Towards understanding of the interaction of certain carbapenems with protein via combined experimental and theoretical approach.

The interactions of the recent carbapenems; ertapenem (ERP) and meropenem (MRP); with serum albumin (SA) were closely investigated by a combined spectrofluorometric experimental and theoretical approach. The approach is based on the quenching of fluorescence intensity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) upon binding with different carbapenems. The quenching was observed at λem 333-340 nm after excitation at 280 nm. Mechanism of interaction was found to be static quenching through hydrophobic and H-bonding interactions and confirmed with molecular docking using MOE software. Binding constant, binding number were estimated for both MRP and ERP. Thermodynamic parameters including entropy change (ΔS), enthalpy change (ΔH) and free energy change (ΔG) were calculated at three different temperatures. Moreover, BSA configuration during binding was investigated via synchronous and 3D spectrofluorimetry. Förster resonance energy transfer calculated (FRET), integration interval (J) and distance (ro) between BSA and the studied drugs were calculated to confirm the static quenching.

Development of dual function polyamine-functionalized carbon dots derived from one step green synthesis for quantitation of Cu2+ and S2- ions in complicated matrices with high selectivity.

The study of biologically important Cu2+ and S2- ions has drawn great attention in the recent years since an abnormal level of these ions is an indication for health impairment. Therefore, a reliable strategy for effective fluorescence determination of Cu2+ and S2- ions was developed. Simply, the method based on economical plant-dependent thermolysis procedure for efficient green synthesis of water dispersible luminescent polyamine-based carbon dots (PA@C-dots) utilizes Vitis vinifera juice as precursor with a high quantum yield (32.1%) and good photo-stability. The fluorescent PA@C-dots were characterized by different spectroscopical, physical, and structural techniques. Furthermore, the synthesized PA@C-dots can be used as an efficient dual functional fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective estimation of Cu2+ and S2- ions. The incorporation of Cu2+ ions and their adsorption on the surface of PA@C-dot skeleton leads to the respectable fluorescence quenching of C-dots (turn-off mode). The Cu2+-PA@C-dot was found to be sensitive to S2- ions. The addition of S2- recovers the fluorescence (turn-on mode) of Cu2+-PA@C-dots, thanks to its capacity for withdrawing Cu2+ from the shell of PA@C-dots. Fluorescence quenching in the range of 0.07-60 µM Cu2+ was obtained with LOD and LOQ of 0.02 and 0.066 µM, respectively. Sulfide detection provides linearity in the range of 0.8 to 95 µM with LOD and LOQ of 0.24 and 0.79 µM, respectively. The optimal excitation and emission wavelengths for all experiments are 435 nm and 498 nm, respectively. Experiment results elucidate that the proposed method is suitable for Cu2+and S2- ion detection in environmental water samples. Graphical abstract Green synthesis of polyamine-functionalized nanoprobe by thermolysis method from plant source as bifunctional sensing platform for determination of Cu2+ and S2- in environmental water samples.

One pot fabrication of fluorescein functionalized manganese dioxide for fluorescence "Turn OFF-ON" sensing of hydrogen peroxide in water and cosmetic samples.

In recent decades, H2O2 has been promoted as a health indicator because its moderate to high levels can cause some health problems. Herein, we developed a new fluorescent nanoprobe for rapid, selective and sensitive detection of H2O2. The fluorescent nanoprobe is composed of fluorescein dye (FLS) as a fluorescent probe and MnO2 nanosheets (MnO2 NS) as a quencher. In this study, H2O2 can reduce MnO2 NS in the synthesized composite and release FLS, causing sufficient recovery of fluorescent signal related to the concentration of H2O2. The nanoprobe, with λ ex/λ em at 495/515 nm, has a linear range of 0.04-30 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.5 nM and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 21 nM. The mean relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.6% and the applicability of the method was demonstrated by the determination of H2O2 in water and cosmetic samples.

Colorimetric and fluorimetric (dual-mode) nanoprobe for the determination of pyrogallol based on the complexation with copper(II)- and nitrogen-doped carbon dots.

Carbon dots doped with copper(II) and nitrogen (Cu,N@C-dots) were prepared and are shown to be viable fluorescent nanoprobe for pyrogallol (PGL) was developed for the first time. The reaction is based on (a) the complexation reaction between Cu,N@C-dots and catechol moiety, and (b) the generation of a quinone-like structure. Thus, the co-ordination complex formed between Cu(II) in C-dots and PGL results in quenching of the fluorescence of C-dots. In addition, the formation of a yellow color due to complex formation between the nanoprobe and Cu(II) allowed the colorimetric determination of PGL. The nanoprobe was prepared by thermal synthesis, using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salt and copper(II) chloride as sources for carbon, nitrogen and copper, respectively. The carbon dots were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy) and dynamic light scattering. Fluorescence drops linearly in the 0.15 to 70 µM PGL concentration range with a detection limit of 39 nM and a relative standard deviation of 1.8%. The optimal excitation and emission wavelengths are 370 nm and 428 nm, respectively. The colorimetric assay has a linear response at 325 nm absorption wavelengths in the 6 to 140 µM PGL concentration range with a detection limit of 1.8 µM and a 2.3% relative standard deviation. Graphical abstractDual mode colorimetric and fluorimetric nanoprobe was designated for pyrolgallol determination based on complexation with copper(II)- and nitrogen-doped carbon dots.

Poly (bromocresol green) flakes-decorated pencil graphite electrode for selective electrochemical sensing applications and pharmacokinetic studies.

A square wave voltammetric method for selective determination of meropenem (MRP) and ertapenem (ERP) was developed using pencil graphite electrode modified with poly (bromocresol green) (PGE/PBCG). The modified electrode film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy. Under the optimized conditions, the prepared electrode has good linearity over concentration range 1.0-60.0 and 0.3.0-75.0 µM for MRP and ERP, respectively. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines. In addition, the diffusion co-efficients of MRP and ERP were estimated to be 1.24 × 10-6 and 9.09 × 10-6 cm2 s-1, respectively using chronoamperometric technique. The developed method was highly sensitive and selective for the determination of MRP or ERP in the presence of their corresponding open beta-lactam ring degradation products. Consequently, it was successfully utilized for in-vitro and in-vivo applications in spiked and real plasma samples of healthy rabbits for their pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, the method was applied for the assay of the available dosage forms of both drugs.

A single run, rapid polarity switching method for determination of 30 pharmaceuticals and personal care products in waste water using Q-Exactive Orbitrap high resolution accurate mass spectrometry.

The analytical capability of the UPLC-Q Exactive™ Orbitrap MS was exploited for simultaneous determination of 30 acidic and basic PPCPs in a single run, using rapid polarity switching of the electrospray ionisation source. Full scan MS mode at resolution of 35,000 FWHM, Automatic gain control (AGC) target of 1E6 ions at injection time of 50 ms provided the optimum parameters for high sensitivity, together with sufficient data points per peak (≥15) for improved reproducibility. In addition to chromatographic retention times, method selectivity was achieved via applying high resolution accurate mass with low mass tolerance filter (<5 ppm) for identification of each target compound. Six-point linear calibration curves (R2 > 0.95) were established for all target analytes over a concentration range of 1-1500 ng/ml. Good results were obtained for method accuracy (% recovery = 76-104%), inter- and intra-day precision (relative standard deviation <15%) at 3 concentration levels. Instrumental detection and quantification limits ranged from (0.02-1.21 ng/ml) and (0.07-4.05 ng/ml), respectively. While optimised MS/MS analysis through parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mode provided slightly higher sensitivity, Full scan MS mode allowed for higher mass resolution (selectivity), more data points per peak (reproducibility) and more importantly, the potential for post-acquisition screening of non-target compounds. Following solid phase extraction (SPE) of target analytes, the method was successfully applied to provide first data on PPCPs occurrence in effluent and surface water samples (n = 10) from Egypt. Moreover, screening for non-target compounds revealed the presence of bisphenol A, which was further confirmed via matching with an authentic standard. Overall, this study provides first insight into the high analytical capabilities of the Q-Exactive™ Orbitrap platform for both targeted/non-targeted analysis of PPCPs in environmental matrices.

A rapid Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic method for analysis of certain proton pump inhibitors in binary and ternary mixtures.

A simple and non-destructive FTIR method was used to determine certain proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in binary and ternary mixtures. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); omeprazole (OMZ), esomeprazole (EZM), lansoprazole (LAN), pantoprazole sodium (PAN sodium) and rabeprazole sodium (RAB sodium) in binary mixture with domperidone (DOM) and ternary mixture of OMZ, clarithromycin (CLM) and tinidazole (TNZ) were determined in the solid-state by FTIR spectroscopy for the first time. The method was validated according to ICH-guidelines where linearity was ranged from 20 to 850µg/g and 20-360µg/g for PPIs and DOM, respectively in binary mixtures and 10-400, 100-8000 and 150-14,000µg/g for OMZ, CLM and TNZ, respectively. Limits of detection were found to be 6-100 and 9-100µg/g for PPIs and DOM, respectively and 4, 40 and 50µg/g for OMZ, CLM and TNZ, respectively. The method was applied successfully for determination of the cited drugs in their respective pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Facile complexation reactions for the selective spectrofluorimetric determination of albendazole in oral dosage forms and spiked human plasma.

Two simple, sensitive, and rapid spectrofluorimetric methods were developed and validated for the determination of albendazole. The first method (method I) was based on the quenching effect of albendazole on the native fluorescence of erythrosine B. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 554 nm after extraction at 527 nm. In the second method (method II) the drug was reacted with lanthanum(iii) ions to form a metal complex, which was measured at 340 nm after excitation at 295 nm. The suitable pH was 3.4 (Teorell-Stenhagen buffer) and pH 5.5 (phosphate buffer solution), for method I and II, respectively. The influence of experimental factors on the fluorescence intensity of the reaction products was investigated and optimized. The linear concentration ranges were 0.2-3.5 and 0.06-0.90 µg mL-1, with detection limits of 0.049 and 0.019 µg mL-1 for method I and II, respectively. ICH guidelines were followed for validation of the developed procedures, and the results were acceptable. The Gibb's free energy change of the reactions was -24.6 and -27.5 kJ mol-1 for method I and II, respectively. These negative values indicated the high feasibility of these reactions at ambient temperature. The proposed procedures were applied successfully for the determination of albendazole in commercial dosage forms and spiked human plasma. The results showed high precision, accuracy and recovery of the reported methods without any significant interference from pharmaceutical excipients or plasma components.

Enhanced dispersive solid phase extraction assisted by cloud point strategy prior to fluorometric determination of anti-hepatitis C drug velpatasvir in pharmaceutical tablets and body fluids.

An innovative spectrofluorometric method was developed for the analysis of a recently FDA approved anti-hepatitis C velpatasvir (VELP). The developed method was relied on dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using synergistic effect of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles (CHNPs) in addition to cloud point extraction (CPE) using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) as non-ionic surfactant. This method combines the merits of preconcentration and interferences elimination achieved by dSPE and CPE, respectively. All relevant parameters such as surfactant concentration, ionic strength, pH, incubation time and others were thoroughly investigated and optimized. Fluorometric detection of VELP was carried out at excitation wavelength of 350 nm and emission wavelength of 415 nm. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration curve was achieved in the range of 0.5-45 ng mL-1. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) based on three and ten times the standard deviation of the blank were 0.040 and 0.112 ng mL-1, respectively. This method was successfully applied for determination of VELP in real samples such as tablets, human plasma and urine samples with good recoveries.

Development of a novel and cost-effective redox sensor for voltammetric determination of pantoprazole sodium during pharmacokinetic studies.

A pencil graphite electrode modified with poly (bromocresol green (BCG)) was prepared by electro-polymerization process for the determination of pantoprazole sodium. The surface morphology and structure of poly (BCG) film were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The determination of pantoprazole sodium in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 7.0) was carried out by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric technique. Under optimum conditions, the linear response of the peak with concentration of the cited drug was in the range of 6.6-360 × 10-8 M with limit of detection of 2.2 × 10-8 M. Moreover, the poly (BCG)-modified electrode has been successfully applied to determine pantoprazole sodium in tablets, vials and during pharmacokinetic studies.

Simultaneous voltammetric analysis of anti-ulcer and D2-antagonist agents in binary mixture using redox sensor and their determination in human serum.

Pencil graphite electrode was successfully modified with a thin film of poly (eriochrome black T) and applied for the sensitive and selective voltammetric simultaneous determination of pantoprazole sodium and domperidone in a binary mixture. The preparation and basic electrochemical behavior of poly (eriochrome black T) film on the Pencil graphite electrode were investigated. The modified electrode has exhibited very high electro-catalytic activity towards the cited mixture. The anodic peaks of the both species were well defined with enhanced oxidation peak currents. Under the optimum conditions, the linearity ranges were 0.4-55×10-7M and 0.1-34×10-7M for pantoprazole sodium and domperidone, respectively with detection limits of 0.12×10-7M and 0.04×10-7M for pantoprazole sodium and domperidone, respectively. The proposed sensor has been successfully applied in the analysis of pantoprazole sodium and domperidone in synthetic binary mixtures and human serum.

Vibrational spectroscopic investigation of polymorphs and cocrystals of indomethacin.

CONTEXT: Identification of optimal solid form of an active pharmaceutical ingredient and form control are very important in drug development. Thus, the structural information of these forms and in-depth insight on the modes of molecular interactions are necessary, and vibrational spectroscopic methods are well suited for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: In-depth structural analysis of different solid forms of indomethacin (IND) using Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy is the objective. We have investigated the modes of molecular interactions in polymorphs (α and γ), amorphous and discovered cocrystals of IND with nicotinamide (NIC) and trans-cinnamic acid (CIN) coformers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The solid forms of IND have been prepared; their purity has been verified by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry and then studied in the solid-state by Raman and IR spectroscopy. The modes of the interactions were closely investigated from the vibrational data. RESULTS: The key vibrational features of IND solid forms have been specified. The IR (C=O) band at 1713 cm(-1) attributed to cyclic acid dimer of γ IND has disappeared in IND-NIC/CIN whilst retained in IND-SAC cocrystal. DISCUSSION: IND cocrystallizes in different conformations and crystal lattices with different coformers. The cyclic acid dimer of IND has been kept on its cocrystallization with saccharin and it could have been broken with NIC and CIN. CONCLUSIONS: The complementary nature of Raman and IR spectroscopy allowed unambiguous investigation of the chemical composition of pharmaceutical materials which is of particular importance in the absence of detailed structural information, as in the case of IND-NIC and IND-CIN.

Non-invasive in situ identification and band assignments of diazepam, flunitrazepam and methadone hydrochloride with FT-near-infrared spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) has evolved into an important rapid, direct and non-invasive technique in drugs analysis. In this study, the suitability of NIR spectroscopy to identify two benzodiazepine derivatives, diazepam and flunitrazepam, and a synthetic opiate, methadone hydrochloride, inside USP vials and probe the solid-state form of diazepam presents in tablets has been explored. The results show the potential of NIR spectroscopy for rapid, in situ and non-destructive identification of drugs.

Noninvasive in situ identification and band assignments of some pharmaceutical excipients inside USP vials with FT-near-infrared spectroscopy.

For the manufacture of dosage forms all ingredients must be reliably identified. In this paper, the suitability of FT-NIR spectroscopy to identify potassium sorbate, sodium starch glycollate, calcium ascorbate, calcium carbonate, candelilla wax, maltosextrin, monohydrated and anhydrous lactose inside USP vials was investigated. Differentiation between the anhydrous and monohydrated forms of lactose was found to be possible by studying the regions of the near-infrared spectrum corresponding to the combination and first overtone stretching frequencies of water. The results show unequivocally the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy for rapid, in situ and non-destructive identification of pharmaceutical excipients.

Vibrational spectroscopic characterisation of salmeterol xinafoate polymorphs and a preliminary investigation of their transformation using simultaneous in situ portable Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.

Knowledge and control of the polymorphic phases of chemical compounds are important aspects of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. Salmeterol xinafoate, a long acting beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, exists in two polymorphic Forms, I and II. Raman and near infrared spectra were obtained of these polymorphs at selected wavelengths in the range of 488-1064 nm; significant differences in the Raman and near-infrared spectra were apparent and key spectral marker bands have been identified for the vibrational spectroscopic characterisation of the individual polymorphs which were also characterised with X ray diffractometry. The solid-state transition of salmeterol xinafoate polymorphs was studied using simultaneous in situ portable Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry isothermally between transitions. This method assisted in the unambiguous characterisation of the two polymorphic forms by providing a simultaneous probe of both the thermal and vibrational data. The study demonstrates the value of a rapid in situ analysis of a drug polymorph which can be of potential value for at-line in-process control.