1. Pillared Layered Compounds: Synthesis, Structure and PropertiesAbraham Clearfield, Texas A&M University, DMR 0652166 We have been able to load different bioactive species into inorganic layered nanoplatelets designed in our laboratory. We load insulin into these particles to produce a pill for oral intake of insulin to treat diabetic patients. In this particle the insulin will be protected from the acid and harsh environment of the stomach and will be released in the intestine to be absorbed in the blood stream. We also used these particles to load them with highly toxic anticancer drugs commonly used in chemotherapy, causing hundreds of side effects. Once the drug is inside the nanoplatelet it will be isolated from the system until they reach their targets, the cancerous cells, avoiding the side effects associated with the chemotherapy.

2. Pillared Layered Compounds: Synthesis, Structure and Properties Abraham Clearfield, Texas A&M University, DMR 0652166 Our group is characterized by the broad diversity of its members which is composed of two Young Woman, one Native-American, and one Afro-American Grad Students, in addition to one Hispanic Post-Doc, undergrads and REU’s students. We have served as host for several Visitor Scholars from around the World. In addition we maintain an active collaboration with several groups around the Globe. Moreover, we organized a special symposium as part of the 43rd IUPAC World Chemistry Congress, held in San Juan, P.R. Finally, our grads and undergrad students participate in different activities during chemistry week at an interactive table with the general public in an Open House Event.