The constant evolution and advancement of the biomedical field requires robust and innovative research. Two-dimensional nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials that have risen the attention of the scientific community. Their unique properties, such as high surface-to-volume ratio, easy functionalization, photothermal conversion, among others, make them highly versatile for a plethora of applications ranging from energy storage, optoelectronics, to biomedical applications. Recent works have proven the efficiency of 2D nanomaterials for cancer photothermal therapy (PTT), drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Combining these materials with hydrogels and scaffolds can enhance their biocompatibility and improve treatment for a variety of diseases/injuries. However, given that the use of two-dimensional nanomaterials-based polymeric composites for biomedical applications is a very recent subject, there is a lot of scattered information. Hence, this review gathers the most recent works employing these polymeric composites for biomedical applications, providing the reader with a general overview of their potential.
Keywords: MXenes; antibacterial; antimicrobial; biosensing; black phosphorus; cancer phototherapy; drug delivery; hydrogels; scaffolds; tissue regeneration; transition metal dichalcogenides.