Label-Free Electrochemical Interleukin-6 Sensor Exploiting rGO-Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanocomposites
Rohit Gupta1,2, Ashish Kalkal1,2, Priya Mandal1,2
1Nanoengineered Systems Laboratory, UCL Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 24, 2025
Summary
This study presents a new electrochemical sensor for rapid, label-free detection of interleukin-6 (IL-6). The advanced sensor uses a novel nanocomposite and computational modeling for highly sensitive and selective cytokine quantification.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key proinflammatory cytokine linked to severe diseases like sepsis and COVID-19.
- Accurate and rapid IL-6 detection is crucial for timely diagnosis and prognosis.
- Existing detection methods often lack speed, sensitivity, or are label-dependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, rapid, label-free, affinity-enabled electrochemical sensor for IL-6 detection.
- To enhance sensor performance through advanced computational modeling of electrochemical transport parameters.
- To establish a new benchmark for cytokine detection in early disease diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a biofunctional nanocomposite using Ti3C2Tx MXene, TEPA-rGO, and Nafion on a screen-printed electrode chip.
- Functionalization of the nanocomposite with anti-IL-6 antibodies for specific IL-6 capture.
- Application of a genetic algorithm-based thin-layer diffusion model to optimize electrochemical parameters.
- Validation of sensor performance using serum samples, assessing sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and speed.
Main Results:
- Achieved a single-digit pg/mL detection limit for IL-6 within a broad range (3-1000 pg/mL) using minimal serum volume (∼5 μL).
- Demonstrated exceptional selectivity against potential interferents and maintained operational stability for one month.
- Obtained a sample-to-answer time of approximately 15 minutes, significantly faster than traditional ELISA.
- Validated the structural and functional integrity of the TEPA-rGO/MXene/Nafion nanocomposite through comprehensive analyses.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrochemical sensor offers a rapid, sensitive, and selective platform for IL-6 quantification.
- Integration of nanomaterials with advanced computational modeling significantly advances biosensor design and performance.
- This technology holds transformative potential for early disease diagnosis and prognosis by enabling swift and precise cytokine detection.
