Formulation and evaluation of nanocrystalline cellulose as a potential disintegrant

Disintegrant is a typical excipient that improves the solubility, dissolution and bioavailability of drug. In this study, the application of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a potential disintegrant in the preparation of tablet was investigated. Angle of repose of NCC was 44.26° which was between L-HPC and MCC suggesting a good fluidity of NCC. Swelling property of NCC was between CMS-Na and MCC indicating that NCC was of good absorbent ability. Carbonate calcium tablet of which NCC was used as a disintegrant exhibited fastest disintegration time than known disintegrants. The disintegration and dissolution tests demonstrated that NCC showed effective disintegrant properties, e.g. consistently fast disintegration, rapid dissolution, and effectiveness at low concentrations. Thus, we believe that NCC has a great potential as a disintegrant in tablets.