Biodegradable two-dimensional nanomaterials for cancer theranostics

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials hold great potential in cancer application. At present, the research of 2D nanomaterials mainly focuses on elucidating their unique performance in tumor ablation. Like most researched cancer nanotheranostics, 2D nanomaterials face great challenges in clinical translation, where the major obstacle is the potential long-term toxicity caused by high cytotoxicity and low clearance rate in vivo, especially for non-degradable nanomaterials. With awareness of the potential safety risks from 2D nanomaterials, these issues must be addressed to facilitate the development of biomedical applications. A growing number of researchers are beginning to take into account biodegradable 2D nanomaterials with more sites for stimulus–response than traditional nanomaterials. These biodegradable 2D nanomaterials demonstrate excellent tumor imaging or therapeutic functions with good in vivo metabolism and biological safety. Safe and efficient biodegradable 2D cancer nanotheranostics may be an upcoming key breakthrough in the future research of cancer nanotheranostics. This review will summarize the latest development in biodegradable 2D cancer nanotheranostics, as well as provide a perspective on the advancement of this class of nanomaterials. With particular emphasis on the relationship between the degradability of 2D nanotheranostics and metabolism in vivo, as well as the biocompatibility evaluation of various organs and hematology, we aim to further promote the development of 2D nanomaterials from basic scientific research to clinical transformation.