In the pharmaceutical industry, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is used as a binder, disintegrant, and thickener in tablet and capsule formulations. As a binder, it is used to hold the active ingredients together and improve the tablet's mechanical strength. As a disintegrant, it helps to break down the tablet quickly, releasing the active ingredients for absorption. As a thickener, it helps to improve the viscosity of liquid formulations such as suspensions and solutions. It is also used as a coating agent to improve the appearance, stability, and taste of tablets and capsules.
In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It is used to improve the texture and mouthfeel of food products such as sauces, dressings, and desserts. HPMC is also used as a fat replacer in low-fat foods to provide a similar texture and mouthfeel. In bakery products, HPMC is used to improve the dough's handling characteristics and increase its volume.