Intrinsic antimicrobial properties of LDH clays: a brief review

Abstract Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are materials classified within the clay group, specifically as anionic clays, known for their highly basic nature. Their compositions can be readily tailored to incorporate various oligodynamic-effect metals, which, upon combining with structural hydroxyls groups, exhibit antimicrobial effects. This represents a novel alternative to commercially available conventional medicine. Additionally, LDHs have low toxicity to humans and can be produced through sustainable processes that are more economical than traditional antibiotics. Currently, LDHs have been successfully used against various types of fungi and bacteria, introducing these materials as antimicrobials in the medical, agricultural, and industrial fields. Furthermore, LDH clays can be combined with other inorganic materials to form composites that exhibit significantly improved properties, such as a high specific surface area. This enhancement increases the accessibility to LDH active sites and substantially boosts their action against pathogen microorganisms. This paper reviews the role of LDHs as alternative antimicrobial materials, either alone or in composites, laying the groundwork for future research in this growing field.