Lattice® Microcrystalline Cellulose

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) is a well-known ingredient that is commonly used in food and pharmaceutical applications. Lattice®-branded Microcrystalline Cellulose has been developed to provide vast utility in industrial applications.

To produce Lattice® Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), wood pulp and other natural sources of cellulose gets hydrolyzed using acid. This removes the paracrystalline region of the cellulose fibers, and only leaves behind the crystalline region of cellulose, which is composed of tight bindles of microfibrils where the cellulose chains are rigidly aligned. This results in a cellulose powder that is insoluble in water, which is known as Lattice® NT. Lattice® NT is used as a binder and anticaking agent for direct compression, dry granulation, and extrusion of tablets. It also functions as a processing aid to control particle size during wet granulation processes. Tablets made using Lattice® NT are used in home care applications such as cleaners and detergents. Lattice® NT grades vary in particle size from 20–200 µm.
 

Some of the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) Lattice® NT powder produced is processed with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to produce what is known as “colloidal MCC”. These colloidal MCC grades are known as Lattice® NTC, which are water-dispersible emulsion stabilizers and suspension aids. Lattice® NTC dispersions form a unique three-dimensional network which entrap oil droplets and other water insoluble ingredients. This provides a physical barrier which suspends particles and droplets, preventing agglomeration, settling, and improving overall formulation stability. As such, Lattice® NTC is useful in industrial applications such as agrochemical suspension concentrates, inks, and several other water-based formulations that require long-term stability.
 

Proper dispersion and activation of Lattice® NTC grades is key to achieving optimal functionality when used in suspensions and emulsions. Lattice® NTC grades must be fully hydrated prior to adding other components. Alternatively, it may be activated separately, then added to the formulation. Check out this video to review these procedures in depth. Lattice® NTC grades differ in the type of shear required for activation. Thus, selection of a Lattice® NTC grade is largely dependent on the amount of shear that is available and suitable for each formulation.
 

To learn more about the available grades we offer for Lattice® NT and Lattice® NTC, scroll down below.