Microcrystalline Cellulose Compositions

Abstract

Ultra-fine microcrystalline cellulose compositions are disclosed which comprise co-attrited microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid. The compositions have a mean particle size of less than 10 microns. The compositions are prepared by subjecting a high solids mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid to high shear forces in the presence of an anti slip agent preferably an aqueoussolution of an inorganic salt. The compositions are especially useful in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic and industrial applications.

1 . A composition comprising
 (a) at least 70% by weight microcrystalline cellulose, and   (b) a hydrocolloid   wherein the composition has a mean particle size of less than about 10 microns   
     
     
         2 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 (i) when the hydrocolloid is a carrageenan at least about 50% of the particles have a particle size less than about 3.5 microns,   (ii) when the hydrocolloid is a hydrocolloid other than a carrageenan at least about 30% of the particles have a particle size less than about 3.5 microns, and   (iii) when the hydrocolloid is a combination of a carrageenan and another hydrocolloid at least about 20% of the particles have a particle size less than about 3.5 microns.   
     
     
         3 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  having a Ca++ content of from 0.18 to 3.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         4 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the amount of hydrocolloid is equal to from 15% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of hydrocolloid and microcrystalline cellulose. 
     
     
         5 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the hydrocolloid is a carrageenan. 
     
     
         6 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the hydrocolloid is an alginate. 
     
     
         7 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the amount of microcrystalline cellulose is equal to from 70% to 85% by weight based on the total weight of hydrocolloid and microcrystalline cellulose. 
     
     
         8 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a water soluble inorganic salt. 
     
     
         9 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A composition as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the microcrystalline cellulose and the hydrocolloid are coattrited. 
     
     
         13 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A food product comprising the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         28 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         29 . A cosmetic composition comprising the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         30 . A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         31 . An industrial composition comprising the composition of  claim 1 .