Definition of MCC and SMCC
Microcrystalline Cellulose and Silicified MCC are two commonly used pharmaceutical excipients with distinct characteristics.
Microcrystalline Cellulose:
MCC or Microcrystalline cellulose, is a pure form of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls that undergoes partial depolymerization. It is a chemically inert, white, and free-flowing powder that does not degrade during digestion. It has a low moisture content. It serves as dietary fiber and may cause a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities.
It is widely used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry, especially for solid dose forms like tablets. These tablets are hard yet dissolve rapidly. It has excellent compressibility and binding properties. It is an ideal ingredient in the formulation of tablets and capsules.
It is also present in various processed food materials. It functions as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer, texture modifier, or suspending agent in food products.
Distinct methods produce MCC, like reactive extrusion, enzyme-mediated processes, steam explosion, and acid hydrolysis. Generally, it is made through the spray-drying method of a neutralized water-based mixture of hydrolyzed cellulose. The Chemical composition, structural organization, and physicochemical properties of MCC vary significantly depending on its source.
Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose
SMCC or Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose is a co-processed pharmaceutical excipient. It comprises microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD), which, although non-covalently bound, are highly stable.
MCC faces challenges during direct compression, such as low bulk density, poor flowability, compactibility, and lubricant sensitivity. Therefore, SMCC was developed to overcome these challenges. This excipient is known for its elevated functionality and versatility. It simplifies the complexities of processing and offers benefits to drug formulations.
This unique combination of MCC and CSD helps leverage the positive features of each component. The outcome is an excipient with high performance that not only simplifies manufacturing processes but also improves the overall functionality of the drug product.
Silicification leads to increased specific surface area, improved flowability, reduced cohesiveness, and the elimination of lubricant and strain-rate sensitivity. This enhances the ease of managing formulations that include problematic active ingredients from a tableting standpoint.
Comparison between Microcrystalline Cellulose and Silicified MCC in Drug Formulations
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC or SMCC) are two distinct cellulose derivatives with different properties. Here’s a comparison of some key properties:
| Property | MCC | SMCC |
| Appearance | Typically white, odorless, crystalline powder | Either a white to off-white color, odorless powder, or a fibrous substance. |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and most organic solvents, contributing to its stability in various environments | Soluble in water to varying degrees, contingent upon the degree of substitution. This solubility renders SMCC versatile in aqueous applications. |
| Chemical Structure | Comprises small, crystalline cellulose particles characterized by a high degree of purity. | Derived from cellulose modification with carboxymethyl groups. This alteration in chemical structure imparts unique properties to SMCC. |
| Particle Size | Composed of small, uniform particles featuring a crystalline structure. Although particle size can vary, it generally is fine. | Exhibits variability in particle size but is generally finer than MCC, contributing to its distinct physical attributes. |
| Hygroscopicity | Demonstrates low hygroscopicity, indicating minimal moisture absorption characteristics. | SMCC exhibits moderate hygroscopicity, influenced by the specific grade and formulation. This disparity in hygroscopic behavior is a critical factor in diverse applications. |
| Bulk Density | Typically boasts a low bulk density, contributing to its lightweight nature | SMCC’s bulk density may fluctuate, generally leaning towards higher than MCC’s. This divergence influences the handling and processing of these cellulose derivatives. |
| Flowability | Generally possesses good flow properties, facilitating its handling and incorporation into various formulations. | Flowability can vary based on the grade and formulation, but it often aligns with favorable flow characteristics, adding to its utility in different applications. |
| Film-Forming Ability | Exhibits limited film-forming capacity due to its insolubility in water. | It can form films when dissolved in water, making it a valuable component in applications within the food and pharmaceutical industries where film formation is desired. |
| Applications | MCC finds common usage as a pharmaceutical excipient, bulking agent, and binder in tablet formulations, leveraging its stability and low hygroscopicity. | SMCC serves diverse roles as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in the food industry. Moreover, its film-forming ability makes it valuable in pharmaceutical formulations, widening its scope of applications. |
Conclusion
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a pure form of cellulose. It is used in pharmaceuticals and the food industry. It is chemically inert and helps in tablet formulation. It functions as a dietary fiber. Silicified MCC (SMCC) combines MCC with colloidal silicon dioxide to enhance functionality and manufacturing ease in drug formulations. SMCC overcomes all the challenges faced in MCC like low bulk density and poor flowability, hence offering improved performance and versatility.
At Ankit Pulps and Boards, we have developed a fully integrated system for manufacturing, distributing, and wholesaling large quantities of silicified microcrystalline cellulose. We are a Microcrystalline cellulose manufacturer and have served 1000+ clients across the globe. With excellence in research and development, we continually strive to meet customer requirements and serve exceptional products. Contact us to learn more.