Biomedical potentials of MXene-based self-powered wearable devices: the future of next-generation wearables

Abstract

MXene-based self-powered wearable devices have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in the biomedical field, offering significant advancements in health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. This review delves into the unique properties of MXene-based composites, including their excellent electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, promising biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, photothermal properties, electrochemical activity, and enzyme-mimicking capabilities, which render them ideal candidates for powering advanced biosensors and other wearable technologies. By capturing energy from body movements or thermal gradients, these devices can operate autonomously, eliminating reliance on external power sources and enhancing user convenience. The integration of MXenes into biosensing applications allows for the continuous and non-invasive monitoring of vital signs and biomarkers, facilitating early detection of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Additionally, the potential for localized therapeutic applications, such as photothermal therapy, positions MXene-based devices as versatile tools in personalized medicine. Herein, we aim to critically examine the biomedical potentials of MXene-based self-powered wearable devices, focusing on their applications in health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this review focuses on the challenges confronting MXene-based self-powered wearable devices, while also exploring future perspectives and innovations that could enhance their performance and applicability in biomedical fields.