A lethal accident occurred at Sigachi Industries' Hyderabad MCC pharma unit. Microcrystalline Cellulose, from refined wood pulp, is an inert, nontoxic, fiber-rich substance. It serves as a texturizer, extender, emulsifier, and binder in pharmaceuticals, vital for vitamin supplements and tablets, and as a bulking agent in food production, valued for its exceptional binding properties.
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Accident occurred at the pharmaceutical unit of Sigachi Industries in Hyderabad, which specializes in the production of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC).
It is a free-flowing powdery substance extracted from fibrous plant material, most commonly refined wood pulp.
Natural Origin => MCC is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants.
Inert and Non-Degradable => MCC is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other substances easily. It is also not degraded during digestion and has negligible absorption into the body.
Non-Toxic and Chewable => Being a natural, fiber-rich component, it is considered non-toxic and is suitable for oral consumption.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Binder => Its most vital use is as a binder in tablet formulation, helping the active ingredients and other excipients stick together to form a solid, cohesive tablet.
Disintegrant => It can also act as a disintegrant, helping tablets break apart rapidly in the digestive tract to release the active drug.
Filler/Diluent => MCC is used as a filler or diluent to add bulk and weight to a drug formulation, ensuring the tablet meets specific weight and size requirements while facilitating the effective functioning of active ingredients.
Texturizer and Emulsifier => It can improve the texture of pharmaceutical formulations and help in emulsifying immiscible liquids.
Vitamin Supplements => It is widely used in making various vitamin supplements and other pharmaceutical tablets.
Food Production
Bulking Agent => In food production, MCC serves as a bulking agent, adding volume to low-calorie foods without increasing caloric content.
Texturizer, Stabilizer, and Emulsifier => It is used to improve texture, stabilize emulsions, and prevent ingredients from separating in various food products, including dairy products, baked goods, and dressings.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the primary source material for producing Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)? (A) Petroleum (B) Wood pulp (C) Animal fats (D) Synthetic polymers Answer: (B) Explanation: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is derived from cellulose, which is found in the cell walls of plants. Wood pulp, a processed form of wood, is the most common source for MCC. |
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