Flowability, binding and release property of “self-lubricating” microcrystalline cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been widely used as an excipient in tablets. Silicified microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC) has more application than MCC by using silicon dioxide (SiO2) as a lubricant. However, findings show that the silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticle component is a physiological hazard. In our research, “self-lubricating” microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was developed by a ball-milling treatment. Commercial MCC and undried MCC with 60% or 80% moisture content were ball-milled for 12 or 24 h. After ball milling, ellipsoid-like particles, with wrinkled surfaces, and a broader particle size distribution resulted in a balance between the flowability and tabletability of the treated MCC. FTIR and XRD analysis showed that cellulose Ⅱ was formed in the undried 60% moisture content MCC after ball milling for 12 or 24 h, which improved the burst disintegration ability of the tablets. In addition, the controlled-released MCC has also been developed. AFM patterns and the angle of repose showed a cohesion phenomenon and some bridges formed between particles of undried 80% moisture content MCC ball-milled for 12 h. Without adding SiO2, our MCC gained improved binding properties, a balance between flowability and tabletability, and a more useful controlled-released ability compared with commercial MCC and SMCC.