Utilization of seaweed (Eucheuma cottoni) and avocado seeds (Persea americana) for the production of capsules

Conventionally, capsules or drug shells are made of gelatin. However, the demand for capsules with halal-base in Indonesia is very high. Therefore, the research on materials containing high starch is very desirable to replace the gelatin. In this work, we combined the seaweed and avocado seeds as ingredients to make capsules. Avocado seeds extract have a starch of 80.1%. The stock of seaweed and avocado seeds is very abundant in Indonesia, it fulfills production to be sustainable. The method of capsule shells production consists of processing seaweed into carrageenan, extracted the avocado seed flour, and making capsules. The process to make carrageenan is refers to the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards including water content, ash content, viscosity, gel strength, and metal tests. This study compares the ratio of avocado seeds and seaweed of 1:1; 1:2; 1:3, 2:1; 2:2; 2:3; 3:1, 3:2; 3: 3. The capsules product have a water content with a range of 14-31%. (ALT) indicates the number of microbes in a product according to SNI 7388:2009. Ratio of avocado seeds and seaweed (2:3) obtained the highest tensile strength. In addition, the highest Young’s modulus was obtained in the sample with a ratio of 1:1. In conclution, organic capsules from seaweed and avocado seeds have potential as a new candidate of halal-base capsule, which is appropriate the demand in Indonesia.