Halloysite Nanotubes and Sepiolite for Health Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Clay minerals are established excipients and active agents in pharmaceuticals.
• Growing interest exists in developing novel organic/inorganic nanocomposites for drug delivery.
• Nanoclays are gaining attention due to their natural origin, abundance, sustainability, and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pharmaceutical and biomedical applications of halloysite and sepiolite nanoclays as drug delivery systems.
• To explore the structural and biocompatibility aspects of these nanoclays.
• To discuss surface functionalization strategies for enhancing drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on halloysite and sepiolite in drug delivery.
• Analysis of structural properties and biocompatibility data.
• Examination of surface functionalization techniques and their impact on drug properties.

Main Results:

• Halloysite and sepiolite nanoclays demonstrate potential as drug delivery vehicles.
• These nanoclays can improve drug stability, controlled release, bioavailability, and adsorption.
• Surface functionalization offers versatile strategies for tailored drug delivery applications.

Conclusions:

• Halloysite and sepiolite nanoclays are promising materials for innovative drug delivery systems.
• Their natural attributes combined with surface modification enable enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
• Further research into these nanoclays can lead to advanced patient-compliant treatments.