Natural forming clay halloysite is an emerging nanomaterial carrier for sustained drug delivery. These 50 nm diameter aluminosilicate tubes, with inner - alumina and outer - silica surface layers, can be loaded with 10–30 wt% of drug molecules, DNA and enzymes. The opposite charge of the inner and outer halloysite surface allow for selective drug adsorption inside or outside the clay nanotubes. The drug loaded halloysite enhanced the zeta potential of minus 50–60 mV allowing for stable aqueous nanocolloids. Halloysite nanoformulations provide an extended 10–20 h release profile, and may be functionalized (e.g., clogging tubes' end with polymers extending release time to 1–2 weeks or allowing for triggered release), which renders these clay nanostructures as promising controlled delivery systems. Recent studies demonstrate the potential of abundantly available halloysite clay nanotubes for life science applications, from drug delivery via oral or topical administration, to tissue scaffolds and regenerative medicine, while assessing their cellular internalization, stability, biosafety and biocompatibility are featured. The benefits and limitations of halloysite clay nanotubes are discussed, as well as the directions for future developments.

天然形成的粘土埃洛石是用于持续药物递送的新兴纳米材料载体。这些直径为50 nm的硅铝酸盐管具有氧化铝内表面和二氧化硅外表面，可装载10–30 wt％的药物分子， DNA和酶。内部和外部埃洛石表面的相反电荷允许在粘土纳米管内部或外部选择性吸附药物。载有埃洛石的药物增强了ζ电势负50-60 mV的电压可产生稳定的水性纳米胶体。埃洛石纳米制剂可提供延长的10-20小时释放特性，并且可以进行功能化（例如，堵塞聚合物末端的管将释放时间延长至1-2周或允许触发释放），这使得这些粘土纳米结构成为有前途的受控输送系统。最近的研究表明，丰富的埃洛石粘土纳米管具有潜力，可用于生命科学应用，从通过口服或局部给药的药物递送到组织支架和再生医学，同时评估了它们的细胞内在化，稳定性，生物安全性和生物相容性。讨论了埃洛石粘土纳米管的优点和局限性，以及未来的发展方向。