Halloysite is a naturally occurring mineral similar to kaolin, possessing a special particle shape in the form of ultramicroscopic multi-layered hollow cylinders. It is utilizable in many industrial branches and due to its advantages, e.g. biocompatibility, drug entrapment, high mechanical strength and easy natural availability also on the pharmaceutical field and in medicine. It can bind drugs on the surface or inside of tubules and increase drug stability or change its release. Surface of the tubules can be readily modified for the application in drug delivery systems. Halloysite was reported as promising material for bone implants and controlled delivery of biomacromolecules. This review is dealing with pharmaceutical and biomedical usage of this interesting material and is including original experimental work published recently.

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology Facult of Pharmacy Charles University