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Send EmailE460, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Cellulose Crystalline, Microcrystalline Cellulose 101, Microcrystalline Cellulose 102, MCC, MCC101, MCC102, 9004-34-6
🔹 What Is Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose derived from plant sources such as wood pulp or cotton linters. It is produced through acid hydrolysis of α-cellulose, resulting in a highly crystalline, insoluble polymer.
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INS/E Code: E460(i)
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CAS Number: 9004-34-6
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Chemical Formula: (C6H10O5)n(C_6H_{10}O_5)_n
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Structure: Contains both crystalline and amorphous regions
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Appearance: White, odorless, tasteless powder
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Solubility: Insoluble in water, but dispersible
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pH (suspension): Typically 5.0–7.5
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Bulk Density: ~0.3–0.5 g/cm³
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True Density: ~1.5 g/cm³
🔹 Common Synonyms and Trade Names
MCC is marketed under various names across industries:
| Synonym / Trade Name | Manufacturer / Context |
|---|---|
| Avicel | FMC / DuPont – Pharma & Food |
| Solka-Floc | International Fiber – Food |
| Arbocel | JRS – Food, Cosmetics, Textiles |
| Emcocel / Technocel | JRS – Pharma |
| Vivapur | JRS – Food & Cosmetics |
| Ceolus | Asahi Kasei – High-purity Pharma |
| Sigmacell | Sigma-Aldrich – Lab grade |
| Comprecel | Meggle – Pharma |
| Microcel | Blanver – Pharma |
🔹 Particle Size Grades
| Grade | Typical Size (µm) | Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| MCC101 | ~50 µm | High compressibility, small tablets |
| MCC102 | ~100 µm | Better flowability, larger tablets |
| MCC200+ | >150 µm | Granular blends, high-flow systems |
🔹 Mechanical & Thermal Properties
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Hardness: High – suitable for fillers and abrasives
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Tensile Strength: Enhances polymer matrix durability
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Microhardness: Useful in dental composites and coatings
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Thermal Stability: Stable under normal processing; flammable at high dust concentrations
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Chemical Compatibility: Avoid strong oxidizers
🍽️ 1. Food Industry Applications
Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely used as a food additive (E460(i)) due to its multifunctional properties:
| Function | Description | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Bulking Agent | Adds volume without calories | Low-fat dairy, diet snacks |
| Thickener | Enhances viscosity and mouthfeel | Sauces, soups, dressings |
| Stabilizer | Prevents phase separation in emulsions | Ice cream, chocolate, whipped cream |
| Fat Replacer | Mimics creamy texture in low-fat formulations | Cream cheese, yogurt, desserts |
| Anti-caking Agent | Prevents clumping in powders | Grated cheese, spice blends |
| Fiber Enrichment | Adds insoluble dietary fiber | Bakery, cereal bars, functional foods |
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Regulatory Status: Approved by EFSA, FDA, TGK under GMP conditions
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Labeling: Must be declared as “Microcrystalline Cellulose” or “E460(i)”
💊 2. Pharmaceutical Applications
MCC is a critical excipient in solid dosage forms:
| Role | Description | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Holds tablet ingredients together | Direct compression tablets |
| Filler/Diluent | Adds bulk to low-dose actives | Vitamin and mineral tablets |
| Disintegrant | Facilitates tablet breakdown | Fast-release formulations |
| Suspending Agent | Stabilizes liquid suspensions | Syrups and emulsions |
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MCC grades like PH101, PH102, and PH200 are optimized for flowability and compressibility.
💄 3. Cosmetic Applications
In personal care and cosmetic formulations, MCC serves as:
| Function | Description | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Texturizer | Adds smoothness and consistency | Creams, lotions, masks |
| Carrier | Delivers active ingredients | Serums, exfoliants |
| Scrubbing Agent | Provides gentle abrasion | Facial scrubs, cleansing powders |
| Absorbent | Controls oil and moisture | Mattifying powders, deodorants |
🧵 4. Textile & Composite Applications
Though less common, MCC is used in:
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Fiber reinforcement: Improves mechanical strength of fabrics and composites
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Moisture retention: Enhances softness and absorbency in textiles
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Biocomposites: Acts as filler in biodegradable polymers
🛡️ 1. Regulatory & Safety Profile
| Region / Authority | Status & Notes |
|---|---|
| EU (EFSA) | Approved as food additive E460(i); GMP-based usage in various food categories |
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe); permitted in food, pharma, cosmetics |
| Türkiye (TGK) | Listed under Türk Gıda Kodeksi; subject to GMP and labeling requirements |
| JECFA / Codex | Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): Not specified – considered safe under GMP |
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Toxicology: Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic
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Allergenicity: Allergen-free, gluten-free, lactose-free
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Environmental Impact: Biodegradable, renewable, low ecological risk
📄 2. Documentation Requirements
For procurement, audit, and regulatory compliance, the following documents are typically required:
| Document Type | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| TDS (Technical Data Sheet) | Physical, chemical, and functional specifications |
| MSDS / SDS | Safety, handling, storage, and transport information |
| COA (Certificate of Analysis) | Batch-specific quality confirmation |
| GMO / Allergen Declarations | Confirms absence of genetically modified or allergenic materials |
| Halal / Kosher Certificates | Required for religious compliance in food and pharma |
| ISO / HACCP / GMP Certificates | Ensures quality and food/pharma-grade production standards |
🏭 3. Supplier Benchmarking Essentials
When sourcing MCC, consider the following criteria:
| Evaluation Parameter | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Grade & Particle Size | MCC101, MCC102, PH101, PH102, etc. – match to application needs |
| Flowability & Compressibility | Critical for tablet production and powder blending |
| Documentation Completeness | TDS, MSDS, COA, regulatory declarations |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 22000, GMP, Halal, Kosher |
| Origin & Traceability | Wood pulp vs cotton linter; EU, US, or Asia sourcing |
| Packaging & Shelf Life | 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags; 2–3 years typical shelf life |
| Price & MOQ | Varies by grade, purity, and supplier region |
🏷️ Commercial Brands of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)
🔹 Global Leaders & Pharma-Grade MCC
| Brand Name | Manufacturer / Distributor | Notes / Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Avicel® | FMC BioPolymer / DuPont | Most recognized MCC brand; PH grades for pharma |
| Ceolus® | Asahi Kasei (Japan) | High-purity MCC for direct compression |
| Comprecel® | Meggle (Germany) | Pharma-grade MCC; QD and M series |
| Pharmacel® | DFE Pharma | MCC for tablets and capsules |
| Microcel® | Blanver (Brazil) | MCC for pharma and nutraceuticals |
| Sigmacell® | Sigma-Aldrich | Laboratory-grade MCC |
🔹 Food, Cosmetic & Industrial MCC Brands
| Brand Name | Manufacturer / Distributor | Notes / Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Solka-Floc® | International Fiber Corporation | Food-grade MCC; BW and SW series |
| Arbocel® | JRS (J. Rettenmaier & Söhne) | MCC for food, cosmetics, textiles |
| Vivapur® | JRS | MCC for food and cosmetic formulations |
| Emcocel® | JRS | Pharma-grade MCC; LP, HD, SP variants |
| Technocel® | JRS | MCC for pharma; FM, DM, BL series |
| Tabulose® | JRS | MCC and powdered cellulose for food |
| Sanacel® | JRS | Dietary fiber blends including MCC |
| Cellets® | Pharma Excipients (Pellet form) | MCC-based spheres for controlled release |
| Celphere® | Asahi Kasei | MCC-based spherical excipients |
🔹 Specialized & Regional MCC Brands
| Brand Name | Region / Notes |
|---|---|
| Neocel® | Cosmetic and lab-grade MCC |
| Somicel® / Tomcel® | Chinese MCC variants |
| Solucell® | CNF/MCC hybrid for industrial use |
| Exilva® | Borregaard – CNF-based MCC alternative |
| Growdex® | UPM – biomedical CNF |
| Cellulobeads® | Kuraray – MCC/CNF for cosmetics |
| Celish® | Daicel – MCC and CNF for pharma/cosmetics |
