Electrochemical detection of neuroendocrine tumor biomarker normetanephrine using biocompatible Fe-N doped MXene quantum dot nanocomposites

초록

Normetanephrine (NMN), a norepinephrine metabolite, serves as a critical biomarker for the early diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors. Herein, we report the first biosensing platform based on iron/nitrogen co-doped MXene quantum dots (FeNMQDs) for real-time NMN monitoring. FeNMQDs were synthesized via a hydrothermal route and exhibited high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and abundant active sites, enabling superior electrocatalytic activity. The FeNMQDs-modified electrode demonstrated sensitive NMN detection with a linear range of 50-200 nM and a detection limit of 13.85 nM, along with excellent reproducibility, stability, and selectivity. Cytocompatibility assays confirmed negligible toxicity toward both normal and cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the sensor enabled the quantification of NMN released from K+-stimulated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. These findings establish FeNMQDs as an effective nanoplatform for live-cell NMN detection, providing a promising strategy for early neuroendocrine tumor diagnostics.

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