HPMC

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Cat Number

PIE-0230

CAS Number

9004-65-3

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Product Detail Description Advanced Innovations Customer Q&A

CAS Number

9004-65-3

Appearance

White powder

General Description

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semisynthetic, inert, viscoelastic polymer of cellulose. Cellulose is alkali-treated then reacted with propylene oxide and methyl chloride to produce hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Hydroxypropyl substitution increases water solubility, thermal gelation and film-forming properties. HPMC is non-ionic and displays reversible thermal gelation. HPMC can have a low, medium or high viscosity based on molecular weight and degree of substitution.

Application

Applications of HPMC include its use as a binder, disintegrant and controlled release matrix component of tablets in the pharmaceutical industry; it is also used in vegetarian capsules and solutions for eye medications. Used as an ingredient in construction materials such as tile adhesive and self-leveling cement, it imparts water retention, workability, and adhesion characteristics. It is used in the food industry as a thickener/emulsifier/stabilizer in sauces, baked goods and meat substitutes. HPMC can also be used in cosmetics as a viscosity control agent and film former for shampoo, lotion, and makeup.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a biocompatible polymer with appropriate rheological behavior, film forming ability, and drug compatibility that was employed in this study to create topical gels. Topical gels were created using HPMC as a means to improve skin delivery of two porphyrinic photosensitizers (P2.1 and P2.2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of skin cancer. Characterization was completed using FTIR, TGA, XRD, AFM, fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. After loading the porphyrin into HPMC, FTIR results showed that the structure of HPMC remained intact. In vitro pharmacotechnical properties revealed adequate pH (7.2), pseudoplasticity, homogenous drug content, and appropriate spreadability. Physical measurements confirmed that both photosensitizers were stable and could perform as expected when incorporated in HPMC matrices. Furthermore, in vitro cellular internalization studies revealed effective cellular uptake of both photosensitizers into human epidermoid carcinoma cells.

Fig. 2 The FTIR spectrum of HPMC. (Ozon E A, et al. 2025)

References

Ozon E A, et al. Cellulose-derived gels for topical delivery: HPMC as a functional matrix for porphyrinic photosensitizers. Gels. 2025, 11(10): 824.

What defines the viscosity of HPMC?

Viscosity is determined by the degree of polymerization and the concentration of HPMC in an aqueous solution.

What is the pH stability of HPMC?

HPMC remains stable across a wide pH range, typically from 3.0 to 11.0, ensuring consistent performance.

How does HPMC react to heat?

HPMC undergoes a unique thermal gelation process where it forms a gel when heated and liquefies upon cooling.

Can HPMC be used in organic solvents?

HPMC is soluble in certain organic solvents or water-organic mixtures, depending on its specific degree of substitution.