Characterization of hydroxypropyl cellulose produced from α-cellulose betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and it’s application in tablet formulation

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to obtain the physicochemical properties of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) powder from α-cellulose Betung bamboo and its characteristics in tablet formulation. Methods: HPC was prepared by hydroxypropylation of α-cellulose using 25% (w/v) sodium hydroxide and 10 ml propylene oxide (based on 1 g α-cellulose) at 70 °C for 3 h. HPC of Betung bamboo (HPC BB) was characterized using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, particle size analyzer (PSA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared to HPC grade SL (HPC SL) as the reference. Then, HPC BB was used as a binder in tablet formulation by direct compression method and the resulted tablets were evaluated. The tablets evaluation including weight and size uniformity, hardness, friability and disintegration time. Results: The results showed HPC BB powder was yellowish white, odorless and tasteless, pH 7.49, residue on ignition 0.68%, hydroxypropoxy groups content 54.75%, average particle size 37.39 μm, loss on drying 1.09%, and moisture content 3.34%. Flow properties of powder fulfilled the requirements based on literature. Infrared spectrum and diffraction pattern of HPC BB were relatively similar to HPC SL. The tablets have average weight 403.495 mg, diameter 12.16 mm, thickness 3.11 mm, hardness 4.11 KPa, friability 2.04% and disintegration time 24.88 s. Conclusion: Based on the comparison of powder characteristics and tablets evaluation, HPC BB has a great potential in tablet formulation which showed similar characteristics to reference.