Development and Characterization of Halal Excipient Co-Processed Jackfruit Seed Starch (Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam.) and HPMC K15

Direct compression is a tablet manufacturing method known for the simple and economical process, but it requires excipient with good flow properties and hardness. Based on 2022 data from Indonesian Ministry of Health, about 95% of excipient raw materials are imported from countries with Muslim minorities or non-Muslim populations, raising concerns about halal status. Partial pregelatinization of jackfruit seed starch (PPJFSS) can enhance flowability and reduce compressibility, angle of repose, and moisture content, although the compactibility remains low. Co-processing through wet granulation by combining PPJFSS with HPMC K15, a material with good compactibility, offers a potential halal excipient alternative. Therefore, this study aims to develop and characterize an optimal combination of co-processed excipient (PPJFSS–HPMC K15) with favorable physical and mechanical properties. Preparation started with JFSS production and formulation optimization using Design Expert 13, varying PPJFSS and HPMC K15 ratios. Responses examined include moisture content, flowability, angle of repose, compressibility, and compactibility. The optimum formula was subjected to organoleptic, microscopic, flow property, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and particle size analyses. The results showed that the optimal PPJFSS–HPMC K15 ratio of 95.75:4.25% met all physical evaluation criteria except particle size distribution. It demonstrated the functional groups of JFSS and HPMC K15, amorphous polymer characteristics, and granulated morphology. In conclusion, the optimum co-processed excipient (95.75:4.25%) showed good physical and mechanical properties. The structural characteristics are in line with previous literature, making it a promising halal excipient alternative.