MXene-poly(propylene carbonate) nanofiber network-based modification of SPE interfaces for electrochemical immuno-sensing of synthetic cannabinoid

Abstract

The decriminalization and legalization of cannabis have increased its consumption and the need for effective monitoring methods. Synthetic cannabinoids, while chemically distinct from natural cannabinoids like THC, can be more potent and cause severe adverse effects, often evading detection by traditional drug tests. Thus, there is a critical need for new biosensors that offer rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of these compounds in biological samples. This study presents a novel electrochemical immunosensor based on aminated MXene integrated with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) nanofibers and monoclonal antibodies designed to enhance the detection of synthetic cannabinoids. The PPC/MXene-NH₂ nanofibers, electrospun onto screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), provide increased surface area and high sensitivity, stability, and selectivity. The biosensor achieved a wide detection range of 0.6–2000 ng/mL in saliva, a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.66 ng/mL, and demonstrated excellent specificity. It showed high repeatability and reproducibility with minimal signal degradation, with vacuum-sealed storage proving to significantly extend sensor stability over time. These results highlight the potential of MXene-enhanced PPC nanofiber immunosensors as sensitive, selective, and portable tools for rapid detection of synthetic cannabinoids in clinical and forensic settings.