MXene-Based Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) Biosensors: A Review on Analyte Detection and Diagnostic Applications

Abstract

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, have rapidly gained attention in the field of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties, including ultrahigh electrical conductivity, tunable surface terminations, large specific surface area, and excellent biocompatibility. These features render MXenes highly suitable for enhancing ECL signal output, facilitating efficient biomolecule immobilization, and enabling versatile functionalization for selective target recognition. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of recent progress in MXene-based ECL biosensors, focusing on material advantages, functionalization strategies, sensing mechanisms, and performance metrics. Special emphasis is placed on the role of MXene in signal amplification and real-sample adaptability. Representative case studies are discussed to illustrate their application in detecting clinical biomarkers, pathogenic genes, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants with high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, practical challenges—including oxidative degradation, dispersibility, and cytotoxicity—are critically evaluated alongside emerging solutions such as surface engineering and polymer encapsulation. By integrating advanced materials science with biosensing technologies, MXene-based ECL platforms are paving the way for next-generation diagnostic tools. This review aims to provide a useful reference for future research and promote the practical deployment of MXene-based biosensors in biomedical and environmental analysis.