Gelatin capsules have its worth in neatly encapsulating micros. But
there is one serious disadvantage (not mentioned by others) especially
if you live in the tropics. Sooner or later you would discover a tiny
hole or two at the tips of your capsule, which keeps getting bigger.
Ghekos, bristletails and other insects have a knack of invading shell
cabinets as with any household enclosures. And the reminance of soft
animal tissue within micro-molluscs easily attracts these vermints.

I therefore concur with Susan that tiny glass vials - if you can still
find them - is the ideal option. These can be in-turn be stabilised
within matchbox-type containers. During my days as an undergrad.
biology student we had access to glass vials - with black screw lids -
housing entomology pins. I'm not sure if entomology pins still come
that way, today. Its worth checking out.
Cheers,
Reynold C. Boyce


On 28/05/2014, Callomon,Paul <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Folks,
>
> Does anyone know of a comparative study of Hypromellose gelcaps (so-called
> "vegan gelcaps") and regular gelatin ones in collections? I'm interested in
> the relative hygroscopy values, and any long-term durability data that might
> be out there.
> If you chose one kind in preference to the other in your own collection,
> could you tell me why?
>
> Paul Callomon
> Collection Manager, Malacology, Invertebrate Paleontology and General
> Invertebrates
> ________________________________
> Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia
> 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19103-1195, USA
> [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Tel 215-405-5096 - Fax
> 215-299-1170
>
>

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