Enzyme-conjugated MXene nanocomposites for biocatalysis and biosensing

Engineered two-dimensional (2-D) MXenes-based materials with tunable characteristics and multi-functionalities have brought up new paradigms in the biosensing and catalysis of chemical compounds. The profusion of electroactive functional moieties on the surface of few/multi-layer MXenes facilitates their ability to retain biomolecules such as enzymes resulting in unique dimensions for biocatalysis and biosensing applications. As a result, the biosensing phenomenon of enzyme-linked MXenes incorporates both counterparts' electro-catalytic potential behavior and characteristics. Enzyme-linked MXenes are equipped with several noteworthy and essential features, including a large and functional surface area, tunable surface chemistry, a high capacity for anchoring biomolecules, metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, ion transport potential, accessible diffusion barrier, excellent fluorescent and optical properties rendered MXene as appealing candidate nanocomposites to deploy and detect a variety of organic and inorganic molecules of emerging concerns. The application of enzyme-linked nanocomposites based on MXenes in biosensing platforms is expected to effectively address the unresolved challenges encountered by conventional analytical and sensing techniques in various practical settings. Considering the above-mentioned critiques and potentialities, we reviewed enzyme-linked MXenes as a fascinating interface to design, develop and deploy a new generation of monitoring systems to aid bioanalytical applications. More precisely, various challenges and obstacles connected to the synthesis processes, surface functionalization, influencing properties (such as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical), and enzyme immobilization chemistry of MXenes have been highlighted with relevant examples, emphasizing their significant role in biocatalysis and biosensing applications. In the end, concluding remarks and future expectations have been outlined to document modern expansions in this area.