
VIVAPUR® MCG
Microcrystalline Cellulose and Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
VIVAPUR® MCG - A Powerful Tool For Liquid Dosage Forms
INTRODUCTION
Liquid dosage forms are a common and popular approach to overcoming the many obstacles of administering medicines to children, the elderly, and animals. However, instabilities such as sedimentation, flocculation, or caking – especially in suspensions – are major challenges in the development of new formulations. VIVAPUR® MCG addresses those challenges and allows a custom balance of rheological properties to guarantee high content uniformity and excellent long-term stability in suspensions, without the need for an excessive increase in viscosity.
VIVAPUR® MCG is a synergistic, co-processed composite consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC). It is a unique suspending and emulsifying agent, which facilitates a wide range of liquid dosage forms. Due to its extraordinary stabilizing mechanism, VIVAPUR® MCG can be used with a broad variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), offering the opportunity for new applications and line extensions for existing products.
WHAT IS VIVAPUR® MCG?
VIVAPUR® MCG is a free-flowing powder consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). It is more than just a physical blend; the Na-CMC is interwoven with the microcrystalline cellulose, resulting in unique synergistic properties. The Na-CMC acts as a protective colloid to prevent the re-aggregation of the microcrystalline cellulose and ensures easy dispersibility.
BENEFITS
Convenience
- Easy handling of the dry powder:
Excellent flow
Long shelf-life stability
- Hassle-free handling of the activated gel:
Easy cleaning of the equipment
Ideal pumpability
Full functionality in hot and cold water
- Robust versatile stabilizer:
Stable over a wide pH range
Sterilizable and freeze / thaw stable
Compatible with a wide range of ingredients
Combinable and synergistic with other stabilizers
High Acceptance
- Negligible caloric value
- Excellent sensory properties:
Odorless & tasteless
Smooth texture
Easy to swallow
Not sticky
- Non-laxative
- Accurate Dosage:
Ideal sprayability
Easy pumpability
Drop-by-drop dosing
APPLICATIONS
VIVAPUR® MCG can be used with a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), offering the opportunity for new applications and line extensions for existing products. VIVAPUR® MCG is used as a suspending agent, emulsifier, opacifier, and thickener for:
- Oral suspensions
- Veterinary drenches
- Sprays (nasal, oral, or topical sprays)
- Reconstitutable powders
- Creams, gels, and lotions
REGULATORY BENEFITS
- Halal /Kosher
- Conforms with Ph.Eur./USP
- GMO/BSE/TSE free
- cGMP production standards
- Non-animal origin
- Conforms to the residual solvents requirement of USP <467
- Allowable for animal health products, pediatric suspensions, and nutraceuticals
VIVAPUR® MCG - More than a Thickener
MECHANISM OF STABILIZATION
Reliable stabilization of particles in a suspension cannot be guaranteed solely by high viscosity because this only slows down settlement. VIVAPUR® MCG is more than just a thickener. After activation in water, VIVAPUR® MCG forms a three-dimensional elastic gel-network of insoluble cellulose fibrils, building a yield point. The yield point is the minimum shear stress required to initiate flow. The suspension is stable if the force of gravity operating on the particle mass does not exceed the liquid‘s yield point. All particles can be kept homogeneously within the sustaining network and are prevented from settling.
VIVAPUR® MCG - The Gel that Exhibits Fluid Properties
Upon agitation, MCG dispersions show a time- and shear-dependent decrease in viscosity and become liquid. A complete, also time-dependent, regeneration of viscosity takes place during a subsequent rest period. This so-called “thixotropic behavior” allows:
- Outstanding sprayability of sprays
- User-friendly dosing via drenches and dispensers
- Accurate dosage of oral suspensions
- Hassle-free handling of the activated gel
- Ideal pumpability
- Smooth and pleasant swallowing
- Excellent content uniformity
VIVAPUR® MCG Grades – Different Solutions for a Variety of Applications
GRADES
The available grades, VIVAPUR® MCG 581, 591, 611 and 811 P, are distinguished by a varying, viscosity, elasticity, and Na-CMC content (Tab. 1). For nutraceutical applications, an additional grade ( VIVAPUR® MCG 900X F) is available. Recommended use levels are 0.5 - 3,0% and depend on grade and desired function.
The density of the MCG network depends on the concentration of the applied VIVAPUR® MCG (Fig. 1). The higher the concentration, the tighter the network and the better the retention of any particulate matter, such as the API. Thus, the required performance and viscosity can easily be adjusted by the concentration used. The viscosity increases mainly within the first hour and remains constant after 24hours.
VIVAPUR® MCG 811 P - YOUR FIRST CHOICE
VIVAPUR® MCG 811 P is JRS PHARMA's newest MCC / NaCMC composite for ready-to-use suspensions, nasal sprays, gels, and emulsions.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Superior particle stabilizing performance
- Lower susceptibility to acids and salts compared to 591 and 581 types
- Lower levels needed due to highest viscosity
- (Fig. 1), elasticity (Fig. 2), and yield point


Characteristics of Different Grades of VIVAPUR® MCG
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
VIVAPUR® MCG
|
581 P
|
591 P
|
611 P
|
811 P
|
Viscosity after 30 s
|
72 – 168 m Pas
(1.2 %) |
39 – 91 mPa s
(1.2 %) |
50 – 118 mPa s
(2.6 %) |
2400 – 5600 mPa s
(2.6 %) |
Elasticity G'360S (3 %)
|
22 Pa
|
24 Pa
|
2 Pa
|
60 Pa
|
Gel-Point (3 %)
|
5 s
|
5 s
|
184 s
|
2 s
|
CMC-Na Content
|
8.3 – 13.8 %
|
8.3 – 13.8 %
|
11.3 – 18.8 %
|
11.3 – 18.8 %
|
Particle Size
|
> 250 µm max. 0.1 %
> 75 µm max. 35 % |
> 250 µm max. 0.1 %
> 45 µm max. 45 % |
> 250 µm max. 0.1 %
> 45 µm max. 50 % |
> 250 µm max. 3 %
|
Applications
|
Oral Suspensions, Sprays, Drenches, Gels, Emulsions
|
Oral Suspensions, Sprays, Drenches, Gels, Emulsions
|
Reconstitutable Powders
|
Oral Suspensions, Sprays, Drenches, Gels, Emulsions
|
a G'=Modulus of Elasticity is an Indicator for the Stabilizing Performance of the Gel Network. Measured by Oscillation Rheometry. The Higher G', the Better the Stability.
VIVAPUR® MCG - Practical Advice & Exemplary Formulations
BASIC PREPARATION OF READY-TO-USE SUSPENSIONS AND SPRAY APPLICATIONS
- Disperse VIVAPUR® MCG in de-ionized water with low shear force (max. 5 % w/w). Do not add any other ingredients at this stage.
- Apply high shear (Pic. 1) (colloidal mill at max. rpm. 3 – 10 min; homogenizer min. 150 bar). After activation, the suspension must have a rest period of at least 15 minutes
- Dissolve the remaining soluble ingredients in the remaining water/liquid phase. Mix the liquids and remaining ingredients under medium stirring.
- Adjust to final volume and pH and/or sterilize as required. Avoid air intake, particularly in steps 2 and 3.

NASAL SPRAYS
Dispersible cellulose is a multifunctional and commonly used stabilizer for nasal sprays containing APIs such as Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclomethasone, Triamcinolone Acetonide or Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride.
The VIVAPUR® MCG gel network keeps the drug particles suspended in the main reservoir of the delivery device. During pumping, the gel becomes fluid in the delivery device and enables eased spraying and efficient, standardized atomization. After administration, the fluid regains its viscosity. Dripping from the nose or outflow into the throat area are prevented and retention time of the API in the nasal cavity is prolonged.
RECONSTITUTABLE POWDERS FOR PREPARATION OF AN ORAL SUSPENSION
Many antibiotics are prone to degradation in aqueous environments and thus expire quickly in liquid form. In order to obtain a long shelf-life, it is advisable to package the medicine without water and reconstitute just before the first intake. VIVAPUR® MCG is the recommended grade for reconstitution and provides the following advantages:
- Easy to activate by manual shaking
- Reliable functionality irrespective of the grades of water hardness used
- Maintains content uniformity of the API
- Reliable prevention of particle sedimentation
- Accurate dosage
- Long-term stability
- Enhanced pH, salt, and temperature tolerance
- Highly thixotropic
VIVAPUR® MCG - The Highly Compatible, Robust, and Versatile Stabilizer
COMPATIBILITY
VIVAPUR® MCG is compatible with a wide range of ingredients commonly used for suspensions, such as sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, wetting agents, alcohols, nonionic surfactants or preservatives (Fig. 3).
VIVAPUR® MCG:
- Withstands sterilization and long-term heating (Fig. 4)
- Shows excellent freeze thaw stability
- Can be dispersed in hot or cold water
- Stable in a wide pH range (3.8 – 10)
Up to ~2 % w / v (VIVAPUR® MCG 591 P and 811 P) and 5 % w / v (VIVAPUR® MCG 611 P) sodium chloride salt is tolerated if it is added after the MCG has been activated in distilled water. If higher amounts of soluble buffer salts, di- or trivalent cations, are part of the suspension, additional protective colloids (8 - 30 % related to the total amount of MCG), such as xanthan, methylcellulose, or HPMC are recommended to prevent a flocculation of the gel network.
The nutraceutical grade VIVAPUR® MCG 900X F is coprocessed with Xanthan. It provides maximum pH and salt tolerance.
SENSORY ADVANTAGES
Activated MCG builds an opaque-white dispersion which masks insoluble particles, giving the suspension a homogeneous appearance.
The dispersed VIVAPUR® MCG is characterized by an odorless and tasteless, smooth but not slimy mouthfeel, and handles flavors well, which is essential for pediatric products.


PACKAGING, SAMPLES AND STORAGE
Storage
Protect from excessive heat and moisture
Packaging
25 kg paper bag with polyethylene liner
1 Europallet contains 24 bags 25 kg = 600 kg
Custom tariff '3912 90 90
Sample Sizes
400 g Aluminium pouch
2 kg Aluminium pouch