Ionic liquid-delaminated TiC MXene nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic oxidation of tryptophane in normal and breast cancer serum.

A cost-effective strategy is reported utilizing ionic liquid (IL), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bisulfate ([HMIM] HSO), to delaminate TiC MXene, thereby enhancing its efficiency in electrocatalyzing tryptophan (Trp) oxidation. The positively charged IL effectively intercalates within the negatively charged MXene layers, fostering structural stability through π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions. Consequently, the resulting IL-TiC composite not only maintained the inherent electronic conductivity of TiC but also significantly augmented its electrocatalytic prowess.

Hollow-like three-dimensional structure of methyl orange-delaminated TiC MXene nanocomposite for high-performance electrochemical sensing of tryptophan.

Tryptophan(Trp) is being explored as a potential biomarker for various diseases associated with decreased tryptophan levels; however, metabolomic methods are expensive and time-consuming and require extensive sample analysis, making them urgently needed for trace detection. To exploit the properties of TiC MXenes a rational porous methyl orange (MO)-delaminated TiC MXene was prepared via a facile mixing process for the electrocatalytic oxidation of Trp. The hollow-like 3D structure with a more open structure and the synergistic effect of MO and conductive TiC MXene enhanced its electrochemical catalytic capability toward Trp biosensing.