Interaction of Layered Silicates with Biomembranes: Ion Exchangers and Non‐Exchangers

Abstract Layered silicates (LS, clays) are a composite group of minerals whose industrial interest and technological applications progressively expanding, spanning from catalysis to biomedicine. However, the compatibility LS with biological systems is not clear, mechanistic data about biophysicochemical interactions at interface biomembranes scarce. Here, cell membrane damage, assessed using red blood cells as model membranes, revealed for kaolin (> 75 wt.% kaolinite, 1:1 layer structure) bentonite 90 montmorillonite, 1:2 particles. The high membranolytic capacity (i.e., ion‐exchanger LS) result combined contribution both mineral surface features sample‐specific cation exchange (CEC). For non‐ion‐exchanger LS), damage membranes primarily due hydroxyl species, that is, silanols aluminols, exposed crystal lattice boundaries. When thermally disorganized into amorphous metakaolin, driven by specific sub‐population namely “nearly free silanols”, previously evidenced on quartz. This study establishes rationale underlying between particles can set basis understanding interfacial phenomena LS.