Synthesis of MCC-PEG conjugate and its evaluation as a superdisintegrant

PEGylated conjugate of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was synthesized by reacting MCC with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200 in the presence of catalyst at elevated temperature. Conjugation between MCC and PEG was confirmed by FT-IR and (1)H NMR studies. The conjugate showed 61% PEG content increase in molecular weight determined by mass spectroscopy. PEGylation did not improve solubility of cellulose significantly. The physico-chemical properties of conjugate were compared against MCC. This conjugate was evaluated for water vapor uptake isotherms, maximum water saturation, water penetration rate, disintegration time, superdisintegration power, and dissolution study. After comparing its results with that of commercial superdisintegrants, it can be concluded that MCC-PEG conjugate can prove to be a good superdisintegrant.