Recently, the “Unicornshell – Jiangnan University Plant‑Sourced Future Joint Laboratory” was officially inaugurated. This marks an important exploration of industry‑university‑research collaboration between the two parties in the field of HPMC pharmaceutical excipients and innovative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations.

The collaboration takes the R&D of TCM orally dissolving films as an important entry point, systematically exploring formulation optimization, process adaptation, and patent system construction for high‑loading TCM orally dissolving films. The two sides have already held multiple thematic seminars, conducting preliminary reviews and directional discussions on key technical challenges such as the solubility of TCM ingredients during film formation, the balance between loading capacity and uniformity, and taste and sensory optimization.

In terms of technical advancement, the project team is focusing on the poor solubility of certain TCM ingredients and uneven film structure, carrying out research on refined raw material processing, construction of composite matrix systems, and process optimization. At the same time, preliminary explorations are being conducted in key processes such as high‑pressure homogenization, continuous vacuum degassing, and precision coating, aiming to gradually improve product stability and industrial adaptability.

In terms of patent layout, the two sides are organizing technical roadmaps covering matrix systems, preparation processes, functional formulations, and dosage form structures. Among them, design concepts such as the “double‑layer structured TCM orally dissolving film” have attracted attention. Follow‑up validation will be carried out step by step based on experimental progress, providing data support for patent applications.

According to the overall plan, the project will advance in phases: the early phase focuses on literature research and scheme design; the middle phase centers on experimental verification and accumulation of key data; and the later phase gradually extends to efficacy evaluation and industrial transformation, building a complete technology and intellectual property system.

The establishment of the “Plant‑Sourced Future Joint Laboratory” not only provides an important platform for technological innovation in modern TCM formulations, but also further strengthens Unicornshell’s R&D depth and industrial synergy capabilities in the field of HPMC materials. Going forward, the two parties will continue to deepen collaboration, accelerate the transformation of scientific research achievements, and promote the development of TCM formulations toward higher standards and higher quality.