Eco-friendly MIP-based electrochemical sensor for selective detection of brivaracetam in plasma

Molecular imprinting presents a versatile technique for creating highly selective recognition sites that bind to the target molecules within complex biological media. This study introduces an indirect voltammetric technique for accurately measuring brivaracetam (BRV), an antiepileptic medication that does not exhibit intrinsic electroactivity. A molecularly imprinted copolymer film was electrografted onto a pencil graphite electrode using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and L-dopa as functional monomers. The formation of pre-polymerization complexes was analyzed with UV-visible spectroscopy to investigate the interactions between the template and monomers. The modified surface was characterized through scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, which validated the electropolymerization of a dense imprinted copolymer layer (poly(OPD-co-L-dopa)) onto a pencil graphite electrode. Key experimental factors, including monomer choice, the ratio of template (i.e., brivaracetam) to monomer, number of cycles, polymerization solution pH, electropolymerization scan rate, and potential window, were optimized to improve the imprinting efficiency and signal output. The sensor exhibited a linearity range (3 × 10^-16 to 1 × 10^-15 M) with a low limit of detection (LOD) (1.06 × 10^-16 M). Validation in accordance with ICH guidelines demonstrated that the sensor possesses satisfactory accuracy, precision, and selectivity. The method was effectively utilized to quantify BRV in its pharmaceutical dosage form and in spiked human plasma. An evaluation of its greenness through AGREE, GAPI, and MoGAPI indicated the environmentally friendly aspects of the developed method.