The emergence of novel two-dimensional (2D) monoelemental materials (Xenes) has shown remarkable potential for their applications in different fields of technology, as well as addressing new discoveries in fundamental science. Xenes (e.g., borophene, silicene, germanene, stanene, phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, bismuthene, and tellurene) are of particular interest because they are the most chemically tractable materials for synthetic exploration. Owing to their excellent physical, chemical, electronic and optical properties, Xenes have been regarded as promising agents for biosensors, bioimaging, therapeutic delivery, and theranostics, as well as in several other new bio-applications. In this tutorial review, we summarize their general properties including the classification of Xenes according to their bulk properties. The synthetic and modification methods of Xenes are also presented. Furthermore, the representative Xene nanoplatforms for various biomedical applications are highlighted. Finally, research progress, challenges, and perspectives for the future development of Xenes in biomedicines are discussed.

As a novel 2D material, black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets are considered as a promising candidate for drug delivery platform for synergistic chemo/photothermal therapy. However, the intrinsic instability of bare BP poses a challenge in its biomedical applications. To date, some strategies have been employed to prevent BP from rapid ambient degradation. Unfortunately, most of these strategies are not suitable for the drug delivery systems. Here, a simple polydopamine modification method is developed to enhance the stability and photothermal performance of bare BP nanosheets. Then, this nanocapsule is used as a multifunctional codelivery system for the targeted chemo, gene, and photothermal therapy against multidrug‐resistant cancer. The enhanced tumor therapy effect is demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo studies.