mikrokristalin

Mikrokristalin, often referred to in English as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), is a purified, partially crystalline form of cellulose composed of microcrystals. It is derived from plant cellulose and is widely used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics.

Production of mikrokristalin cellulose involves acid hydrolysis of cellulose to remove the amorphous regions, leaving crystalline domains. The hydrolysis is typically performed with mineral acids under controlled conditions, followed by neutralization, thorough washing, drying, and grinding to yield powders or granules. The resulting product varies in particle size and crystallinity depending on the grade, which influences properties such as compressibility, binding, and disintegration.

Mikrokristalin cellulose is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is chemically inert and compatible with a wide range of active ingredients. It exhibits good compressibility and binding properties, making it effective as a filler and binder in tablet formulations, as well as a disintegrant in some cases. In addition to pharmaceutical use, MCC serves as a thickener, stabilizer, or anti-caking agent in foods, and as a thickener in cosmetic products.

In regulation and safety terms, mikrokristalin cellulose is widely regarded as safe and is approved for use in many regions. Pharmaceutical-grade MCC is produced to high purity standards to meet pharmacopoeial requirements, reflecting its long history of use and favorable safety profile.

There are multiple grades of mikrokristalin cellulose defined by particle size and density to suit different applications, with some variants tailored for specific pharmaceutical or food processes. As a cellulose-derived, renewable material, MCC is valued for its functional performance and broad compatibility across industries.