Microcrystalline cellulose

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.

The pivotal motif of the present research work is to develop immediate release tablets of Fexofenadine hydrochloride. The rate of dissolution and bioavailability of the Fexofenadine HCL may be increased by using superdisintegrant in its immediate release tablets. Direct compression method was adapted to prepare the tablets by using lactose, microcrystalline cellulose as filler, crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate as superdisintegrant in different concentration (2-8%). Tablet were prepared and evaluated for Hardness, friability, weight variation, content uniformity, wetting time, disintegration time and in-vitro drug release. Disintegration time decreased with increase in the level of crospovidone. Whereas, disintegration time increased with increase in the level of sodium starch glycolate. The results indicate that the selected batch of tablet formulation containing crospovidone provides DT between 3-6 minutes with sufficient crushing strength and accepted friability. It was concluded that immediate release tablet for Fexofenadine hydrochloride can be formulated for fast treatment of allergic rhinitis