MXenes in combination therapy: Chemo-photothermal, chemodynamic, and photothermal/photodynamic therapies for cancer treatment and antibacterial applications

Abstract

Two-dimensional MXenes and their derivatives have attracted significant attention in recent years for their potential applications in combination therapies, specifically in chemo-photothermal, chemodynamic, and photothermal/photodynamic treatments. MXenes offer distinct advantages in combination therapies due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, large surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and ability to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy through multifunctional applications. By incorporating MXenes into combination therapies, researchers have demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy through synergistic mechanisms that improve drug delivery, increase localized heating, and amplify the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby effectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells or contaminations. However, stability in biological environments remains a primary concern, as degradation can compromise their therapeutic effectiveness and safety. Ensuring biocompatibility is crucial, since the introduction of MXenes and their composites may trigger immune responses or cytotoxicity. Moreover, optimizing the synthesis of high-quality MXenes with uniform properties remains a logistical challenge, affecting reproducibility and scalability for clinical applications. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying future directions, this review aims to advance MXene-based combination chemo-photothermal, chemodynamic, and photothermal/photodynamic therapies for cancer treatment and antibacterial applications, ultimately paving the way for innovative strategies in biomedicine and personalized medicine.