Bacterial infections represent one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, over the years, several nanomaterials with antibacterial properties have been developed. In this context, clay minerals, because of their intrinsic properties, have been efficiently used as antimicrobial agents since ancient times. Halloysite nanotubes are one of the emerging nanomaterials that have found application as antimicrobial agents in several fields. In this review, we summarize some examples of the use of pristine and modified halloysite nanotubes as antimicrobial agents, scaffolds for wound healing and orthopedic implants, fillers for active food packaging, and carriers for pesticides in food pest control.

Background/Objectives: The development of therapies targeting unregulated Src signaling through selective kinase inhibition using small-molecule inhibitors presents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Among these inhibitors, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine heterocycles have emerged as potent agents; however, their clinical application is hindered by low solubility in water. To overcome this limitation, some carrier systems, such as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), can be used. Methods: Herein, we report the development of HNT-based nanomaterials as carriers for pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine molecules. To achieve this objective, the clay was modified by two different approaches: supramolecular loading into the HNT lumen and covalent grafting onto the HNT external surface. The resulting nanomaterials were extensively characterized, and their morphology was imaged by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). In addition, the kinetic release of the molecules supramolecularly loaded into the HNTs was also evaluated. QSAR studies were conducted to elucidate the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of these inhibitors, and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) was performed to analyze their binding poses in protein kinases implicated in cancer. Results: The characterization methods demonstrate successful encapsulation of the drugs and the release properties under physiological conditions. Furthermore, QSAR studies and SBVS provide valuable insights into the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and binding properties of these inhibitors, reinforcing their potential efficacy. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity of these halloysite-based nanomaterials, and of pure molecules for comparison, was tested on RT112, UMUC3, and PC3 cancer cell lines, demonstrating their potential as effective agents for prostate and bladder cancer treatment.