Pharma, Polymer | Degree of Polymerization of Microcrystalline Cellulose
The viscosity and degree of polymerization of microcrystalline cellulose were determined in accordance with European Pharmacopeia monograph Cellulose, Microcrystalline. The results demonstrate the potential of modern viscometry for reliable quality control of cellulose-based excipients.
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially depolymerized form of α-cellulose obtained from fibrous plant material. As described in the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) monograph 0316, MCC consists of linear β-(1 → 4)-linked D-glucose units with a degree of polymerization not exceeding 350. It appears as a white, free flowing, slightly hygroscopic powder that is practically insoluble in water and common organic solvents like isopropyl alcohol or ethanol but dissolves completely in cupriethylenediamine hydroxide (CED).
Due to its excellent compressibility, flowability, and chemical inertness, MCC is one of the most widely used excipients in the pharmaceutical industry. It functions primarily as a binder, diluent, and disintegrant in solid dosage forms, ensuring uniformity, mechanical stability, and predictable dissolution behavior. The consistency of these functional properties depends strongly on the molecular structure of the cellulose chains. Consequently, parameters such as intrinsic and relative viscosity (directly correlated with polymer chain length and molecular weight) serve as critical quality attributes.
Dilute solution viscometry using Lovis
This application report assesses the suitability of the DMA 5002 combined with Lovis 2001 for the determination of relative viscosity and degree of polymerization of microcrystalline cellulose in CED solution. The results serve as a reference for applying rolling-ball viscometry in pharmaceutical quality control of cellulose-based excipients.
Precise temperature control (±0.02 °C) and minimal sample volume enable a modern and efficient approach to viscometry analysis.
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