COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACTIVATED CARBON MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL ENTEROSORBENT APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Activated carbon is extensively utilized in pharmaceutical practice as an enterosorbent due to its high adsorption efficiency and chemical inertness. This study aimed to comparatively assess several industrial activated carbon samples to evaluate their suitability for therapeutic enterosorption. Prior to characterization, all samples were subjected to standard laboratory purification protocols. Critical physicochemical properties, including ash content, bulk density, and pH of aqueous extracts, were measured following pharmacopeial and standardized procedures. The analysis revealed that only the AU-K sample met the regulatory criteria for medical-grade activated carbon, particularly in terms of ash content and pH. Other samples demonstrated elevated levels of mineral impurities, which could compromise both sorption performance and biological safety. These results underscore the necessity of comprehensive physicochemical evaluation when selecting activated carbon for pharmaceutical applications.