Investigating microcrystalline cellulose crystallinity using Raman spectroscopy

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a semi-crystalline material with inherent variable crystallinity due to raw material source and variable manufacturing conditions. MCC crystallinity variability can result in downstream process variability. The aim of this study was to develop models to determine MCC crystallinity index (%CI) from Raman spectra of 30 commercial batches using Raman probes with spot sizes of 100 µm (MR probe) and 6 mm (PhAT probe).

A principal component analysis model separated Raman spectra of the same samples captured using the different probes. The %CI was determined using a previously reported univariate model based on the ratio of the peaks at 380 and 1096 cm⁻¹. The univariate model was adjusted for each probe. The %CI was also predicted from spectral data from each probe using partial least squares regression models (where Raman spectra and univariate %CI were the dependent and independent variables, respectively).

Both models showed adequate predictive power. For these models a general reference amorphous spectrum was proposed for each instrument. The development of the PLS model substantially reduced the analysis time as it eliminates the need for spectral deconvolution. A web application containing all the models was developed.

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Materials: Thirty batches of commercial microcrystalline cellulose were studied (Table S1 supplemental data). Samples comprised MCC manufactured by 3 different suppliers; 25 batches from Dupont Nutrition & Biosciences, 4 batches from JRS Pharma, and 1 batch from Asahi Kasei Corporation. All MCC samples analysed compiled with USP/NF, Ph.Eur and JP pharmacopeia. Samples analysed encompassed a range of different MCC grades which varied in average particle size distribution, bulk density and moisture content; PH101, PH102, PH200, 90 M. Wood pulp was confirmed as the botanical source for 29 of the 30 batches analysed, for one batch the botanical source could not be confirmed whether it came for a cotton or wood source.

Article information: Queiroz, A.L.P., Kerins, B.M., Yadav, J. et al. Investigating microcrystalline cellulose crystallinity using Raman spectroscopy. Cellulose (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-04093-1