MXenes as theranostics: Diagnosis and therapy including in vitro and in vivo applications

In the present era, there is a remarkable fascination with two-dimensional (2D) structures owing to their immense potential in diverse scientific applications. These applications include biomedical devices, nanomedicine, biosensors, biomembranes, and energy storage. These structures are attractive because of their physicochemical features. Thinness gives them a high surface-to-volume ratio, enabling fast biomolecule attachment and adjustable surface changes. MXenes have great photothermal energy conversion potential. They are effective CT and MRI contrast materials due to their diversified metal elements. With their large specific surface area, impressive mechanical properties, favorable electrical conductivity, and photothermal behavior, MXenes have many biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. MXenes have been shown to be useful in theranostics, biosensors, antimicrobial treatments, pharmaceuticals, bioimaging, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. These materials have shown promise in vivo and in vitro cancer models. The present article discusses MXenes top-down and bottom-up synthesis as well as their features including electrical, mechanical, optical, magnetic, and thermal reliability. It also discusses theranostics, biosensors, therapeutics, CT imaging, photoacoustic imaging, bioimaging, tissue engineering, fluorescent imaging, cancer theranostics, the role of MXenes in different therapies, nano-oncology contributors, and other biomedical applications. Lastly, a comprehensive discussion is provided on the MXene-based biomaterials’ present challenges and potential prospects particularly in the realm of theranostics.