Layered double hydroxides and human health: An overview

This work summarizes the beneficial and harmful effects of layered double hydroxides upon human health. Their possible uses in pharmaceutical formulations are present in many subjects: from classical applications as orally and topical drugs to new trends as cancer therapy. The application of layered double hydroxides as excipients and their influence on the bioavailability of the organic active principle is also reviewed. Clay-modified electrodes have received attention in the development of electrochemical sensors and biosensors. This article also reviews this aspect for medical purposes. Finally, a summary of the fields in which layered double hydroxides could be applied to prevent public health is also provided. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.