vegetarian capsules we also supply HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), the main plant-derived alternative for hard capsule shells, from trial lots to regular bulk supply.
In Depth
Gelatin is a mixture of polypeptide chains of different lengths, made by breaking down the triple helix of collagen. Glycine, proline and hydroxyproline make up about half of its amino acids, often in Gly-Pro-Hyp sequences. It has no single formula or molar mass; longer average chains give higher Bloom and viscosity. It contains no tryptophan, so it is not a complete protein.
In cold water gelatin swells and takes up five to ten times its weight. Warmed above about 40 °C it dissolves, and on cooling the chains partly re-form collagen-like helices that build a three-dimensional network: the gel. The process is reversible, and the gel melts below body temperature. Aldehydes such as formaldehyde cross-link gelatin and slow capsule dissolution.
Raw material is pretreated, then extracted. Type A gelatin comes from acid treatment, mainly of pigskin, over hours to a couple of days. Type B comes from weeks of alkaline (lime) treatment of bovine hide or demineralised bone. The gelatin is extracted with hot water, then filtered, concentrated, sterilised, gelled, dried and milled, and lots are blended to a target Bloom and viscosity.
Hard capsule shells are dipped from a gelatin solution, usually with high-Bloom grades, and keep about 12–16% water as their plasticiser. Softgels are cast from a gelatin mass plasticised with glycerin or sorbitol, typically with medium-Bloom grades. Bloom, viscosity and their consistency from lot to lot decide shell thickness, seal quality and how the line runs.
Specify the type (A or B), the animal source, the Bloom value and the viscosity first, then compare pH, loss on drying, conductivity, sulphur dioxide, peroxides, iron, chromium and zinc, and microbial limits against IP, BP, USP-NF or EP. Mesh size matters for dissolving. Ask for the batch COA, SDS and, for bovine material, BSE/TSE statements.
Chelora Pharmachem supplies pharma-grade gelatin (CAS 9000-70-8) from its centralized sales office in Mumbai to capsule, softgel, tablet, nutraceutical and confectionery manufacturers across India. Share the type, Bloom, viscosity, pharmacopoeia, quantity, packing and delivery location, and our team replies with price, lead time and documents, from trial lots to regular bulk supply for commercial production.
Global Sourcing
Our focus is the Indian market. When local supply is short, or you need a specific Bloom, type, animal source or pharmacopoeia grade, our international sourcing desk brings gelatin in from trusted producers abroad, and our Mumbai team handles import, documents and delivery to your plant.
Product Profile
The identifiers and properties purchase and QA teams ask for first. Batch values are always confirmed on the COA.
Identity
EC 232-554-6. A protein from collagen, sold as Type A (acid) or Type B (alkali) gelatin.
Gly-Pro-Hyp, the tripeptide sequence typical of collagen and gelatin.
Appearance
Faintly yellow to light yellowish-brown, translucent granules, powder or sheets. Practically odourless.
Gel strength
A typical range for capsule and softgel grades. Bloom and viscosity are set per order and shown on the COA.
Technical Data
Reference data for Gelatin, useful when writing a specification, checking an SDS or planning storage and transport.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Description | Gelatin; partially hydrolysed collagen (a protein, not a single compound) |
| Synonyms | Gelatine, pharmaceutical gelatin, edible gelatin, pigskin gelatin, bone gelatin, hide gelatin |
| CAS number | 9000-70-8 |
| EC number | 232-554-6 |
| Molecular formula | Not defined; polypeptide chains rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline |
| Molar mass | Varies by grade; average roughly 20,000–25,000 g/mol for low Bloom and 50,000–100,000 g/mol for high Bloom |
| Appearance | Faintly yellow to light yellowish-brown, translucent granules, powder, shreds or sheets; practically odourless |
| Types | Type A (acid-processed, mainly pigskin), isoelectric point about pH 7–9; Type B (alkali-processed, bovine bone or hide), about pH 4.7–5.2 |
| Gel strength | Commercially about 50–300 g Bloom; capsule and softgel grades typically about 150–260 g Bloom |
| Gel melting / heat | Gels melt below body temperature; dry gelatin does not melt but decomposes on strong heating |
| Density | About 1.2 g/cm³ (solid) |
| Solubility in water | Swells in cold water, absorbing 5–10 times its weight; dissolves in water above about 40 °C and gels on cooling |
| Other solvents | Soluble in glycerol and acetic acid; practically insoluble in ethanol, acetone, chloroform and ether |
| pH (1% solution) | 3.8–7.6 at 55 °C (EP / USP-NF limit); actual range depends on type |
| Amino acids | Glycine about 26–34%, proline 10–18%, hydroxyproline 7–15%; no tryptophan |
| HS code | 3503 (gelatin and gelatin derivatives); in India typically 3503 00 20 for edible-grade gelatin |
| Transport | Generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air; confirm with the batch SDS |
Literature values for reference. Supplied material is tested batch-wise and reported on the COA.
Applications
Its best-known job is the capsule shell. The same gel-forming protein binds and coats tablets, sets gummies and jellies, and is the base of absorbable haemostatic sponges.
Two-piece hard capsules are made by dipping steel pins into a warm gelatin solution, then drying, stripping and trimming the shells. High-Bloom grades of consistent viscosity give even wall thickness, and the shell dissolves quickly in the stomach to release the powder or pellets inside.
Capsule shell excipient
Softgels are formed from a gelatin mass plasticised with glycerin or sorbitol, cast into ribbons, then filled and sealed in one step. They carry oils, vitamins and liquid fills such as fish oil, vitamin D and vitamin E. Medium-Bloom grades are typical, set by shell strength and seal needs.
Softgel shell
Dissolved in warm water, gelatin is used as a binder in wet granulation, giving firm granules and tablets. It is also used in sugar coating, film-forming layers and microencapsulation, where its film and gel properties help protect sensitive actives and mask taste.
Binder & coating
Purified gelatin is foamed, dried and sterilised to make absorbable haemostatic sponges that help control bleeding in surgery and dentistry. Gelatin and its derivatives are also used as stabilisers in some vaccines and in colloid plasma volume expanders, each made to its own strict specification.
Medical & surgical
Gelatin gives gummies their chew and elastic bite, and sets jellies, desserts, marshmallows and mousses. Nutraceutical brands use it for vitamin and supplement gummies. Food and pharma grades differ in specification and documents, so tell us the end use when you enquire.
Gummies & food
Quality & Compliance
Every supply is backed by the documents your QA, regulatory and stores teams expect.
COA, batch-wise
Tests, limits and results for the exact batch you receive, shared before dispatch.
SDS / MSDS
Hazards, safe handling, storage, transport and first-aid measures for Gelatin.
Technical data
Typical properties and the specification we supply against, to match with your in-house spec.
On request
Additional documents for vendor approval and audits can be arranged on request.
Safety & Handling
A short summary for stores, production and EHS teams. It does not replace the Safety Data Sheet supplied with every batch.
Gelatin is generally not classified as hazardous under GHS in major supplier SDSs. Fine dust may cause mild eye, skin or respiratory irritation. Check the SDS of the batch for the classification that applies.
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and use a dust mask where dust forms during charging or sieving. Use local exhaust ventilation, and follow normal hygiene: do not eat, drink or smoke while handling.
Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat and away from strong oxidising agents, aldehydes and tannins.
Gelatin is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air, so no UN number, class or packing group applies. Confirm with the transport section of the batch SDS.
Sweep or vacuum spilled powder without raising dust and collect it in closed containers. Wet spills turn slippery, so clean floors promptly, and keep material out of drains and water courses.
PAN India Delivery
From our centralized sales office in Mumbai, we supply Gelatin to buyers in every major manufacturing cluster.
MumbaiMumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Tarapur, Boisar, Pune and Aurangabad.
AhmedabadAhmedabad, Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Vapi.
HyderabadHyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
BaddiBaddi and Haridwar.
GoaPharma and chemical units across Goa.
BengaluruBengaluru and Chennai.
IndoreIndore, Pithampur and Sikkim.
Specification
A typical specification for pharmacopoeia-grade gelatin (IP / BP / USP-NF / EP). Bloom and viscosity are agreed per order. Share your in-house or pharmacopoeia specification and we quote against it.
The Chemistry
Made
Pigskin, bovine hide or bone is pretreated with acid (Type A) or alkali (Type B), then extracted with hot water. The extract is filtered, concentrated, sterilised, gelled, dried and milled, and lots are blended to the Bloom and viscosity ordered.
Used
Capsule and softgel makers dissolve gelatin in warm water, with glycerin or sorbitol for softgels. As the solution cools on pins or ribbons, chains re-form helices and the shell sets. The gel is thermoreversible and melts below body temperature.
Tested
Each batch is reported on a COA covering appearance, identification, Bloom, viscosity, pH, loss on drying, conductivity, sulphur dioxide, peroxides, iron, chromium, zinc and microbial limits, so your QC team can compare it with your specification and release it quickly.
Stored
Gelatin is hygroscopic, and moisture can cause caking and microbial growth. Keep bags closed in a cool, dry store, away from heat, aldehydes such as formaldehyde and tannins, which cross-link it, and follow the SDS for handling.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on quotations, specifications and documents for Gelatin.
FAQ
Anything else, call +91 98191 11179 or write to source@chelorapharmachem.com.
Request a QuotePharma-grade gelatin (CAS 9000-70-8) is mainly used to make hard capsule shells and softgels. It is also a tablet binder and coating agent, the base of absorbable haemostatic sponges and a stabiliser in some vaccines, and in food and nutraceuticals it sets gummies, jellies and desserts.
The CAS number is 9000-70-8 and the EC number is 232-554-6. Gelatin is a protein, so it has no fixed formula or molar mass. Quote the CAS number with the type, Bloom and viscosity on your enquiry.
Yes. Gelatine and gelatin are two spellings of the same material, CAS 9000-70-8. Pharmaceutical, edible, pigskin, bone and hide gelatin describe the grade or source, not a different substance.
Type A is made by acid pretreatment, mainly of pigskin, and has an isoelectric point of about pH 7–9. Type B is made by alkaline (lime) pretreatment of bovine hide or bone, with an isoelectric point of about pH 4.7–5.2. Both can meet pharmacopoeia limits; choose by formulation, source and market needs.
Bloom is the gel strength of a standard 6.67% gel. Hard capsule shells typically use higher-Bloom grades, roughly 200–260, while softgels usually use medium Bloom, roughly 150–240. Your capsule process and shell design decide the exact Bloom and viscosity, so share them when you enquire.
We supply pharmacopoeia grades to IP, BP, USP-NF and EP, in Type A and Type B, across a range of Bloom and viscosity values, as well as food grade, subject to availability. Tell us the type, source, Bloom, viscosity and mesh size when you enquire.
Keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat and away from aldehydes, tannins and strong oxidising agents. Follow the storage section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
Gelatin is classified under HS heading 3503, which covers gelatin and gelatin derivatives. In India, edible-grade gelatin is typically declared under 3503 00 20. Confirm the full national tariff code with your customs broker before import or export.
Gelatin is generally not classified as hazardous under GHS. Its dust can mildly irritate the eyes and airways, so use eye protection and dust control when handling powder, and read the SDS supplied with the batch.
Gelatin is generally not regulated as a dangerous good for road, sea or air transport. Always check the transport section of the SDS supplied with the batch.
We provide a batch-wise Certificate of Analysis (COA), SDS/MSDS and specifications. Additional documents for vendor qualification can be arranged on request. For bovine gelatin, BSE/TSE statements and source details can also be requested.
Yes. We handle requirements from samples and trial lots for R&D, formulation and vendor approval up to regular bulk supply for commercial production, subject to product availability.
We supply buyers across India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, from our centralized sales office in Mumbai.
Email source@chelorapharmachem.com or source@cheloragroup.com, call +91 98191 11179, or use the enquiry form on this page. Include the quantity, grade, delivery location and target date.
Request a Quote
Tell us the quantity, grade and delivery location. Our centralized sales team replies with competitive pricing, lead time and documentation.
