I need to make a capsule- should I make it with lipids or carbohydrates? (Please see details.)?

Question

I need to make a capsule that will pass unharmed through the stomach, but will dissolve in the small intestine. Would it be best to make it out of lipids or carbohydrates? If possible, please explain why the substance you chose would be the best. Thank you!

(The capsule is to be used to deliver harmless medications to the small intestine.)

Answer 1

I would say lipids. There is amylase in saliva so i don't think that'd be best. Also carbs are water-soluble so would dissolve in gastric fluid. Lipids are hydrophillic and so are less likely to dissolve, also most lipase is found in the SI so they will be dissolved fully then.

Maybe you could test it by recreating the conditions... e.g putting it in an artificial saliva solution for a few seconds... putting it in the stomach for however long [research the amount of time it is in each part of the digestive system]. consider whether it has to be taken with a meal, you might have to create conditions for that. you could report the state of the capsule after each stage e.g. if it is still intact after the stomach or if it is partially dissolved etc..