MXene, a two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide, nitride, and carbonitride, has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for antibacterial applications due to its unique properties such as large specific surface area, chemical stability, hydrophilicity, and excellent adsorption and reduction abilities. This review discusses the recent advances in MXene-based antimicrobial composites and their applications in bacterial infections. The antimicrobial mechanisms of MXene include physical damage to bacterial membranes, induction of oxidative stress, and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. MXene's excellent photothermal and catalytic properties under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation make it a promising candidate for drug-free antibacterial treatment. The review also covers the structure and synthesis of MXene, its biocompatibility and biodegradability, and various applications in pure MXene, polymer-modified MXene, metal-doped MXene, and drug-doped MXene. MXene's potential in wound healing, implant coatings, and biofilm inhibition is highlighted, along with its ability to synergize with other antimicrobial agents. Overall, MXene shows great promise in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and bacterial infections.MXene, a two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide, nitride, and carbonitride, has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for antibacterial applications due to its unique properties such as large specific surface area, chemical stability, hydrophilicity, and excellent adsorption and reduction abilities. This review discusses the recent advances in MXene-based antimicrobial composites and their applications in bacterial infections. The antimicrobial mechanisms of MXene include physical damage to bacterial membranes, induction of oxidative stress, and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. MXene's excellent photothermal and catalytic properties under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation make it a promising candidate for drug-free antibacterial treatment. The review also covers the structure and synthesis of MXene, its biocompatibility and biodegradability, and various applications in pure MXene, polymer-modified MXene, metal-doped MXene, and drug-doped MXene. MXene's potential in wound healing, implant coatings, and biofilm inhibition is highlighted, along with its ability to synergize with other antimicrobial agents. Overall, MXene shows great promise in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and bacterial infections.