3. INTRODUCTION
• 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. It is also used in plaque
assays for counting viruses, as an alternative
to carboxymethylcellulose.[2]
• 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 the walls of
plant cell. 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.
9. PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATION
• Chemically, it 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
10. CONT..
• It 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.
