Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Alpha-Cellulose and its Application

Objective: This study was aimed to prepare microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder from α-cellulose of water hyacinth, find its characteristics and purity compared to Avicel PH 101 as reference and its tablets evaluation. Water hyacinth has great potential as raw materials of MCC fine due to its highest content of cellulose. Method: MCC was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulase enzymes. The prepared MCC powder was identified by infrared spectroscopy and melting point, then was characterized over several parameters. Then, the MCC was applied to a tablet formulation and evaluated for its weight variation, thickness and diameter, hardness, friability and disintegration time. Results: The identity obtained from infrared spectrum was quite similar with reference and the melting point charred between 247-250°C. The powder was moderately fine, odorless, tasteless and yellowish compared to the reference. The characteristics were obtained, including particle size distribution for 741 nm, pH ± 7.49, ash contents ± 0.203%, moisture content ± 3.685%, loss on drying ± 3.8741% also the density, flow rate and angle of repose met the requirements. The results of Scanning Electron Microscope showed similar morphology of crystalline with reference and the diffractogram patterns showed crystalline form type 2. Tablets were prepared by dry granulation method and the weight variation, thickness and diameters and disintegration time evaluations met the requirements. Conclusion: The MCC obtained has quite similar identities and characteristics with commercial available one (Avicel PH 101) and can be used as an excipient.