New potentiometric sensors for methylphenidate detection based on host-guest interaction

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Methylphenidate detection is crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring and forensic analysis.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity, selectivity, or practicality required for routine analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop simple, sensitive, and selective sensor methods for methylphenidate detection.
• To validate these sensors for use in bulk, pharmaceutical dosage forms, and human urine.

Main Methods:

• Construction of three sensors using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), and 4-tertbutylcalix[8]arene as ionophores.
• Incorporation of Potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl)borate (KTpClPB) and dioctyl phthalate in sensor formulations.
• Electrochemical characterization and validation of sensor performance across a specified concentration and pH range.

Main Results:

• Sensors exhibited fast, stable responses for methylphenidate detection within a concentration range of 8×10⁻⁶ M to 1×10⁻³ M.
• A detection limit of 10⁻⁶ M was achieved over a pH range of 4-8.
• Near-Nernstian cationic responses were observed, indicating efficient methylphenidate ion detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensors provide a sensitive, selective, and practical approach for methylphenidate determination.
• Validated sensor methods are suitable for routine laboratory analysis in various matrices.
• Results demonstrated comparable accuracy to established High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods.