Engineered intrinsically conducting polymer/MXene smart platforms: Fabrication, clinical translatability, and biomedical applications

Transition metal nitrides, oxycarbides, and carbides, known as MXenes, are two-dimensional nanomaterials with exceptional properties, including high hydrophilicity, chemical and thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. However, their high oxidation rate and tendency to agglomerate hinder their applications. Integrating MXenes with intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) like polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has proven effective in overcoming not merely these limitations but enhancing their properties synergistically. Recent studies highlight the potential of ICP/MXene composites in energy storage, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, sensors, and biomedical applications. However, applications of ICP/MXene platforms in biomedicine and clinical treatments have not been reviewed. In this sense, this review aims to summarize and analyze the latest technological advancements and challenges associated with the future development of ICP/MXene platforms in biomedicine and clinical applications. It also explores potential solutions to enhance their performance, sustainability, and recyclability, while investigating novel pathways for their customization and commercialization. Based on this review, we suggest that future research may aim at developing tailored ICP/MXene systems with multi-functionality and stimuli-responsiveness, intended for personalized medicine. Moreover, various fields such as bioelectronics, AI-driven diagnostics, and tissue engineering can be amalgamated or harmonized based on ICP/MXene therapeutic and diagnostic tools for precision healthcare.