Two-dimensional nanomaterials: Recent progress, properties, applications, and future directions for wearable body sensors

In the present scenario of modern healthcare advancements, the three most important aims to be achieved are as follows: first—early disease detection systems; second—real-time detection and monitoring; and third—tailored medication. To accomplish these three goals, a technique is needed that can offer a balance between resolution, capacity, speed, and recovery along with miniaturization. The recent advancement of nanotechnology comes in handy here. Nanotechnology has led to the improvement in a series of sensor technologies and opened the capability of these technologies while increasing their usage in different areas. Through the exploitation of the distinctive qualities of nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots, sensors have been able to reach levels of sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability that were unimaginable previously. Moreover, nanotechnology has achieved immense miniaturization of sensor components, therefore allowing the inclusion of different detecting units in small and highly productive devices. Among all other facets of nanotech, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have gained massive attention recently in the era of discoveries because of their unique properties and various applications. These thin stuff with atomic thickness have unique electrical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, enabling and empowering numerous new devices with myriads of applications. The application range of 2D nanomaterials to wearable body sensors has vastly expanded. Therefore, these can be used to monitor physiological parameters, leading to improved healthcare outcomes. Wearable medical sensors have undergone immense development and innovation due to the progress in technology, materials, and techniques. Interdisciplinary approaches using AI, ML, IoT, and big data analytics are opening new avenues to modern healthcare practices. The present book chapter highlights the creative strides that are being taken with the use of wearable body sensors, the application of 2D materials, and how they can transform healthcare delivery, posttreatment health monitoring, and personalized health management. The chapter elaborates on the future of 2D nanomaterials for health monitoring, sensing technology, wearable and flexible sensors based on two-dimensional nanomaterials, and their recent advances. The latest research in Graphene, TMD, and black phosphorus nanomaterials and their applications as oral, neurological, cardiovascular sensors, and other Graphene implantable devices are highlighted. It also elaborates on the working principle and sensing mechanism of sensors, the usage of two-dimensional nanomaterials in the separation of water pollutants, and recent advances in two-dimensional nanomaterials-based electrochemical biosensing platforms for trace-level detection of amino acids and pharmaceuticals. The ethical, environmental, and scientific concerns and challenges are also highlighted along with a discussion on potential future advances in the field.