Trends of Laponite® Clay Mineral as an Excipient in Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Medical Devices: Patent Analysis

Abstract Purpose This patent-based systematic review investigates the scientific and technological trends involving Laponite®, a synthetic clay mineral composed of disc-shaped nanoparticles. Due to its rheological, structural, and biocompatible properties, Laponite® has gained attention as a versatile excipient in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical device formulations. Methods Patent data were retrieved from The Lens database using the terms “laponite”, “formulation”, “pharmaceutical composition”, “pharmaceutical form”, “drug” and “medicine”. The search covered the period from September 2000 to 2023, yielding 1,134 patent documents. From these, 100 of the most relevant patents were selected for in-depth technical analysis. Data were classified according to jurisdictions, CPC codes, applicants, inventors, and claimed uses. Results The leading jurisdictions were WIPO, the United States and Europe. The most cited CPC codes were C08K3/346, B82Y30/00 and A61L15/60. Top applicants included Procter & Gamble, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, and LG Chem Ltd. Laponite ® was predominantly applied as a gelling agent, thickener, binder, stabilizer, and drug release carrier. Its multifunctionality supports diverse formulation strategies in the biomedical field. Conclusion Laponite® is a key technological enabler in advanced formulations. Its expanding patent landscape reflects growing scientific and industrial interest in its applications for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biofunctional materials. PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251029805.