Novel Hydrogel - World of New Possibilities for your Application Needs

At UPM Biomedicals, we produce nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC)—a plant-based, biocompatible, highly functional hydrogel ideal for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and formulation applications. Unlike conventional microcellulose, NFC offers superior water retention, stability, and processability, making it a versatile excipient and material for advanced formulations.

Read The Story of Nanocellulose Hydrogel

What is the difference between microcellulose and nanocellulose?

But how does NFC compare to traditional microcellulose (MCC)? Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right material for your formulation needs.

Microcellulose, particularly microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), has been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry since the 1960s as a powder-based excipient. It functions as a filler to bulk up tablets and capsules, an absorbent to reduce moisture, a binder for wet granulation and direct compression, an anti-adherent to prevent aggregation, and a stabilizer that extends drug release. Additionally, MCC is commonly used as an anti-caking agent, emulsifier, foam stabilizer, starch extender, and fat substitute. Its granule size typically ranges from tens to hundreds of microns. In contrast, nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) is an advanced hydrogel that is relatively new to pharmaceutical applications.

Unlike MCC, NFC is a highly biocompatible material with superior water retention and processability, making it ideal for injectable and implantable medical applications. It was first introduced to the market in FibDex®—a CE-marked, ISO 13485-certified advanced wound dressing—and is now undergoing first-in-human trials as a bulking agent for medical implants. Offering unique structural and functional properties not found in other cellulose-based materials, NFC represents a new frontier in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Better Biocompatibility, Injectability, Emulgation, and Superior Water Retention with ISO 13485 Natural Material

Nanofibrillar cellulose provides the highest water retention capacity among all cellulosic materials and is a true hydrogel. Unlike microcellulose, which consists of large micron-sized particles, NFC is composed of fibers only a few tens of nanometers in diameter and tens of microns in length, making its structure similar to collagen fibers. This nanoscale size gives NFC exceptional functional advantages, including:

• Better biocompatibility – Interacts naturally with cells and tissues, ensuring safe medical use
• Injectability & Shear-Thinning – Suitable for medical implants, soft tissue repair, and drug delivery
• Superior Water Retention – Provides moisture stability for sensitive pharmaceutical formulations
• Emulsification Capability – Naturally prevents sedimentation, making it ideal for liquid formulations

Unlike MCC, which is typically available as a powder, NFC is a stable hydrogel that does not sediment and naturally enhances emulsion stability, making it highly suitable for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and life science applications.

Processing, Sterility, and Application Methods

Nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) is a highly versatile biomaterial that can be processed into various forms, making it ideal for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and medical device applications. Its adaptability allows for precise control over formulation, dispensing, and application methods.

Concentration & Dispensing

• Injecting & Dispensing – Compatible with precision dispensing systems, including syringes and microfluidics
• Mixing – Easily processed using mechanical stirring, ensuring uniform distribution in formulations

Processing Methods

Nanocellulose Hydrogel:

• Injection – Suitable for up to 27G needle, making it ideal for injectable formulations
• Coating Methods – Spray coating, blade coating, roll coating, dip coating
• Printing & Fabrication – 3D bioprinting (down to 100-micron needle diameter), lithography, electrospinning, film extrusion
• Microencapsulation & Nanobeads – Enables targeted drug delivery via microfluidic processing

Nanocellulose in Non-Woven Sheet (Dry Form):

• Printing & Roll-to-Roll Processing – Scalable for large-volume production
• Cutting & Shaping – Can be stanced into custom shapes (e.g., medical masks, wound dressings)

Sterility & Post-Processing

Available in sterile and non-sterile formats, depending on application needs.

Post-processing techniques include:

• Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying) – Maintains material stability
• Autoclaving & Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) Processing
• E-Beam & Gamma Radiation – Suitable for medical sterilization

Shipping & Stability

Temperature Stability – NFC remains stable above 0°C, eliminating the need for cold storage

Thinking of utilizing nanocellulose in your medical device or pharmaceutical formulation? We are the right partner for you.

• Over 400 patents protect our materials, processes, and applications in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and medical fields.
• Proven track record in medical innovation – Used in CE-marked wound dressings (FibDex®), first-in-human trials, and advanced drug delivery applications.

At UPM Biomedicals, we are the only manufacturer producing plant-based nanocellulose under ISO 13485 certification, ensuring high-quality, medical-grade biomaterials.

Looking to integrate nanocellulose into your medical device or pharmaceutical formulation? 

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