Microcrystalline cellulose Pharma CAS NO.9004-34-6

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) , consisting mainly of linear-chain polysaccharides bound by β-1,4-glucoside bonds, it is a kind of white, odorless and tasteless crystalline powder, which is composed of short rod-like or powder-like porous particles of natural cellulose hydrolyzed by dilute acid to limit degree of polymerization (LODP) . In general fiber plants, about 70% of microcrystalline cellulose, the other 30% is amorphous. Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and other industries, different particle size and moisture content has different characteristics and application range.

The production of microcrystalline cellulose is based on natural cellulose, mainly cotton lint, rice hull, pine needles, Bast, Indian bamboo, orange peel and jute, etc. . The preparation of microcrystalline cellulose mainly adopts acid hydrolysis method. Although the raw materials are different and the properties of the products are different, the main preparation principles and methods are the same, that is, cellulose purification, acid hydrolysis, washing, drying, crushing and other processes. The particle size and its distribution of microcrystalline cellulose are determined by raw material structure, acid concentration, temperature, time, hydrolysis process and mechanical treatment degree.

The pharmaceutical industry Microcrystalline cellulose is often used as adsorbent, suspending agent, diluent and disintegrating agent. Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in pharmaceutical preparations, mainly as diluent and adhesive in oral tablets and capsules. It can be used not only in wet granulation but also in dry direct compression. There is also a certain degree of lubrication and disintegration, in the preparation of tablets is very useful.

The particle size is generally 20 ~ 80μm, and the limit degree of polymerization (LODP) is 15 ~ 375.  insoluble in water, dilute acid, organic solvent and oil, partially soluble in dilute alkali solution, and highly reactive in the process of carboxymethylation, acetylation and esterification. Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in medicine, food and cosmetic industry because of its special properties such as low degree of polymerization and large specific surface area.

Microcrystalline cellulose, especially in high temperature processing, can stabilize foam and emulsion, form gel with paste-like texture, improve heat resistance of pectin and starch gel, and improve adhesion Replace fat and oil and control ice crystal growth. Microcrystalline cellulose, a common ingredient in low-fat ice cream and other frozen confection products, stabilizes emulsions and foams by adsorbing onto the interface and reinforcing the interface membrane.