Edible dissolving gelatin strips

Abstract

Orally disintegrating or dissolving edible strips for use as a matrix for retaining and delivering nutrients, flavors and medicinal compounds are made from new liquid film casting compositions comprising a major proportion of gelatin. The particularly low melting range for hydrated gelatin produces films that leave virtually no residue upon dissolving in the mouth and can be used in the form of thicker films and strips than known edible films.

1 . A liquid composition for casting into an edible film, comprising less than 45% by weight of gelatin, one or more flavoring materials, an edible polyol plasticizer and sufficient water to dissolve the other components of the composition.  
   
   
       2 . The liquid composition according to  claim 1 , further comprising an artificial sweetener.  
   
   
       3 . The liquid composition according to  claim 2 , wherein said gelatin comprises a medium or high bloom gelatin.  
   
   
       4 . The liquid composition according to  claim 2 , further comprising an edible polymer selected from the group consisting of tapioca starch, low molecular weight corn starch, low molecular weight potato starch, alginates, and lambda carrageenans.  
   
   
       5 . The liquid composition according to  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizing polyol comprises glycerine.  
   
   
       6 . The liquid composition according to  claim 2 , wherein said plasticizing polyol comprises propylene glycol.  
   
   
       7 . The liquid composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said flavoring materials comprise artificial oils making up less than 15% by weight of the total composition.  
   
   
       8 . An edible, orally dissolving film prepared by solution casting or extrusion of a liquid composition according to  claim 2 .  
   
   
       9 . A film according to  claim 7 , having a thickness between 35 microns and 85 microns.  
   
   
       10 . The liquid composition according to  claim 4 , further comprising modified cellulose.  
   
   
       11 . The liquid composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said polyol plasticizer comprises less than 5% by weight of the total composition.  
   
   
       12 . The liquid composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said gelatin comprises about 14% to 37% by weight of the total composition.