Perylene diimide/MXene-modified graphitic pencil electrode-based electrochemical sensor for dopamine detection

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders.
• Developing sensitive and selective sensors with low detection limits remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel perylene diimide (PDI)-MXene nano-adduct for enhanced electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA).
• To investigate the synergistic effects of PDI and MXene on the electrocatalytic activity and sensing performance.

Main Methods:

• Integration of PDI-MXene nano-adduct onto a graphitic pencil electrode.
• Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry.
• Detection of dopamine in the presence of physiological interferents and human serum samples.

Main Results:

• The PDI-MXene nano-adduct exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity and low-energy electronic transitions.
• Achieved ultra-sensitivity (38.1 μAμM⁻¹cm⁻²) and a low detection limit (240 nM) for DA at -0.135 V.
• Demonstrated high selectivity for DA in complex biological matrices, with excellent performance in human serum.

Conclusions:

• The developed PDI-MXene integrated electrode provides a robust and highly sensitive platform for non-enzymatic dopamine detection.
• The synergistic integration of PDI and MXene offers a promising strategy for designing advanced electrochemical sensors.
• The sensor's viability for practical implementation in clinical diagnostics is confirmed by its performance in human serum.