Multifunctional biomedical applications of MXene-based hydrogels: A review

[Display omitted] •MXenes-based hydrogels are incredible candidates for biomedical applications.•Synthetic approaches on MXene-based hydrogels have been discussed.•Applications of MXene-based hydrogels for bio-imaging, biosensors, bone regeneration, and drug delivery are outlined.•Challenges and future directions pertaining to MXenes-based hydrogels are addressed. Biomaterials have shown noticeable technical progress due to the emergence of 2D substances. The nanomaterial known as ’MXene’ is a 2D ceramic-based substance made up of transition-metallic carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. It is derived via a porcelain ’MAX’ phase by removing the ’A’ component by carving. MXene was developed as a superior alternative to traditional biological materials, overcoming their limitations. Despite possessing significant characteristics such as a large area of coverage, biocompatibility, water-holding capacity, metal-based conductance, and the capacity to adjust its dimensions, the utilization of MXene is limited in the field of biomedicine owing to its instability in biological niches, inability to endure and regulate pharmaceutical release, and inadequate biological degradation. These drawbacks have prompted the exploration of MXene/Polymer nanocomposites as an alternative. Polymers may be functionalized due to the presence of specific groups on the exterior of MXenes. These nanocomposites, which are polymers customized with MXene, have exceptional characteristics such as an excellent rate of converting light into heat, the ability to target malignant cells selectively, reactivity to external forces, susceptibility to ions, enhanced bactericidal activities, and similar attributes. This review focuses on the novel instances of polymer-functionalized MXene materials used in the growing field of clinical uses. These applications encompass regulated and prolonged administration of medications, antibacterial agents, precise biosensors, broadened imaging for diagnosis, and regeneration of bones.