Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC,Microcrystalline Cellulose) is a microcrystalline polymer compound formed from natural cellulose by chemical treatment, and its main component is a linear polysaccharide substance bound by β-1, 4-glucosidic bonds. The following is a detailed description of microcrystalline cellulose:

1. nature and characteristics

Appearance and color: microcrystalline cellulose is white or slightly light yellow amorphous powder, odorless, tasteless.

Chemical structure: Its molecular structure is similar to cellulose, but after chemical treatment, the structure becomes more complex and stable, and the molecular weight is usually between hundreds of thousands to millions.

Physical properties: microcrystalline cellulose has good water absorption, oil absorption, emulsification, suspension, thickening and other properties. Its particle size is generally between 2080 μm, and the limit degree of polymerization (LODP) is in the range of 15375. In addition, microcrystalline cellulose also has high reactivity, and performs well in the processes of carboxymethylation, acetylation, and esterification.

Stability: Microcrystalline cellulose is stable at room temperature and pressure, can be compressed into a sheet, can be dispersed in water and water swelling. But should avoid light, fire and high temperature, so as not to affect its nature.

2. preparation method

The preparation methods of microcrystalline cellulose mainly include acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis and chemical synthesis. Among them, acid hydrolysis is the most commonly used preparation method. The method uses natural cellulose as raw material, such as cotton linter, rice husk, pine needles, etc., and degrades it into microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis. The principle of enzymatic hydrolysis is to use cellulase to hydrolyze natural cellulose to obtain microcrystalline cellulose. Chemical synthesis is costly and is generally not used in large-scale production.

3. Application Areas

Medical field: Microcrystalline cellulose has a wide range of applications in the field of medicine. It can be used as a drug carrier, a tablet disintegrant, a capsule filler, etc. Because microcrystalline cellulose has good biocompatibility and bioactivity, it can improve the bioavailability of drugs, promote the release and absorption of drugs, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of drugs. For example, in the preparation of tablets, microcrystalline cellulose is often used as a binder and disintegrant, which can improve the hardness and disintegration rate of tablets.

Food field: In the food industry, microcrystalline cellulose is often used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, etc. It can improve the taste and texture of food, and improve the shelf life and stability of food. In addition, microcrystalline cellulose can also be used to produce dietary fiber, nutritional supplements and other products to meet people's needs for a healthy diet. For example, in frozen foods, cold desserts and cooking sauces, microcrystalline cellulose can increase the consistency and stability of the food.

Cosmetics: In the field of cosmetics, microcrystalline cellulose can be used as an emulsifier, thickener, suspending agent and other additives for the production of emulsions, creams, masks and other cosmetics. It can improve the stability and use effect of cosmetics, and at the same time can promote the absorption and metabolism of the skin. For example, in cosmetics such as foundations and eye shadows, microcrystalline cellulose can make the product easier to apply and even.

Bioengineering field: In the field of bioengineering, microcrystalline cellulose can be used as a carrier and scaffold for biomaterials for tissue engineering and cell culture. Because microcrystalline cellulose has good biocompatibility and bioactivity, it can promote cell adhesion and proliferation, and improve the efficiency and effect of tissue engineering.

4. Safety and Precautions

Safety: Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in oral formulations and foods and is a relatively non-toxic and non-irritating substance. Oral non-absorption, almost no potential toxicity. However, heavy use may cause mild diarrhea. There is no harm as an excipient for pharmaceutical preparations, but the abuse of cellulose-containing preparations (such as inhalation or injection) may cause cellulose granuloma.

Ecological data: Microcrystalline cellulose is generally slightly hazardous to water and should not be exposed to groundwater, waterways or sewage systems undiluted or in large quantities. Do not discharge materials into the surroundings without government permission.

In summary, microcrystalline cellulose is a polymer compound with excellent performance and wide application. It plays an important role in the fields of medicine, food, cosmetics and biological engineering. With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the application prospects of microcrystalline cellulose will be broader.