Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a term for refined woodpulp and is used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, a fatsubstitute, an emulsifier, an extender, and a bulking agent infood production. The most common form is used invitamin supplements or tablets.

A naturally occurring polymer, it is composed of glucose units connected by a 1-4 beta glycosidic bond. These linear cellulose chains are bundled together as microfibril spiralled together in the walls of plant cell. Each microfibril exhibits a high degree of three dimensional internal bonding resulting in a crystalline structure that is insoluble in water and resistant to reagents. There are, however, relatively weak segments of the microfibril with weaker internal bonding. These are called amorphous regions; some argue that they are more accurately called dislocations, because of the single-phase structure of microfibrils. The crystalline region is isolated to produce microcrystalline cellulose.