Innovative Applications of Microcrystalline Cellulose in Drug Formulation Development

Innovative Applications of Microcrystalline Cellulose in Drug Formulation Development

Sustained and Controlled-Release Formulations

With the development of pharmaceutical technology, sustained and controlled-release formulations have gained significant attention due to their advantages of slow drug release, prolonged action time, and reduced dosing frequency. MCC plays a crucial role in the preparation of such formulations. By reasonably proportioning and processing with other polymeric materials, MCC can regulate drug release rates. For example, mixing MCC with ethyl cellulose to form a coating material for tablets can effectively control the drug release rate in the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining stable blood drug concentrations over an extended period and improving drug efficacy and safety.

Targeted Formulations

Targeted formulations can precisely deliver drugs to lesion sites, enhancing therapeutic effects while reducing side effects on normal tissues. MCC can be modified on its surface to attach targeting groups, serving as a targeted carrier. For instance, MCC surfaces can be decorated with antibody fragments that specifically bind to tumor cells, creating drug carriers targeted at tumor cells. Once administered, these carriers can deliver drugs precisely to tumor sites, achieving targeted drug release, enhancing the killing effect on tumor cells, and minimizing damage to other normal tissues.