Polysaccharides/Halloysite nanotubes for smart bionanocomposite materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Biopolymers, particularly polysaccharides, are sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived polymers.
• Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are natural inorganic fillers with unique tubular structures.
• Incorporating HNTs into polysaccharide matrices enhances material properties and introduces smart functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress in developing polysaccharide/halloysite nanocomposites.
• To highlight the influence of polymer charge on nanocomposite morphology and properties.
• To present novel fabrication protocols for drug delivery applications.

Main Methods:

• Solvent casting, lyophilization, and cryoscopic techniques for nanocomposite preparation.
• Characterization of morphology and mesoscopic properties.
• Development of protocols for drug delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharide/halloysite nanocomposites exhibit improved physico-chemical properties.
• The charge of the polymer significantly affects the morphology and mesoscopic characteristics.
• Novel fabrication methods enable the creation of advanced bionanocomposites.

Conclusions:

• Halloysite-polysaccharide nanocomposites are promising for diverse applications.
• These bionanocomposites offer sustainable solutions for biomedicine, packaging, and heritage conservation.
• Further research on halloysite-based bionanocomposites is encouraged.