Future Applications of MXenes in Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, and Sensors

Trends Biotechnol. 2020 Mar;38(3):264-279. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.09.001. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Abstract

The past few years have seen significant developments in the chemistry and potential biological applications of 2D materials. This review focuses on recent advances in the biotechnological and biomedical applications of MXenes, which are 2D carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides of transition metals. Nanomaterials based on MXenes can be used as therapeutics for anticancer treatment, in photothermal therapy as drug delivery platforms, or as nanodrugs without any additional modification. Furthermore, we discuss the potential use of these materials in biosensing and bioimaging, including magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging techniques. Finally, we present the most significant examples of the use of MXenes as efficient agents for environmental and antimicrobial treatments, as well as a brief discussion of their future prospects and challenges.

Keywords: MXenes; biomedical applications; imaging; sensors; sorbent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Biotechnology / instrumentation
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Photoacoustic Techniques
  • Photothermal Therapy
  • Transition Elements / chemistry*
  • Transition Elements / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Transition Elements