Volume 14, Issue 34, July - December, 2020

Cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils obtained from corn straw by hydrolytic action of four acids: particulate, powder and tablet properties

Frank O Ohwoavworhua^1,2, Augustine O Okhamafe²

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington DC 20059, USA
²Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City 300001, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Nanocellulose derived by the hydrolysis of alpha cellulose of corn straw using different acids has been examined. Its particulate and structural characteristics including morphology (SEM), thermal behavior (DSC) and crystallinity (XRD) showed dependence on the acid type. Packing and flow properties showed similar dependence, while hydration and swelling capacities exhibited direct and inverse correlation to packing characteristics, respectively. Tablet characteristics were satisfactory at the compression force used. Hence, the nanocellulose powder obtained using any of the acid types is a potential pharmaceutical excipient.

Keywords: Cellulose. Nanocrystals. Nanofibrils. Nanocellulose. Agricultural residue. Tablet. Corn straw

Drug Discovery, 2020, 14(34), 314-327

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