Trends in Using Fluorescent MXene Quantum Dots for Selective Detection and Bioimaging Applications: A Review

MXene quantum dots (MXene QDs) are considered an excellent emerging zero-dimensional nanomaterial in recent times due to their excellent photophysical and chemical properties. Excitation-dependent emission properties, biocompatibility, photostability, and dispersion stability of these QDs undoubtedly prove to be active potential candidates for environmental and biomedical applications. This review paper focuses on the progress of MXene quantum dots synthesis via various approaches, their sensing toward various analytes, and bioimaging applications from the year 2017 to date. Varied types of approaches have been summarized to prepare high-quality dispersive MXene QDs with a good fluorescence quantum yield. Their formation mechanism via fragmentation and different characterizations has been well represented. The detailed analysis behind fluorescence from QDs has been also discussed. Next, selective recognition of various analytes, including metal ions, proteins, enzymes, drug molecules, and reactive oxygen species via the fluorescence modulation of the quantum dots, has been detailed and documented along with an in-depth mechanism. Their bioimaging application has also been represented. Finally, challenges and perspectives have been enlightened at the end.