Modified Natural Zeolites-Functional Characterization and Biomedical Application

Abstract

Natural and synthetic zeolites have emerged as potential materials for biomedical application in recent years. Zeolites are hydrated microporous tektoaluminosilicates consisting of three-dimensional frameworks of SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra linked through shared oxygen atoms. Clinoptilolite, a mineral from the heulandite group of zeolites, ((Na,K)6(Al6Si3O)O72·nH2O), is the most abundant sedimentary zeolite in nature. In this chapter an overview of surface modifi cation of clinoptilolite by interaction with cationic surfactants is given alongside with the methods used for characterization of the surfactant modifi ed zeolites (organozeolites/composites). Diff erent organozeolites were tested under conditions for adsorption of several mycotoxins commonly found in animal feed. Study of in vitro surfactant desorption in vitro followed by in vivo acute toxicity testing was used to demonstrate the nontoxic nature of these improved mineral materials. Functionality related characteristics of modifi ed natural zeolites were analyzed for investigation of their potential use as pharmaceutical excipients for modifi ed release of active pharmaceutical ingredients.