Regulatory Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity and Hemocompatibility Induced by Phase Transformation of Kaolinite Nanocarrier

Revealing the regulatory mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility of nanocarriers is crucial for their biofunctionalized design and practical application in nanotherapeutics. However, the microstructural and physicochemical properties of nanocarriers inevitably change during the modification process, and the impact of these changes on biosafety remains unclear. Herein, we investigate the effects of phase transformation of kaolinite (Kaol) nanoclay on its biosafety. Experimental results indicate that the adjoint dehydration, dehydroxylation, and disaggregation during phase transformation of Kaol could alter the mode of interaction at the cell interface and mitigate damage to cell membranes. Furthermore, the heat-treated Kaol exhibits reduced hemolysis while maintaining red blood cell adhesion and pro-coagulant functions, without affecting the structure of plasma proteins. Collectively, this study could provide a novel insight into the correlation between Kaol microstructure and biosafety.