Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose derivative widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, chemical and construction industries. Its chemical structure contains hydroxypropyl and methyl groups, and its main functions are as a thickener, gelling agent, dispersant, etc. In the naming of KimaCell®HPMC, the difference between whether it contains the letter “S” actually represents different specifications and properties.
1. The meaning of HPMC and HPMCS
The main difference between HPMC and HPMCS is that the “S” in the latter’s name represents the “sulfate” group, that is, in some cases, HPMC derivatives will add sulfate groups to increase their specific functionality.
HPMC: This is standard hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which does not contain sulfate groups. It is commonly used in food, medicine, cosmetics, construction and other fields, and has basic properties such as thickening, film forming, and dispersion. HPMC is a combination of hydroxypropyl and methyl groups, and its viscosity, solubility and rheology can be controlled by adjusting different degrees of etherification.
HPMCS: HPMCS is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Sulfate containing sulfate groups. The “S” represents a sulfation process, which usually makes the substance more hydrophilic, and the stability and viscosity in the solution may be different. HPMCS is usually used in situations that require higher stability and specific chemical reactivity, such as the pharmaceutical field.
2. Chemical structure differences
The chemical structure of HPMC is mainly based on cellulose, which is modified by methylation and hydroxypropylation. Its structure has high water solubility and can form a colloidal solution in water.
The chemical structure of HPMCS is based on HPMC with the introduction of sulfate groups, which changes its hydrophilicity and functionality in certain water-soluble solutions. The introduction of sulfate groups helps to increase its hydration and may affect its dissolution rate or rheological properties under certain conditions.
3. Performance differences
Solubility: HPMC usually dissolves in water to form a viscous solution and has good viscosity adjustment. Its solubility and viscosity can be adjusted as needed, such as controlling its affinity with water and the rheological properties exhibited in different solutions.
Stability: HPMCS has increased hydrophilicity due to the introduction of sulfate groups, which may provide better stability in some pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. In addition, sulfate groups may also make KimaCell®HPMCS more stable under certain conditions, such as high humidity or changing pH values, where HPMCS may show stronger tolerance.
Biocompatibility: As a widely used pharmaceutical excipient, HPMC has been fully verified for its biocompatibility and safety in the pharmaceutical field. However, due to the addition of sulfate groups, HPMCS may require additional toxicological studies in some sensitive applications.
4. Application Fields
HPMC: Widely used in pharmaceuticals (such as sustained-release drugs, tablet coatings), cosmetics, construction, food and other industries. Its non-toxicity, hypoallergenicity and high biocompatibility make it a common thickener, film former and stabilizer in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
HPMCS: Due to its special chemical properties and solubility characteristics, HPMCS is mostly used in some more demanding pharmaceutical applications, especially the preparation of sustained-release drugs. HPMCS is usually used in drug sustained-release agents and specific drug delivery systems, and is sometimes used in food additives.
5. Common product specifications
HPMC and HPMCS have a wide range of product specifications, which are usually classified according to parameters such as molecular weight, degree of etherification, and solubility. Products of different specifications will show different performance in different applications.
HPMC has different degrees of etherification, different viscosities and solubilities, and is suitable for different fields. Common specifications include low viscosity, medium viscosity, high viscosity, etc.
The specifications of HPMCS are mainly divided according to parameters such as degree of sulfation, solubility and hydrophilicity. HPMCS of different specifications can be adjusted according to different drug formulation requirements.
HPMC and HPMCS have significant differences in chemical structure, performance and application areas. HPMC is a conventional hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is widely used in many fields; while HPMCS is a sulfated KimaCell®HPMC, which has higher hydrophilicity and specific functionality, and is mainly used in professional fields that require higher stability, such as drug sustained release.
In actual use, the choice of HPMC or HPMCS should be determined according to specific needs and applications. If there are special requirements for solubility, stability, etc., HPMCS may be given priority. If there are no particularly high requirements for cost and performance, HPMC is a more common and economical choice.
Post time: Jan-27-2025