Lattice® Microcrystalline Cellulose

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a well known ingredient and excipient used in food and pharmaceuticals.  It is a cellulose derived polymer that is most often used as a binding agent in the production of tablets by direct compression or extrusion. MCC, however, also provides the same functionality in a range of industrial applications that also require the production of a tablet.

Lattice® Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a functional fiber derived from cellulose that is designed for use in industrial applications.  To produce Lattice® MCC, wood pulp is hydrolyzed using acid to remove the para-crystalline region of the cellulose fibers leaving behind only the crystalline region that is composed of tight bundles of microfibrils where the cellulose chains are aligned in a rigid arrangement.  This results in a water insoluble crystalline cellulose powder.  This MCC powder is known by the trade name Lattice® NT and is used as a binder and anti-caking agent in direct compression, dry granulation, and extrusion.  Lattice® NT grades vary in particle size from 20 µm up to 200 µm and are most often used in the production of tablets containing active ingredients.

The microcrystalline cellulose powder produced during acid hydrolysis of wood pulp can also be co-processed with carboxymethylcellulose to produce colloidal grades of MCC.  The colloidal grades of Microcrystalline Cellulose are dispersible in water and are often used as suspension aids and emulsion stabilizers and are known by the trade name Lattice® NTC.  Dispersions of Lattice® NTC form a unique three dimensional network that can entrap oil droplets and other water insoluble ingredients providing a physical barrier that helps suspend particles and improve overall emulsion stability.  Proper dispersion and activation of Lattice® NTC grades is the key to achieving optimal functionality in suspensions and emulsions.  Lattice® NTC grades should ideally be hydrated in water first prior to the addition of other components or activated separately and then added to the formulation.  Lattice® NTC grades vary in the type of shear that is required for activation, therefore, selection of a Lattice® NTC grade  is dependent on the amount of shear available in your process.

All commercially available grades of Lattice® Microcrystalline Cellulose are listed below.  To learn more click on a grade.