gelatin liquid capsule solubilization

[jdlh199]

There's no "help with sample prep" section on the boards...?

Need a quick tip on the best way to solubilize a gelatin capsule containing an oil for impurities analysis by GC.

I can solubilize the capsule in slightly acidic water at ~65°C, but I then have two phases in the solution... I'm guessing SPE will be involved somewhere.

Extracting with a non-polar solvent (hexane, DCM) just produces two sludgy phases.

Any suggestions?

[jdlh199]

OK solved it myself, I should have sat down and thought more rather than rushing to post on the boards...

Extract oily contents and rinse capsule with hexane to remove oil residues. Solubilize capsule in acidic water and solvent extract (or SPE if necessary).

Run oil and capsule extract separately...!

[Consumer Products Guy]

Could you use a homegenizer and organic solvent, then filter???