Optagel

Optagel Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Optagel is a brand name. Its generic name is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose.

Introduction

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic, No-GMO, white-colored, odorless, non-toxic, and tasteless food additive. It is processed by chemically altering cellulose and is commonly used as a binder, thickening agent, and surfactant. The main applications of HPMC include food and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, coatings and paints, construction, and home and personal care products.

Uses

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is used in the food industry as a thickening and gelling agent, as well as an emulsifier and stabilizer. In the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, HPMC is used to make solid drug formulations. It can also be used in the construction industry for waterproofing, enhancing the workability of cement mixtures, and as a soil binder.

Mechanism of Action

HPMC works by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules to form a viscous solution. This solution can then be used as a binder, thickener, emulsifier, or film former. HPMC helps to stabilize mixtures, prevent crystallization, and retain moisture in food products.

Time of Onset

The time of onset depends upon the application. If used as a binder or thickener, the solution will form within seconds. For coating or film forming applications, however, it can take several minutes before the film forms.

Absorption

HPMC is not absorbed by the body and is eliminated in its original form.

Route of Elimination

HPMC is excreted in the feces.

Dosage

The dosage of HPMC depends upon the application. For food and pharmaceutical applications, the dosage of HPMC should not exceed 2-2.5g per 100g of the product. For coatings and paints, the dosage should not exceed 7g per 100mL of coating. For construction applications, the dosage should not exceed 1% of the weight of the dry cement mix.

Administration

HPMC is added to food, pharmaceuticals, coatings and paints, construction, and personal care products in the form of a powder, granules, or aqueous solution.

Side Effects

HPMC is generally regarded as safe. No adverse effects have been reported from HPMC.

Toxicity

HPMC is not toxic and no adverse effects have been reported.

Precautions

It is important to use HPMC in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of food and pharmaceuticals, it is important to ensure the product does not contain more than 2-2.5g per 100g of the product. For coatings and paints, the dosage should not exceed 7g per 100mL of coating. For construction applications, the dosage should not exceed 1% of the weight of the dry cement mix.

Interaction

HPMC does not interact with other substances.

Disease Interaction

HPMC does not interact with any disease processes.

Drug Interaction

HPMC does not interact with any medications.

Food Interactions

HPMC does not interact with any food components.

Pregnancy Use

HPMC is safe to use during pregnancy.

Lactation Use

HPMC is safe to use during lactation.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of HPMC is unlikely as the body does not absorb it.

Contraindication

There are no known contraindications for using HPMC.

Use Directions

HPMC should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of food and pharmaceuticals, it is important to ensure the product does not contain more than 2-2.5g per 100g of the product. For coatings and paints, the dosage should not exceed 7g per 100mL of coating. For construction applications, the dosage should not exceed 1% of the weight of the dry cement mix.

Storage Conditions

HPMC should be stored at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated environment.

Volume of Distribution

HPMC is not distributed throughout the body as it is not absorbed.

Half Life

HPMC does not have a half-life as it is not absorbed into the body.

Clearance

HPMC does not undergo clearance as it is not absorbed into the body.

Here you find in details version of Optagel

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Optagel

What is Optagel?

Optagel (HPMC) is a hydrophilic organic compound, primarily used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, suspending agent and stabilizer in various applications including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care products.

What is Optagel made of?

HPMC is a derivative of cellulose, which is a polysaccharide made up of linear chains of anhydroglucose units linked together by glycosidic bonds. It is primarily composed of polysaccharides with hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms, giving it a semi-synthetic and air-stable identity.

What is Hydroxypropylcellulose used for?

HPMC is primarily used as a thickening, emulsifying, suspending, and stabilizing agent in various applications including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Why is Optagel used in pharmaceuticals?

HPMC is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in oral and topical dosage forms. It can improve the properties of the drug or drug product, such as increasing bioavailability, enhancing the thickening of suspensions, improving the flow and compressibility of powders, and providing an adhesive film coating.

What is Hydroxypropyl cellulose used for in food?

HPMC is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in the food industry to improve the texture of a product and prevent clumping. It can also be used as an anti-caking agent and binding aid, as well as a fat replacer.

What are the properties of Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose?

HPMC has good water solubility, with the ability to produce stable aqueous solutions with low viscosity. It is also satisfactory as an adhesive film-coating agent and has good adhesive properties. HPMC has very good suspending power and can suspend particles of different densities for a long time. It also has high electrical insulation and good surface activity.

What are the benefits of Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose?

The benefits of HPMC include its ability to improve the properties of the product, such as increasing bioavailability, enhancing the thickening of suspensions, improving the flow and compressibility of powders, and providing an adhesive film coating. It can also enhance the texture of a product and prevent clumping while also being a fat replacer.

What is the difference between methyl cellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose?

Methyl cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of small, rigid, linear chains of glucose molecules, while hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a derivative of methyl cellulose, in which some of the methyl groups have been replaced by hydroxypropyl groups. This gives HPMC better solubility properties than plain methyl cellulose.

What is the difference between Optagel and other cellulose derivatives?

HPMC is different from other cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). The difference lies in the chemical structure of the cellulose. For instance, HPMC is composed of polysaccharides with hydrogen, oxygen and carbon atoms while CMC has a carboxymethyl group and HEC has a hydroxyethyl group attached to the cellulose backbone.

What is the molecular weight of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose?

The molecular weight of HPMC can vary depending on the product, but is usually in the range of 12,000–2,000,000. The lower molecular weight HPMC grades are used as thickeners and stabilizers, while the higher molecular weight grades are used as binders, emulsifiers, and film-coating agents.

How is Optagel manufactured?

HPMC is manufactured through a process known as etherification, where the hydroxyl groups of monochloroacetic acid and the methyl ester of cellulose are reacted with a catalytic base in an aqueous solution.

What is the shelf life of Optagel?

The shelf life of HPMC is usually at least 2 years when stored at room temperature in a sealed container in a dry place, as long as it is not exposed to extreme temperatures. It is important to note that if the product is exposed to humidity, the shelf life may be reduced.

Is Optagel safe?

Yes, HPMC is considered safe for use in food products as an emulsifier, thickener, or stabilizer, and is on the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. It is also used in a variety of personal care, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products and is generally considered safe for those applications as well.

Is Optagel vegan?

Yes, HPMC is vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Is Optagel gluten free?

Yes, HPMC is gluten free and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Is Optagel non-GMO?

Yes, HPMC is not derived from genetically modified organism and does not contain any genetically modified ingredients.

How much Optagel should be used?

The exact amount of HPMC to be used depends on the desired properties of the product and the type of application. Generally, the amount used is 0.5–1.0% for cosmetics, 0.5–3.5% for suspensions, and 3–20% for film-coating agent.

Does Optagel need to be refrigerated?

No, HPMC does not need to be refrigerated and can be safely stored at room temperature in a sealed container in a dry place, as long as it is not exposed to extreme temperatures.

Does Optagel contain sulfate?

No, HPMC does not contain sulfate or any other sulfate-containing compounds.

Does Optagel contain talc?

No, HPMC does not contain talc or any other talc-containing compounds.

Does Optagel contain formaldehyde?

No, HPMC does not contain formaldehyde or any other formaldehyde-containing compounds.

Does Optagel contain alcohol?

No, HPMC does not contain alcohol or any other alcohol-containing compounds.

Does Optagel contain any allergens?

No, HPMC does not contain any allergens, such as nuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, or animal products.

What is the pH range of Optagel?

The pH range of HPMC is 3.0–10.0.

What safety precautions should be taken when handling Optagel?

When handling HPMC, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid direct contact with the product. It should also be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from children and pets.

Does Optagel need to be heated?

No, HPMC does not need to be heated and can be used directly in applications without being heated.

Can Optagel be used in spray-drying?

Yes, HPMC can be used in spray-drying applications as a flow agent and stabilizer, to help improve product quality and enhance the stability of the product.

How is Optagel used in pharmaceuticals?

HPMC is used as an excipient in oral and topical dosage forms in the pharmaceutical industry, as it can improve the properties of the drug or drug product, such as increasing bioavailability, thickening suspensions, improving the flow and compressibility of powders, and providing an adhesive film coating.

How is Optagel used in food products?

HPMC is used as an emulsifying and stabilizing agent in food products to improve the texture and prevent clumping, as well as a fat replacer. It can also be used as a binder, thickener, and anti-caking agent.

Does Optagel contain any preservatives?

No, HPMC does not contain any preservatives.

How is Optagel used in cosmetics?

HPMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in cosmetics. It can improve the flow and texture of creams, lotions, and gels, and can also help form a protective layer on the skin.

Can Optagel be used as a sugar substitute?

Yes, HPMC can be used as a sugar substitute, as it has similar binding and thickening properties to sugar while not contributing additional calories. It can also be used to replace fat in food products.

What is the solubility of Optagel in water?

HPMC has good water solubility, with the ability to form a stable aqueous solution with low viscosity at room temperature.

Does Optagel contain any hormones?

No, HPMC does not contain any hormones or hormone-containing compounds.

What is the melting point of Optagel?

The melting point of HPMC is not accurately known, as it is soluble in both water and organic solvents.

Is Optagel environmentally friendly?

Yes, HPMC is considered to be eco-friendly as it is a sustainable, biodegradable, and non-toxic compound.

How is Optagel used in agriculture?

HPMC is used in agriculture as an agent for increasing the water-holding capacity of soil, aiding in the soil’s ability to retain nutrients. It is also used to protect and extend the shelf life of various fruit and vegetable crops.

Does Optagel contain soy?

No, HPMC does not contain soy or any other soy-containing ingredients.

Is Optagel biodegradable?

Yes, HPMC is biodegradable and can be broken down into water and carbon dioxide by microorganisms.