Edible PGA coating composition

Abstract

An edible, hardenable coating composition is disclosed which comprises high levels of low viscosity propylene glycol alginate and a surfactant, which may additionally contain a filler, a pigment, and optionally a small amount of a secondary film former and/or a strengthening polymer. The coating composition of the present invention may be applied to pharmaceutical and veterinary solid dosage forms, confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers, pesticide tablets, and foods and provides an elegant prompt release coating which does not retard the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.

1 . An edible, hardenable, prompt release coating composition comprising 55% to 85% of propylene glycol alginate and up to 10% of a surfactant, wherein the propylene glycol alginate is a primary film former of the composition and such that a 1% aqueous solution thereof has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to 500 mPa·s at 25° C.  
     
     
         2 . (canceled)  
     
     
         3 . The coating composition of  claim 1 , wherein said surfactant is lecithin.  
     
     
         4 . The coating composition of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one of a filler and a pigment.  
     
     
         5 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A dry coating composition comprising a dry blend of the coating composition of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         14 . A wet coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of the coating composition of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the film forming polymer consists of propylene glycol alginate.  
     
     
         17 . An edible, hardenable, prompt release coating composition comprising 55% to 90% of propylene glycol alginate and up to 10% of a surfactant, wherein the propylene glycol alginate is the primary film former of the composition and such that a 1% aqueous solution thereof has a viscosity in the range of about 1 to 500 mPa·s at 25° C.