Clay minerals have been used for medical purposes from ancient times. Among them, the halloysite nanotube, an aluminosilicate of the kaolin group, is an emerging nanomaterial which possesses peculiar chemical characteristics. By means of suitable modifications, such as supramolecular functionalization or covalent modifications, it is possible to obtain novel nanomaterials with tunable properties for several applications. Herein we report the covalent grafting of suitable organic moieties on the external surface or in the halloysite lumen to improve the loading and release of several biologically active molecules. The resulting hybrid nanomaterials could be applied as drug carrier and delivery systems, as fillers for hydrogels, in tissue regeneration and in the gene delivery field.

Modification of halloysite nanotubes for the development of drug carrier and delivery systems

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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