A reliable power supply system is the core support for the stable operation of biomedical devices, and energy storage devices with integrated safety, flexibility, and biocompatibility represent a critical bottleneck in the development of next-generation wearable/implantable medical devices. Flexible zinc-ion batteries (FZIBs), leveraging their inherent safety features, excellent biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness advantages, have emerged as highly promising power solutions in this field. However, they are still limited by issues, such as cathode structural instability, zinc anode dendrite growth, and insufficient ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of electrolytes/separators. MXene, as an emerging two-dimensional material with unique physicochemical properties, is an ideal modification candidate for FZIBs performance breakthroughs. This review systematically summarizes the preparation strategies of MXene-based flexible electrodes, the working mechanisms of FZIBs, and the existing challenges of their core components. It focuses on discussing the application progress of MXene in the cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators of FZIBs, and deeply analyzes the mechanism by which structural regulation enhances battery flexibility and optimizes electrochemical performance. On this basis, focusing on wearable/implantable devices’ practical application needs, their biomedical application potential is demonstrated. Finally, future development directions are prospected from three dimensions: material design, device integration, and clinical translation, aiming to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the construction of high-performance MXene-based FZIBs, accelerate their industrial application in the field of precision medicine, and promote the in-depth integration of flexible energy storage technology and biomedical engineering.

The convergence of nanotechnology and metal-based materials has opened new avenues in drug delivery, offering novel strategies to significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy and targeting precision. The distinctive physicochemical properties of metal-based nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks, are leveraged to enable the development of sophisticated platforms for targeted delivery, controlled release, and integrated theranostics. This review critically examines key fabrication approaches, advanced characterization techniques, and the diverse applications of metal-based nanomaterials. These encompass drug delivery, photothermal therapy, radiotherapy sensitization, immunotherapy and multimodal therapy. Furthermore, it addresses the pivotal challenges impeding clinical translation. The promising prospects of these technologies underscore their transformative potential in revolutionizing personalized medicine and diagnostic paradigms.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as an emerging class of crystalline porous polymeric material, process large surface area, ordered pore structure, good biocompatibility, excellent chemical stability, and low toxicity, making it an excellent candidate for nanotherapeutics. In this article, the recent research progress of COFs was reviewed in the antibacterial field. We introduced the antibacterial potential of COF materials themselves, covering framework structures and pore chemistry. Moreover, the synergistic antibacterial effects of COF composites were discussed, which were formed by the combination of COF with other nanomaterials. In addition, the excellent performances of COFs as nanozymes were investigated in antibacterial applications. Currently, COF-based high-efficiency antibacterial agents face great challenges and prospects in practical applications. The review will provide new COF-based methods for resolving drug-resistant bacterial issues.

The importance of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and zinc-air batteries is self-evident, and effective catalysts could significantly improve the catalytic efficiency of ORR. Single-atom catalysts are gaining increasing interest due to their high atom efficiency and effective catalytic performance compared to other catalyst types. While the optimal loading of catalytic sites in single-atom catalysts significantly influences their catalytic efficiency. However, creating stable single-atom catalysts with high-loading remains a difficult task. Therefore, we showcase and describe the latest developments in techniques for producing single-atom catalysts with high-loadings. In addition, the performance of noble metal, non-precious metal, and diatomic catalysts in ORR processes is summarized. What’s more, the key difficulties and opportunities in the sector are demonstrated by examining the synthesis techniques and evaluating the performance and structure. This review will help researchers to advance the research process of high-loading single-atom catalysts and accelerate their practical application in the field of ORR research.

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have attracted tremendous interest in biomedical fields due to their unique optical properties, tunable surface plasmon, and excellent biocompatibility. Their biomedical applications are mainly influenced by near-infrared (NIR) light, which can guarantee deep penetration into human tissues with minimal loss. However, traditional single AuNRs are unable to carry medicine into the lesion regions. Furthermore, it is difficult for AuNR nanoparticles to be implemented in multimodal imaging-guided synergetic therapy, which has limited the application of AuNRs in the field of theranostics. In recent years, researchers have made great strides in modifying gold nanorods into nanomaterials for the integration of diagnosis and treatment. After modifying different functionalized shells on the outsides of AuNRs, heterostructure AuNRs known as anisotropic gold nanorod (AAuNR) nanoparticles possessed bioimaging and cancer therapy abilities, as well as a variety of other amazing biomedical applications. In addition, AAuNR nanoparticles can combine biomedical imaging and therapy into one system to achieve multimodal bioimaging guided synergetic therapy. In this study, we presented a current review of the latest progress of different types of AAuNRs nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. Furthermore, the challenges and future development trends of AAuNR nanoparticles in the biomedical fields are discussed.