An electrochemical sensor based on MXene-Au nanocomposites/Janus fiber membrane for sweat glucose detection via rapid unidirectional moisture transport collection

Wearable glucose sensors have received widespread attention for their ability to provide real-time and continuous physiological information through non-invasive detection of glucose in sweat, which is significant to wellness assessment and management. However, there are still challenges of glucose catalysis and sweat sampling in developing efficient wearable glucose sensors. Here, we report a flexible wearable electrochemical sensor based on a Janus nanofiber membrane for efficient sweat collection and glucose detection. Leveraging the high reducing capability of MXene, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in situ, and then functionalize the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) substrate. The synergistic effect derived from the high specific surface area and superior redox activity of MXene-Au composites, as well as the efficient immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) make the sensor with high sensitivity and accuracy. A polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol (PU/PVA) Janus fiber membrane, fabricated via electrospinning, served as a rapid unidirectional water transport component for active sweat collection. This electrochemical sensor exhibits a wide linear range encompassing the typical physiological glucose concentration profile in sweat, with a sensitivity of 0.33 μA μM −1  cm −2 and a detection limit of 13.0 μM. The sensor demonstrates excellent selectivity for glucose with good reproducibility and stability, suggesting significant promise for providing a new strategy towards non-invasive glucose monitoring.