Modification of physical characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose by codrying with β-cyclodextrins

In an attempt to modify the physical properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), the slurry form of this material was codried with β- cyclodextrin (β-CD). MCC slurry was blended with β-CD at concentrations of 10%-50% w/w as a dried mass relative to MCC. The mixtures were then graduated with water and codried at 60 °C for 12 h or until a constant weight was reached. Codried granules were pulverized, and the fraction between 61 and 150 μm in size was reserved. The powder and tableting properties of the codried products were compared to those of various grades of MCC and the corresponding components and physical mixtures. The results showed that the products of MCC codried with β-CD significantly improved the flowability of MCC powder. It is probable that the improved flowability was due to the more rounded shape of particles formed with this codried process, which was confirmed by SEM photographs. Moreover, the compactibility and disintegration properties of tablets produced from the codried products were even better than those using MCC alone, physical mixtures, or various grades of MCC. MCC in a slurry form was more efficient than the existing MCC products in achieving these results, which is postulated to be due to the greater amount of water required and the higher solubility of β-CD in water promoting the interaction between β-CD and MCC during granulation. In conclusion, MCC codried with β-CD provides a useful excipient for direct compression.