MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE

MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE = CELLULOSE = CELLULOSE POWDER
 

CAS Number: 9004-34-6 
EC Number: 232-674-9
MDL number: MFCD00081512
Linear Formula: (C6H10O5)n
Food additive: E460

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an odorless, tasteless, porous white powder derived from pharmaceutical grade wood pulp.
Microcrystalline cellulose, often referred to as Microcrystalline cellulose is refined wood pulp produced in a controlled environment. 
Microcrystalline cellulose’s a white powder that doesn’t have any taste or smell.
Microcrystalline cellulose is an inert substance, meaning Microcrystalline cellulose’s chemically inactive.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a pure partially depolymerized cellulose synthesized from α-cellulose precursor (type Iβ), obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant material, with mineral acids using hydrochloric acid to reduce the degree of polymerization. 
Microcrystalline cellulose can be synthesized by different processes such as reactive extrusion, enzyme mediated, steam explosion, and acid hydrolysis. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is commonly manufactured by spray-drying the neutralized aqueous slurry of hydrolyzed cellulose. 

Microcrystalline cellulose obtained from different sources will differ considerably in chemical composition, structural organization, and physicochemical properties (crystallinity, moisture content, surface area and porous structure, molecular weight, etc.).
Microcrystalline cellulose is the same as cellulose.
Microcrystalline cellulose (C6H10O5)n is refined wood pulp. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, free-flowing powder. 
Chemically, Microcrystalline cellulose is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is the most commonly used spheronizing aid in a formulation undergoing extrusion spheronization. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is available in different grades and particle sizes. 
Microcrystalline cellulose helps in the formation of spheres because of its unique properties. 
Like other cellulosic materials, Microcrystalline cellulose is a filamentous material with a large surface area, high internal porosity, and high moisture retaining property.

Microcrystalline cellulose is the golden standard as an extrusion spheronization aid based on Microcrystalline cellulose's good binding properties that provide cohesiveness to a wetted mass containing Microcrystalline cellulose. 
Furthermore, Microcrystalline cellulose is able to absorb and retain a large quantity of water due to Microcrystalline cellulose's large surface area and high internal porosity, thus facilitating extrusion, improving wetted mass plasticity and enhancing spheronization. 

Cellulose is a compound derived from high quality plant pulp. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is insoluble in water and does not gel like methylcellulose. 
Microcrystalline cellulose also provides natural source of dietary fiber.

Moreover, by controlling the movement of water through the plastic mass, Microcrystalline cellulose prevents phase separation during extrusion or spheronization. 
Due to these properties Microcrystalline cellulose-based pellets produced via extrusion spheronization have a good sphericity, low friability, high density, and smooth surface properties.
Microcrystalline cellulose's capacity to retain very large quantities of water internally means that wet masses made with Microcrystalline celluloses have rheological properties that are very suitable for extrusion spheronization

Microcrystalline Cellulose is a pharmaceutical excipient derived from nature’s most abundant and renewable raw material-wood pulp. 
The wood pulp is depolymerized by acid hydrolysis and turned from a fibrous material to a white freely-flowing powder.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is made from high-grade, purified wood cellulose. 
With Microcrystalline Cellulose's amorphous cellulose portions removed, Microcrystalline Cellulose becomes an inert, white, free-flowing powder. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose can be processed in a number of ways, through reactive extrusion, steam explosion, and acid hydrolysis.

The word hydrocellulose was coined in the late 19th century. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose’s often called the oldest polymer, but Microcrystalline Cellulose took another century to enter the pharmaceutical sector in the Fifties, but Microcrystalline Cellulose was only in the Sixties that manufacturers found new uses for it. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose was discovered in 1955 by Battista and Smith and was commercialized under the brand name. 

Microcrystalline Cellulose is used as an anti-caking agent in the processed food niche, but Microcrystalline Cellulose’s also a popular texturiser for cosmetics. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose’s a refined wood pulp with a unique hydroswelling talent. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose can be synthesized in several ways through reactive extrusion, ultrasonication, and steam explosion. 

MFC consist of long interconnected fibrils, and the resulting flexible MFC particles create a stronger network with higher efficiency compared to Microcrystalline Cellulose. 
This is illustrated by the fact that MFC has high viscosity and yield stress, Microcrystalline Cellulose is shear thinning and has high water holding capacity. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially depolymerized alphacellulose excipient made by acid hydrolysis of specialty wood pulp.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is one of the most important pharmaceutical excipients for tablet formulation. 
Accurate characterization of the mechanical properties of Microcrystalline cellulose and other excipients and drugs has practical importance to tablet formulation development and manufacturing. 

Microcrystalline cellulose also known as cellulose gel is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose with shorter crystalline polymer chains (average particle size 50 µm) prepared by treating alpha-cellulose, obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant material, with mineral acids 1).
Microcrystalline cellulose [E 460(i)] is a fine, white or almost white, odorless, free flowing crystalline powder with not more than 10% of the material has a particle size of less than 5 mm.

Microcrystalline cellulose is purified, partially depolymerised cellulose prepared by treating α‐cellulose, obtained as a pulp from strains of fibrous plant material, with mineral acids. 
The degree of polymerization is typically < 400; the molecular weight is about 36,000 g/mol. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a fine, white, odorless, crystalline powder. 
The particles are insoluble but able to swell in water, in dilute alkali and acids, and in most organic solvents. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is soluble in NaOH solution. 
At concentrations below 1%, microcrystalline cellulose forms colloidal solutions, and above 1%, thixotropic gels.

Microcrystalline cellulose [E 460(i)] is prepared by the controlled hydrolysis of highly purified α‐cellulose, obtained as a pulp from strains of fibrous plant material, while powdered cellulose [E 460(ii)] is obtained by purification and mechanical disintegration of α‐cellulose. 
Hydrolysis is performed with a dilute mineral acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid. 
Cellulose is thereby converted into an acid‐soluble fraction and an acid‐insoluble crystalline material. 
The amorphous regions of the cellulose are completely hydrolysed. 
Resultant water‐soluble cello‐oligosaccharides and glucose are removed by subsequent rinsing and filtration. 
The remaining wet cake contains only pure crystalline regions of natural cellulose. 

Mechanical shearing in a water slurry is used to free the microcrystals from their fibrous, packed structure, in the form of short, rod‐like particles. 
These are dried and ground to a fine, white, free‐flowing crystalline powder. 
The degree of polymerization is predominantly ≥ 1,000 and greater, corresponding to a molecular weight of > 160,000.
In Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, the substance is described as a white, odourless powder, which is insoluble in water, ethanol, ether and dilute mineral acids, but slightly soluble in sodium hydroxide solution. 
Powdered cellulose [E 460(ii)] is able to swell in water, dilute acid and most solvents, while alkali solutions lead to swelling and dissolution of the present hemicelluloses.

Microcrystalline Cellulose is also known as cellulose.
Microcrystalline Cellulose comes in a powder form which then goes through a chemical process to be used as an additive in supplements to benefit the well being of individuals concerned with fitness and their overall health.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is not absorbed into the blood stream or stomach. 
This makes Microcrystalline Cellulose a fairly safe product. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a free-flowing crystalline powder (a non-fibrous microparticle). 
Microcrystalline cellulose is insoluble in water, dilute acids and most organic solvents, but slightly soluble in the alkali solution of 20%. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a pure product of cellulose depolymerization, an odorless and tasteless crystalline powder prepared from the natural cellulose. 
Microcrystalline cellulose, MCC for short, is a granular powder product with a size of about 10μm, obtained from the hydrolysis of the natural cellulose in an acidic medium, making the molecular weight reduced to a certain range. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is non-digestible plant matter in sources like wood pulp and tough plant stalks. 
These plants are harvested, cleaned and ground to create a fine, white powder. 
It is called “microcrystalline” because its tiny crystals can only be viewed under a microscope. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a common addition to products not for nutritional value, but for various other purposes. 
And as strange as Microcrystalline cellulose may seem to add ground wood pulp to foods or pharmaceuticals, Microcrystalline cellulose is safe and legal.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a more purified form of Cellulose. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, odorless, tasteless carbohydrate polymer powder that typically consists of up to 350 glucose units. 
Processed cellulose already contains partly crystalline segments but also weaker amorphous regions. 
In microcrystalline cellulose, the crystalline regions of cellulose have been isolated, forming a more crystalline product. 

Microcrystalline cellulose can be made of any material that contains high volumes of cellulose; which is found in cell walls in plants. 
This abundance in nature makes Microcrystalline cellulose cheap to produce. 
The level of crystallinity is higher when the polymer is extracted from cotton compared to other sources. 
However, wood is used mainly in pharmaceutical applications due to Microcrystalline cellulose's abundance and lower price. 

Microcrystalline cellulose has strong intra- and intermolecular binding patterns caused by hydroxyl groups, which cause the polymer to be partly crystalline, mechanically stable, stiff and hard to dissolve. 
Special solvents are therefore utilized to dissolve cellulose. 
Low molecular mass cellulose chains are dissolved instantly while higher molecular mass polymers are more difficult to dissolve and require an activation step. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has developed as the most ingenious excipient for pharma industry. 
Because of Microcrystalline cellulose's characteristics and grades, Microcrystalline cellulose is available for various requirements and Microcrystalline cellulose's physical properties that help different uses.
Most microcrystalline cellulose manufacturer derives Microcrystalline cellulose from the refined wood pulp and Microcrystalline cellulose is a natural polymer. 
Microcrystalline cellulose has shorter crystalline polymer chains. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, non-reactive, flow-able excipient. 
The physical and chemical properties of Microcrystalline cellulose make it the best choice for many pharmaceutical processes.
Microcrystalline cellulose can bind and mix easily with water and Microcrystalline cellulose has gelling properties. 
Microcrystalline cellulose acts as an emulsifier, a product that suspends ingredients within a solution and prevents water from separating out. 
Adding microcrystalline cellulose can unite two normally resistant liquids (like water and oil) that would separate while sitting on the shelf.

Microcrystalline cellulose acts as a stand-in for higher calorie ingredients. 
Microcrystalline cellulose's cell structure mimics fat and Microcrystalline cellulose’s commonly present in reduced fat products. 
Microcrystalline cellulose can also be whipped and thickened in ice cream, whipped topping and desserts, making the food creamy without adding fat.
Microcrystalline cellulose adds bulk and body to food without adding calories, making the consumer feel physically satisfied without overloading their calorie count.

Microcrystalline Cellulose is a purified, partly depolymerised cellulose with shorter, crystalline polymer chains. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose's strong binding performance make Microcrystalline Cellulose one of the most commonly used fillers and binders in drug formulations.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is manufactured by controlled partial hydrolysis of high purity wood pulp, followed by purification and drying. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely used in diverse pharmaceutical processes, like wet granulation, dry granulation or direct compression.

Microcrystalline Cellulose is a purified, partly depolymerised cellulose with shorter, crystalline polymer chains. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose's strong binding performance make Microcrystalline Cellulose one of the most commonly used fillers and binders in drug formulations.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is manufactured by controlled partial hydrolysis of high purity wood pulp, followed by purification and drying. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (C6H10O5)n is refined wood pulp. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, free-flowing powder. 
Chemically, Microcrystalline cellulose is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption. 
In large quantities Microcrystalline cellulose provides dietary bulk and may lead to a laxative effect.
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a partially depolymerized specialty cellulose prepared by treating α-cellulose. 

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a free-flowing crystalline powder (a non-fibrous microparticle). 
Microcrystalline cellulose is insoluble in water, dilute acids and most organic solvents, but slightly soluble in the alkali solution of 20%. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a partially depolymerized cellulose in pure form, which is synthesized from -cellulose precursor. 
There are several ways to synthesize microcrystalline cellulose such as reactive extrusion, acid hydrolysis, steam explosion and enzyme mediated synthesis. 

Functional Properties of Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC):
-Excipient
-Filler or Filler/Binder
-Nutrients
-Fibre Source

BENEFITS of MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE: 
-High compactability
-Robust tablets with low friability
-High production yields
-Cost savings due to reduction in dosage levels
-Compatibility with most APIs (inert)
-Chemical Purity / Low Reactivity

-Excellent Binding Capability
-Filler
-Better Disintegrating Property
-Greater Flowability
-Rapid wicking action permits fast addition of granulation fluid
-Highly Absorbent
-Strong dry binder
-High dilution potential

-Excellent compressibility that allows for high tablet hardness at low compression pressure
-Promotes tablet disintegration through fast water uptake
-Facilitates low tablet friability
-Has inherent lubrication, anti-adherent and absorbent properties
-In wet granulation, promotes rapid even wetting and uniform rapid drying
-Superior physical and chemical stability

-In terms of particle size Microcrystalline cellulose can be engineered to different um sizes. 
-Due to Microcrystalline Cellulose's microcrystalline structure Microcrystalline Cellulose offers a naturally large surface area with plenty of porosity and moisture retention powers. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s often referred to as the best extrusion aid on the market for Microcrystalline Cellulose's excellent binding properties and cohesiveness. 
-If water movement is well-controlled, phase separation is completely avoidable. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose can create a dense, smooth surface that’s extremely nonfriable. 

-Microcrystalline Cellulose deforms under compression but forms powerful hydrogen bonds.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose provides many benefits when it is used as a connective agent in prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and dietary supplements. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose allows the creation of an unbreakable pill or tablet.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose also enables the breakdown of the supplement, medicine, or over the counter drug at the proper rate for optimal absorption.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose has no taste or flavor, so supplements that contain Microcrystalline Cellulose are easily taken.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is also used to prevent thickening in many food products due to its texture and chemical makeup. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is often used in whey protein powders and drinks containing whey. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is used in whey products as a thickening agent as well as to promote absorption. 
The benefits of whey include improved muscle mass, muscle recovery, and increased energy.

USES and APPLICATIONS of MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE:
-Tablet and capsule diluent, tablet disintegrant.
-Inactive Ingredients
-Print
-Microcrystalline Cellulose
-Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
-Oral Dosage for Pharmaceuticals and/or -Nutraceuticals
-Swallowable tablet
-Hard capsules
-Blends, Granules, Pellets Premix

-With a wide range of chemical, technical, and economic benefits, Microcrystalline cellulose is one of the most widely used binder excipients for tablet formulations.
-Microcrystalline cellulose will not react with other ingredients, Microcrystalline cellulose’s commonly used as a bulking agent, binder, glidant, disintegrant and an auxiliary suspending agent. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is considered to be one of the most versatile excipients.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is a great excipient for pressing tablets and filling empty capsules.

-Microcrystalline cellulose has excellent compressibility properties will increase the compressibility of your formulation when making tablets.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose helps with flow allowing formulations to move smoothly through your capsule filling machinery ensuring consistent capsule weights.
-Microcrystalline cellulose’s also used as a filler which is needed when the doses of your active are very low.

-As well as being odourless, tasteless and non-reactive, Microcrystalline cellulose also has a low bulk density which will lead to higher dilution and packing density.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is the most common binding and filling agent used to manufacture solid dose foods and pharmaceuticals. 
This is due to Microcrystalline cellulose's compatibility and strength when turned in to a tablet whilst also dissolving easily when digested.
-Microcrystalline cellulose also acts great as a bulking agent if you need to increase the weight of your capsule.

-Microcrystalline cellulose’s used as a disintegrant in formulations and speeds up the formed tablets deterioration allowing your active to work faster.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is directly compressible meaning Microcrystalline cellulose can be pressed into a tablet directly without any other ingredient, a huge benefit to this is that Microcrystalline cellulose does not have to be granulated which makes the encapsulating process more streamlined and efficient.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is safe to consume in normal quantities and is widely used as an excipient for Microcrystalline cellulose's all around versatility.

-Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a filler/binder as well as a fiber source in various oral dosage forms in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose has a long history of use in pharmaceutical dosage form and has had a significant role in the development of direct compression. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in medicine,food etc,used as emulsifier,binding agent in tablets, stabilizer, dispersant,metal fiber etc.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is used as Bonding agent,dilute agent, disintegrating agent,assist in flowing.

-Microcrystalline cellulose is used as capsule packing agent.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is an important ingredient in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and other industries. 
-The high demand of microcrystalline cellulose used in pharmaceutical industries has led to the utilization of locally and naturally occurring materials in the production of microcrystalline cellulose. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is a valuable additive in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and other industries. 

-Many studies on the physicochemical properties of locally produced Microcrystalline cellulose derived from natural sources have been extensively evaluated in the development of a new natural source for Microcrystalline cellulose as a substitution of wood, the most abundant one.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose has excellent compressibility properties and is used in solid dose forms, such as tablets. 
Tablets can be formed that are hard, but dissolve quickly. 

-Microcrystalline cellulose is also found in many processed food products, and may be used as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer, texture modifier, or suspending agent among other uses. 
-Excipient in Tableting
-Microcrystalline cellulose is Multifunctional Excipient
-Microcrystalline cellulose is used as binder / diluent in tableting
-Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) E460i, is a non-caloric bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and emulsifier. 

-Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a versatile and frequently used material in different industries such as pharmaceuticals production, medical, cosmetics, and food industry. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is a unique & versatile ingredient, and widely used as a key ingredient in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical supplement applications, primarily as binder/filler/diluent/disintegrant in tablet and capsule formulation in direct compression, dry granulation or wet granulation process. 

-Microcrystalline cellulose is also used in personal care and food products as well.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s also a favourite among dissolvable drug manufacturers. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s carved a space for itself as an excipient in both the supplement industry and the potent drug delivery niche. 
-Microcrystalline Celluloses scope is not limited to capsules and tablets.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s used in medicated gels, as well.

-Discovered in 1955 microcrystalline cellulose is the most commonly used binder on the pharmaceutical market.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose can bulk, disintegrate, bind, and lubricate.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose enhances stability and extends drug release. 
-As a natural, fibre-rich component, Microcrystalline Cellulose’s nontoxic and chewable. 
-Hydrolysis is used to remove cellulose until the microcrystalline form remains.

-Pharmaceutical Areas:
All cellulose derivatives have their own pharmaceutical properties, but Microcrystalline Cellulose is the most versatile agent in the industry. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used to make tablets more compressible and to bind both wet and dry manufacturing processes. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose’s thickening powers and viscosity make Microcrystalline Cellulose an important cellulose in liquid dosage forms. 
Grades with a larger particle size and higher crystallization work well with colloidal silicon dioxide to produce silicide and second-generation grades. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is an excellent bioadhesive, and is used in bioadhesive drug delivery systems.

-The food industry began using microcrystalline cellulose to make compact pellets and improve the texture of flour. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose was hard and heat resistant.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose became a popular structural material for Microcrystalline Cellulose's capacity to resist the harshness of an oxyacetylene torch.
-Scientists started producing cellulose derivatives in a new colloidal form. 
They relied on acid hydrolysis to obtain microcrystals from fibrous particles. 
-Cellulose has long been a favourite binder in the pharmaceutical industry, but new processing technologies are still adding to Microcrystalline Cellulose's powers.

-At Microcrystalline Cellulose's most straightforward, Microcrystalline Cellulose’s used to achieve oral dosage forms in direct compression. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose's remarkable flow makes Microcrystalline Cellulose much easier to ensure a consistent tablet weight.
-When Microcrystalline Cellulose comes to solid dosage forms Microcrystalline Cellulose is used in everything from hard gelatin capsules to dispersible tablets. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s one of the rare fillers that are water insoluble and hydrophilic, so Microcrystalline Cellulose’s perfect for wet granulation procedures.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used to achieve wicking action to wet powder blends.
-When Microcrystalline Cellulose’s too expensive to act as the only filler, Microcrystalline Cellulose can be blended with dry lactose.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose causes rapid disintegration before Microcrystalline Cellulose’s compressed. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose’s primary use is as a binder and diluent.

-3D Printing with Microcrystalline Cellulose:
Newer patent protected versions of  Microcrystalline Cellulose are degradable bio-composites ideal for 3D printing when combined with reinforced polylactic acid. 
This new Microcrystalline Cellulose was first tested in 2016 when twin screw extrusion and solvent casting were used to achieve just the right filament form. 

Microcrystalline Cellulose isn’t wholly compatible with PLA, so surface modification were needed, but the attempt was a resounding success. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a perfect for additive manufacturing with 3D fabrication. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose produces minimal waste and uses very little power.
Microcrystalline Cellulose's tensile and thermal properties are perfect for building components layer by photosynthesised layer. 

Cellulose has several important properties for AM technology. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose’s the most abundant suitable biopolymer on the planet for 3D applications. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used to build cellulose-based polymers, printing filaments, liquid deposition modelling, and 4D printed materials. 
Additive manufacturing technology demands quick prototypes and variable materials, and cellulose offers both.

-Microcrystalline cellulose is an excellent binder & flow agent for the manufacturer of tablets using direct compression methods.
-Microcrystalline cellulose carries high amount of active ingredients.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is one of the best tablet binders on the market and is very cost effective.
-Bulk Microcrystalline cellulose is inert and has very high levels of safety whilst being suitable for vegans & vegetarians.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is a valuable additive in many industries including pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics.

-In the pharmaceutical industry, Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a flow aid in the manufacturing of tablets and capsules as Microcrystalline cellulose has excellent compressibility properties.
-Microcrystalline cellulose can be used I cosmetic products for the hair and skin as well as in makeup.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is used in the food industry as a food additive which acts as a bulking agent. 
-Bulking agent: Reduces the bulk density of cosmetics.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose has been used as a functional ingredient in meat products, emulsions, beverages, dairy products, bakery, confectionery, and filling. 
Microcrystalline cellulose was approved as a food additive within the European Union and given the number E460.
-Abrasive Agent: Removes materials present on the surface of the body, helps clean teeth and improves shine.
-Absorbent: Absorbs water (or oil) in dissolved form or in fine particles.

-Anti-caking agent: Ensures the fluidity of solid particles and limits their agglomeration in cosmetic products in powder or hard mass.
-Emulsion Stabilizer: Aids the emulsification process and improves emulsion stability and shelf life.
-Opacifier: Reduces the transparency or translucency of cosmetics.
-Stabilizing Agent: Improves ingredients or formulation stability and shelf life.
-Viscosity control agent: Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetics.

-Key Applications
-Direct Compression Tableting
-Granulation
-Extrusion and Spheronization

-Microcrystalline Cellulose is a connective agent added to prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and dietary supplements. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is used in many different products. 
For example, Microcrystalline Cellulose can be found in cheese, fat free salad dressings, whipped toppings, and baked goods.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is an ingredient found in many prescription drugs for allergies, inactive or overactive thyroid, blood pressure and other diseases.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is also found in weight training products such as Fusion Bodybuilding Zeus, a Testosterone Booster, ECA Xtreme Fat Burner, and Six Star Nitric Oxide to name a few.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose has a wide range of uses in the pharmaceutical excipients and can be directly used for tabletting of dry powder. 
-Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely used as pharmaceutical excipients, flow aids, fillers, disintegrating agents, anti-sticking agents, adsorbents, and capsule diluents.
-In the pharmaceutical industry, the Microcrystalline Cellulose products can be used as pharmaceutical excipients and disintegrating agents of tablets.

-In the food industry, Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used as an important base material in functional foods and is an ideal health food additive. 
-In the paint industry, Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used as thickeners and emulsifiers of water-based coatings by using Microcrystalline Cellulose's thixotropic and thickening properties.
-In cosmetics, Microcrystalline Cellulose has a combination of filler, thickening and emulsifying effects in itself, and has very good emulsifying capacity for the the oily substance. 

-Microcrystalline Cellulose is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical excipient, and compared with the starch or starch derivatives has the following advantages.
*Microcrystalline Cellulose is easy to disintegrate, that is, after entering into the stomach the drug can be easily disintegrated and then absorbed by the body.
*Microcrystalline Cellulose is difficult to get moldy. 
This is because the cellulose isβ-glucose configuration while the starch isα-configuration. 
Amylases generally do not attack the cellulose.
*Microcrystalline Cellulose is not absorbed by the body and is not easy to react with carrying drugs, and therefore more secure. 

-ABRASIVE AGENT; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to allow by friction to clean, exfoliate, smooth the skin (face, body, scalp) or to clean and shine the teeth.
-ABSORBENT AGENT; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to absorb water or oil.
-ANTI-CAGGING AGENT; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to prevent the agglomeration of solid particles between them and therefore the formation of lumps.
-VISCOSITY CONTROL AGENT; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to increase or decrease the viscosity of cosmetic products.

-EXPANDING AGENT; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to dilute solid ingredients and/or to aerate the texture of cosmetic products.
-STABILIZING AGENT; against light , Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to protect the product from the harmful effects of light.
-OPACIFIER; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to reduce the transparent or translucent appearance of cosmetic products.
-EMULSION STABILIZER; Microcrystalline Cellulose's role is to promote the formation of the emulsion, stabilize it and prolong its lifespan.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose can be utilized as a bulking agent, disintegrant, binding agent, lubrication, and glidant other than being a stability enhancer and an auxiliary suspending agent.
-Microcrystalline Cellulose can be utilized as a part of the direct pressure of most medications and helps in cost cutting of material, capital, machinery, and men. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is an exception; Microcrystalline Cellulose can be used for many purposes. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is the most versatile inactive agent. This is also user-friendly.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose's regularly expanding applications in medicate look into incorporate Microcrystalline Cellulose's utility in the prompt discharge of medicine, in any form such as tablets, oral fluids, organoleptic upgrades as in chewable and mouth dissolving tablets, hostile to reflux, furthermore, nutraceuticals.
-Filler: 
Fillers are mandatory for tablet manufacturing where the doses of drugs are very low. 
MCC can be used for all types of tablet making processes like direct compression, wet granulation, and dry procession.

-Direct Compression: 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is used as an excipient in direct compression. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose has high dilution capacity and higher active ingredient carrier capacity. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose has the potential to hold itself together even under direct compression. 
Another reason for Microcrystalline Cellulose's popularity is the low bulk density; Microcrystalline Cellulose will lead to high dilution and packing density. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose helps in producing tablets with better hardness levels and less fragile. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose also provides superior white color and provides stability.

-Wet granulation: 
As mentioned earlier Microcrystalline Cellulose has insoluble properties at the same time Microcrystalline Cellulose is hydrophilic. 
Hence, Microcrystalline Cellulose is preferred choice for this manufacturing process. 
The benefit of using MCC is that can retain water, Microcrystalline Cellulose further helps in uniform granulation. 
Case solidifying is a process saw in deficiently dried granules. 
Now and again, when the granules are dried at a high temperature, within the granules stay wet also; the surface appears to be dried. 
MCC is useful as Microcrystalline Cellulose is less sensitive to wet mass, therefore, Microcrystalline Cellulose does not get over wet, dries faster, you will find fewer case hardening and disintegrates quickly.

-Roller Compaction: 
Roller compaction is a dry procedure including compaction of materials into strips that are at that point processed to produce a granulation. 
This granulation is then greased up and packed on a tablet machine. 
Usage of Microcrystalline Cellulose in this manufacturing process improves in compaction, flow enhancement, and content uniformity.

-Binder: 
To gain the appropriate mechanical strength and give volume to the smaller active ingredient dose, binders are very helpful. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose affects the quality and appearance of the tablet. 
Considering the hydrophyllic water wicking qualities of Microcrystalline Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely used as a binder in the pharmaceutical industry.

-Disintegrant: 
Microcrystalline Cellulose is broadly utilized as a disintegrant in dry compressions also, wet granulation systems. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose improves tranquilize disintegration by speeding tablet deterioration, gives the largest amount of breaking down power at low utilize levels, and uses double breaking down instruments of wicking and swelling for more quick breaking down.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is often present in supplements, pharmaceuticals and packaged foods, and Microcrystalline cellulose's unique properties are used for a variety of reasons.

-Microcrystalline Cellulose in the Pharmacy:
If you browse through your bathroom cabinet, you’ll most likely find pills and tablets with microcrystalline cellulose as an inactive ingredient. 
Just a few of these include:
*Acetaminophen
*Alprazolam
*Cyclobenzaprine
*Oxycodone

-Personal care products may contain microcrystalline cellulose, too. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is inert on Microcrystalline cellulose's own and easy to compress. 
This makes Microcrystalline cellulose a perfect ingredient for pharmaceutical products. 
-Technically, microcrystalline cellulose is an excipient — an inactive material that is used as a vehicle for an active substance. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose adds bulk to the active ingredient, allowing Microcrystalline cellulose to be consumed in a deliverable, dosed format. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is compressed into tablets, but when Microcrystalline cellulose’s ingested, Microcrystalline cellulose breaks down easily.

-Adding dietary fiber:
Keeping canned soups and sauces in a stable, semi-liquid state
Preventing caking and allowing a free-flowing product in shredded and grated cheeses, powdered drinks and spice mixes
-Recently, a larger company that produces Parmesan cheese was involved in a lawsuit for adding too much cellulose to Microcrystalline cellulose's products. 
Other cheese manufacturers typically use microcrystalline cellulose in their product in acceptable levels. 
-Fast food chains also use Microcrystalline cellulose in buns, cheese, shakes, sauces, fries, onion rings and meats — just about everything.

-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in diverse pharmaceutical processes, like wet granulation, dry granulation or direct compression.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, cosmetic and other industrial applications, owing to Microcrystalline cellulose's broad spectrum of properties. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is used a suspension stabilizer and an excipient, owing to Microcrystalline cellulose's chemical inertness and non-toxic nature.
-Microcrystalline cellulose has a wide range of uses in the pharmaceutical excipients and can be directly used for tabletting of dry powder.

-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used as pharmaceutical excipients, flow aids, fillers, disintegrating agents, anti-sticking agents, adsorbents, and capsule diluents.
-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in pharmaceuticals, primarily as a binder/diluent in oral tablet and capsule formulations where Microcrystalline cellulose is used in both wet-granulation and direct-compression processes.
-In addition, wide ranges of Microcrystalline cellulose, technical, and economic merits are attached with Microcrystalline cellulose's utilization. 
Microcrystalline cellulose has found its applications in the cosmetics & personal care industry, as well as in the food sector. 

-When Microcrystalline cellulose comes to food production, Microcrystalline cellulose acts as an anti-caking agent, a fat substitute, an emulsifier, an extender, as well as a bulking agent.
-And as far as the beverage sector is concerned, Microcrystalline cellulose acts as a gelling agent, stabilizer, anti-caking agents and suspending agents. 
-Microcrystalline cellulose is widely employed as a fat substitute, thickener, binder in cosmetics industry.
-Besides all that, Microcrystalline cellulose has applications in the pharmaceutical industry as Microcrystalline cellulose displays chemical inertness and deficiency of taste and aroma. 

-As an excipient, Microcrystalline cellulose is utilized in almost every type of oral dosage entailing pellets, tablets, capsules, sachets, and others.
-Microcrystalline cellulose has large scale applications in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and personal care industries.
-In the food & beverage industry, microcrystalline cellulose is added to the processed food to create a creamy and smooth mouth feel. This is mostly used to prepare low-fat dairy products such as frozen yogurt, whipped cream, and ice cream.
-In the pharmaceutical industry, Microcrystalline cellulose is used as fillers, disintegrating agents, anti-sticking agents, adsorbents, and capsule diluents.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE:
Microcrystalline cellulose is produced by an initial hydrolysis step removing the amorphous parts giving short rod-like fibrils with high crystallinity. 
The processing steps after the hydrolysis stage vary, resulting in different types of MCCs with a significant variation in properties. 
Two main types of commercial Microcrystalline cellulose products are powdered Microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal Microcrystalline cellulose. 

When producing powdered Microcrystalline cellulose qualities drying is performed without drying aids, resulting in porous particles of aggregated crystalline rods. 
These products are not dispersible in aqueous suspensions but can absorb high amounts of water or oil on its surface. 
Powdered Microcrystalline cellulose is used, among others, as tableting aids in pharmaceutical applications.

When producing colloidal MMicrocrystalline cellulose acid hydrolysis is often followed by mechanical shearing to release the cellulose crystallites, and drying is performed with co-agents that prevent the re-aggregation of the fibrils during drying. 
The colloidal Microcrystalline celluloses are re-dispersible and will form weak gels in aqueous suspensions. 
Colloidal Microcrystalline celluloses are widely used as rheology modifiers in applications ranging from food to industrial applications.

MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE MANUFACTURING:
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a product of certain types of rubbery plants. 
The pulp, commonly known as wood pulp, is torn up and then dunked in hot mineral acid. 
All of the pollutants and chemicals are then removed in order to produce useable Microcrystalline Cellulose.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS of MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (MCC):
The raw materials for the production of the different types of celluloses are mainly wood chips. 
Chemical wood pulping involves the extraction of cellulose from wood by dissolving the lignin that binds the cellulose fibres together. 
Several processes used in chemical pulping have been described, among these, ‘kraft pulping’ and ‘sulfite pulping’ being the most important. 
The choice of a pulping process is determined by the desired product, the wood species available, and by economic considerations.

In ‘kraft pulping’ wood chips are digested at elevated temperature and pressure in ‘white liquor’, being an aqueous solution of sodium sulfide (Na2S) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). 
During digestion the lignin fraction is dissolved. 
When cooking is complete, the content of the digester is transferred to an atmospheric tank where the spent cooking liquor is separated from the pulp. 
The pulp then proceeds through various stages of washing, and possibly bleaching, after which it is pressed and dried into the finished product (wood pulp).

In ‘sulfite pulping’ wood chips are digested under high pressure in the presence of sulfurous acid. 
To buffer the cooking solution, either sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), magnesium bisulfite (Mg(HSO3)2), calcium bisulfite (Ca(HSO3)2) or ammonium bisulfite).

In these processes, wood chips are digested, at high temperature (> 100°C), by treatment with a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium sulfide (Na2S) and sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) in various concentrations. 
During this treatment, the lignin fraction is removed. The product so obtained is extracted washed, concentrated and bleached by treatment with chlorine dioxide (ClO2). 
After bleaching, the extract is subjected to a second digestion with sodium hydroxide at lower temperature (< 50°C). 
The resulting product is centrifuged and washed with oxalic acid to neutralise the residual alkali and to facilitate the extraction of other residuals and colouring impurities. 
Finally, the extract consists of α‐cellulose at a concentration of > 97%).

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (MCC) AND MICROFIBRILLATED CELLULOSE (MFC):
Whereas Microcrystalline cellulose is produced by initial removal of the amorphous parts giving short rod-like fibrils with high crystallinity, Microfibrallated cellulose is generally produced in a way that makes it possible to retain both the crystalline and amorphous regions and conserving the molecular mass of cellulose. 
This gives a product characterized by relatively long and thin interconnected fibrils with a heterogeneous distribution of internal dimensions.

Microfibrillated cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose share many inherent properties of cellulosic materials like biocompatibility and biodegradability. 
When it comes to physical properties, MFC is most comparable to the colloidal Microcrystalline cellulose, whereas powdered Microcrystalline cellulose qualities have much higher internal and external particle dimensions and will not be dispersible in water.

Microfibrallated cellulose and colloidal Microcrystalline cellulose are both insoluble in water and have a high surface area compared to traditional cellulose fibers. 
In aqueous suspensions, they will create particulate fibril networks with multifunctional properties. 
However, due to the structural differences like fibril length and flexibility, the properties of these networks differ extensively.

Viscosity of 2% suspensions of MFC and Microcrystalline cellulose. 
Microfibrallated cellulose consists of long and thin fibrils connected in three-dimensional networks and will give a higher viscosity in aqueous suspensions compared to colloidal microcrystalline cellulose which consists of shorter rod like thin fibrils. 
The viscosity was measured with Brookfield viscometer using V-73 spindle at 10 rpm for 5 min.

Microfibrallated cellulose consist of long interconnected fibrils, and the resulting flexible Microfibrallated cellulose particles create a stronger network with higher efficiency compared to Microcrystalline cellulose. 
This is illustrated by the fact that Microfibrallated cellulose has high viscosity and yield stress, it is shear thinning and has high water holding capacity. 
Microcrystalline cellulose, on the other hand, consist of short and stiff rod-like particles creating a much weaker network with lower viscosity and yield strength than Microfibrallated cellulose, and Microcrystalline cellulose is not as good at holding water.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE:
Appearance: A fine white or almost white odorless powder
Particle size: 98% pass 120 mesh
Assay (as α- cellulose, dry basis): ≥97%
Water-soluble matter: ≤ 0.24%
Sulphated ash: ≤ 0.5%
pH (10% solution): 5.0- 7.5
White powder
Insoluble
Odorless and tasteless

SYNONYMS:
Cotton linters
Cellulose crystalline
Cellulose regenerated
Cellulose, powder
Cellulose, powdered
Hydroxycellulose
Powdered cellulose
Pyrocellulose
Rayon