SmartMat (Apr 2025)

Advancements, Challenges, and Future Perspectives of MXenes in Biomedicine

  • Thi Nhat Linh Phan,
  • Thi Xuan Nguyen,
  • Thi Thuy Truong,
  • Thi Kim Ngan Duong,
  • Vu Hoang Minh Doan,
  • Truong Tien Vo,
  • Mrinmoy Misra,
  • Jaeyeop Choi,
  • Umapada Pal,
  • Junghwan Oh,
  • Sudip Mondal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smm2.70009
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 2
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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ABSTRACT MXenes, a unique class of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have garnered significant interest due to their exceptional chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties. While recent studies predominantly focus on MXenes' applications in catalysis, energy storage and harvesting, photocatalysis, and lightweight materials, their potential in biomedicine is comparatively understated. This review aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive and up‐to‐date overview of MXenes in biomedical applications, specifically highlighting advanced uses such as photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment, as well as their roles in biomedical imaging and as contrast agents for tumor visualization. We examine the synthesis and chemical modifications of MXenes, including functionalization, etching, and exfoliation techniques that enable tailored properties for biomedicine. This article highlights MXenes' advantages, including high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and biocompatibility, while also addressing challenges and future research directions to unlock their full biomedical potential. This focused exploration of MXenes in cutting‐edge biomedicine sets this review apart, highlighting its significance in advancing MXenes' role in modern biomedical research.

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