Ponente
Descripción
Nanoclays are categorized into 2D and 1D forms based on their structure. These include layered silicates such as montmorillonite, which has layers around 1 nm thick, and palygorskite, which possesses a nanoporous structure. Based on their unique structure and properties, widespread availability, low cost, and low environmental impact, they are used in a variety of applications. They have been employed as starting materials, adjuvants, active ingredients, and vehicle materials in various fields, including biomedical applications, wastewater treatment, and polymer composites for food preservation. Bentonite (Bent) and palygorskite (Pal) are among the most commonly used natural clays for the applications mentioned above. The primary objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main results achieved by our experimental research group. A range of natural and modified materials—Pal, Bent, Bent/metformin and Bent/Vitamin C—have been successfully incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations for topical applications. The results confirm the antimicrobial efficacy of chemically modified bentonites. The remineralizing and exfoliating properties of creams and gels formulated with natural Bent and Pal, as active ingredients, is also verified. The efficient use of Pal clay without any modification is evidenced in the capture of emergent contaminants such as sulfamethoxazole, and persistent pollutants like Congo red and methylene blue dyes. Finally, clay/polymer nanocomposites with potential applications in food preservation were successfully obtained from naturally abundant and sustainable materials. The addition of Bent improved the water-resistant properties of the films, which also demonstrated suitable flexibility and transparency.
Keywords: Natural clays, Drugs, Films, Pharmaceutical formulations and Contaminants.
