MXene-AuNP electrochemical aptasensor for dual-channel detection of insulin and glucose with HOMA-IR quantification

The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a critical clinical index for the early detection of IR and metabolic disorders; yet, its implementation as a point-of-care (POC) test remains limited by the lack of rapid platforms for insulin detection. Here, we report a Python-assisted electrochemical sensing platform for HOMA-IR evaluation based on multilayered Ti₃C₂T_x-MXene decorated with gold nanoparticles (MXene@AuNPs) and functionalized with methylene blue (MB)-labeled thiolated glucose and insulin aptamers, enabling dual-channel detection of glucose and insulin on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). The highly conductive MXene@AuNPs interface provides a large surface area and Au-S binding sites for stable immobilization of thiolated aptamers, while facilitating efficient electron transfer. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the platform enables sensitive detection of insulin and glucose, with detection limits of 0.32 μIU/mL and 18 mg/dL and linear response ranges of 1-50 μIU/mL and 50-300 mg/dL, respectively. Analysis of human serum samples demonstrates accurate quantification and high selectivity against common interferences. Integration of electrochemical sensing with Python-based data processing enables direct estimation of HOMA-IR values, providing a rapid electroanalytical POC evaluation of IR.