Antibacterial MXenes: An emerging non-antibiotic paradigm for surface engineering of orthopedic and dental implants

Abstract

The colonization of planktonic bacteria onto implant surfaces is a serious concern in the medical field due to increasing infection-related mortality and fiscal difficulties worldwide. Various static, dynamic, and active coating techniques were established to tackle implant-associated infections (IAIs). However, the existing implant coating methods often confront issues with poor universality for different substrates, adaptability, stability, and the emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR). The miraculous two-dimensional (2D) MXenes with outstanding multimodal bactericidal effects have been spotted as promising non-antibiotic implant surface coating additives for superior antibiofilm and osseointegration properties. This review systematically assesses the recent progress of antibacterial MXenes and their revolutionary usage to prevent peri-implantitis. We specifically sought to disclose the various forms of MXenes, such as composites, heterojunctions (HJs), and functional biomaterials used in combatting MDR and non-MDR bacterial pathogens by adopting therapeutic ventures such as photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). In addition, we outlined the extension of MXene antibacterial systems for orthopedic and dental implant surface engineering to improve their longevity and safety. A thorough understanding of antibacterial MXenes synthesis, surface modification strategies, and biocompatible functional properties was deliberated to facilitate the construction of innovative coatings. Lastly, some viewpoints on the current limitations and key considerations for the future concept design of MXenes-coated implants were contemplated constructively to promote clinical outcomes. © 2025 The Authors