MXene Composites as Bioimaging

The rapid advancement of material science has led to the emergence of MXenes, a novel family of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic compounds with exceptional physicochemical properties. Derived from MAX phases through selective etching of “A” elements, MXenes composed of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides are represented by the general formula Mn+1XnTx, where Tx denotes surface functional groups like –OH, –O, or –F. These materials exhibit remarkable attributes such as high electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and large surface area, positioning them as promising candidates for various biological and environmental applications. Compared to conventional nanomaterials like graphene and carbon nanotubes, MXenes offer superior performance in fields such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, cancer therapy, and bioimaging. Recent studies have focused on MXene-based composites integrated with polymers, nanoparticles, and biomolecules to enhance therapeutic efficacy and functionality. This abstract highlights the significant potential of MXenes in bio-environmental applications while acknowledging the current challenges and opportunities for future research.