Bioengineered MXene-Polymer-Metal Composites: From Synthesis and Structure to Multimodal Diagnostic and Therapeutic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• MXenes are 2D nanomaterials with unique properties like conductivity and reactivity.
• Current understanding of MXene structure-property relationships and clinical applications is incomplete.
• There is a need for biocompatible fabrication methods and functionalization strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in MXene synthesis and surface engineering.
• To highlight the potential of MXene-based nanostructures as multifunctional theranostic agents.
• To identify challenges and future directions for clinical translation of MXene nanoconjugates.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on MXene synthesis and functionalization.
• Exploration of MXene composites with polymers and heterostructures.
• Analysis of stimuli-responsive MXene platforms (e.g., MXenzymes) for biomedical applications.

Main Results:

• MXene nanostructures can be engineered for biocompatibility and enhanced functionality.
• MXene composites exhibit synergistic effects for diverse applications.
• Stimuli-responsive MXene platforms show promise as theranostic agents in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and tumor therapy.

Conclusions:

• MXene-based nanoconjugates offer significant potential for multimodal diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.
• Rational design considering atomic configuration and surface properties is crucial for optimizing biomedical performance.
• Overcoming challenges in synthesis, functionalization, and clinical translation is key for realizing the full potential of MXenes.