Montmorillonite revolution: a unified exploration of exfoliation techniques and its emerging role as an advanced drug delivery carrier

The continual quest for efficient drug delivery systems has led to the exploration of advanced clay-based nanocarriers. In this regard, montmorillonite (MMT) emerging as a highly promising candidate. MMT`s layered structure and high surface area, coupled with its natural ability to exfoliate, make it an excellent candidate for drug delivery applications. Exfoliation, the process of separating MMT layers into nanoscale sheet-like layers, displays a critical feature in upgrading its properties by enhancing the available surface area and improving interaction with drug molecules, and directly impacting drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency through reducing its aggregation, which is its natural tendency. Researchers have extensively explored exfoliation techniques to harness these benefits, leading to the development of MMT-based nanosheets that provide a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, therefore, MMT possibly suitable for drug delivery and controlled release. Additionally, the safety and toxicity profiles of MMT have been rigorously evaluated, confirming its excellent biocompatibility. This review highlights the advancements in exfoliation techniques, their role in optimizing MMT as a nanocarrier, and its relevance in modern drug delivery systems.