03. Halloysite Animal Hair Coating Optimization for Efficient Anti-lice Protection

Abstract

We demonstrate enhanced immobilization of halloysite tubule nanoclay onto hair surfaces of different mammals including horses, goats, and capybaras and search for the features that allow stable coating with drugs for anti-parasitic protection. Deposition of hair coverage with a micrometer nanotubes’ layer loaded with drugs allows for sustained delivery. Halloysite clay nanotubes are natural, safe, and biocompatible materials. Halloysite self-assembles on the hair surface during a 3-minute application of its aqueous colloids resulting in 2-3 µm thick coating. I referenced Dr. Lvov’s work for this experiment and investigated the topography of animal hair halloysite coatings using 3D laser confocal scanner and SEM. Enhanced animal hair hydrophobicity resulted in more stable nanoclay layers. After being loaded with permethrin, halloysite provides a slow release over 5-10 days which is promising for long-lasting anti-parasitic protection. Halloysite act as a carrier for anti-lice drug delivery by readily attaching to hair allowing for targeted delivery. Water-insoluble drugs such as permethrin can be encapsulated into the anionic amphiphiles modified clay tube’s lumens followed by its aqueous colloid application on hair. Lice harm animals by causing skin diseases, anemia, and death in some cases. Many anti-parasitic treatments are not effective because are quickly removed from hair. I collected goat lice samples and elaborated the experiments on topical anti-lice nanoclay drug delivery on goat and horse hair. It is currently in progress with comparison: 1) lice culture on hair, 2) lice on hair treated with pure permethrin, and 3) hair coated with halloysite nanotubes loaded with the drug