  Microcrystalline cellulose: a major breakthrough for the pharmaceutical industry A team of researchers and specialists at the University of Antioquia has developed a groundbreaking product intended for industrial use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industry. The team won first place in the Practical Training Program in Commercialization (PTCP) funded by Ruta N and the IC2 Institute, University of Texas. 
Microcrystalline Cellulose can be a major breakthrough for the pharmaceutical industry A two-year study led by Dr. John J. Rojas of the School of Pharmacy at University of Antioquia, resulted in discovery of Co-processed Microcrystalline Cellulose, a groundbreaking product for industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industry. Results show that use of Co-processed Microcrystalline Cellulose in the production of cosmetics such as face powder has shown to have desirable properties including greater smoothness, better coverage, color homogeneity, improved durability and adhesion. Microcrystalline Cellulose uses include deodorants, body lotions and sunscreen. On the other hand, MCC has shown to be a healthy alternative to trans fat. MCC also improves digestion and prevents colon problems due to its high fiber content. Microcrystalline Cellulose can be a major breakthrough for the pharmaceutical industry. For example, cellulose based tablets can provide faster headache relief as cellulose disintegrates quickly after ingestion. Dr. Rojas said the project is expected to reduce production costs by about 50 percent which will lead to a reduction in the demand for foreign-made products, including Chinese generic products, sometimes of doubtful quality. Dr. Rojas’ team attended the Practical Training Program in Commercialization (PTCP) of Ruta N and the IC2 Institute through an open call of the University of Antioquia for research groups involved in groundbreaking projects. The IC2 Institute is an interdisciplinary research unit of the University of Texas at Austin which works to advance the theory and practice of entrepreneurial wealth creation. María E. Vivas, vice-president for Extension and Outreach at the University of Antioquia, said University’s participation in PCPT is part of a technology development project sponsored by both the Office of Extension and Outreach and the Office of the Vice-president for Research. "We encourage researchers to become actively involved in the project and focus on effective knowledge transfer", she said. Dr. Elsie Echeverri-Carroll of the IC2 Institute said she was pleasantly surprised at the positive reception the project had from local universities. “Medellín is the first city in Colombia, and probably in Latin America, to have developed a science and technology plan. There are many people here that are eager to learn and grow”, she said. PCTP participants received intensive training in Quicklook Report, a technique used to evaluate and assess specific technologies or software programs that are part of a larger development program. “Co-processed Microcrystalline Cellulose project is indeed one of the most groundbreaking projects I have ever seen. All group members were actively engaged in the learning process”, said Dr. Echeverri-Carroll. The winning team is made up of John J. Rojas, Isabel C. Henao, Pamela Alvarez and Adriana Pérez. The winners will be awarded a two-week internship at the IC2 Institute in Austin, Texas. About Ruta N Ruta N is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, and innovation to increase the competitiveness of the city of Medellín. It is part of EPM (Empresas Públicas de Medellín), a utility and telecommunications provider and the second-largest Colombian company in terms of income and assets. Contact information
John Jairo Rojas
Phone: (574) 219 54 72
Email: jrojasca@gmail.com | 
