Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. It is a structural component of plant cell walls and is widely used to produce paper, paperboard, and textiles. In pharmaceutical applications, cellulose and its derivatives such as microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are used as excipients in tablet formulations as binders, diluents, disintegrants, and coating agents.

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CELLULOSE
Mr. Sagar Kishor Savale
[Department of Pharmaceutics]
avengersagar16@gmail.com
2015-2016
Department of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics) | Sagar savale

2. Cellulose
1. Cellulose is an organic compound with the formula (C6H10O5)n,
2. polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units.
3. Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the
oomycetes. Some species of bacteria secrete it to form biofilms.
4. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. The cellulose content of cotton fiber is 90%, that of wood is
40–50% and that of dried hemp is approximately 45%.
5. Cellulose is mainly used to produce paperboard and paper.
6. Smaller quantities are converted into a wide variety of derivative products such as cellophane and rayon.
7. Conversion of cellulose from energy crops into biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol is under investigation as an
alternative fuel source.
8. Cellulose for industrial use is mainly obtained from wood pulp and cotton.
9. Some animals, particularly ruminants and termites, can digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic micro-organisms
that live in their guts, such as Trichonympha.
10. In humans, cellulose acts as a hydrophilic bulking agent for feces and is often referred to as a "dietary fiber".
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3. Properties
Chemical formula (C6H10O5)n
Appearance white powder
Density 1.5 g/cm3
Melting point
260–270 °C; 500–518 °F; 533–543 K
decomposes
Solubility in water none
History
Cellulose was discovered in 1838 by the French chemist Anselme Payen, who isolated it
from plant matter and determined its chemical formula. Cellulose was used to produce
the first successful thermoplastic polymer, celluloid, by Hyatt Manufacturing Company in
1870. Production of rayon ("artificial silk") from cellulose began in the 1890s and
cellophane was invented in 1912. Hermann Staudinger determined the polymer
structure of cellulose in 1920. The compound was first chemically synthesized (without
the use of any biologically derived enzymes) in 1992, by Kobayashi and Shoda.
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4. Structure and properties
1. Cellulose has no taste, is odorless, is hydrophilic with the contact angle of 20–30, is insoluble in water and
most organic solvents, is chiral and is biodegradable.
2. It can be broken down chemically into its glucose units by treating it with concentrated acids at high
temperature.
3. Cellulose is derived from D-glucose units, which condense through β(1→4)-glycosidic bonds.
4. This linkage motif contrasts with that for α(1→4)-glycosidic bonds present in starch, glycogen, and other
carbohydrates.
5. Cellulose is a straight chain polymer: unlike starch, no coiling or branching occurs, and the molecule adopts
an extended and rather stiff rod-like conformation, aided by the equatorial conformation of the glucose
residues.
6. The multiple hydroxyl groups on the glucose from one chain form hydrogen bonds with oxygen atoms on the
same or on a neighbor chain, holding the chains firmly together side-by-side and forming microfibrils with
high tensile strength.
7. This confers tensile strength in cell walls, where cellulose microfibrils are meshed into a polysaccharide
matrix.
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5. Biosynthesis
1. In vascular plants cellulose is synthesized at the plasma membrane by rosette terminal complexes (RTCs).
2. The RTCs are hexameric protein structures, approximately 25 nm in diameter, that contain the cellulose
synthase enzymes that synthesise the individual cellulose chains.
3. Each RTC floats in the cell's plasma membrane and "spins" a microfibril into the cell wall.
4. RTCs contain at least three different cellulose synthases, encoded by CesA genes, in an unknown
stoichiometry.
5. Separate sets of CesA genes are involved in primary and secondary cell wall biosynthesis. There are
known to be about seven subfamilies in the CesA superfamily. These cellulose synthases use UDP-glucose
to form the β(1→4)-linked cellulose.
6. Cellulose synthesis requires chain initiation and elongation, and the two processes are separate.
7. CesA glucosyltransferase initiates cellulose polymerization using a steroid primer, sitosterol-beta-
glucoside, and UDP-glucose.
8. Cellulose synthase utilizes UDP-D-glucose precursors to elongate the growing cellulose chain. A cellulase
may function to cleave the primer from the mature chain.
9. Cellulose is also synthesised by animals, particularly in the tests of ascidians (where the cellulose was
historically termed "tunicine") although it is also a minor component of mammalian connective tissue.
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6. WHAT IS CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES
1. Pharmaceutically used cellulose derivatives obtained by either mechanical
or chemical processing or both.
2. The hydroxyl groups of cellulose can be partially or fully reacted with various
reagent to afford derivatives with useful properties.
3. Pure cellulose additional treatment by HCL produced various cellulose
derivatives.
Advantages
1. Improve stability of drug.
2. Good Lubrication
3. Good binding properties
4. Rapid disintegration
5. Good flowing properties
6. Reduced friability & weight loss
7. Excellent compression & hardness
TYPES OF CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES
1. Microcrystalline cellulose
2. Cellulose acetate phthalate
3. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose
4. Methyl cellulose
5. Hydroxy propyl cellulose
6. Carboxy methyl cellulose
7. Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose
8. Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose phthalate
9. Hydroxy ethyl methyl cellulose
10. Ethyl cellulose
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7. Regenerated cellulose
 Cellulose + NAOH formation of mass .
 Treated with sodium sulfide +sulfuric acid
 Provide strength form rayon.
 Use-text tile industries.
Cellulose nitrate
 Cellulose + nitric acid presence of sulfuric acid
form cellulose nitrate.
Use- gun powder
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Cellulose ether-
Two types-
1]methyl cellulose-
Cellulose + alkali cellulose alkali + methyl
chloride [under pressure] methyl
cellulose
2]ethyl cellulose-
Cellulose + alkali cellulose alkali +ethyl
cellulose[under pressure] ethyl
cellulose
Use- manufacturing of tablet & capsule shell

8. Cellulose ether-
Two types-
1]methyl cellulose-
Cellulose + alkali cellulose alkali + methyl chloride [under pressure]
methyl cellulose
2]ethyl cellulose-
Cellulose + alkali cellulose alkali +ethyl cellulose[under pressure]
ethyl cellulose
Use- manufacturing of tablet & capsule shell
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9. Cellulose acetate-
Cellulose + acetic acid acetic anhydride primary acetate
+H2O Cellulose acetate
 Use-text tile industries.
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10. Microcrystalline cellulose
Synonyms: Celex , cellulose gel , fibrocel.
Empirical Formula : (C6H10O5)n n=220
Molecular Weight : 36000
Function Category : Adsorbent, Suspending
agent, table diluent
Application in Pharmaceutical Formulation:
→Binder (20-90%) →
Disintigrant (5-15%)
→ Antiadherent (5-20%) → Lubricant
→Diluent (20-90%)
Description:White,Odorless,
Tasteless,Crystalline power
Typical properties
Density(bulk):0.337g/cm3
Density(tapped):0.478g/cm3
Density(true):1.512-1.668g/cm3
Flow ability: 1.41 g/s
Melting point: 260-2700
c
Moisture content: < then 5 % w/w
Solubility: Slightly soluble in NAOH
Precaution:
Irritant to eye so recommended eye
protection.
Incompatibilities : With strong oxidizing
agents.
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11. Cellulose acetate phthalate
Synonyms: cellacephate
Function Category : coating agent
Application in Pharmaceutical
Formulation:
→used in enteric film coating
material (0.5-9%)
→matrix binder for tablets and
capsules
Description:
Hygroscopic, White to off White
,Free-flowing powder
Typical properties
Density(bulk): 0.260 g/cm3
Density(tapped): 0.266 g/cm3
Melting point: 1920C
Moisture content: 2.2%
Solubility: <10%w/w
Incompatibilities : With ferrous sulfate ,
Fecl2 ,Cacl2,
Hgcl2, lead acetate , strong oxidizing agent.
Precaution:
Irritant to eye should be handled in a well
ventilated environment.
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12. Cellulose Acetate
Synonyms: Acetyl cellulose
Empirical Formula:(C6H12O7)n
Molecular Weight: 38000
Function Category : Extended release
agent,Diluent
Application in Pharmaceutical
Formulation:
→used in sustain release & taste
masking
→used in transdermal drug delivery
Description:
Free flowing pellets, tasteless, slightly
odour of acetic acid
Typical properties
Density:1.3 g/cm3
Melting point: 230-3000
c
Glass transition temperature: 170-1900c
Solubility: soluble in acetone-water
dichloromethane-ethanol
Viscosity: 10-230 mPa s
Incompatibilities : With strongly acidic or
alkaline
substance
Precaution:
Cellulose acetate irritant to eye so eye
protection should be worm
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13. Hydroxy ethyl cellulose
Synonyms: cellulose hydroxy
ethyl ether
Molecular Weight: 38000
Function Category : Suspending
agent, Binder,Coating agent,
Thickening agent.
Application in Pharmaceutical
Formulation:
→Opthalmic & Topical
formulation
→ Cosmetic preparation
Description:
Hygroscopy powder, odourless,
tasteless, cream to white colour
Typical properties
Density(bulk):0.35-0.61g/cm3
Melting point: 135-1400
c(softens)
2050C(Decompose)
Moisture content: < then 5 % w/w
Solubility: soluble in Hot & Cold water
Insoluble in ethanol, ether,
toluene
Viscosity: 2-20000 mPa s
cello size (2-3000)
Natrosol (>3000)
Incompatibilities : With fluorescent dyes ,
quaternary
disinfectant.
Precaution:
Irritant to eye so recommended eye protection.
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14. Hydroxy propyl cellulose
Synonyms: Hyprolose
Molecular Weight: 50000-125000
Function Category : Suspending
agent, Binder, Coating agent,
Emulsifying agent.
Application in Pharmaceutical
Formulation:
→ Oral & Topical formulation
→ binder in tableting process (2-
6% w/w )
→ extended drug release(15-35%
w/w)
Description:
odourless, tasteless, white to
slightly yellow colour
Typical properties
Density(bulk): 0.5 g/cm3
Melting point: 1300
c(softens)
260-2750cDecompose)
Moisture content: 4 % w/w(at
50%relativehumidity)
12%w/w(at 84% relative
humidity)
Solubility: soluble 1 in 10 part
dichloromethane
1 in 2.5 part ethanol
1in 2 part methanol
Viscosity: 75-3000 mPa s
Incompatibilities : With phenol derivatives
such as
methylparaben ,
propylparaben.
Precaution: Irritant to eye so recommended
eye
protection.
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15. Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose
Synonyms: Hypromellose
Empirical Formula : C56H108O30
Molecular Weight : 10000-1500000
Function Category : Coating agent,
Suspending, agent, tablet binder
Application in Pharmaceutical
Formulation:
→Binder (2-5%w/w)
→Thickening agent (0.45-
1%w/w)
→Emulsifier, Suspending
agent
→Plastic bandage
Description: White, Odorless, Tasteless
Typical properties
Density(bulk):0.341 g/cm3
Density(tapped):0.557g/cm3
Density(true):1.326g/cm3
Melting point: 190-2000
c
Moisture content: depend on initial
moistur content, temperature, relative humidity
Solubility: soluble in cold water
insolubal in chloroform, ethenol, ethers
Incompatibilities : With oxidizing agents ,
metallic salts or ionic organics.
Precaution: Irritent to eye so recommended eye
protection
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16. Pharmaceutical Application of cellulose
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17. •Paper products: Cellulose is the major constituent of paper, paperboard, and card stock
•Fibers: Cellulose is the main ingredient of textiles made from cotton, linen, and other plant fibers. It can be turned into
rayon, an important fiber that has been used for textiles since the beginning of the 20th century. Both cellophane and
rayon are known as "regenerated cellulose fibers"; they are identical to cellulose in chemical structure and are usually
made from dissolving pulp via viscose. A more recent and environmentally friendly method to produce a form of rayon
is the Lyocell process.
•Consumables: Microcrystalline cellulose (E460i) and powdered cellulose (E460ii) are used as inactive fillers in drug
tablets and as thickeners and stabilizers in processed foods. Cellulose powder is, for example, used in Kraft's Parmesan
cheese to prevent caking inside-of the package.
•Science: Cellulose is used in the laboratory as a stationary phase for thin layer chromatography. Cellulose fibers are
also used in liquid filtration, sometimes in combination with diatomaceous earth or other filtration media, to create a
filter bed of inert material.
Application
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18. •Energy crops: Main article: Energy crop
•The major combustible component of non-food energy crops is cellulose, with lignin second. Non-food energy crops
produce more usable energy than edible energy crops (which have a large starch component), but still compete with food
crops for agricultural land and water resources.Typical non-food energy crops include industrial hemp (though outlawed in
some countries), switchgrass, Miscanthus, Salix (willow), and Populus (poplar) species.
•Biofuel: TU-103, a strain of Clostridium bacteria found in zebra waste, can convert nearly any form of cellulose into butanol
fuel.
•Building material: Hydroxyl bonding of cellulose in water produces a sprayable, moldable material as an alternative to the
use of plastics and resins. The recyclable material can be made water- and fire-resistant. It provides sufficient strength for
use as a building material.Cellulose insulation made from recycled paper is becoming popular as an environmentally
preferable material for building insulation. It can be treated with boric acid as a fire retardant.
•Miscellaneous: Cellulose can be converted into cellophane, a thin transparent film. It is the base material for the celluloid
that was used for photographic and movie films until the mid-1930s. Cellulose is used to make water-soluble adhesives and
binders such as methyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose which are used in wallpaper paste. Cellulose is further used to
make hydrophilic and highly absorbent sponges. Cellulose is the raw material in the manufacture of nitrocellulose (cellulose
nitrate) which is used in smokeless gunpowder.
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