Microcrystalline Cellulose

“Excipient” is derived from the Latin word “Excipere”, which means ‘Other Than’. An excipient is usually an inert substance and becomes a vehicle/carrier for a pharmaceutical active entity.

Microcrystalline Cellulose

The most common excipient ‘Microcrystalline Cellulose” available in different grades plays the role of binder, disintegrant, diluent, absorbant, lubricant, anti-adherent, etc. in tablet dosage form. Microcrystalline cellulose was discovered in 1955. MCC is widely used for the direct compression process.

Official Names/Non-proprietary Names

USP-NF: Microcrystalline Cellulose

IP: Microcrystalline Cellulose

PhEur: Cellulose, Microcrystalline

BP: Microcrystalline Cellulose

IUPAC Name:

2-{[4,5-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methoxyoxan-3-yl]oxy}-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methoxyoxane-3,4-diol

CAS Number

Cellulose [9004-34-6]

Empirical formula and molecular weight: (C₆H₁₀O₅)n, 370.35

Physical & Chemical Description

MCC occurs as a white odorless, tasteless, crystalline porous particles and chemically depolymerized cellulose.

Applications in Pharmaceutical Development

-Binder/Diluent in oral tablet & Capsule

-Used in wet-granulation and direct compression process

-Additional lubricant & disintegrant property

Commercially available grades of MCC

Avicel PH-101, 102, 103, 105, 112, 113, 200, 301, 302

Celex 101

Ceolus KG-802

Esmocel 50M, 90M

MCC Sanaq 101, 200, 301, 302, 002

Vivapur 101, 102, 12

Safety

-Generally regarded as non-toxic and non-irritant material.

-The laxative effect observed after consumption in large quantity

Storage: Store protected from moisture

Regulatory Status: GRAS listed

 

References:

Indian Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, Handbook of Pharmaceutical excipients by R. C. Rowe (6^th Edition), Pubchem.