Rapid and Direct Detection of Methamphetamine in Biofluids using a MXene-Enabled Electrochemical Sensor

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Illicit drug abuse, particularly methamphetamine (METH), poses significant global public health and security risks.
• Reliable and rapid detection methods are crucial for combating drug trafficking and mitigating societal harm.
• Existing detection methods may lack the speed and on-site applicability required for effective monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and direct detection method for methamphetamine (METH).
• To utilize an electrochemical sensor enhanced with MXene nano-interfaces for improved METH detection.
• To provide a theoretical and practical framework for on-site METH screening.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical oxidation principle applied to METH detection.
• Theoretical simulations to elucidate METH reaction pathways and MXene interactions.
• Development and validation of an MXene-enhanced electrochemical sensor.

Main Results:

• MXene nano-interfaces enhance METH detection through favorable structural affinity and improved oxidation kinetics.
• The sensor shows a linear response to METH from 2 ng/mL to 50 µg/mL.
• Demonstrated satisfactory anti-interference, repeatability, and validation in biological matrices.

Conclusions:

• The MXene-enhanced electrochemical sensor provides a robust and practical solution for rapid, on-site METH screening.
• The study establishes a strong theoretical foundation for MXene-based electrochemical sensing.
• This method offers broad applicability for detecting METH and related illicit substances.