Ohwoavworhua, F.O.*, Ogah, E. and Kunle, O.O.
                                                  Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development (PT&RMD),
                                                  National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (NIPRD),
                                                  P.M.B. 21, Abuja, Nigeria.  e-mail: frankohwo@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study aims at developing a pharmaceutical excipient from local sources by using waste paper as a source for alpha cellulose. Alpha cellulose was obtained from waste paper by soda process with a yield of 42%. The alpha cellulose obtained coded ACP, was characterised both for its physicochemical and functional properties. The physicochemical properties include organoleptic characteristics, identification, solubility, starch and dextrins, water-soluble substance and pH determinations. The flow properties of the powder were assessed by angle of repose, Hausner index, Carr’s compressibility index and flow rate determinations. Other functional properties include true density, particle size determination, hydration and swelling capacities. Its functional properties were compared to those of Avicel PH101. The results of the physicochemical properties indicate good level of purity of the cellulose material. The moisture content was 4.8% and the true density was 1.73 g/ml, the hydration and swelling capacities were 4.42 and 165% respectively. The flow indices showed that ACP flowed better than Avicel. The cellulose product, ACP, obtained from waste paper conformed to official specifications. The functional properties indicate that ACP is comparable to Avicel PH 101 and is therefore a potential excipient in pharmaceutical tableting.