Have you ever wondered what makes your medications easy to swallow, your food products stable, or your cosmetics and personal care items so smooth and consistent? The answer lies in a seemingly unassuming but incredibly versatile ingredient –- microcrystalline cellulose. But what exactly is MCC, and how does it manage to play such diverse roles in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and personal care industries?
Let's embark on a journey to uncover the remarkable properties and myriad applications of this versatile ingredient.
What is Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a compound that is mainly refined wood pulp and is often used as an excipient in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and cosmetics. It is chemically inert, which means it does not react with other ingredients and is not degraded during digestion.
MCC is a white, free-flowing powder that provides dietary bulk and promotes bowel movement. It has excellent compressibility properties and can be used in solid dosage forms, such as tablets. MCC has various health benefits, due to which it is highly used in medicines. According to the latest report by Extrapolate, the microcrystalline cellulose market is projected to be valued at $1.4 billion by 2030.
How is Microcrystalline Cellulose Made?
Microcrystalline cellulose, chemical formula C14H26O11, is composed of glucose units connected by a 1-4 beta glycosidic bond. This forms linear cellulose chains bundled together as microfibrils in plant cell walls. These microfibrils exhibit a high degree of 3D internal bonding, which results in a crystalline structure that has water insolubility and is reagent-resistant.
MCC is commonly produced through the acid hydrolysis of cellulose using mineral acids, which selectively hydrolyze the highly reactive amorphous regions, releasing the crystallites. The resulting MCC is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose, typically in the form of a white, free-flowing powder.
5 Benefits of Microcrystalline Cellulose
Below are the five key benefits of MCC:
1. Digestive Health Support
MCC is often used as a bulking agent in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. It can support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the passage of stool. This can be mainly helpful for individuals struggling with constipation or inconsistent bowel movements.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation
MCC has a low glycemic index and is not broken down into glucose in the body. This means it does not significantly impact blood sugar levels, making it a suitable ingredient for diabetic-friendly products or formulations aimed at promoting stable blood sugar levels.
3. Weight Management
Microcrystalline cellulose benefits individuals seeking weight management. MCC is often used in weight management products due to its ability to absorb water and create a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Promoting satiety may help individuals control their appetite and reduce their overall calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss or weight management goals.
4. Oral Health
In dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, MCC can act as a mild abrasive agent that helps remove plaque and debris from teeth. It can also contribute to the overall texture and mouthfeel of oral care products, enhancing their effectiveness and user experience.
5. Cholesterol Management
Some research suggests that MCC may have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract may help reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food, potentially contributing to improved cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
Applications of Microcrystalline Cellulose
MCC is a versatile substance with a wide range of uses across various industries. Some applications of MCC include:
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Cosmetics Industry
MCC is a popular element in the cosmetic industry due to its aqueous viscosity-increasing nature. It is also used as an absorbent, abrasive, anti-caking agent, emulsion stabilizer, binder, bulking agent, and texturizer. It can be found in various hair and skin care products, as well as in makeup.
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Pharmaceutical Industry
The use of microcrystalline cellulose in tablets is highly recommended in the pharmaceutical industry. Its compressibility properties allow for the formation of hard tablets that dissolve quickly. Due to its various properties, such as bulking, binding, glidant, disintegrant, and auxiliary suspending, microcrystalline cellulose is used in vitamins.
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Animal Nutrition
MCC is used as a technological additive in premixtures and feedingstuffs for all animal species. It serves as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent, and binder with no minimum or maximum content. Microcrystalline cellulose for dogs is recommended for their health by several animal food companies.
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Food Production
MCC serves as an anti-caking agent, texture modifier, stabilizer, or suspending agent in the food industry. It is widely found in many processed food products. It is used to extend starches, stabilize foams, and control ice crystal formation in food products such as meringue, whipped toppings, confections, and ice cream. MCC approved as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier within the European Union, is assigned the E number E460(i) and is employed in a variety of food products.
What's New in Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Asahi Kasei is enhancing pharmaceutical safety by introducing Ceolus MCC with nitrite levels reduced to 0.1 μg/g or less. This initiative aims to minimize the risk of carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. Nitrosation, a reaction involving secondary or tertiary amines with nitrites, is a key risk factor in nitrosamine formation.
Asahi Kasei has successfully maintained nitrite concentrations in various grades of Ceolus at 0.1 ppm or less, underscoring its commitment to delivering safer pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. The company also commenced full commercial operations of its second Ceolus manufacturing facility in January 2024.
To Wrap Up
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) stands as a versatile and valuable substance across multiple industries. It has an inert nature, compressibility, and the ability to influence product texture without impacting flavor, which makes it indispensable in various foods.
As an excipient in pharmaceutical products, a food additive, and a component in various personal care and animal nutrition products, MCC exhibits a wide array of applications. With its widespread usability and manufacturing advantages, MCC continues to play a crucial role in various sectors, catering to the needs of both consumers and industries alike.
