Magnetic MXene-based molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for methylmalonic acid

A novel magnetic Ti3C2Tx-MXene/Fe3O4 composite was prepared from Ti3C2Tx and magnetic Fe3O4. The characterizations by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited that the Ti3C2Tx/Fe3O4 nanomaterial presented an outstanding conductivity and a large specific area, which could improve the electron transfer rate, leading to the amplification of the sensor's signal. Furthermore, an ultrasensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on MXene/Fe3O4 composites was fabricated for detecting methylmalonic acid (MMA) with high selectivity. The current intensity of differential pulse voltammetry of the sensor presented a good linear relationship with the logarithm of MMA concentration ranging from 9 x 10(-15) mol L-1 to 9 x 10(-13) mol L-1. The detection limit of the sensor was 2.33 x 10(-16) mol L-1. The fabricated sensor was utilized for detecting MMA in human serum samples with excellent recoveries. Therefore, this method significantly improved the sensitivity of detection, and constitutes an affordable sensing platform for trace detection of organic carboxylic acid.

Automated summary

A novel magnetic Ti3C2Tx-MXene/Fe3O4 composite with excellent conductivity and large specific area was prepared. It exhibited an improved electron transfer rate and amplification of the sensor's signal. An ultrasensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on MXene/Fe3O4 composites was fabricated for detecting methylmalonic acid (MMA) with high selectivity. The sensor showed a good linear relationship with the logarithm of MMA concentration and a low detection limit, making it suitable for trace detection of organic carboxylic acid.