Recent Advances in MXene Quantum Dots for Cancer Theranostics and Immunomodulation: Design Principles, Biological Interfaces, and Translational Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, demanding innovative strategies for diagnosis, therapy, and immune modulation. Advances in nanomedicine have positioned MXene quantum dots (MQDs) as promising multifunctional platforms for cancer theranostics due to their tunable physicochemical properties, optical activity, and surface engineering potential. This review systematically consolidates recent progress in the field, emphasizing how design principles—such as compositional engineering, surface terminations, defect modulation, size control, and quantum confinement—govern MQD functionality. The article further explores nano–bio interfaces that critically determine biological fate, including protein corona formation, cellular internalization pathways, intracellular trafficking, immune recognition, and biodistribution. A dedicated section synthesizes structure–property relationships, linking physicochemical parameters to imaging, photothermal, catalytic, and immunomodulatory capabilities. Finally, translational considerations including scalability, safety paradigms, reproducibility, and integration into clinical workflows are discussed to provide a comprehensive perspective on MQD development. By integrating design principles, nano–bio interactions, and system‐level considerations, this review offers a cohesive framework to guide rational engineering and application of MQDs for future cancer theranostic strategies.