Historically, until the 20th century, ion exchange materials (IEMs) and the ion
exchange process were considered significant developments in physical, organic and
analytical chemistry, and agricultural and environmental fields; however, more recently,
these material and processes have found increased attention in the fields of medicine and
healthcare. The use of natural adsorbents and ion exchangers (e.g., kaolin, bentonite,
alginates, alumina, and charcoal, etc.) has been known within pharmaceutical industries