Ratiometric electrochemical detection of kojic acid based on glassy carbon modified MXene nanocomposite

Abstract

The significance of developing a selective and sensitive sensor for quality control purposes is underscored by the prevalent use of kojic acid (KA) in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food items. KA's utility stems from its ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. However, the instability of KA and its potential adverse effects have created a pressing need for accurate and sensitive sensors capable of analyzing real samples. This research introduces an electrochemical ratiometric sensor designed to accurately detect KA in actual cosmetic and food samples. The ratiometric sensor offers distinct advantages such as enhanced selectivity, reproducibility, and sensitivity. It achieves this by leveraging the ratio between two output signals, thereby producing reliable and undistorted results. The sensor is constructed by modifying a Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE) with a nanocomposite consisting of Ti₃C₂ MXene, Prussian blue, and gold nanoparticles. The incorporation of MXene and gold nanoparticles heightens sensitivity and reduces impedance. Meanwhile, the Prussian blue signal diminishes proportionally with increasing KA concentration, forming the basis for the ratiometric sensing mechanism. The outcomes of the study reveal a broad linear range (1–600 μM), a low detection limit (1 μM), and strong selectivity for KA. These findings suggest the sensor's potential efficacy in quality control across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.