Structural and Functional Enhancement of Halal Gelatin Capsules Reinforced with Corn Husk Cellulose

Corn husk-derived cellulose (CHC) was incorporated into gelatin–cassava starch (CS) capsule formulations to evaluate its effectiveness as a sustainable reinforcing agent. The addition of CHC enhanced the structural cohesion of the films and improved their resistance to storage-related temperature–humidity stress, while maintaining desirable flexibility. Consistent with this, the films retained mechanical performance and appearance under ICH-aligned storage conditions, indicating better endurance during storage and processing. Disintegration performance remained within pharmacopeial requirements in both acidic and neutral media, confirming the suitability of the capsules for oral delivery applications. Surface assessment revealed more uniform morphology and fewer irregularities in the capsule matrix when CHC was present, suggesting strong compatibility among the cellulose, gelatin, and starch components. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CHC is an effective plant-based reinforcement capable of strengthening gelatin capsules without compromising functional performance. The use of corn husk, an abundant agricultural residue, also highlights a sustainable pathway for the development of halal-compliant capsule shells and contributes to the broader advancement of eco-friendly biopolymer systems in pharmaceutical applications.