MXene / MXene based composites and their biomedical applications

Abstract

A novel class of two-dimensional materials known as MXenes and their related composites has recently emerged. These materials have garnered significant interest in the biomedical field due to their specific structural features, exceptional physicochemical and biological properties. Applications of MXenes include tissue engineering, cancer detection and therapy, sensing, imaging, drug delivery, wound treatment, antimicrobial activities, medical implantation and among others. Moreover, MXenes have attracted attention in biomedical engineering when incorporated into polymers, metals, carbon nanomaterials, and metal oxides. Their role as electroactive and mechanical nanoreinforcers allows them to transform nonconductive scaffolds into excellent electrical conductors, significantly enhancing the mechanical properties needed for the engineering of electroactive organs and tissues such as the heart, skeletal muscle, and nerve. However, advancing these 2D materials toward their intended applications requires addressing several challenges. This review aims to provide an overview of the development and application of MXene-integrated composites in biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, cancer diagnosis/treatment, sensors (such as wearable bio, pressure, humidity, motion and gas sensors), imaging (such as luminous imaging, computed tomography (CT) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Photoacoustic imaging (PAI)), drug delivery, wound treatment, antimicrobial activities and medical implantation. Finally, we also discussed the challenges and research progress of MXene / MXene based composite materials. As researchers continue to explore the characteristics, potential, and challenges of these 2D nanomaterials for biomedical purposes, this review seeks to inspire further advancements in the field.