Advances in MXene-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors for Neurotransmitter Detection

Abstract

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play an important role in the nervous system’s control of the body’s physiological state and behaviour. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters are closely associated with some mental disorders. Therefore, accurate analysis of neurotransmitters is of great clinical importance. Electrochemical sensors have shown bright application prospects in the detection of neurotransmitters. In recent years, MXene has been increasingly used to prepare electrode materials for fabricating electrochemical neurotransmitter sensors due to its excellent physicochemical properties. This paper systematically introduces the advances in MXene-based electrochemical (bio)sensors for the detection of neurotransmitters (including dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, tyrosine, NO, and H2S), with a focus on their strategies for improving the electrochemical properties of MXene-based electrode materials, and provides the current challenges and future prospects for MXene-based electrochemical neurotransmitter sensors.

Graphene- and MXene-based materials for neuroscience: diagnostic and therapeutic applications

“…94,95 Remarkably, these 2D materials have been studied in the design of electrochemical sensors for the detection of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid). 96,97 However, there are several challenges associated with MXenes that need to be addressed to fully realize their potential, including oxidative stability, interlayer distance, biosafety issues, over-etching, limited scalability, and limited understanding of the properties. 98 In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the applications of graphene-and MXene-based materials in neuroscience, with a focus on their diagnostic and therapeutic potentials.…”

“…MXenes offer several advantages for the electrochemical detection of dopamine, including high sensitivity, good selectivity, cost-effectiveness, simple instrumentation, and ultrasensitive detection. 97 Notably, the stability of MXenes is an important factor in the development of electrochemical sensors. MXene-based composites with high stability can provide reliable and accurate sensing results, making them suitable for various applications, including biomedical sensing.…”

“…The composites of MXenes can be applied for early-stage electrochemical recognition of neurological diseases originating from an imbalance in neurotransmitters. 96,97 For instance, MXenes have been employed for the development of dopamine biosensors, making them promising candidates for application in PD, schizophrenia, and AD diagnosis. 199 MXenes-based electrodes can also be applied for rodent non-skull-penetrating electroencephalogram recordings.…”

“…MXene-based composites with high stability can provide reliable and accurate sensing results, making them suitable for various applications, including biomedical sensing. 97 In this context, the optimization of the synthesis techniques, surface functionalization, and encapsulation of MXenes can help to improve the stability and durability of MXene-based electrochemical sensors. 214 Zhou et al 215 introduced a high-performance platinum (Pt)/MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x )-based graphene electrochemical transistor, with good electrical conductivity and excellent catalytic properties.…”

“…, dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid). 96,97 However, there are several challenges associated with MXenes that need to be addressed to fully realize their potential, including oxidative stability, interlayer distance, biosafety issues, over-etching, limited scalability, and limited understanding of the properties. 98…”