Chemical Properties
Hydroxypropyl starch occurs as a free-flowing white to off-white
coarse powder.
Definition
ChEBI: Pentaethylene glycol is a poly(ethylene glycol).
Production Methods
Hydroxypropyl starch is produced industrially from natural starch,
using propylene oxide as the modifying reagent in the presence of
alkali, adding hydroxypropyl (CH(OH)CH2CH3) groups at the
OH positions by an ether linkage.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Hydroxypropyl starch is a modified starch and has been used in
combination with carrageenan in the production of soft capsules.
Hydroxypropyl starch has been used experimentally in hydrophilic
matrices, where it was shown to be an effective matrix for tablets
designed for controlled-release drug delivery systems.It has also
been used experimentally in the production of hydrophilic matrices
by direct compression.
It is used in antiseptics and is used widely in cosmetics. It is also
used analytically as a bioseparation aqueous-phase-forming polymer.
Safety
Hydroxypropyl starch is widely used in cosmetics and food
products. It is also used in oral pharmaceutical formulations. The
WHO has set an acceptable daily intake for hydroxypropyl starch
at ‘not limited’ since it was well tolerated on oral consumption.
LD50 (rat, oral): 0.218 g/kg
storage
Hydroxypropyl starch is stable at high humidity and is considered
to be inert under normal conditions. It is stable in emulsion systems
at pH 3–9.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe.
