Extraction and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from <i>Cocos nucifera</i> Seed Pulp

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the physicochemical and powder properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from coconut pulp in  comparison with a commercial product. Alphacellulose was extracted from the pulp of coconut fruits and converted to MCC with dilute hydrochloric acid.  The extracted MCC was subjected to physicochemical and powder characterizations as well as infrared spectrophotometric analysis and compared with  Avicel®. Organoleptic properties and solubility of the extracted MCC were similar with those of Avicel®. The MCC moisture content, swelling and water  sorption capacities were 5.40, 46.40 and 5.53% respectively. Extracted MCC exhibited powder properties; bulk density (0.30 g/mL), tapped density (0.38  g/mL), true density (1.25g/mL), Carr’s index (20.51), Hausner’s ratio (1.25), angle of repose (40.33°), porosity (80%) and particle size (100 μm). FTIR analysis  revealed similarity in functional groups between the extracted MCC and Avicel®. Extracted MCC from Cocus nucifera pulp measured favourably  with Avicel® in their physicochemical and powder properties and in their infra-red spectra. Hence, coconut seed is a viable local alternative source for the  production of MCC.