Magnetic MXene-based molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for methylmalonic acid

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a biomarker for specific metabolic disorders.
• Accurate and sensitive detection of MMA is crucial for early diagnosis.
• Existing detection methods may lack sensitivity or affordability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel magnetic Ti3C2Tx-MXene/Fe3O4 composite.
• To fabricate an ultrasensitive and selective molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for MMA detection.
• To demonstrate the sensor's efficacy in detecting MMA in human serum.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a magnetic Ti3C2Tx-MXene/Fe3O4 composite nanomaterial.
• Characterization using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Fabrication of a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor and detection via differential pulse voltammetry.

Main Results:

• The Ti3C2Tx/Fe3O4 nanomaterial exhibited enhanced conductivity and a large specific surface area.
• The sensor demonstrated high selectivity for MMA detection.
• A wide linear range (9 × 10^-15 to 9 × 10^-13 mol L^-1) and a low detection limit (2.33 × 10^-16 mol L^-1) were achieved.
• Excellent recovery rates were observed when analyzing MMA in human serum samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed Ti3C2Tx-MXene/Fe3O4 composite significantly enhances sensor performance.
• The molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor provides a highly sensitive and selective platform for MMA detection.
• This affordable sensing technology holds promise for trace detection of organic carboxylic acids in biological samples.