ASSET

We present a theoretical solution as an alternative to anionic surfactants denominated ASSET, an acronym from Anionic Soluble Surfactant in Enteric applications based in Taurinates. ASSET, as per request by the seeker, is an anionic surfactant formulation that can substitute SDS/SLS, compliant with the European Pharmacopoeia, with similar properties and behavior in a gelatin formulation suitable for enteric capsules, that can deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients to the intestine.

To find a replacement for SDS/SLS, we pointed our investigations into the most natural existing anionic surfactants, especially those produced in the human body, because then, we could avoid toxicity or testing for new chemical products that would take a long time to become approved. We realized that to obtain an anionic surfactant fully human-compatible we should recur to biomimicry, this is, the emulation of the models, systems, and elements of nature.

The best source for human anionic surfactants meeting this aim was human bile. Amongst the bile substances, we were able to find compounds with similar properties that SDS/SLS, especially those conjugated with taurine called taurinates. Specifically, the salt of taurocholic acid or sodium taurocholate (NaTC) exhibited interesting characteristics that have been already studied; maybe not exactly for the purpose of gelatin mixture to constitute gelatin capsules, but at least, we could corroborate that sodium taurocholate could be a good vehicle to substitute SDS/SLS and combine with gelatin to make capsules.

ASSET integrates a process for the preparation of gelatin capsules with diacetylated monoglyceride and NaTC as anionic surfactant showing a reduced incidence of static electricity and enhanced hard shell capsule film surface lubrication. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that NaTC enhances absorption and has additional organoleptic properties that could add additional benefits for the gelatin capsules.