Activated carbons for toxin removal The adsorptive capacity of carbon materials for small molecules is well known. Dr Carol Howell and Dr Susan Sandeman tell us about research within the MEAD-ET and ACROBAT projects using a range of advanced, synthetically derived activated carbons with tailored surface properties and porosity to address a range of pressing healthcare challenges The surface chemistry
of carbon and its adsorptive capacity makes it well suited to a wide range of applications in adsorption therapy. However, the absence of an appropriate porous structure means that its ability to remove larger molecules, including a number of key biotoxins responsible for infection and inflammation, is limited. Activated carbons have long been used clinically to treat cases of poisoning; now researchers from the MEAD-ET and ACROBAT projects are investigating their capacity to address other major healthcare challenges including sepsis, and also kidney and liver failure. “The MEAD-ET project is looking at the activated carbon nano-structured materials produced by MAST Carbon International. We are aiming to develop them further and optimise their adsorption capacity through knowledge exchange,” says project coordinator Dr Carol Howell.
30
“The Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology (IEPOR) in Ukraine have been working with activated carbon materials for some time and through our collaboration we aim to transfer their technology.”
an excellent training ground for participating researchers as they acquire a range of research experience generally unavailable in a single research centre,” says project coordinator Dr Susan Sandeman.
By controlling the porosity of the activated carbon material you can influence what size of molecules will be adsorbed. So if you’re looking to absorb a molecule of a particular size, you can actually tailor the size of the material’s pores so that the toxin will fit within it The overarching aim of the ACROBAT project meanwhile is to progress adsorbent medical device technology for a range of healthcare challenges through exchanging expert knowledge between industrial and academic partners. “The project provides
Activated carbon The carbon itself is activated by being heated at temperatures of up to 1000°C in CO2 or steam, a process which generates additional porosity in the material. Depending on the technique used this can
EU Research
