Micro crystal line Cellulose Degradation with a Cellulase Enzyme employing LC-MS to follow Glucose Formation and Degradation Impurities

摘要

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a valuable excipient in the pharmaceutical industry because of its unique compressibility and carrying capacity. This cellulose derivative shows excellent properties for the manufacturing of solid dosage forms. It compacts well under minimum compression pressures, possesses high binding capability, and creates extremely hard and stable tablets. However, MCC is not soluble in any solvent. Therefore, its analysis in pharmaceutical formulations remains challenging. Since microcrystalline cellulose can be degraded under enzymatic conditions, this property can be used to have a better understanding of its structure. In this study, a systematic approach was performed using LC/MS and a cellulase enzymatic reaction to monitor the MCC conversion to glucose and oligomers.