Recent Advances in Antibacterial Metallic Species Supported on Montmorillonite Clay Mineral: A Review

Abstract

This review provides information on the latest advances in inorganic materials with antimicrobial properties based on a metallic species immobilized on the clay mineral montmorillonite realized between the years 2015 and 2023. This class has shown many promising results compared to certain organic agents. Montmorillonite in natural and/or modified forms is a good platform for the storage and release of metallic species, and several researchers have worked on this mineral owing to its cation exchange capacity, low cost, biocompatibility, and local availability. The preparation methods and the properties such as the antibacterial, antifungal, and toxicological activities of this mineral are discussed. The main characteristics of this antibacterial class for the elimination of pathogenic bacteria were examined and the known weak points of its antimicrobial application are discussed, leading to suggestions for further research.