Memoirs of the Scientific Sections of the Romanian Academy (Nov 2020)
Laponite® – A versatile component in hybrid materials for biomedical applications
Abstract
The versatility of Laponite® (LAP), given by its layered structure, makes it one of the most investigated and used clays. LAP is a synthetic cationic clay, from the smectite class, with particles size of 25–30 nm in diameter and about 1 nm thickness. This clay is biocompatible, bioactive and has the capacity to swell in water, to adsorb/ desorb large or small molecules, to adhere to cells favouring their growth, to improve the mechanical toughness of the materials in which it is incorporated, etc. The aim of this brief review is to present the most recent and relevant data concerning the structure and properties of LAP and its use in designing drug delivery systems, wound dressings, tissue engineering/ regenerative materials, biosensors and other advanced recent applications, such as 3D printing for fabrication of scaffolds, and nanomedicine for diagnosis and treatment.
