2-Dimensional Nanomaterials with Imaging and Diagnostic Functions for Nanomedicine; A Review

In the last several decades, 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been studied in various bio-fields such as drug delivery systems, diagnostic and imaging materials, etc. In particular, many investigations have been intensively conducted to explore 2D nanomaterials for drug delivery devices such as layered double salts (LDSs), layered rear-earth hydroxides (LRHs), and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) due to their low toxicity, high solubility in body fluid, high tumor targeting efficiency, large drug loading capacity, etc. However, only a few reports have been made to date on diagnostic and imaging effects on those 2D nanomaterials. In this review, therefore, an attempt is made to underline how important such 2D nanoparticles would be applicable for optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), etc., and to discuss on their potential molecular imaging modalities for image-guided and precision therapy as well.