Electrochemical sensor doped with core-shell structured molecularly imprinted polymer proposed for therapeutic drug monitoring of trazodone hydrochloride

Abstract

Currently, the global push for eco-friendly analytical techniques has altered the priorities of analytical methodologies in accordance with their level of adherence to the principles of green analytical chemistry. Herein, sustainable, sensitive, accurate and cost-effective core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) has been developed for the determination of trazodone hydrochloride. It is a widely prescribed medication primarily used to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia. Its detection is significant for ensuring effective therapeutic drug monitoring as it has a narrow therapeutic window in addition to optimize dosages, prevent toxicity, and enhance treatment outcomes. MIP with a uniform core shell structure was prepared where the shell was combined onto the surface of silica nanoparticles by copolymerizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate together with methacrylic acid in the presence of trazodone hydrochloride. The core consists of silica nanoparticles developed by Stöber method. The core-shell MIP was then embedded as ionophore into the polyvinyl chloride liquid membrane. A linear relationship was found over a dynamic range of 1.0 × 10 ^–6 -1.0 × 10 ^{– 2} M with LOD of 6.0 × 10^–7 M and Nernstian slope of 56.70 mV/decade. The developed method was successfully applied for determination of trazodone hydrochloride in its tablet dosage form with mean percentage recovery of 103.08%. Moreover, the suggested sensor has a significant potential to monitor patients’ plasma level to guarantee drug safety and effectiveness. Additionally, three different approaches namely; Analytical EcoScale, Analytical GREEnness metric approach and finally, the most recent one; Red-Green-Blue model were applied to evaluate the greenness and whiteness profile of the developed method.