Aminoclays for biological and environmental applications: An updated review

Abstract

Clay has been widely used since Antiquity. However, its application remains limited due to its low dispersion in water. In this review paper, we introduce amino organophyllosilicates (hereafter: aminoclays), which are synthesized by metal salt and organotrialkoxylane at room temperature. Such organic-inorganic materials have been applied in different areas. There is also the strategy of incorporating aminoclays with another material in order to expand its potential. However, the cytotoxicity of some aminoclays toward mammalian cells has to be reduced before application in practical fields. By evaluating the latest research papers, we take a closer look at the applications of various aminoclays in biological as well as environmental fields.