Microcrystalline Cellulose (DB14158): A Comprehensive Monograph on its Physicochemical Properties, Multifaceted Applications, and Formulation Science

Executive Summary

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a purified, partially depolymerized form of cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer sourced from fibrous plant materials such as high-grade wood pulp.[1] Identified as a small molecule with DrugBank ID DB14158 and CAS Number 9004-34-6, MCC has established itself as one of the most versatile and indispensable excipients in the pharmaceutical industry.[1] It is particularly prized for its exceptional binding capabilities and compressibility, which are foundational to modern tablet manufacturing, especially the efficient direct compression method.[5] Beyond pharmaceuticals, its unique properties have led to widespread use in the food, cosmetic, and other industrial sectors.[7] The extensive utility of MCC is underpinned by an excellent safety profile, affirmed by its "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its acceptance by global regulatory bodies.[10] A key attribute of MCC is its pharmacokinetic inertness; it is not absorbed or metabolized by the body, a critical feature for an excipient designed to have no pharmacological effect of its own.[3] This report provides a detailed examination of MCC, elucidating how its material science—from the specifics of its manufacturing process to its fundamental physicochemical properties like crystallinity and particle size—dictates its multifunctional performance across a vast array of applications.

Chemical Identity and Physicochemical Profile

Nomenclature, Structure, and Identification