Chiedukam A. Okoroji

The aim of the work is to produce microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from sugarcane bagasse (Saccarhum officinarum) and to characterise the MCC and compare with Avicel®. MCC was produced from α-cellulose produced by alkaline hydrolysis from sugarcane bagasse and bleached with sodium hypochlorite. The MCC were identified by BP (2009) method and characterised in terms of pH, moisture and ash content respectively. The physico-technical properties of MCC were studied including the particle size and flowability and compared with that of Avicel®. Also, the phytochemical properties of MCC were studied. The results of the phytochemical analysis of MCC from bagasse showed the presence of alkaloid in low concentration while, carbohydrates and glycosides were seen in very large concentrations, while flavonoids, saponin, tannin, resins, steroids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, proteins, fats and oil and acidic compounds were absent. MCC produced had a pH of 7 and moisture content of 7 % and exhibited mean particle diameter of 200.00 ± 0.05 µm. The results of the true density of the MCC showed that the differences in density between the MCC from bagasse and Avicel® were not significant (p < 0.05). The results of angle of repose, Carr’s index and Hausner’s quotient showed that the MCC from bagasse and Avicel® exhibited poor flow which could be improved by use of glidants. Therefore, MCC from bagasse could be used as diluents-binder in direct compression tableting and as diluents and or disintegrant in wet granulation tableting.