Palm Oil Engineering Bulletin No.147 (Sept - Dec 2024) p16-22
Microcrystalline Cellulose Material as an Emerging Filler in Dental Applications
Fatiha Ismail1*; Nur Eliyanti Ali Othman1 and Noorshamsiana Abdul Wahab1

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a partially depolymerised cellulose generated from the α-cellulose precursor extracted from fibrous plant material. It is made utilising mineral acids, including sulfuric acid, nitric acid and, hydrochloric acid, to minimise polymerisation. MCC can be produced using many techniques, including acid hydrolysis, enzyme-mediated processes, reactive extrusion and steam explosion. MCC is an important addition in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and currently in dental applications. MMC derived from different sources has varying chemical compositions, structural organisations, and physical properties (e.g., particle size, moisture content, crystallinity, degree of polymerisation and particle morphology). Acrylic resin is the most extensively utilised material for denture manufacture. However, it does not meet all the requirements for a suitable denture foundation material since it has insufficient impact strength, low tensile strength, brittleness, and surface hardness. There have been thorough evaluations of locally produced MCC derived from natural sources for the development of novel composite materials in dentistry and for the production of cost-effective yet high-quality products.





Author information:
1Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
*E-mail: fatiha@mpob.gov.my