MXene-supported AgNPs in smart hydrogels: Shrink-enabled amplification for high-performance multi-channel SERS...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Wearable intelligent sensors require high sensitivity, flexibility, and multi-channel detection due to technological advancements and health concerns.
• Existing sensors face limitations in sensitivity and versatility for real-world applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive, flexible SERS substrate for wearable sensors.
• To enable quantitative analysis of various analytes including pesticides, microplastics, and biomarkers in biological fluids.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D MXene-silver nanoparticle (MX-SNP PAH-based) SERS substrate.
• Utilizing hydrogel volume contraction and in situ silver nanoparticle reduction.
• Employing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for molecular detection.

Main Results:

• The MX-SNP PAH-based SERS substrate demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting thiram (1 nM), p-mercaptobenzoic acid (1 nM), and polystyrene microplastics (6.25 μg mL⁻¹).
• Successfully quantified blood glucose levels (4.5 mM) by analyzing SERS spectra from sweat.
• The substrate design enhances target molecule enrichment and provides dual electromagnetic and charge transfer enhancement.

Conclusions:

• The developed MX-SNP PAH-based SERS substrate offers a promising platform for flexible wearable sensors.
• Significant potential applications in food safety, water quality analysis, and non-invasive health monitoring.
• Provides insights for designing advanced sensors with dual enhancement mechanisms.