Hybridization of 2D MnO2 and MoS2 via single-step microwave synthesis for trace-level detection of thrombin in simulated blood serum samples

Abstract

Thrombin (THMB), a critical enzyme in the coagulation of blood, necessitates rapid and sensitive detection for assessing thrombotic disorders and cardiovascular health. Here, we demonstrate the trace-level detection of thrombin in simulated human blood serum samples by hybridization of 2D materials MnO2 and MoS2 modified nickel Foam (MnO2/MoS2/NF). MnO2/MoS2 hybrid is synthesized by a low-cost, and ultra-fast (within five minutes) solid-phase synthesis via microwave technique. Synthesized MnO2/MoS2 hybrid has been characterized by Transmission electron microscope (TEM) to know the microstructure of the hybrid. The crystalline nature of the material is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Chemical fingerprint, and vibrational modes of the as-synthesized MnO2/MoS2 hybrid is examined using Raman spectroscopy (Raman, etc). The MnO2/MoS2/NF sensor demonstrates a wide linear range of detection varying from 10 fM to 50 nM with a superior sensitivity of 3.5 μA/nM/cm2 and a lower detection limit of 3.2 pM (LOD = 3 s/m). It is highly selective over other interfering species (IgG, BSA, Na2+, CA, and Urea). The standard addition method was employed to conduct real-time analysis of simulated blood serum samples using the DPV technique. The sensor demonstrated outstanding recovery percentages of ∼ 98 % to 102 %. The hybrid structure offers a greater number of active sites, employing the distinctive surface characteristics of both MnO2 and MoS2. This facilitates more efficient electrochemical reactions, crucial for sensitive Thrombin detection. Additionally, the 3D highly porous skeletal NF substrate ensures stability and enhances catalytic activity, while enabling rapid electron transfer, further boosting the sensor’s sensitivity. This work provides a rapid, cost-effective, and efficient solid-phase microwave synthesis method for obtaining MnO2/MoS2 hybrid material, thereby expanding its utility in detecting biological samples for clinical diagnosis and biomedical research purposes.