Alkalized MXene/laser-induced graphene-based integrated three-electrode devices for micro-droplet detection of...

Albendazole is a commonly-used antiparasitic drug that has been extensively applied in animal husbandry and aquaculture to prevent and treat various parasitic infections. However, the potential residues of albendazole in animal-derived foods and the aquatic environment can pose risks to human health and ecological balance. Hence, the development of a highly sensitive and rapid analytical method for albendazole is of utmost importance to safeguard food safety and preserve the ecological environment. MXene nanosheets (Ti₃C₂T_x) are emerging as promising precursors for the design of such detection systems. (86) RESULTS: In this work, MXene nanosheets (Ti₃C₂T_x) were alkalized in NaOH solution to form alkalized Ti₃C₂T_x (Al-MXene). The treatment caused structural changes such as expanded interlayer spacing, reduced particle size, enhanced Zeta potential, and the formation of amorphous TiO₂ on the surface. These modifications gave Al-MXene larger electrochemical active specific area and stronger physical adsorption capacity for albendazole compared to the original MXene nanosheets. When Al-MXene was decorated on the surface of laser-induced graphene (LIG), albendazole was efficiently oxidized due to the unique surface activity of Al-MXene and the abundant three-dimensional porous structure of LIG. An integrated three-electrode device based on the Al-MXene/LIG structure was fabricated for the electrochemical detection of albendazole in micro-droplets for milk sample. The device showed a linear detection range from 10 nM to 1 μM, a sensitivity of 411 μA μmoL^-1 cm^-2, and a detection limit of 7.5 nM (143) SIGNIFICANCE: The development of the integrated three-electrode device based on Al-MXene/LIG provides a highly sensitive and efficient method for detecting albendazole in milk samples. Moreover, it can also offer guidance for fabricating more innovative electrochemical sensors for the rapid screening of veterinary drug residues. This contribution is of great significance in ensuring food safety and protecting public health. (57).