2D pnictogen nanomaterials for biomedical applications: design, engineering, and functionalization

Two-dimensional group VA materials, encompassing phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth, have recently gained remarkable attention for their potential roles in modern biomedicine. Historically, pnictogen-containing compounds have served as important therapeutic agents, demonstrating sustained clinical value across diverse medical settings. Building on this legacy, their atomically thin counterparts exhibit distinctive physical, chemical, electronic, and optical characteristics that make them attractive candidates for diagnosis, theranostic technologies, and cancer treatment, as well as emerging biomedical applications. However, the intrinsic instability of pristine pnictogen nanosheets, particularly their rapid degradation in ambient aqueous and oxygenated environments, remains a central barrier to practical use. This review offers an overview of the fundamental attributes of pnictogens by relating their bulk properties to their 2D behavior. We examine contemporary strategies for synthesizing and modifying pnictogen materials, followed by a detailed discussion of representative nanoplatforms designed for biomedical functions. Key technological obstacles and safety considerations are critically assessed, and prospective research directions are proposed to guide the continued advancement of this material class. Insights from this review may also support the integration of materials science with traditional medical practices, fostering new avenues for translational biomedical innovation.