An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is a substance that is intended to be used in the manufacturing of a drug product and which, when administered to a patient, becomes an active ingredient in the medication. It is the molecular entity that exerts the desired pharmacological activity. APIs can be derived from various sources, including natural resources, chemical synthesis, or biotechnological processes. The characteristics of APIs, including their purity, potency, stability, and solubility, play a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of a drug product.
Colorants, including pigments and dyes, enhance the aesthetics of plastic products. They can provide vibrant colors, improve opaqueness, and even impart special effects such as metallic or pearlescent finishes. The choice of colorant depends on the desired application and the properties of the base polymer. For example, certain pigments are designed to withstand UV light to prevent fading and maintain the product's appearance over time.