Currently, numerous monoelemental two-dimensional (2D) materials, called Xenes, have been discovered, including graphyne (GD), silicene, germanene, arsenene, and borophene. Their structures, fabrication methods, as well as properties have been extensively explored. Based on their single-element composition, high optical response capability, excellent electrical-optical properties, large specific surface area (SSA) and easy modification, Xenes have been widely used in photoelectric applications (detection, modulation, light processing) and biomedicine (biological sensing, drug loading, bioimaging, etc.). Especially in the field of biomedicine, Xenes are expected to induce a great breakthrough. In this review, we introduce the structural characteristics, synthesis and modification methods of several common Xenes respectively. The general properties including optical, electronic, physical and chemical properties of Xenes are summarized. Their diverse utilization as biosensors for nucleic acid sequencing, bioactive detection, and cancer diagnosis, etc. are also explicitly explored. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of Xenes in biosensor are discussed.

Successful treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD), remains a significant challenge for neurologists due to the undesirable curative outcomes. Apart from surgeries, most drugs are only used to relieve the patients’ symptoms without a permanent cure of the disease. The development of novel biomaterials targeting NDDs is greatly hindered by the limited understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms. Considering the difficulties in NDD drug development and clinical trials, a comprehensive and up-to-date review of disease pathogenesis and related novel therapies are needed. In the current article, the basic concepts and pathogenic characteristics of NDDs are firstly illustrated. Following the detailed description of molecular mechanisms underlying three common NDDs, recent advances of drug development based on targeting different pathogenic mechanisms are clarified. Hopefully, this review will be beneficial to address the gap between materials and targeted mechanisms while simultaneously provide suggestions for the future design of precise NDD medicine.