Novel Two-Dimensional MXene for Biomedical Applications

As a novel kind of two dimensional material. MXene refers to the family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides. nitrides or carbonitrides. The general formula of this material is Mn+1 X-n T-x(n = 1 similar to 3) where M is transitional metal. X is carbon or nitrogen and T is active functional groups such as fluorine. hydroxyl or oxygen-containing group. The ultra. thin structure and fascinating physical and chemical( electronic. optical. magnetic. etc.) properties of this material has attracted wide interest in mechanical engineering. optics. energy. and electronics areas. Currently. MXenes are broadening their applications in the biomedical field. This is mainly originated from their large surface area and strong absorbance in near-infrared region. combining with their facile surface modifications with various molecular or nanoparticles. This review introduces the very recent progress and novel paradigms of MXenes for state-of-the-art biomedical applications. Firstly. the preparation methods and surface modifications of MXenes designed for biomedical applications is introduced. Then their applications in the biomedical areas are emphasized. including structural. and dose-dependent antimicrobial activity. bioimaging. photothermal cancer therapy. precise biosensors and so on. Finally. the current challenges and future opportunities of applying MXene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites in biomedical field are summarized and discussed. It is highly expected that the ultrathin MXenes and their elaborately designed nanocomposites will become one of the most attractive biocompatible inorganic nano-platforms for multiple and extensive biomedical applications.