MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE

Microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium occurs as a white or off-white odorless and tasteless hygroscopic powder containing 5–22% sodium carboxymethylcellulose. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a water-dispersible organic hydrocolloid.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose that occurs as a white, odorless, tasteless, crystalline powder composed of porous particles. 

CAS Number: 9004-34-6
Molecular Formula: (C12H20O10)n
Molecular Weight: 324.28
EINECS Number: 232-674-9

Synonyms: Potassium clavulanate, 61177-45-5, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM, Amonate, Clavulanic Acid Potassium Salt, BRL 14151K, Clavulansaeure kaliumsalz, UNII-Q42OMW3AT8, EINECS 262-640-9, Q42OMW3AT8, CHEBI:85264, Clavulanate (potassium), potassium (2R,3Z,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, DTXSID60210067, BRL-14151K, Clavulanate potassium [USAN:USP:JAN], potassium;(2R,3Z,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, CLAVULOX COMPONENT CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM, TIMENTIN COMPONENT CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM, AUGMENTIN COMPONENT CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM, Potassium (Z)-(2R,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylate, POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE - 1:1 MIXTURE WITH CELLULOSE, POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE (MART.), POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE [MART.], Clavulanate potassium (USAN:USP:JAN), 4-Oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-, potassium salt (1:1), (2R,3Z,5R)-, potassium (2R,5R,Z)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE (EP MONOGRAPH), POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE [EP MONOGRAPH], CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM (USP MONOGRAPH), CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [USP MONOGRAPH], Potassium clavulanate with microcrystalline cellulose, Clavulanic Acid Potassium Salt in Cellulose (1:1 mixture), potassium clavlanate, Potassium (Z)-(2R,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, Potassium clavulanate; Potassium (2R,3Z,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, Clavulanate, Potassium, Potassium, Clavulanate, CHEMBL1003, SCHEMBL203411, CLAVULANIC ACID POTASSIUM, HY-A0256A, DTXCID60132558, HMS3715B13, Clavulanate potassium (JP17/USP), POTASSIUM CLAVULANATE [JAN], BCP13548, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [USAN], CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [VANDF], EX-A10880, MFCD01710901, Potassium clavulanate cellulose(1:1), AKOS015961326, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [WHO-DD], CCG-221126, FP10878, FP16197, FP30769, 4-Oxa-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-, monopotassium salt, (2R-(2alpha,3Z,5alpha))-, AC-13551, BP-30181, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [GREEN BOOK], Potassium (2R-(2alpha,3Z,5alpha))-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylate, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM [ORANGE BOOK], CS-0019771, D02370, D84066, A833076, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM COMPONENT OF AUGMENTIN, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM COMPONENT OF CLAVULOX, CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM COMPONENT OF TIMENTIN, CLAVULANIC ACID (AS CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM), Clavulanic acid potassium 100 microg/mL in Water, Q27158444, Potassium clavulanate (50%) : microcrystalline cellulose, Potassium clavulanate - 1:1 mixture with silicon dioxide, 262-640-9, 4-OXA-1-AZABICYCLO(3.2.0)HEPTANE-2-CARBOXYLIC ACID, 3-(2-HYDROXYETHYLIDENE)-7-OXO-, MONOPOTASSIUM SALT, (2R-(2.ALPHA.,3Z,5.ALPHA.))-, potassium (2R,3Z,5R)-3-(2-oxidanylethylidene)-7-oxidanylidene-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, potassium (2R,5R,Z)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, potassium(2R,5R,Z)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylate, AVICEL PH;AVICEL PH 101(R);AVICEL PH 102;AVICEL PH 105(R);AVICEL(R);''AVICEL(R)'';AVICEL SF;AVIRIN

Microcrystalline cellulose is commercially available in different particle sizes and moisture grades that have different properties and applications.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a term for refined wood pulp and is used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, a fat substitute, an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent in food production.
The most common form is used in vitamin supplements or tablets. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is also used in plaque assays for counting viruses, as an alternative to carboxymethylcellulose.
A naturally occurring polymer, it is composed of glucose units connected by a 1-4 beta glycosidic bond. 
These linear cellulose chains are bundled together as microfibril spiralled together in plant cell walls.

Each microfibril exhibits a high degree of three-dimensional internal bonding resulting in a crystalline structure that is insoluble in water and resistant to reagents. 
There are, however, relatively weak segments of the microfibril with weaker internal bonding. 
These are called amorphous regions; some argue that they are more accurately called dislocations, because of the single-phase structure of microfibrils. 

The crystalline region is isolated to produce microcrystalline cellulose.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a refined, partially depolymerized form of cellulose that is derived from naturally occurring plant fibers, typically wood pulp or cotton. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is composed of crystalline regions of cellulose, which are mechanically processed to produce a fine, white, odorless, and tasteless powder with a high degree of purity and uniformity.

Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used as an inert excipient in pharmaceuticals, where it serves as a binder, filler, and disintegrant in tablet formulations, helping to improve the stability, flow properties, and compressibility of active ingredients.
Additionally, Microcrystalline cellulose is extensively employed in the food industry as a bulking agent, texturizer, anti-caking agent, and fat replacer, commonly found in processed foods, dairy products, sauces, and baked goods. 
Due to its non-digestible nature, it also contributes to dietary fiber content and can help improve the texture and consistency of food products. 

Beyond its pharmaceutical and food applications, Microcrystalline cellulose is used in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial formulations, where it enhances viscosity, stabilizes emulsions, and improves the structural integrity of various products.
The fiber in typical paper can be called “cellulosic”, meaning that cellulose is its most prominent component. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is present not only in wood, but also in various non-woody plants, such as straw, sugarcane (bagasse), reeds, and hemp.

Microcrystalline cellulose is manufactured by controlled hydrolysis with dilute mineral acid solutions of α-cellulose, obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials. 
Following hydrolysis, the hydrocellulose is purified by filtration and the aqueous slurry is spraydried to form dry, porous particles of a broad size distribution.
A natural carbohydrate high polymer (polysaccha- ride) consisting of anhydroglucose units joined by an oxygen linkage to form long molecular chains that are essentially linear.

Microcrystalline cellulose can be hydrolyzed to glucose. 
The degree of polymerization is from 1000 for wood pulp to 3500 for cotton fiber, giving a molecular weight from 160,000 to 560,000. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a colorless solid, d approximately 1.50, insoluble in water and organic solvents. 

Microcrystalline cellulose will swell in sodium hydroxide solution and is soluble in Schweitzer’s reagent. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is the fundamental con- stituent of all vegetable tissues (wood, grass, cotton, etc.) and the most abundant organic material in the world. 
Cotton fibers are almost pure cellulose; wood contains approximately 50%. 

The physical structure of cellulose is unusual in that it is not a single crystal but consists of crystalline areas embedded in amorphous areas. 
Chemical reagents penetrate the latter more easily than the former. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is virtually odorless and tasteless and is com- bustible, with an ignition point of approximately 450F. 

In some forms, it is flammable.
For example, railroad shipping regulations require a flammable label on such items as burnt fiber, burnt cotton, wet waste paper, and wet textiles. 
Fires have been known to occur in warehouses in which telephone books were stored. 

These were undoubtedly due to heat buildup in the paper caused by microbial activity and self-sustaining oxidation.
Odorless, white powdery fibers. 
The biopolymer composing the cell wall of vegetable tissues. 

Prepared by treating cotton with an organic solvent to de-wax Cellulose microcrystalline and removing pectic acids by extration with a solution of sodium hydroxide. 
The principal fiber composing the cell wall of vegetable tissues (wood, cotton, flax, grass, etc.). 
Technical uses depend on the strength and flexibility of its fibers. 

Soluble with chemical degradation in sulfuric aicd, and in concentrated solutions of zinc chloride. 
Soluble in aqueous solutions of cupric ammonium hydroxide (Cu(NH3)4(OH)2).
Microcrystalline cellulose is combustible. 

Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents including bromine pentafluoride, sodium nitrate, fluorine, perchlorates, perchloric acid, sodium chlorate, magnesium perchlorate, F2, zinc permanganate, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium peroxide. 
Nitration with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids produces Microcrystalline cellulose nitrates (celluloid pyroxylin, soluble pyroxyline, guncotton) which are flammable or explosive.

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 it provides dietary bulk and may lead to a laxative effect.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. 
It 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 the same as cellulose, except that it meets USP standards.
Microcrystalline cellulose is an odorless, tasteless, porous white powder derived from pharmaceutical grade wood pulp.

Microcrystalline cellulose, often referred to as Microcrystalline cellulose is rened 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 is a pure partially depolymerized cellulose synthesized from α-cellulose precursor (type Iβ), obtained as a pulp from brous plant material, with mineral acids using hydrochloric acid to reduce the degree of polymerization.
Microcrystalline cellulose can be synthesized by dierent 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 dierent sources will dier 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 rened wood pulp.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a white, free-owing powder.
Chemically, Microcrystalline cellulose is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption.
Microcrystalline cellulose is the most commonly used spheronizing aid in a formulation undergoing extrusion spheronization.

Microcrystalline cellulose is available in dierent 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 lamentous material with a large surface area, high internal porosity, and high moisture retaining property.

Microcrystalline cellulose [E 460(i)] is prepared by the controlled hydrolysis of highly puried α‐cellulose, obtained as a pulp from strains of brous plant material, while powdered cellulose [E 460(ii)] is obtained by purication 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 ltration.
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 brous, packed structure, in the form of short, rod‐like particles.
These are dried and ground to a ne, white, free‐owing 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 benet the well being of individuals concerned with tness 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 is a free-owing crystalline powder (a non-brous 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 is non-digestible plant matter in sources like wood pulp and tough plant stalks.
These plants are harvested, cleaned and ground to create a ne, 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.

Melting point: 76-78 °C (Solv: acetone (67-64-1); chloroform (67-66-3))
Density: 1.5 g/cm³ (20℃)
Bulk density: 70-400 kg/m³
Refractive index: n20/D 1.504
Flash point: 164 °C
Storage temp.: Room temp
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, in acetone, in anhydrous ethanol, in toluene, in dilute acids, and in a 50 g/L solution of sodium hydroxide
Form: Powder
Color: White or almost white
Odor: Odorless
pH: 5-7.5 (100 g/L, H₂O, 20℃) (slurry)
Optical activity: -120 (Cuprammonium hydroxide solution)
Biological source: Spruce
Viscosity: 50-150 cP (2.6 wt.% in H₂O, Brookfield RTV, spindle #1, 20 rpm) (lit.)
Water solubility: Insoluble
Merck: 14,1965
Exposure limits:
ACGIH: TWA 10 mg/m³
OSHA: TWA 15 mg/m³; TWA 5 mg/m³
NIOSH: TWA 10 mg/m³; TWA 5 mg/m³; TWA 1 mg/m³
Dielectric constant: 3.2 (Ambient)
Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a spray- or bulk-dried blend of microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is prepared by the chemical depolymerization of highly purified wood pulp. 
The original crystalline areas of the pulp fibers are combined with sodium carboxymethylcellulose, which serves as a protective colloid and also facilitates dispersion of the product; it is then either spray- or bulk-dried.

Microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a mixture of two materials both of which are generally regarded as nontoxic.
Microcrystalline cellulose GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe. 
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (inhalations; oral capsules, powders, suspensions, syrups, and tablets; topical and vaginal preparations). 

Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. 
Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
Microcrystalline cellulose sodium GRAS listed. 

Accepted as a food additive in Europe. 
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (dental preparations; intra-articular, intrabursal, intradermal, intralesional, and intrasynovial injections; oral drops, solutions, suspensions, syrups and tablets; topical preparations). 
Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. 

Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal Ingredients.
Microcrystalline cellulose is pure partially depolymerized cellulose synthesized from α-cellulose precursor.
The Microcrystalline cellulose can be synthesized by different processes such as reactive extrusion, enzyme mediated, mechanical grinding, ultrasonication, steam explosion and acid hydrolysis. 

The latter process can be done using mineral acids such as H2SO4, HCl and HBr as well as ionic liquids. 
The role of these reagents is to destroy the amorphous regions leaving the crystalline domains.
The degree of polymerization is typically less than 400. 

The Microcrystalline cellulose particles with size lower than 5 μm must not be more than 10%.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are also important to predict the thermal behavior of the MCC upon heat stresses.

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 ber.

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 brous material to a white freely-owing powder.

Microcrystalline Cellulose is made from high-grade, puried wood cellulose. 
With Microcrystalline Cellulose's amorphous cellulose portions removed, Microcrystalline Cellulose becomes an inert, white, free-owing 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 rened wood pulp with a unique hydroswelling talent.

Microcrystalline Cellulose can be synthesized in several ways through reactive extrusion, ultrasonication, and steam explosion.
Microcrystalline cellulose consist of long interconnected brils, and the resulting exible MFC particles create a stronger network with higher eciency 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 puried, 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 puried, partially depolymerized cellulose with shorter crystalline polymer chains (average particle size 50 µm) prepared by treating alpha-cellulose, obtained as a pulp from brous plant material, with mineral acids 1).
Microcrystalline cellulose [E 460(i)] is a ne, white or almost white, odorless, free owing crystalline powder with not more than 10% of the material has a particle size of less than 5 mm.

Uses:
Wood contains 50–70% cellulose; cotton and other textile fibers of plant origin contain 65–95%; rayon is prepared by dissolving natural cellulose and then precipitating it from solution, with some loss of crystallinity. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is made into cellophane film and is used to form fibers, resins, coatings and gums.

Microcrystalline cellulose is most widely used for direct compression tableting and wet granulation. 
Microcrystalline cellulose has similar compression properties to ACCEL-101. 
However, it has larger particle size and therefore, may be of value in improving the flow if fine powders. ACCEL

Microcrystalline cellulose is a carbohydrate polymer made up of glucose units. 
It consists of fibrous particles and is used as a fiber source and bulking agent in low-calorie formulations.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a gum that is the nonfibrous form of cellulose, an alpha-cellulose. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is dispersible in water but not soluble, requiring considerable energy to disperse and hydrate. 
In this form it is used in dry applications such as tableting, capsules, and shredded cheese where it functions as a non-nutritive filler, binder, flow aid, and anticaking agent. 
By the addition of carboxymethylcellulose to the alpha-cellulose prior to drying, improved functional properties of hydration and dispersion are obtained. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is designed for use in water dispersions, being insoluble in water but dispersing in water to form colloidal sols below 1% and white opaque gels above the 1% usage level. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a heat shock stabilizer and bodying agent in frozen desserts, as an opacifier in low-fat dressings, as a foam stabilizer in whipped toppings, and as an emulsifier in dressings.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a thickener and an emulsifier. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained from plants.
Microcrystalline cellulose is used as an emulsifier in cosmetic creams. 
It is the chief constituent of plant fiber.

High purity cellulose powders for partition chromatography.
Microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium is used to produce thixotropic gels suitable as suspending vehicles in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
The sodium Microcrystalline cellulose aids dispersion and serves as a protective colloid.

Concentrations of less than 1% solids produce fluid dispersions, while concentrations of more than 1.2% solids produce thixotropic gels. 
When properly dispersed, it imparts emulsion stability, opacity and suspension in a variety of products, and is used in nasal sprays, topical sprays and lotions, oral suspensions, emulsions, creams and gels.
Microcrystalline cellulose is the main constituent of the structureof plants (natural polymer) that, whenextracted, is employed for making paper,plastics, and in many combinations. 

Microcrystalline cellulose made up of long-chain molecules inwhich the complex unit C6H10O5 is repeatedas many as 2000 times.
Microcrystalline cellulose consists of glucose molecules with three hydroxyl groups foreach glucose unit.
One of the simplest forms of cellulose usedindustrially is regenerated cellulose, in whichthe chemical composition of the finished productis similar to that of the original cellulose. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is made from wood or cotton pulp digested ina caustic solution. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is a regeneratedcellulose in thin sheets for wrapping and otherspecial uses include windings on wire andcable.
Approved within the European Union as a thickener, stabilizer or emulsifier, microcrystalline cellulose was granted the E number E460(i) with basic cellulose given the number E460.

Microcrystalline cellulose has use in cosmetics as an abrasive, absorbent, anti-caking agent, aqueous viscosity increasing agent, binder, bulking agent, emulsion stabilizer, slip modifier, and texturizer, which can be found in various hair and skin care products as well as makeup.
The Microcrystalline cellulose is a valuable additive in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and other industries. 
Different properties of Microcrystalline cellulose are measured to qualify its suitability to such utilization, namely particle size, density, compressibility index, angle of repose, powder porosity, hydration swelling capacity, moisture sorption capacity, moisture content, crystallinity index, crystallite size, and mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength.

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. 
According to the Select Committee on GRAS Substances, Microcrystalline cellulose is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities. 
Microcrystalline cellulose has a broad range of applications across various industries due to its exceptional binding, stabilizing, and bulking properties.

In the pharmaceutical industry, Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations, where it acts as a binder, filler, and disintegrant, ensuring the even distribution of active ingredients while improving the tablet's compressibility and mechanical strength. 
Because of its inert nature, high compatibility, and stability, it is an ideal ingredient for both immediate-release and controlled-release drug formulations. 
Additionally, its ability to enhance the flow properties of powders makes it essential in the production of dry powder inhalers and other pharmaceutical dosage forms.

In the food industry, Microcrystalline cellulose is commonly utilized as a bulking agent, anti-caking agent, texturizer, and fat replacer, improving the texture, consistency, and mouthfeel of various food products. 
It is frequently found in low-calorie and reduced-fat foods, such as salad dressings, sauces, frozen desserts, processed meats, and baked goods, where it helps to mimic the creaminess and thickness of fats without adding calories. 
Furthermore, as an indigestible dietary fiber, Microcrystalline cellulose contributes to the fiber content of food products, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.

In the cosmetic and personal care industries, Microcrystalline cellulose is included in products such as skin creams, lotions, toothpaste, and makeup due to its stabilizing, thickening, and absorbent properties. 
It helps emulsions remain stable, prevents separation in liquid formulations, and enhances the smoothness and spreadability of creams and lotions. 
In toothpaste, Microcrystalline cellulose functions as a mild abrasive that assists in plaque removal while providing a creamy texture.

Additionally, in industrial applications, Microcrystalline cellulose is used in paint, coatings, adhesives, and paper manufacturing, where it improves viscosity, enhances film formation, and contributes to the structural integrity of finished products. 
In the medical field, it is sometimes used in wound dressings and specialized medical formulations due to its biocompatibility and moisture-absorbing characteristics.

In the pharmaceutical industry, Microcrystalline cellulose plays a significant role in the manufacturing of solid dosage forms like chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, and oral suspensions, where its properties aid in rapid disintegration, allowing for faster absorption of the active ingredients. 
It is also used in the production of controlled-release drug formulations to provide a consistent release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) over time. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is beneficial in the development of dietary supplements and vitamin tablets, where it helps to provide bulk to the product and ensures the uniformity and stability of the ingredients. 
Additionally, it is commonly used in topical formulations, such as ointments and creams, where it provides thickening properties that enhance the product's texture and ease of application.

In the food industry, Microcrystalline cellulose is an essential ingredient in dietary fiber products. 
It is often added to fiber supplements, where it contributes to the increase in fiber content without adding significant calories.
Microcrystalline cellulose's ability to act as a water-binding agent makes it useful in the preparation of hydrocolloid-based products, like gels and emulsions, which are used in low-fat or fat-free versions of sauces, dressings, and dairy alternatives. 

Furthermore, Microcrystalline cellulose helps improve the shelf life of processed food items by preventing caking and maintaining the stability of powdered products. 
In bakery products, it can be used to improve dough strength, increase moisture retention, and enhance texture, while in cereals and granola bars, it serves as a filler and Microcrystalline cellulose is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in formulations like lotions, deodorants, and foundation. 

Its ability to retain moisture makes it particularly useful in skincare products, where it can improve the hydration and feel of the product on the skin. 
In shampoos and hair conditioners, Microcrystalline cellulose enhances the viscosity and foaming properties of the product, giving it a smoother, more luxurious feel. 
Microcrystalline cellulose is also utilized in personal hygiene products, such as wet wipes, where it helps to maintain the consistency of the liquid within the wipe, while also being gentle enough for skin contact.

Microcrystalline cellulose is used in the production of high-quality paper and cardboard, where it improves the strength and durability of the final product. 
It is also employed in printing inks and coatings to ensure uniformity and prevent streaking. 
In textile manufacturing, MCC is used as a finish for fabrics, where it enhances the smoothness and softness of the material. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is also a key ingredient in wood pulp products, such as disposable wipes and paper towels, where it adds strength and absorbency.
Microcrystalline cellulose has been used in the creation of artificial skin, bandages, and wound dressings. 

Its biocompatibility and ability to absorb moisture make it ideal for these applications, where it helps to maintain a moist healing environment. 
In oral hygiene, Microcrystalline cellulose is used in toothpaste formulations, where it acts as a binder and helps to create a smooth paste, aiding in the effective delivery of fluoride and other active ingredients while also contributing to a mild abrasive action to aid in cleaning teeth.

Safety Profile:
When heated to decomposition Microcrystalline cellulose emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and food products and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.
Microcrystalline cellulose is not absorbed systemically following oral administration and thus has little toxic potential. 

Consumption of large quantities of cellulose may have a laxative effect, although this is unlikely to be a problem when cellulose is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
Deliberate abuse of formulations containing cellulose, either by inhalation or by injection, has resulted in the formation of cellulose granulomas.

When microcrystalline cellulose is in its powder form, inhaling large amounts of the dust can pose respiratory risks. 
Prolonged or excessive inhalation of Microcrystalline cellulose dust may lead to respiratory tract irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. 
There is a concern that fine particles of Microcrystalline cellulose could contribute to lung inflammation, especially in occupational settings where exposure to dust is high. 

This is particularly relevant in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing, where Microcrystalline cellulose is used in powder form.
Although Microcrystalline cellulose is not considered a strong irritant, contact with eyes or skin may cause mild irritation. 
In rare cases, if particles get into the eyes, they may cause redness, watering, or discomfort. 

Prolonged skin exposure may result in dryness or minor irritation. 
While Microcrystalline cellulose is not toxic or caustic, it is still important to handle the material with care and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid direct contact.