Recent Advancements in MXene-Based Biosensors for Health and Environmental Applications-A Review

Abstract

Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, MXenes have emerged as promising materials for biosensing applications. This review paper comprehensively explores the recent advancements in MXene-based biosensors for health and environmental applications. This review begins with an introduction to MXenes and biosensors, outlining various types of biosensors including electrochemical, enzymatic, optical, and fluorescent-based systems. The synthesis methods and characteristics of MXenes are thoroughly discussed, highlighting the importance of these processes in tailoring MXenes for specific biosensing applications. Particular attention is given to the development of electrochemical MXene-based biosensors, which have shown remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in detecting various analytes. This review then delves into enzymatic MXene-based biosensors, exploring how the integration of MXenes with enzymes enhances sensor performance and expands the range of detectable biomarkers. Optical biosensors based on MXenes are examined, focusing on their mechanisms and applications in both healthcare and environmental monitoring. The potential of fluorescent-based MXene biosensors is also investigated, showcasing their utility in imaging and sensing applications. In addition, MXene-based potential wearable biosensors have been discussed along with the role of MXenes in volatile organic compound (VOC) detection for environmental applications. Finally, this paper concludes with a critical analysis of the current state of MXene-based biosensors and provides insights into future perspectives and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

Keywords: MXene; MXene-based biosensors; MXene/MOF composite-based biosensors; fluorescence-based biosensors; optical biosensors.

Figure 1

Fabrication schematic diagram of the composite film and flexible pressure sensor. (A) The fabrication of MXene/PDA composite film and (B) optical image of MXene/PDA composite film. Inset: the microstructure of the MXene/PDA composite film. (C) The fabrication of the flexible pressure sensor. (D) The application scenarios of the flexible pressure sensor in human health detection. PDA, polydopamine [71].

Figure 2

Real-time monitoring of human motions with finger (a), elbow (b), knee (c), wrist (d), and arm muscle movements (e). (f) The real-time monitoring of foot plantar pressure during locomotion [64].

Figure 3

SEM images of V₂CT_x MXene calcined at different temperatures: 300 °C (a), 350 °C (b), 450 °C (c), and (d) schematic diagram of the formation of the V₂C MXene-derived, urchin-like V₂O₅ structure annealed at 450 °C in air [86].

Figure 4

A detailed summary of the process and use of Ti₃C₂ MXenes nanosheets in the biosensor for quick identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: (a) the creation of Ti₃C₂ MXenes nanosheets, (b) the initial treatment of Ti₃C₂ MXenes nanosheets with ZrOCl₂, and (c) the design approach of the sensor for swift detection of M. tuberculosis. Reproduced from Ref. [89] with permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2020.

Figure 5

Simplified diagram showing the interaction between MXene (A), ssDNA (B), and dsDNA (C). Reproduced from Ref. [91] under the Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), copyright 2019, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Figure 6

Schematic representation of electrode modification to prepare the glucose biosensor. Reproduced from Ref. [98] under the Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), copyright 2022, MDPI.

Figure 7

Schematic for exfoliation and delamination process of Nb₂AlC MAX phase via electrochemical etching and the enzyme inhibition effect for phosmet detection by HF-free Nb₂CT_x/AChE based biosensor. Reproduced from Ref. [102] under the Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), copyright 2020, Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Figure 8

Schematic illustration of the formation of Ti₃C₂–PLL–GOx nanoreactor. (a) The Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets were obtained after etching the Al layer from the MAX phase Ti₃AlC₂. (b) PLL and GOx were sequentially assembled on the Ti₃C₂ nanosheets, and the obtained Ti₃C₂–PLL–GOx was applied for cascade glucose oxidation (i) and electrochemical glucose sensing (ii). Reproduced from Ref. [103] with permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2021.

Figure 9

Schematic representation of the dual-mode FL/ECL ratiometric biosensing of ALP. Reproduced from Ref. [108] with permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2024.

Figure 10

Schematic representation of a WaveFlex biosensor for tyramine detection. Reproduced from [111], with permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2024.

Figure 11

Performance of the Nb₂C MQDs in the different applications. Reproduced from [109], with the permission from Elsevier, copyright 2020.

Figure 12

Schematic representation of the Ti₃C₂ nanosheets for the detection of Ag⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions. Reproduced from [121], with the permission from Elsevier, copyright 2019.

Figure 13

Illustration of the detection of HPV-18 DNA using Ti₃C₂ MXene, leveraging the affinity difference between single-stranded and double-stranded DNA on ultra-thin Ti₃C₂ MXene for sensitive detection. Reproduced from [129], with the permission from Elsevier, copyright 2019.

Figure 14

Schematic illustration of anti-NSE/amino-GQDs/Ag@Ti₃C₂-MXene-based biosensing platform for fluorometric NSE detection. Reproduced from [21], with the permission from Elsevier, copyright 2022.

Figure 15

H₂O₂ and xanthine detection platform based on N-doped Ti₃C₂ MQDs. Reproduced from [136], with the permission from American Chemical Society, copyright 2020.

Figure 16

The process of creating intensely luminescent N–Ti₃C₂ MQDs and their fluorescence–based approach for detecting Cr(VI) and ascorbic acid. Reproduced with permission from [137], copyright 2024, Elsevier, Copyright 2021.

Figure 17

Shows the schematics of MXene/CNT composite (A), Cu–MOF (B) and MXene/CNT/Cu–MOF (C) preparation and tyrosine sensor operation. Reproduced from Ref. [154], with the permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2022.

Figure 18

The fabrication process of MIP/Cu–MOF/Ti₃C₂T_x/GE sensor for hygromycin B detection in food. Reproduced from Ref. [159], with the permission from Elsevier, Copyright 2022.

Figure 19

Synthesis and fabrication process of electrochemical immunosensor for CD44 monitoring showing (a) d-V₂C MXene exfoliation, (b) MB@NH₂–Fe–MOF–Zn/Ab₂, (c) assembly of d-V₂C MXene and MB@NH₂–Fe–MOF–Zn/Ab₂ on GCE. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [163], copyright 2022, American Chemical Society.

Figure 20

Synthesis and fabrication procedure of electrochemical MOF/Nb₄C₃T_x sensor for biomolecules’ detection. Reproduced from Ref. [168] under the Creative Commons Attribution–4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), copyright 2024, Royal Society of Chemistry.