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Comparative physico-chemical evaluation of microcrystalline cellulose from sugarcane peel and bagasse

A comparative study of the physico-chemical properties of microcrystalline cellulose, MCC-P and MCC-B processed from sugarcane stem-bark and its bagasse respectively in comparison to the commercial product of MCC, Avicel PH 102 was carried out. Alpha cellulose was obtained from dried and pulverized powder of the stem-bark and bagasse of sugarcane stem through different sodium hydroxide and sodium hypo chlorite treatments. Hydrolysis of the alpha cellulose with 2.5 N hydrochloric acid yielded MCCs coded as MCC-P and MCC-B from stem-bark and the bagasse respectively. The MCCs were identified using standard method. Physico -chemical properties such as the degree of polymerization, solubility, pH, flow parameters, densities, moisture studies, ash content, particle size and morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy SEM) were done. The results of the physico-chemical assessments indicated that the MCC-P and MCC-B powders were microcrystalline cellulose. Their degree of polymerization, pH, moisture and ash contents conformed to the British Pharmacopeia, BP (2009) specifications for MCC. Their flowability was generally poor and these characteristics were comparable to those of Avicel PH 102. These results show that MCC is obtainable from the bio-wastes of various components of sugarcane stem in reasonable amounts, thus making such wastes economically feasible and enhancing a healthy environment. Keywords: Microcrystalline cellulose; Sugarcane; Stem-bark; Bagasse; Bio-waste