Nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) has emerged as a subject
of researcher’s
interest because of its diverse attributes encompassing biocompatibility,
sustainability, a high aspect ratio, and an abundance of −OH
groups suitable for modifications. Sugarcane bagasse microcrystalline
cellulose (SCBMCC) was used as the raw material for the preparation
of CNC due to its pure cellulose content, which is mildly compromised
by the pectin, hemicellulose, lignin, and other lignocellulosic components.
In the present work, CNC was extracted from SCBMCC and used as a disintegrant.
The classic hydrolysis technique was used for the preparation of CNC.
Hydrolytic conditions were optimized using the response surface methodology
(RSM). The optimized batch of CNC was characterized using techniques
such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated
total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
Notably, CNC prepared under a hydrolysis time of 90 min exhibited
the highest crystallinity of 69.9%. The average particle size and
zeta potential were found to be 145 nm and −34.4 mV, respectively.
Thermal analysis suggested that an intermediate hydrolysis time resulted
in CNC with enhanced thermal stability, showcasing its potential for
pharmaceutical applications. Diclofenac potassium was used as the
model drug to evaluate the disintegrant properties of CNC as an excipient.
Tablets were prepared using the direct compression method. SCBMCC
and CNC were used as disintegrants and were compared with the commercial
product. The disintegration times (DTs) attained for the tablets prepared
using CNC and SCBMCC are 219 and 339.83 s, respectively. The dissolution
study of CNC showed a dissolution efficacy (DE%) of 66 and a mean
dissolution time (MDT) of 12. The research findings showed that tablets
prepared using CNC as disintegrants exhibited the fastest disintegration
compared to other formulations.