Advanced Capsule Technology for Improved Digestive Enzyme Delivery
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lonza Capsugel has released new peer-reviewed research showing that its Licaps® DUOCAP® capsule-in-capsule technology can significantly improve the protection and targeted delivery of acid-sensitive enzymes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Conducted in collaboration with ProDigest (Belgium), leading experts in preclinical gastrointestinal tract models, the study highlights the impact of dual-release capsule technologies in unlocking advanced product development opportunities and reinforces the importance of delivery choice for nutraceutical products
Published in Pharmaceutics, the study used the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME)® in vitro model to compare multiple capsule polymers and formulations under realistic fed and fasted digestive conditions. To assess dissolution behavior, capsules contained caffeine as a marker of capsule dissolution, as well as pancreatin, an acid-sensitive digestive enzyme that is converted from tributyrin to butyrate when it reaches the upper small intestine. Five capsule formulations, including two single capsule types and three Licaps® DUOCAP® capsule-in-capsule configurations, were assessed for dissolution timing, ingredient protection and enzyme activity throughout the upper gastrointestinal tract, with particular focus on the upper small intestine where digestive enzymes are most effective.
When taken with food, the Licaps® DUOCAP® capsule-in-capsule formulations demonstrated superior protection and targeted release profiles, with caffeine released at the end of the duodenum and/or jejunum and a high butyrate recovery, ranging from 53% to 87%. Enzyme activity was up to four times higher in the upper small intestine compared to standard immediate-release capsules. In contrast, the immediate-release single capsule format released a high level of its contents in the stomach, as shown by low butyrate recovery in the upper small intestine (16–21%). This suggests gastric degradation of the unprotected enzyme, meaning that the intended delivery was significantly impaired when compared to the Licaps® DUOCAP® capsule-in-capsule technology.
Dr. Elnaz Karimian Azari, Senior Manager R&D, Lonza Capsugel and lead author of the study, said:
“This study further reinforces the robustness and reliability of our Licaps® DUOCAP® capsule-in-capsule technology, providing independent, peer-reviewed validation of its ability to deliver sensitive ingredients to targeted regions of the gastrointestinal tract. While this work focused on release in the upper small intestine, it builds on a growing body of evidence demonstrating that Licaps® DUOCAP® capsules can protect and transport ingredients like live probiotics all the way to the colon, where they are needed to achieve optimal performance. It also highlights just how important capsule selection is to the success and effectiveness of nutraceutical products – and why delivery really does matter.”
Experience the Future of Oral Delivery at CPHI Korea 2026
As one of Asia’s premier pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry events, CPHI Korea 2026 brings together innovators, formulators, manufacturers, and industry leaders to explore the latest advancements shaping the future of healthcare and nutrition. The event serves as a key platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and discovering breakthrough technologies that enable next-generation product development
Join our experts at Booth K15, COEX, Seoul, South Korea, from 25-27 August 2026, to explore the latest scientific advancements in targeted ingredient delivery, discuss your formulation challenges, and learn how innovative capsule technologies can accelerate your next product innovation. Whether you are developing digestive health solutions, probiotics, oral biologics, or next-generation nutraceutical products, our team will be available to share insights and collaborate on tailored delivery strategies.
