Chemistry
Methyl cellulose does not occur naturally and is synthetically produced by heating cellulose with caustic solution (e.g. a solution of sodium hydroxide) and treating it with methyl chloride. In the substitution reaction that follows, the hydroxyl residues (-OH functional groups) are replaced by methoxide (-OCH3 groups).
Different kinds of methyl cellulose can be prepared depending on the number of hydroxyl groups substituted. Cellulose is a polymer consisting of numerous linked glucose molecules, each of which exposes three hydroxyl groups. The Degree of Substitution (DS) of a given form of methyl cellulose is defined as the average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose. The theoretical maximum is thus a DS of 3.0, however more typical values are 1.32.6.
Different methyl cellulose preparations can also differ in the average length of their polymer backbones.
Solubility and temperature
Methyl cellulose dissolves in cold water. Higher DS-values result in lower solubility, because the polar hydroxyl groups are masked. The chemical is not soluble in hot water, which has the paradoxical effect that heating a saturated solution of methyl cellulose will turn it solid, because methyl cellulose will precipitate out. The temperature at which this occurs depends on DS-value, with higher DS-values giving lower precipitation temperatures.
Preparing a solution of methyl cellulose with cold water is difficult however: as the powder comes into contact with water, a gluey layer forms around it, and the inside remains dry. A better way is to first mix the powder with hot water, so that the methyl cellulose particles are well dispersed in the water, and cool down this dispersion while stirring, leading to the dissolution of those particles.
Uses
Methyl cellulose has an extremely wide range of uses, of which several are described below.
Consumer products
Thickener and emulsifier
Methyl cellulose is often added to hair shampoos, tooth pastes and liquid soaps, to generate their characteristic thick consistency. This is also done for foods, for example ice cream or croquette. Methyl cellulose is also an important emulsifier, preventing the separation of two mixed liquids.
Methyl Cellulose (AKS Methocel produced by Dow Chemical)is also used as Paint Rheological modifier to prevent Paint Sagging problem.
The E number of methyl cellulose as food additive is E461.
Treatment of constipation
When eaten, methyl cellulose is not absorbed by the intestines but passes through the digestive tract undisturbed. It attracts large amounts of water into the colon, producing a softer and bulkier stool. It is used to treat constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. It should be taken with sufficient amounts of fluid to prevent dehydration.
Because it absorbs water and potentially toxic materials and increases viscosity, it can also be used to treat diarrhea.
A well-known trade name of methyl cellulose when used as a drug is Citrucel by GlaxoSmithKline, but generic versions are also widely available.
Lubricant
Methyl cellulose is used as a variable viscosity personal lubricant; it is the main ingredient in K-Y Jelly.
Artificial tears and saliva
Solutions containing methyl cellulose or similar cellulose derivatives are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed.
Nutritional Supplement Capsules
Methyl cellulose is used in the manufacture of capsules in nutritional supplements, its edible and non-toxic properties provide a safe alternative to the use of gelatin.
Advanced cookery
Methyl cellulose, as a gel, has the unique property of setting when hot and melting when cold. This technique is currently being developed at the University of Nottingham[citation needed].
Construction materials
Methyl cellulose finds a major application as a performance additive in construction materials. It is added to mortar dry mixes to improve the mortar’s properties such as workability, open and adjustment time, water retention, viscosity, adhesion to surfaces etc. Construction grade methyl cellulose is to not to be identified with food and pharmaceutical grade methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, since it may be cross-linked with glyoxal for easy dispersion in water.
The construction materials can be cement based or gypsum based. Notable examples of dry mixture mortars which utilize methyl cellulose include: tile adhesives, EIFS, insulating plasters, hand-trowed and machine sprayed plaster, stucco, self-leveling flooring, extruded cement panels, skim coats, joint & crack fillers, and tile grouts. Typical usage is about 0.2% ~ 0.5% of total dry powder weight for dry mixture
Derivatives of methyl cellulose, which improve upon the performance characteristics, include hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC). These derivatives typically improve the characteristics such as water retention, vertical surface slip-resistance, open time, etc.
Manufacturers of such construction grade methyl cellulose include SE Tylose, Dowwolff, Shin-Etsu, Samsung Fine Chemicals, Hercules Aqualon, and various smaller manufacturers.
Glue and binder
Methyl cellulose can be employed as a mild glue which can be washed away with water. This may be used in the fixation of delicate pieces of art as well as in book conservation to loosen and clean off old glue from spines and bookboards.
Methyl cellulose is the main ingredient in many wallpaper pastes. It is also used as a binder in pastel crayons and also as a binder in medications.
Paper and textile sizing
Methyl cellulose is used as sizing in the production of papers and textiles as it protects the fibers from absorbing water or oil.
Cell culture/virology
Methyl cellulose is also used in cell culture to study viral replication. Methyl cellulose is dissolved in the same nutrient containing media that cells are normally grown in. A single layer of cells are grown on a flat surface, then infected with a virus for a short time. The strength of the viral sample used will determine how many cells get infected during this time. The thick methyl cellulose media is then added on top of the cells in place of normal liquid media. As the viruses replicate in the infected cells they are able to spread between cells whose membrances touch each other, but are trapped when they enter the methyl cellulose. Only cells closely neighboring an infected cell will become infected and die. This leaves small regions of dead cells called plaques in a larger background of living uninfected cells. The number of plaques formed is determined by the strength of the original sample.
Bacterial motility inhibitor
Aqueous methyl cellulose solutions have been used to slow bacterial cell motility for closer inspection. Changing the amount of methyl cellulose in solution allows one to adjust the solution’s viscosity.
Stem cell differentiation
Methylcellulose is used in the most common approaches to quantify multi-lineage- or single lineage-committed hematopoietic progenitors, called colony-forming cells (CFCs) or colony-forming units (CFUs), in combination with culture supplements that promote their proliferation and differentiation and allow the clonal progeny of a single progenitor cell to stay together and thus form a colony of more mature cells. MethoCult is one such methylcellulose-based media.
Special effects
The slimy, gooey appearance of an appropriate preparation of methyl cellulose with water, in addition to its non-toxic, non-allergenic, and edible properties, makes it popular for use in special effects for motion pictures and television wherever vile slimes must be simulated. In the film Ghostbusters, for example, the gooey substance that supernatural entities used to lime the Ghostbusters was mostly a thick water solution of methyl cellulose. Methyl Cellulose has been utilised to safely simulate molten materials as well. In several of the Terminator films it was back-lit with colored gels and films to reproduce the heated glow of iron in the large pouring ladles used to transport the metal from the smelting ovens to the various molds and forms. Methyl Cellulose was also a stand-in for the lava flows on the volcanic surface of Mustafar, in Star Wars Episode III :Revenge of the Sith. Methyl cellulose is often used in the pornographic industry to simulate semen in large quantity, in order to shoot movies related to bukkake fetish. It is preferable to food-based fake semen (e.g., condensed milk) because this last solution can often cause problems, especially when the ingredient used contains sugar. Sugar is thought to encourage yeast infection when it is injected into the vagina.
Sea Shepherd
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has used methyl cellulose to throw on the Japanese whalers’ ships. When methyl cellulose is mixed with water it produces a slippery substance which impedes the whalers from operating on the ships.
See also
Carboxymethyl cellulose
Ethyl cellulose
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
References
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2009)
Cathleen Baker (1984). Methylcellulose & Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose: An Evaluation for Use in Paper Conservation through Accelerated Aging. Preprints of the Contributions to the Paris Congress, 2-8 September 1984: Adhesives and Consolidants, pp. 55-59. International Institute of Conservation.
Robert L. Feller and Myron H. Wilt (1990) (free fulltext). Evaluation of Cellulose Ethers for Conservation. Getty Conservation Institute. http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications/pdf_publications/ethers.pdf.
Pijper A (March 1947). “Methylcellulose and Bacterial Motility”. J. Bacteriol. 53 (3): 25769. PMID 16561270. PMC 518306. http://jb.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16561270.
External links
GinShiCel – Construction grade methylcellulose and derivatives
Dowwolff Cellulosics
SE Tylose
Hercules Aqualon
Categories: Cellulose | Edible thickening agents | Food additives | Laxatives | Personal lubricants | ExcipientsHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from July 2009 | Articles needing additional references from July 2009 | All articles needing additional references
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I am an expert from Frbiz Site, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as motorcycle helmet visor , flip up motorcycle helmets.
diarrhea diarrhea
How to prevent diarrhea from taking an antibiotic?
I have to take Metformin because I have PCOS. I just started taking it for the first time once at dinner tonight. Now I have diarrhea. I know it’s a side effect and all, but is there anyway I can prevent it? I have school on Monday and I don’t know how to survive school without having to go to the bathroom a lot. Any suggestions on that? Also, how long does diarrhea usually last with Metformin?
Thanks!
Sorry! It’s not an antibiotic, I was wrong! Lol.
I don’t know how long it will last, but my daughters doctor recommended Florastor while she was taking medication. It is sold at most pharmacies and it is basically the good stuff found in yogurt that regulates your stomach. It really worked wonders for her and he cousins. Good luck!
As a pet lover especially for the domesticated canine, you should make sure that everything is taken care for not just its food or shelter, but even its personal hygiene and health should be a great concern too. What more if your favorite dog is sick? Diarrhea is one of the most common sickness affecting not just humans but dogs as well. Once your pet is affected, you will surely ask yourself: “What can I give my dog for diarrhea?”
First thing, you should understand is that dog diarrhea is not merely a disease but rather a symptom that something is wrong with your dog’s stomach and intestines. Dog diarrhea could last for a couple of days or weeks, thus, this case is acute. Several reasons for this, aside from eating spoiled food or not food at all, include sudden change in diet, food allergy, and presence of parasite or bacterial/viral infection. If your dog is only exhibiting frequent loose bowel motion there is probably no cause for immediate alarm and you can treat it at home by giving the right kind of food, which are the following:
1. Since the stomach and intestines are affected with dog diarrhea, the treatment should focus on stabilizing the two organs. This can be attained by restraining food intake for about a day or half. This will result to a physiologic rest that will cure your dog’s stomach especially on the intestines as it gives enough moments for the healing of the stomachs and intestine’s tract lining.
2. After a day, you can start giving your dog a bland and low fat diet gradually. Give this in small amount but in frequent intervals to boost your dog’s digestive system. Example of these diets includes food such as boiled rice with chicken or fish. And do not put any flavorings, butter or oil.
3. In order to prevent dehydration brought by the excessive loss of fluids, immediate replacement along with the right kind food should be done. This is through giving your dog sufficient amount of fluids such as fresh water and oral dehydrating solutions. Aside from fighting dehydration, the acid and base balance is also restored as the fluids replace the lost electrolytes.
Now you don’t have to ask yourself the same question: “What can I give my dog for diarrhea?” Surely, you can immediately give relief to your canine pet with less worries and expenses.
About the Author
Is your dog suffering from diarrhea? Discover how you can stop your dog’s loose stool fast by adopting a safe yet natural dog diarrhea treatment. Useful articles and tips to help your pet heals fast and get healthy again. Visit our site now at: http://www.thedogdiarrheatreatment.com
Will my dog survive parvo?
My puppy is 6 months old and was diagnosed with parvo on friday and since has been getting his treatments. They gave him anit-nausia medicine but he throws up still later in the day and then more in the morning. He is very hydrated because he is on an IV with fluids and he goes pee outside. He doesnt have a temperature, he is very alert and wags his tail sometimes but he still throws up. And last nite he had diarrhea really bad. is he gonna get better or is he not gonna make it?
he started getting sick wednesday but we thought he ate something in the trash cuz it was gone through when we got home one nite. And he only had his first set of shots, i know its terrible, ok, I KNOW. so please dont give me a lecture, this is very hard for me right now.
If he’s in the hospital and they’re giving him proper treatments, then there’s a very good chance he will.
But you must be aware, even with all those medications he’s receiving, there is no 100% guarantee that he’ll survive, although it’s VERY likely.
If your doggie could talk I am sure he would tell you he or she loves chocolate.
Unfortunately chocolate is very dangerous and toxic for your dog. It is a wise practice to not give the sweet treat to your best friend. How much chocolate can the animal eat before showing the symptoms of the drug Theobromine, which is the offensive ingredient.
What is Theobromine?
*Theo·bro·mine pronunciation is th–br-mn, -mn, a noun and the description is a bitter alkaloid closely related to caffeine that occurs especially in *cacao beans which is the dried partly fermented fatty seeds of a So. American evergreen tree (Theobroma cacao of the family Sterculiaceae) that are used in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter — called also cacao bean, cocoa bean and is used as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, and vasodilator. Now does that sound like anything you would want to give to your doggie? No way, give him a piece of cheese or a carrot.
If you dog accidentally eats your whole solid chocolate Easter bunny, the reaction will depend on the size of your dog, and your dog’s responsiveness, and the amount of theobromine in the bunny. Most definitely your dog will get very sick if he eats too much chocolate. So, remember to put the sweet stuff out of his or her reach.
These are the allowed amounts of chocolate containing theobromine from my research.
Supported by these measurements the ingestion of a two ounce serving of Baker’s chocolate poses a risk of adverse reaction to a fifteen pound dog, while two ounces of milk chocolate may only cause mild digestive symptoms in the same animal. Your pet dog will not understand why his tummy is hurting and upset. The following are the outward symptoms of chocolate poisoning:
Xanthine compounds like theobromine target the peripheral nerves, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Theobromine, like caffeine, is a diuretic so if your dog ingests excessive amounts of chocolate high in theobromine, your dog will be vomiting,urinating often and in larger amounts than normal. He or she will develop diarrhea, and become very irritable and excitable. Your pets heart rate will race and he probably will show signs of muscle tremors. This is too horrible to imagine in your little friend.
Is there a antidote for chocolate poisoning?
There is no known antidote to xanthine or theobromine poisoning in dogs. However, there are a number of ways to counteract or lessen their conflicting effects both immediately and for the duration. Please notify your veterinarian as soon as you realize what has happened if your dog eats too much chocolate. He may administer activated charcoal to restrain the absorption of the poison. A drug used to treat or prevent convulsions may be given to control the neurological side effects. Other treatments such as oxygen therapy, intravenous medicine and drinking water and other fluids will probably be prescribed by your vet to protect the precious pooches heart. Even in small amounts if eaten by your dog, this could cause diarrhea, the treatment is lots of liquids to keep the animal hydrated. These symptoms can last from 12 to up to 48 hours. So, if your doggie eats too much chocolate, and shows symptoms of poisoning, please call your veterinarian immediately, he is trained to administer the correct treatment. Chocolate is comfort food for humans, and we love it, your dog will love it also, but it will make him or her very very sick. As a rule, don’t give ANY chocolate to your pet, it is just TOO risky
* “Theobromine” Dictionary Resources at Merriam-Webster * “Cacao” Dictionary Resources at Merriam-Webster.
About the Author
Linda McRae is a writer who likes to write about her pets. I have many tips to care for your pet on my websites about my love for Basset Hounds, they are the cutest animals, and I have rescued three of them! I love all animals and want them always to be safe, healthy, and happy. Love your animals and they will return that love many times over! You can visit my website at I Luv Basset Hounds and you will find tips to train our stubborn breed that we love so very much.
Is diarrhea normal after worm prevention treatment?
This morning at 8 am I gave my dog a prevention treatment ‘Advantage Multi’. (prescribed by my vet). A little after my dog had a soft stool wrapped up in mucus…then he’s been having frequent liquid bowel movements. Is this a normal reaction ?
I had him dewormed before but it was a medicine taken by the mouth, it’s the first time with this product (liquid applied on his back)
Thanks
yes.
if it is really worrying you you could give your dog acidophilus for dogs or feed it a bland diet of boiled chicken and steamed white rice, or both.
Cold sore treatments are always of vital interest for those of us who suffer those burning cold sores. There are new treatments coming out all the time. Many claim to be the final answer to your prayers. Some cold sore treatments are worth the money, and some are not.
You be the judge.
Take a look at some of the more commonly used cold sore treatments that are popular right now. Please understand these are just my opinions made from personal observations. In no way should this information take the place of your personal health care provider.
Campho-Phenique: Camphorated phenol is the active ingredient, which primarily is a pain reliever and will keep bacterial infection out. There are several formulas now. One contains petroleum jelly to keep the scab soft, which greatly reduces the pain of the scab cracking when you move your lips. This has been around for many years and has been a blessing to millions of folks. One of the oldest cold sore treatments.
Novitra: A zinc-based salve using zinc sulfate. Zinc has long been known as the healing mineral. Zinc sulfate is a good choice. Zinc sulfate is more readily absorbed into the sore and cells than most forms of zinc. This is not the total answer. But it does help the healing process, dries up the sore and helps kill the virus. A very good product but it is costly. There is no temporary pain relief so it might be best used along with a pain relief product, like mentioned above.
There is another form of zinc that I like – zinc gluconate. This form of zinc is the base of a product called “Zicam”. It comes in a gel form that is absorbed in seconds through the mucus membrane of the nose. Works great for head colds and you can put it directly on cold sores at any stage. And, it’s about half the price of Novitra. They do not yet market their products as cold sore treatments.
Abreva: The active ingredient is docosanol. Docosanol stops the cold sores from getting any bigger by forming a protective barrier around the healthy cells surrounding the cold sores. Works well in limiting size of cold sores if you catch it early. But, by the time the cold sore blossoms, the damage is already done. A healing cold sore treatment is what you need now. Abreva makers recently paid a million dollars in a court settlement regarding false claims for this product. The studies I’ve seen show Abreva will shorten the cold sores event by two or three days. I’ve seen as good or better results just applying ice as a herpes cold sore treatment.
Releev: This cold sore treatment is based on the active ingredient benzalkonium chloride. The primary function of this chemical is antiseptic. It will cleanse and dry up cold sores. Seems to work quite well. Makers claim that this cold sore treatment is able to reduce cold sore symptoms with just one day of treatment. Maybe it does for some people, but I haven’t seen it. Do not use it if you have an allergy to the daisy flower family Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Would make me nervous using on kids too. There are better cold sore treatments.
Zilactin: A cold sore gel that forms a protective film over the cold sore. This is actually a very good idea. It also contains a pain-relieving ingredient called “benzyl alcohol” which gives you about three hours of peace. Also contains boric acid and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is related to aspirin. Salicylic acid normally is irritating to the skin so I question the value here. It could make the sore worse. Also, if you have an aspirin allergy – don’t use.
Lysine salves: A variety of cold sore salves available in drug and vitamin stores contain lysine. Lysine has a reputation for preventing cold sores and other forms of herpes sores. Studies show this to be true when taken internally. It helps keep you pH normal. Using lysine placed directly on the cold sore has not been very successful, from my personal observance. I would much rather see you try the zinc products mentioned above.
New cold sore treatments are coming out all the time. The market is huge for these products, since nearly nine out of ten people in the world carry the cold sore virus. Medical science has yet to solve this problem, but they are working hard at it.
Right now you will find that natural science is still your best solution to the age-old cold sore problem. Natural home remedies still prove to be the safest, cheapest and most effective cold sore treatments.
About the Author
Denny Bodoh is a 35-year dedicated natural health research writer. Get the latest facts on
Getting Rid of Cold Sores
and amazing
cold sore treatments
at Denny’s popular site:
http://www.be-cold-sore-free.com
What is the most effective treatment for a cold sore?
What are the clinically proven (and FDA approved) treatments for cold sores? How effective are they?
Zovirax (acyclovir).
