Bioactive 2D Materials

Dear Colleagues,

During the past few years, we have witnessed significant developments in the chemistry and potential biological applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Innovative 2D structures of graphene family materials, Xenes, MXenes, mono- and dichalcogenides of transition metals, 2D oxides, and hydroxides have been extensively studied for their application in the protection of human health. Recent advances regard biotechnological and biomedical applications for cancer treatment, photothermal therapy, drug delivery platforms, or nano-drugs. Through surface modifications, it is possible to impart new properties to these materials, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral activities, as well as extend their field of application to bioimaging, magnetic resonance, and photoacoustics.

It is now accepted that specific functionalities of 2D materials may result in a wide spectrum of bioactivities. In this context, 2D materials are currently being carefully studied, with strong attention to their mechanisms of action and biocompatibility. In fact, 2D materials may exert various cellular effects that can be additionally induced on demand by multiple external or internal factors and they may function as biologically active nano-agents. On the other hand, their bioactivity may also be associated with unexpected toxicological effects that require a broader understanding. Nanotoxicology of 2D materials is specifically focused on their structure, chemical composition, and surface characteristics to determine the extent to which these parameters impact the materials’ biological properties. These studies require a closer examination of synthesis methods and related structural and chemical changes induced in 2D materials. The current challenges consist not only in achieving the desired biological properties but, in particular, in understanding and rationally designing functionalities in composite structures that are active in specific working environments.

This Special Issue of Materials, entitled “Bioactive 2D Materials” will address these issues and outline new directions in the study of the bioactivity and toxicology of 2D materials. Papers focused on elucidating mechanisms of action in relation to specific properties of 2D nanostructures are welcome. In addition, this Special Issue aims at highlighting studies on various bioactive 2D materials with multiple functionalities. We kindly invite the community to submit high-quality contributions to this Special Issue. Reviews and original research articles are all welcome.

Prof. Agnieszka Jastrzębska
Dr. Aleksandra Szuplewska
Ms. Anita Rozmysłowska-Wojciechowska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• 2D materials
• graphene/Xenes/MXenes
• mono/di-chalcogenides of transition metals
• bio/nanotechnology
• cyto/eco-toxicity
• mechanisms of bio-action

• New Findings of MXenes: Preparation, Properties and Applications in Biotechnology and Catalysis in Materials (7 articles)