Bioreactive clay minerals: impacts on environmental and human health

Humans and animals have historically used clays to aid in digestion, protect skin, heal wounds and soothe musculoskeletal ailments. Pharmacopeias from the 17th century highlight medicinal uses of clay minerals, yet the mechanisms by which clays can be healthful or detrimental remain largely unknown today. Nano-technological advances in the last decade have revitalized research on the interactions of clays in mammalian systems. In this session we invite research that highlights new insights on the roles of bioreactive clays affecting human health. In particular we encourage research on medical or veterinary applications of clays and the mechanisms by which clays are beneficial or detrimental. Topics may include uses of clays in drug delivery, pelotherapy, hemostatic wound dressings, geophagy, antibacterial clays and clay toxicology. An important focus is the application of novel solutions to promote environmental and human health.