cellulose

• alias: cellulose
• cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a polysaccharide consisting of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. it is the primary structural component of plant cell walls and the most abundant organic polymer on earth.

• chemical properties

  • molecular weight: varies, typically in the range of 162.14 g/mol per glucose unit (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ, where “n” can reach up to several thousand.
  • density: 1.5 g/cm³
  • melting point: decomposes before melting (around 260–270°C)
  • solubility: insoluble in water and most organic solvents; soluble in certain ionic liquids and strong alkali solutions.
  • chemical formula: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

• usefulness in medicine

  • ** dietary fiber **: cellulose acts as an insoluble dietary fiber, promoting digestive health by improving bowel regularity and preventing constipation.
  • blood sugar regulation: its role as a fiber slows digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • cholesterol management: cellulose binds to bile acids, helping reduce cholesterol levels.
  • pharmaceutical use: cellulose derivatives, such as microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose, are used as excipients in drug formulations for tablet binding and coating.
  • skin care: cellulose derivatives are used in cosmetic products as thickeners and stabilizers.

• antibacterial and antimicrobial activity

  • cellulose itself does not have direct antimicrobial activity but can be functionalized or chemically modified to create antimicrobial materials. examples:
  • nanocellulose: used in wound dressings and antimicrobial coatings for medical applications.
  • cellulose derivatives: can be modified with antimicrobial agents like silver nanoparticles.

• research links

  • cellulose and dietary fiber benefits
  • nanocellulose in medical applications