Nano-interfacial decoration of Halloysite Nanotubes for the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites.

In recent times, incorporation of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) with various antimicrobial agents as interfacial materials between these nanotubes and pathogenic microorganisms, for the development of antimicrobial nanocomposites with enhanced antimicrobial activities has gained researcher's interest. The main benefits given by HNT to these nanocomposites include enhanced thermal and mechanical stability of the antimicrobial nanocomposites and also prolong durability and release of the antimicrobial agents in a sustained manner. The exceptional structure of these aluminosilicate minerals based nanotubes (hollow tubular lumen with huge surface area) and oppositely charged surface molecules assist in attaching various molecules on both, the internal surface as well as on the outer surface of these nanotubes. Other advantages of these clay-based minerals are their biocompatibility, non-toxicity, eco-friendly nature and their natural availability with affordable price, which also contribute in selecting them as supporting material for biological applications. Therefore, these clay-based nanotubes have been recently used for developing various antimicrobial nanocomposites. In this review, various antimicrobial nanocomposites developed through incorporation of HNT with myriad antimicrobial agents such as nanoparticles, metal ions, antibiotics, essential oils, biopolymers, phenolic compounds, surfactants and food preservatives as an interface between these nanotubes and microorganisms have been discussed. These antimicrobial nanocomposites could be synthesized in different forms (powder, film, nanocapsule and adhesive) which can be applicable in various fields such as food packaging, water decontamination, waste water management, healing of wounds, antimicrobial agents for surfaces, orthopedics and for the treatment of microbial infections.