Natural and Synthetic Clay Minerals in the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Fields

Abstract

Clay minerals are historically among the most used materials with a wide variety of applications. In pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, their healing properties have always been known and used in pelotherapy and therefore attractive for their potential. In recent decades, the research has therefore focused on the systematic investigation of these properties. This review aims to describe the most relevant and recent uses of clays in the pharmaceutical and biomedical field, especially for drug delivery and tissue engineering purposes. Clay minerals, which are biocompatible and non-toxic materials, can act as carriers for active ingredients while controlling their release and increasing their bioavailability. Moreover, the combination of clays and polymers is useful as it can improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers, as well as induce cell adhesion and proliferation. Different types of clays, both of natural (such as montmorillonite and halloysite) and synthetic origin (layered double hydroxides and zeolites), were considered in order to compare them and to assess their advantages and different uses.

Laponite for biomedical applications: An ophthalmological perspective

“…The formulation was identified as vitreous hyperreflective aggregates which correlated with brimonidine levels measured in the eye. The other publications found were studies or reviews citing the aforementioned [ 15 , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] ]. ( Fig.…”

“… Review In vitro & In vivo – – Summarizes recent findings and patents on various nanotechnology products, such as Laponite, in ocular drug delivery [ 52 ]. Review In vitro & In vivo – – Natural and synthetic clays for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications from in vitro/in vivo studies [ 53 ]. Review In vitro & In vivo – – New three-dimensional delivery strategies, including Laponite, for growth factors show promise compared to conventional methods [ 54 ].…”

Characterization of percutaneous absorption of calcium, magnesium, and potentially toxic elements in two tailored sulfurous therapeutic peloids: a comprehensive in vitro pilot study

“…They cannot be classified simultaneously under both categories. Therefore, these products require a more rigorous case-by-case evaluation and must comply with the relevant legislation for medicinal products, particularly when used for therapeutic purposes (Nomicisio et al 2023 ; Bastos and Rocha 2022 ; Tian et al 2022 ).…”

Calcium Orthophosphate–Clay Composites—Preparation, Characterisation, and Applications: A Review

“…Clay minerals have excellent properties such as high adsorption/desorption and ion exchange capacity, low or no toxicity, and good biocompatibility. They have been shown to be effective inorganic hosts for proteins, drugs, bioactive molecules, and magnetic nanoparticles [3] and have been widely used in pharmaceutical and biological applications [4].…”