BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF CELLULOSE AND CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES

This article gives an overview of the biocompatibility of these products. Biocompatibility after ingestion of cellulose and its derivatives, when used as food additives, deals with toxicological- and physiological effects. Results of biochemical-, toxicological- and human studies show that these products do not show any adverse effects. At use levels used in the daily diet, no laxative effects are to be expected. The phenomenon of paracellular transport (persorption) is discussed. If the particle size exceeds 6 mu than persorption is unlikely to occur Also biocompatibility after release into the aqueous environment is discussed. When using the stringent OECD/EEC tests for measuring the ready biodegradability of cellulose and derivatives, results show that these products are not readily biodegradable. This does not imply that the products are recalcitrant in nature. Methods for measuring the inherent biodegradability show, that derivatives of cellulose can be biodegraded on a longer term.