Green analytical chemistry metrics: A review

Kinetic determination of ethyl carbamate in sugarcane spirits exploiting digital videos

Kinetic methods are useful analytical methods, whose widespread application is often hindered by the need for strict time control. In this study, digital videos obtained using a smartphone camera were exploited for the first time for a kinetic enzymatic method. The inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase activity on the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine to thiocholine was exploited for ethyl carbamate determination. This toxic and potentially carcinogenic contaminant must be controlled in beverages with a threshold limit of 210 μg L-1 for sugarcane spirits. Ethyl carbamate binds to the active site of acetylcholinesterase in an alkaline medium (pH 8), thus diminishing the hydrolysis rate. Digital videos were recorded for 25 min, and analytical information (channel B, RGB color system) was extracted from frames taken every 10 s. The time required to achieve a reaction plateau, which is proportional to the analyte concentration, was used as the analytical parameter. Under the optimized conditions a linear response was observed for ethyl carbamate concentrations from 50 to 500 μg L-1 (r2 > 0.99) with a limit of detection of 15 μg L-1 and a coefficient of variation of 3.2 % (n = 10). The proposed kinetic method is a cost-effective alternative for the determination of ethyl carbamate in sugarcane spirits, which compares favorably with other methods reported in the literature with regard to detectability and greenness (AGREE score of 0.77), while yielding results in agreement with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry reference method.

Optimization, validation, and greenness assessment of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for analysis of inorganic and organic anions in human milk oligosaccharides

The development and validation of an accurate, selective, and eco-friendly capillary zone electrophoretic detection (CZE) method has been presented for concurrent measurement of inorganic and organic anions including chloride, sulfate, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, phosphate, and glutamic acid in Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) for the first time. An electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution of benzoic acid, 16.38 mM; l-histidine, 24.49 mM; and polyacrylamide 0.0025 % provided a satisfactory separation of all analytes of interest. The electroosmotic flow was reversed using polyacrylamide in the background buffer. UV detection was carried out at a wavelength of 230 nm using benzoic acid in running buffer. Analysis was conducted on a 60 cm (53 cm to the detector) x 0.75 μm i.d. fused-silica capillary at a potential of -30 kV and the temperature of 20 °C. The procedure had a linear response in the concentration range of 2-200 mg/L for all analytes with correlation coefficients ≥0.9997. Validation was performed based on the International Council for Harmonization (ICH). The National Environmental Methods Index and the analytical GREEness metric were the tools applied for greenness assessment. System suitability parameter was determined using the expanded uncertainty of the method estimated from method validation data. The applicability of the proposed procedure was shown in diverse real samples.

Ice-bath-effervescence-assisted salting-out extraction combined with microwave-assisted derivatization for the detection of spermidine and spermine in whole blood

Spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) are biomarkers for various cancers. In the present study, we used 4-dimethylamino-1-naphthyl isothiocyanate as a derivatizing reagent to achieve microwave-assisted nucleophilic addition to Spd and Spm. We designed a strategy comprising an ice bath combined with salting out to increase the efficiency of Spd and Spm derivative extractions. Ice-bath-effervescence-assisted salting-out extraction (IEA-SOE) was conducted using a proton donor (citric acid) and an effervescent salt (KHCO3), which simultaneously provided salting-out and effervescence effects. The ice bath stopped the derivatization and improved the extraction efficiency of the IEA-SOE. Moreover, under optimized derivatization and extraction conditions, the total time required was only 10 min. Finally, the extraction layer was collected and analyzed using a narrow-bore liquid chromatograph equipped with a UV detector. The quantitative linear range was 1-200 μM, and the detection limit was 0.1 μM. The intra- and inter-batch relative standard deviations were in the range of 3.96-7.74 %, with relative errors in the range of -10.55-4.70 %. The proposed analytical method was successfully applied to determine Spd and Spm concentrations in whole-blood samples. Our method will serve as a useful tool for the accurate assessment of essential biomarkers in blood and subsequently, disease diagnosis.

Rapid on-site identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal medicines using miniature mass spectrometry

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring plant toxins with significant multi-organ toxicity, especially hepatotoxicity. Accidental consumption of PAs-containing herbal medicines can lead to severe health consequences, emphasizing the need for rapid and effective detection methods to ensure medicinal safety. In this study, we developed a novel on-site rapid analytical method using paper capillary spray miniature mass spectrometry (PCS-mini MS), and created a database containing 34 different PAs with a detection limit ranging from 0.5 to 2 ng mL-1. This method is particularly suitable for identifying PAs in herbal medicines, the accuracy of PCS-mini MS was validated through high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the method's environmental impact was assessed using three green evaluation tools, demonstrating its compliance with green analytical chemistry principles, highlighting both efficiency and sustainability. This study provides a convenient and precise approach for regulating the herbal medicine market, enabling quick identification of toxic plants and reducing the risk of adverse health effects from herb misidentification. In the future, this method is expected to be widely adopted for clinical applications and market regulation of herbal products.

Smart Prussian Blue Analog Decorated with Zinc Oxide Nanohybrid: Fluorescent Sensing and Sustainability of Sunset Yellow in Food and Environment

In the current study, the Prussian blue analog decorated with zinc oxide (PBA@ZnO) was produced using a simple chemical co-precipitation method. The nanohybrid was examined using XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques, where it exhibited a polycrystalline structure with highly intense broadening peaks. The surface morphology was observed as thin nanosheets decorated with tiny spheres. Following excitation at 360 nm, the fluorescence spectra of PBA@ZnO showed fluorescence emission at 455 nm. The developed PBA@ZnO was used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess sunset yellow (SY), where its native fluorescence was selectively quenched as SY concentrations increased. For the first time, PBA@ZnO was used as a turn-off nano-sensor for the spectrofluorimetric measurement of SY. The method's markable sensitivity was demonstrated within an SY linearity range of 50-500 ng/mL, where the limit of detection was calculated as 9.77 ng/mL. Real sample analysis in the food industry, including samples from real food, soft drinks, and sun cream, was made possible by the detection of tiny amounts of SY. Analytical Greenness (AGREE), AGREEprep, and the complementing Green Analytical Procedure Index (Complex MoGAPI) were used to illustrate the new approach's exceptional eco-friendliness and greenness. The RGB 12 algorithm worked to demonstrate that the suggested approach is less costly, more environmentally friendly, more sustainable, analytically sound, and whiter than the ones that were previously published. In accordance with ICH principles, the suggested method was validated. This approach offers a promising way to rapidly and accurately identify and measure SY in the food industry, helping to guarantee food safety and maintain the health of customers.

Synthesis and in silico studies of quinoline appended acridine via conventional and green methods: photophysical analysis of novel fluorophore for picric acid detection using a 'turn-off' fluorescence approach

A series of novel 4-(9-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ones and their dimers were synthesized using an efficient one-pot method with Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), alongside microwave-assisted and conventional techniques. Using less toxic and inexpensive DESs enhance sustainability in producing desired products. Green metrics calculations indicate a high level of greenness in the synthesis process. FT-IR, NMR, and HRMS characterized the compounds. In-silico tests involving Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) assessed the binding affinity of the compounds toward various drugs. Furthermore, DFT studies explored theoretical spectral calculations, energy differences, and electron cloud density. Notably, among the derivatives, the fluorophore 4-(7-amino-9-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridin-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-one (3e) can specifically detect 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (Picric acid, PA), a fatal nitro explosive. Photophysical studies confirmed 3e's ability as a "turn-off" fluorescence chemosensor for PA with a detection limit of 1.766 × 10-9 M and a binding stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 between the probe and analyte. Structural confirmation of the probe was achieved through single-crystal XRD.

Violet Innovation Grade Index (VIGI): A New Survey-Based Metric for Evaluating Innovation in Analytical Methods

The violet innovation grade index (VIGI) is a pioneering metric designed to evaluate the degree of innovation in analytical methods. This study introduces the VIGI tool (https://bit.ly/VIGItool) and demonstrates its application in assessing the innovative potential of various analytical techniques. VIGI integrates ten distinct criteria─sample preparation and instrumentation, data processing and software, white analytical chemistry and its derivatives, regulatory compliance, materials and reagents, miniaturization, automation, interdisciplinarity, sensitivity, and approach─providing a comprehensive evaluation that complements existing green, blue, and red metrics. Each method is assessed using a survey-based approach, resulting in a star-shaped decagon pictogram that visually represents its innovation score. The VIGI metric was successfully applied to five case studies, revealing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each method in terms of innovation. Methods incorporating advanced materials, miniaturized devices, and automation scored highly, reflecting their cutting-edge contributions to analytical chemistry. Conversely, methods lacking advanced data processing or interdisciplinary applications scored lower, highlighting areas for potential improvement. This work underscores the importance of prioritizing innovative metrics like VIGI in the development and evaluation of analytical methods to ensure that analytical chemistry remains at the forefront of scientific advancement through more effective and sustainable practices.

Sustainable Analysis of Diclofenac Salts: A Chemometric Approach to Mixed-Mode Liquid Chromatography With Charged Aerosol Detection

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are often used in salt form because of enhanced bioavailability. This study aims to propose a new environmentally friendly method for the analysis of raw diclofenac substance, achieving simultaneous analysis of diclofenac and its counterions (Na+ and K+), utilizing mixed-mode liquid chromatography (MMLC) and charged aerosol detector (CAD). To optimize the critical method characteristic-the mobile phase composition-a 32 full factorial design of experiments and multiobjective decision making using Derringer's desirability function were employed. Two optimized methods with acceptable run times and satisfactory peak separation were developed. The methods compared the use of acetonitrile (ACN) and acetone (ACE) in terms of method sustainability. The mobile phase composition in the first method (MMLC-ACN) was 40% ACN and 60% ammonium acetate buffer (48.00 mM, pH 4.82), whereas in the second, improved method (MMLC-ACE), it was 50% ACE and 50% ammonium acetate buffer (40.00 mM, pH 4.62). The eco-friendliness of the developed methods was assessed using the GAPI, the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) score, and the Greenness Index. The method with ACE as the mobile phase modifier demonstrated a better environmental profile, achieving an AGREE score of 0.69, compared to the ACN-based method, which scored 0.60. Method performance characteristics of the MMLC-ACE method used for the quantitative analysis of diclofenac salt raw materials were evaluated according to ICH Q2(R2) guidelines: precision-repeatability (RSD from 1.07% to 2.41% and recovery >97%), selectivity between critical peak pair (αNa/K > 1) and obtained linear response within concentration range of 50%-150% (r > 0.99).

Green solvents in dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of carbonyl compounds in coffee extracts

This work presents a greener approach for ultrasound-assisted (UA) dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) of carbonyl compounds from coffee samples, before GC-MS determination. This work aims to substitute the solvents used in the traditional DLLME procedures with greener alternatives and to decrease the volume of solvents used. Low-density solvents, 1-octanol and isooctane, were evaluated as the extraction solvent. Optimization of critical experimental parameters was conducted in two stages: an asymmetrical screening design 2331 // 8, followed by a Doehlert experimental design. In the first experimental design 4 parameters were optimized: the volume of aqueous phase volume (1.5 mL), the concentration of the derivatization reagent solution pentafluorophenylhydrazine (1.12 g/L) and the volume and type of extraction solvent (60 µL of isooctane). In the second experimental design, 15 min of derivatization at 50 °C were selected as optimized conditions. The enrichment factor associated with the DLLME procedure enabled the efficient extraction of nine carbonyl compounds (acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzaldehyde, diacetyl, formaldehyde, furfural, glyoxal, malondialdehyde, and methylglyoxal) from coffee samples. The method demonstrated strong analytical performance, with figures of merit including r2 ≥ 0.9990, limits of detection between 289 and 436 µg/L, intraday, and interday precisions < 9.5 %. Recovery values for all nine carbonyl compounds ranged from 90.0 to 110.0 %. The greenness of the developed methodology was assessed using the AGREEprep tool, yielding a score of 0.59. Acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and furfural were quantified in most coffee samples analyzed, with no significant differences observed in carbonyl compounds composition.

Development of UV-Chemometric techniques for resolving the overlapped spectra of aspirin, caffeine and orphenadrine citrate in their combined pharmaceutical dosage form

A UV-chemometric approach has been developed to analyze a ternary combination of aspirin, caffeine, and orphenadrine citrate without the need for previous separation. The method is easy, specific, accurate, and highly precise. The three medications were evaluated simultaneously utilizing CLS, PLS, and PCR, which were generated based on separate data sets that yielded superior findings. Regrettably, their accurate estimation could only be achieved using the PLS approach. In order to determine the prediction power of each chemometric approach, its validity has been tested using 8 synthetic mixes. The latent variable number varies across various models as the dataset changes. The comparison of various methodologies and the assessment of the predictive capacity of each set of data were done using the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). The created approach was also used to statistically compare the performance of PLS in a dataset with zero absorption, as well as to compare the performance of the offered chemometric methods in various datasets. The environmental impact of the created approach was assessed to determine the overall ecological sustainability of the designed methodology. According to the new Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI) evaluation methodology, the suggested technique was also found to be practicable.

Exploring Green Practices: a Review of Carbon Dot-Based Sustainable Sensing Approaches

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly technologies has driven significant interest in carbon dots (CDs) due to their unique optical properties, low toxicity, and versatile applications in sensing. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current advancements in CD-based sensing approaches, with a focus on their environmental sustainability based on greenness evaluation tools. We begin by discussing the principles and methodologies of greenness evaluation, including various assessment tools and metrics used to measure the environmental impact of CD synthesis and applications. Key applications of CD-based sensors in detecting pollutants, biomolecules, and other analytes are examined, emphasizing their potential in environmental monitoring, biological, and food analysis. The review concludes with a discussion on future research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges and enhancing the sustainability of CD-based sensing technologies. Through this detailed exploration, we aim to provide valuable insights into the greenness of CDs, fostering their development as a cornerstone of sustainable sensing technologies. The evaluation tools applied for future probes confirmed their superior environmental friendliness.

From spectroscopic data variability to optimal preprocessing: leveraging multivariate error in almond powder adulteration of different grain size

Analysing samples in their original form is increasingly crucial in analytical chemistry due to the need for efficient and sustainable practices. Analytical chemists face the dual challenge of achieving accuracy while detecting minute analyte quantities in complex matrices, often requiring sample pretreatment. This necessitates the use of advanced techniques with low detection limits, but the emphasis on sensitivity can conflict with efforts to simplify procedures and reduce solvent use. This article discusses the shift towards green analytical methods, focusing on portable spectroscopic techniques in the near-infrared (NIR) region. A case study involving the prediction of adulteration in almond flour with bitter almond flour illustrates the importance of particle size and the integration between the sample and the instrument. The study emphasizes the necessity of investigating the multivariate error associated with raw data to enhance data preprocessing strategies. This research provides valuable insights for professionals in the field, presenting a methodology applicable to a broad range of analytical applications while underscoring the critical role of raw data analysis in achieving accurate and reliable results.

Water as a green solvent for sustainable sample preparation: single drop microextraction of N-nitrosamines from losartan tablets

Water, renowned for its sustainability and minimal toxicity, is an ideal candidate for environmentally friendly solvent-based microextraction. However, its potential as an extractant solvent in miniaturized sample preparation remains largely unexplored. This paper pioneers using water as the extraction solvent in headspace single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME) for N-nitrosamines from losartan tablets. Autonomous HS-SDME is executed by an Arduino-controlled, lab-made Cartesian robot, using water for the online preconcentration of enriched extracts through direct injection into a column-switching system. Critical experimental parameters influencing HS-SDME performance are systematically explored through univariate and multivariate experiments. While most previously reported methods for determining N-nitrosamines in pharmaceutical formulations rely on highly selective mass spectrometry detection techniques to handle the strong matrix effects typical of pharmaceutical samples, the water-based HS-SDME method efficiently eliminates the interfering effects of a large amount of the pharmaceutical active ingredient and tablet excipients, allowing straightforward analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV-Vis). Under optimized conditions, the developed method exhibits linear responses from 100 to 2400 ng g-1, demonstrating appropriate detectability, precision, and accuracy for the proposed application. Additionally, the environmental sustainability of the method is assessed using the AGREEprep methodology, positioning it as an outstanding green alternative for determining hazardous contaminants in pharmaceutical products.

Multiclass Determination of 87 Mixed Veterinary Drugs, Pesticides and Mycotoxin Residues in Beef Muscle Samples by Ionic Liquid-Based Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A miniaturised, eco-friendly and efficient multiclass method for the simultaneous determination of 87 veterinary drugs, pesticides and mycotoxin residues in beef muscle samples by ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 and ISO/IEC 17025: 2017. Under IL-DLLME optimum conditions, matrix calibration yielded a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.99942 to 0.99997. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.93 to 23.78 µg kg-1 and from 1.98 to 38.27 µg kg-1, respectively. Recoveries ranged from 80.0 to 109.8% and the decision limit (CCα) values ranged from 13.0 to 523.0 µg kg-1. Repeatability and reproducibility values were achieved in the ranges of 1.55-12.91% and 1.44-13.35%, respectively. The validated method was applied to 50 real beef samples and 12% of the tested samples contained traces of some residues, but they were all below their respective LOQs and CCα; hence, the beef was fit for human consumption. The greenness of the method was assessed using five green analytical chemistry (GAC) metrics, namely, the Analytical Eco-Scale (AES), NEMI, GAPI, AGREE and ComplexGAPI, and found to be green according to the AES metric and Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach and Software (AGREE). The method provided better results at a greatly reduced cost and analysis time in comparison with standard method.

Screening for microplastics in agricultural soils: Applying green chemistry principles in extraction and analysis

In recent years, microplastic (MP) pollution has garnered significant attention owing to its ability to permeate various ecosystems, including soil. These particles can infiltrate the environment, either directly or through the degradation of larger plastic items. Despite growing concerns, standardized methods for quantification are still lacking. This study aimed to screen for the presence of MPs in agricultural soils while incorporating green analytical principles in the methodology. A density separation followed by centrifugation was employed, based on the principles of the QuEChERS extraction method. This approach minimized sample quantities, reagent consumption, and waste production, ensuring efficient extraction and analysis. Recovery tests using certified soils spiked with pristine MPs, specifically polystyrene, polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate for larger MPs (3-5 mm), and low-density polyethylene, polyamide 6, and tire wear particles for smaller MPs (15-300 μm), achieved recovery levels exceeding 69% for smaller MPs and over 91% for larger particles. Spectroscopic analysis revealed slight alterations in the Raman spectra of MPs after extraction. Transitioning to agricultural soil analysis has revealed challenges, including spectral interferences. Nine mesoplastics (5-20 mm) were detected, predominantly consisting of PP and polyethylene (PE), along with seven MPs, three of which were individually identified as PE-based, while the remainder were inconclusive, including one fiber. The evaluation of the method's sustainability using the Analytical Eco-Scale and Analytical Greenness Calculator Metric (AGREE), with scores of 82 out of 100 and 0.66 out of 1, respectively, demonstrated its potential as a reliable approach to MP analysis in soils. This study highlights the potential of integrating green analytical chemistry principles into MP extraction methodologies and emphasizes the value of the proposed QuEChERs-based approach for improving the sustainability and efficiency of MP monitoring in agricultural soils.

A stability-illustrating HPLC-DAD method for assessment of two veterinary anti-parasitic drugs: appraisal of the method's greenness and blueness

This paper represents an effective and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for the regular assay of Clorsulon (CLR) and Moxidectin (MOX) anti-parasitic drugs in injection solution and pure powder without derivatization processes. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile: methanol: water: acetic acid (56.0: 36.0: 7.5: 0.5 by volume). Besides, a Supelcosil C18 (4.60 mm ×15.0 cm, 5.0 μm) column was selected for completing the separation and quantitation of the two aforementioned veterinary drugs at a wavelength of 254 nm. The flow rate was set at 2.0 mL min-1 at the isocratic approach. We have conducted the degradation experiments using the HPLC-DAD instrument, adhering to the guidelines of the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH), subjecting CLR and MOX to light, heat, basic, acidic, and oxidative stressful conditions to figure out the ideal storage conditions and the possible medications that can be co-administered with them. CLR and MOX were quantified linearly from 400.0 to 1200.0 and from 40.0 to 120.0 µg mL-1, respectively. The maximum recorded degradation results were in acidic, basic, and oxidative conditions. Therefore, strong basic or acidic medications and oxidants shouldn't be combined with CLR and MOX in a co-formulated medication. Greenness, carbon footprint, and blueness assessments for the novel method were conducted to verify the sustainability and functionality. The thirteen subdivisions in the GAPI pictogram, which were categorized as either green or yellow, refer to moderate green aspects. The final AGREE score of 0.56 and the majority of its subdivisions, ranging from dark green to yellow, indicated a relatively moderate level of greenness. This was primarily due to the significant acetonitrile content (56%) in the mobile phase. Using the HEXAGON method, the ultimate score is 0 out of 5 since the total calculated carbon footprint is less than 0.10. An eco-friendly method is one with a reduced carbon footprint score. The innovative HPLC method's functioning and utility are indicated via its overall BAGI score of 80.0. Generally, the outcomes of the AGREE and GAPI pictograms indicate that the HPLC-DAD has a greenness feature, despite its moderate sensitivity.

Development and validation of QuEChERS-HPLC method for simultaneous analysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and p-cresol in brewery spent grain's hydrolysate

Developing efficient methods to analyze inhibitors resulting from the breakdown of the lignocellulosic matrix in brewery spent grain is crucial for selecting optimal pretreatment strategies and monitoring these compounds during biodigestion processes. However, to date, these determinations have been based on separate methodologies that have not been subjected to the analytical validation stage. This study optimized QuEChERS extraction methods combined with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), furfural, and p-cresol, simultaneously, in the semisolid and liquid fraction of the BSG hydrolysate. The analytical methods were validated by AOAC and INMETRO guidelines. All analytes showed good linearity, with correlation coefficients (R2) greater than 0.97, and low limits of quantification. Recoveries at low, medium, and high levels were 94-116 %, repeatability was 0.6-6.8 %, and intermediate precision was 0.5-7.6 %. The method proved efficient when applied to a set of seven samples. It will contribute to monitoring inhibitory compounds present in biodigestion systems even at low concentrations, which is currently a challenge.

Green extraction using natural deep eutectic solvents for determination of As, Cd, and Pb in plant and food matrices by ICP-MS

In this study, extraction methods using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were proposed for the determination of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in plant and food matrices. NADES are green and sustainable solvents with advantageous chemical properties for such applications. The NADES were prepared with different components, characterized, and applied in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods. Experimental variables including temperature, extraction time, and sample-solvent ratio, were investigated using experimental designs to establish the optimal extraction conditions before analysis by ICP-MS. For the MAE method, the optimal conditions were extraction temperature of 100 °C, extraction time of 40 min, and SSR of 40:1 m v-1, resulting in recoveries of up to 84 %. For the UAE method, the optimal conditions were 40 °C, 40 min, and sample-solvent ratio (SSR) of 30:1 m v-1, with recoveries ranging from 96 % to 109 %, all with relative standard deviations less than 11 %. The proposed methods provided low detection limits (mg kg-1), with values of <0.0160 for As, <0.0030 for Cd, and < 0.0090 for Pb for UAE and MAE. The methods were considered green, achieving scores of 0.54 (MAE) and 0.45 (UAE) on the analytical greenness metric for sample preparation. The use of NADES as efficient extractants, combined with multivariate optimization, resulted in optimal experimental conditions, good analytical performance, and enhanced sustainability. The proposed method is a promising approach for applications in food safety and public health studies.

Direct, rapid, non-destructive and 'white' multielemental toxicological analysis of hazardous elements with health risk assessment in candies and wrappers from Polish flea markets using portable XRF spectroscopy

Elemental analysis of solid candy and wrapper samples from Polish flea markets was conducted using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), a fast, cost-effective, and non-destructive technique. Hazardous elements were detected in candies, including Ni (5.20 ± 0.56 μg/g), Fe (17.28 ± 1.03 μg/g), Ba (41.23 ± 7.10 μg/g), Cr (9.63 ± 2.30 μg/g), Cd (0.56 ± 0.33 μg/g), and Cu (7.30 ± 1.15 μg/g), while wrappers contained high levels of Ti (13073.31 ± 106.80 μg/g), Sb (158.29 ± 5.28 μg/g), and Ba (2081.01 ± 36.42 μg/g). Health risk assessments showed Ni and Cd exceeding acceptable limits, posing risks for children consuming three candies daily. Non-carcinogenic risks from Ba and Cd also surpassed provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. Minimal migration between wrappers and candies was observed, but extreme conditions may increase contamination. The study highlights the need for stricter food safety regulations and adoption of pXRF for rapid, non-invasive detection of hazardous elements.

Extraction of phenolic acids and tetramethylpyrazine in Shanxi aged vinegar base on vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction-hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent: COSMO-RS calculations and ANN-GA optimization

In this study, vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-LLME) based on hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) was used to efficiently and sustainably extract five phenolic acids and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) from Shanxi aged vinegar (SAV). The VA-LLME technique was employed to investigate the extraction mechanism of HDES with the best extraction performance for the target compounds using a conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS). An artificial neural network combined with a genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) was developed to optimize the extraction conditions based on single-factor and response surface methodology, while also analyzing the interactive effects on the phenolic acids and TMP in the extracted solution during the extraction phase. The optimized conditions were determined, and the greenness of the procedure was evaluated using an analytical greenness metric, indicating that this technique can serve as a green alternative for the determination of phenolic acids and TMP in SAV.

Enhancing the practicality along with greenness sustainability of a high throughput HPLC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of amlodipine, perindopril, and its active metabolite perindoprilat in human plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of amlodipine and perindopril combination therapy in decreasing blood pressure and improving outcomes for high-risk patients. In order to assess the pharmacokinetics of the 2 drugs along with perindoprilat; the active metabolite of perindopril, a simultaneous LC-MS/MS quantification method of amlodipine (AML), perindopril (PER) and perindoprilat (LAT) in human plasma has been developed and validated using amlodipine D4, perindopril D4 and perindoprilat D4 as internal standards (ISs), respectively. A simple and fast protein precipitation method was used to analyze the three analytes from K3EDTA human plasma. The chromatographic separation included the use of a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) and 0.2 % aqueous formic acid (60:40, v/v) as a mobile phase pumped onto a Zorbax® SB-AQ C18 column. Detection was carried out using a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode. This method exhibited great sensitivity (LLOQ of 0.2 ng/mL for AML and PER and 0.4 ng/mL for LAT), linearity, accuracy (ranging from 97.64 % to 110.28 %), precision (ranging from 2.54 % to 7.60 %), and stability. The method showed good linearity over the range of (0.2-10 ng/mL) for AML, (0.2-160 ng/mL) for PER and (0.4-80 ng/mL) for LAT. The average extraction recoveries of AML, PER and LAT samples were between 81.92 % and 85.07 %. Total elution time was as low as 3 min only. In addition, to ensure the practicality of the developed method, BAGI tool was applied, and the current method has achieved the highest score among the compared methods. Moreover, the sustainability of the proposed method was evaluated using AGREE tool and RGB 12 paradigm showing remarkable sustainability. The developed method is fast, accurate, sensitive, reproducible, ecofriendly, sustainable and suitable for the determination of the concentration of the cited analytes in human plasma. Moreover, it was applied for the bioequivalence study of a generic product to the innovator.

Ecofriendly spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous determination of remdesivir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as co administered drugs in corona virus treatment

Remdesivir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride are among the most frequently co-administered drugs used for COVID-19 treatment. The current work aims to evaluate green spectrophotometric methodologies for estimating remdesivir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride in different matrices for the first time. The proposed approaches were absorbance subtraction, extended ratio subtraction and amplitude modulation methods. In order to determine the absorbance of the investigated medications in combination at the isoabsorptive point, the pure moxifloxacin hydrochloride absorbance factor is applied using the absorbance subtraction method, which modifies the zero absorption spectra of the drugs under investigation at the isoabsorptive point (229 nm). The spectrum of moxifloxacin hydrochloride is more extended in the plateau area between 340 and 400 nm, where remdesivir exhibits no absorption. So, also, the ratio spectra were successfully manipulated for quantification of the two drugs. Regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of remdesivir (Cmax 4420 ng/mL) and moxifloxacin hydrochloride (Cmax 3.56 µg/mL), the proposed methods were effectively used to spectrophotometrically determine remdesivir and moxifloxacin hydrochloride in plasma matrix. The new approach was validated using the ICH guidelines for specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The greenness of the reported methodologies was evaluated using two metrics: the analytical eco-scale and the green analytical procedure index.

A simple, cost-efficient stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of embelin and piperine for routine analysis of marketed polyherbal capsules and tablets

Embelin (EMB) and Piperine (PIP) alkaloids are reported for -antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. However, simultaneous analytical methods are scarce. A stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed with mobile phase MeOH: 0.1%TEA (pH 4.2 adjusted by OPA) (92:08 v/v ratio), CHEMSIL-ODS, C18 (4.6 × 250mm, 5 µm) column, and 1.2 mL/min -flowrate. Retention times were 3.2, and 6.2 min for PIP and EMB respectively, at 289 nm, and validated as per Q2 (R1) ICH guidelines. Linearity ranging (2-10 µg/mL), with regression coefficients (r2), LOD, and LOQ for PIP were r2 = 0.9979, 0.793 µg/mL, 2.403 µg/mL, and r2 = 0.9974, 0.851 µg/mL, 2.578 µg/mL for EMB. Developed method precision, robustness, and ruggedness were confirmed by <2%RSD. In tablet and capsule formulations, PIP %purity was 90.36%, 94.33%, and EMB 91.65, 92.85%. Additionally, forced-degradation studies -indicated method stability through various stressed conditions. Hence, this -validated method is specific, precise, linear, accurate, and robust, -suitable for routine analysis of EMB and PIP in polyherbal -formulations containing Embelia ribes Brum. and Piper nigrum Linn. extracts.

Eco-sustainable chromatographic method for the determination of favipiravir and nitazoxanide for COVID-19: application to human plasma

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an extremely contagious illness, has posed enormous challenges to healthcare systems around the world. Although the evidence on COVID-19 management is growing, antiviral medication is still the first line of treatment. Therefore, it is critical that effective, safe, and tolerable antivirals be available to treat early COVID-19 and stop its progression. Recently, favipiravir (FAV) has received FDA approval as safe and effective antiviral medication for COVID-19 management. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) also possesses antiviral and immunomodulating activities. Moreover, FAV and NTZ in combination are clinically used in COVID-19 treatment with reported safety, synergistic antiviral and immunomodulating effects. Despite the availability of various clinical studies on both FAV and NTZ, no existing analytical application for the simultaneous estimation of FAV and NTZ exists. As a result, the current work goal is to establish a green HPLC method for their analysis and implementation to human plasma. The developed method utilizes isocratic elution with 0.1% aqueous formic acid: ethanol (55:45, v/v) and dantrolene as internal standard. The bioanalytical validation parameters passed the FDA acceptance criteria. NEMI, eco scale, AGREE and ComplexGAPI approaches were used for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the method's greenness.

Retention behavior of Hg2+, MeHg+, thimerosal and phenylmercuric acetate on a C18 RP-HPLC column

Humans are exposed to potentially toxic mercuric mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg+) by the ingestion of food, to the bactericidal vaccine additive thimerosal (THI), and/or to the antifungal compound phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) which is used in some lens cleaning ophthalmic fluids. While numerous HPLC methods have been developed to separate Hg2+ and MeHg+ in environmental samples (e.g. food, surface waters), comparatively few have been reported for THI and PMA, in part owing to their increased hydrophobicity. We investigated the retention behavior of Hg2+, MeHg+, THI and PMA on a reversed-phase (RP) HPLC column using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) as a Hg-specific detector. Mobile phases comprised of 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with acetonitrile (ACN) concentrations of 30-50 % (v:v) produced single Hg-peaks, which eluted in the order THI, Hg2+, MeHg+ and PMA. With the 50 % ACN mobile phase, all mercurials eluted within 5 min. While the utilization of a FAAS precludes the analysis of environmental waters with the developed RP-HPLC-FAAS method, the latter is useful to probe the stability of THI and PMA in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of salt (100 mM in blood plasma) and l-cysteine (0.5 mM in hepatocyte cytosol), which is important as both mercurials have been recently shown to effectively inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, though the actual inhibitory Hg-species is unknown.

Green extraction of prostaglandin analogs in cosmetics using deep eutectic solvents and detection via LC-MS/MS

Prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, etc.) have similar effects to prostaglandins and are effective drugs for treating glaucoma. These compounds exhibit abnormal reactions such as causing eyelash growth, with several cases being reported of people purchasing them to increase eyelash growth; however, some cases have reported side effects such as pigmentation and dry eyes. In the Republic of Korea, cosmetics are not medicines for treating diseases; therefore, cosmetics cannot contain drugs or have labels that could mislead people. However, there are cases in which products claim to elongate and enrich eyelashes. Concerns about the abnormal reactions of these products are constantly growing, and the absence of analytical methods for illicit compounds (prostaglandins and their analogs) in cosmetics (eyelash growth serums) renders monitoring challenging. Accordingly, in this study, we sought to develop an LC-MS/MS method for facile and fast analysis of compounds illegally mixed into eyelash growth serums. Green analytical chemistry has recently emerged because of environmental concerns. In line with this trend, we developed an optimal method by comparing the methods mainly used in cosmetic pretreatment (solvent extraction, QuEChERS, and solid phase extraction) with a method using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which is an eco-friendly solvent. As a result of validation according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, the limit of detection was 0.20-9.34 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification was 0.60-28.31 ng/mL. Recovery, linearity, precision, and accuracy were within acceptable ranges. Additionally, using the Analytical GREEnness calculator and complex green analytical procedure index tools, we confirmed that the method using the DES was greener than the other methods. In this study, we developed an analytical method for illicit compounds contained in eyelash growth serums, offering an eco-friendly approach for the prevention of the distribution of illegal cosmetics.

Norfloxacin Fluorescent Probe for the Assessment of Cefepime in Biological Fluids and Pharmaceutical Formulation; Investigation of the Greenness and Blueness Characteristics

In the present study, a norfloxacin (NFX) fluorescent probe was tailored for the spectrofluorometric measurement of cefepime (CFP). The proposed approach measured the quenching effect of CFP on the fluorescence intensity of NFX in acetate buffer solution. The obtained results show that CFP strongly quenches the fluorescence of NFX in a static mechanism. Under the optimal conditions, plotting the fluorescence quenching values (∆F) against CFP concentrations resulted in two ranges varying from 0.8 to 28 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9979) and from 40 to 92 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9929). Furthermore, the limits of quantification and detection were 2.0526 and 0.6773 μg/mL, respectively. In terms of intra- and inter-day recorded precisions (n = 5), the % RSD ranged between 0.31% and 0.6% and 0.55% and 1.02%, respectively. Additionally, practicality/applicability and the green feature of the new method were considered by BAGI and AGREE automated approaches. The new spectrofluorometric approach was positively applied for the quantification of CFP in injection powder and spiked biological fluids, including spiked human urine and plasma samples. According to previously published fluorescence methods, the present method is considered the first fluorescence one for the assay of CFP in human biological fluids with accurate and precise results.

Assessing Antiparasitic Compounds Persistence in Cattle Hair by DART-MS

This study introduces an alternative strategy for evaluating antiparasitic persistence compounds in cattle hair by Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS). The developed DART-MS method aimed to determine fenthion, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin in cattle hair samples. DART-MS analyses were performed in positive ion mode, and parameters related to the DART source were evaluated. The analytical performance demonstrated the efficiency of the optimized DART-MS method for fenthion, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin quantification in the evaluated samples, meeting criteria for precision, accuracy and limits of detection. Overall, the DART-MS method provided a fast and efficient analysis for determination of antiparasitic agents in cattle hair, which contributes to the evaluation of drug administration protocols and dosage intervals, and aids the safety and advancement of the livestock sector.

Relevant insights and concepts overlooked throughout the development of flow analysis. A tutorial

The conceptual expansion, fast development, and general acceptance of flow analysis are consequence of its adherence to the principles of green and white analytical chemistry, and chemical derivatization plays an essential role in this context. Through the flow analysis development, however, some of its potentialities and limitations have been overlooked. This is more evident when the involved modifications in flow rates, timing and/or manifold architecture deteriorate the analytical signals. These aspects have not always been systematically investigated, and are addressed here in relation to flow analyzers with UV-Vis spectrophotometric detection. Novel strategies for solution handling, guidance for dealing with the aforementioned analytical signal deterioration, and an alternative possibility for exploiting differential aspiration are presented. The concept of blank reagent carrier stream is proposed.

On the greenness of separation modes containing compressed fluids

BACKGROUND

In the past three decades, liquid chromatography (LC) has been recognized as a significant environmental, health, and safety burden due to its heavy reliance on toxic organic solvents. Various chromatographic modes are in vogue today for complex analyses, such as sub/supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and enhanced fluidity liquid chromatography (EFLC). These modes are often advertised as "universally green" compared to the traditional allliquid reversed (RPLC) and normal phases (NPLC). Quantitative greenness evaluations must be done to validate or invalidate this assumption and allow separation scientists to make educated choices when deciding on what mode to use.

RESULTS

In this work, we modify the Analytical Method Greenness Score (AMGS) to include the cycle time of the instrument, and with the help of the first-order optimality condition (by setting the AMGS gradient = 0), we show that SFC and EFLC are not always the greenest option as they are often thought to be. Most of the greenness metrics have ignored the cycle time of instruments, yet this key component changes the entire AMGS response to flow rate. The complex case of separating tobacco alkaloid enantiomers (nicotine, nornicotine, anabasine, and anatabine) was selected as an illustrative example for comparing and contrasting separation modes using the modified greenness metric. These enantiomers have been selected due to their notorious difficulty in separation over the past 30 years. Using this family of molecules, four unique retention patterns were observed covering a wide variety of retention phenomena seen in small molecule enantioseparations.

SIGNIFICANCE

The modified AMGS metric will assist practicing analytical chemists in assessing the environmental impact of their separation methods from a single run in a given chromatographic mode. The proposed methodology identifies the minimum AMGS score corresponding to the greenest separation for routine chemical analysis.

AQbD-enhanced green RP-UPLC-PDA methodology for quantification and forced degradation studies for omeprazole, amoxicillin, and rifabutin

The ternary combination like omeprazole (OMP), amoxicillin (AMX), and rifabutin (RFB) was approved by the FDA in November 2019 for combating Helicobacter pylori infections and ulcers caused by this infection. This study aims to develop and authenticate a robust and eco-friendly RP-UPLC technique aimed at the concurrent analysis of OMP, AMX, and RFB, following ICH guidelines, Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD), and green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles. The analysis used the Thermo C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm), ethanol, and formic acid solution (43:57) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min at 272 nm. The method was developed based on the ICH Q14 and validated according to ICH Q2(R1) followed by Forced degradation studies under various conditions. The method showed good linearity for OMP, AMX, and RFB, with coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.9995, 0.9993, and 0.9997, respectively. Precision studies indicated low %RSD values, confirming high reproducibility. Forced degradation studies confirmed the stability of the drugs for 30 min in acid, base, and redox reactions, and they were also stable for 6 h at 105 °C in dry conditions. GAPI assessment depicted a green and yellow pictogram, AGREE scored 0.85, BAGI scored 80, and RGB12 Whiteness Assessment Tool scored 97.5%. The developed RP-UPLC-PDA technique is robust and reliable for the concurrent quantification of the triple combination. It aligns with sustainability goals, enhancing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of pharmaceutical analysis, and setting a benchmark for future analytical methods.

Chromatographic assay of recently approved co-formulation of Vonoprazan fumarate with low dose Aspirin: AGREE, Complex MoGAPI, and RGB 12-model assessments

Two simple, valid and green chromatographic based techniques are developed in the present work for first time to simultaneously analyze the recently approved combination of Aspirin (ASP) with the novel gastro-protective agent Vonoprazan (VON). First method is an HPLC-DAD "diode array detection", where separation was successful using C18 (250 × 4.6 mm) column with isocratic elution of phosphate buffer-pH 6.8 and acetonitrile in ratio of 63:37 with detection at 230 nm. Second method is an HPTLC method on HPTLC silica plates using ethyl acetate: ethanol (75%): ammonia (5:5:0.05 v/v) mobile phase followed by densitometric scanning at 230 nm. The methods were applied successfully for analysis of VON and ASP mixture in laboratory-prepared tablets and the methods were validated in regards to linearity, precision, accuracy and selectivity. The proposed methods are assessed for their greenness and whiteness as well using the "Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach", "Complementary Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index" and the new algorithm "RGB 12 model" (Red-Green-Blue) and proved the greenness and the sustainability of the methods in the routine assay of the newly marketed formulation.

Melt-blown polypropylene nonwoven as an efficient and eco-economic sorbent for pipette tip micro-solid phase extraction for the determination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors

BACKGROUND

The detection of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in biological fluids is essential due to their critical role in cancer therapy and the variability in individual drug metabolism, which necessitates precise dosing. Traditional methods for analyzing TKIs in biological fluids, such as blood plasma, typically involve complex sample preparation techniques that can be resource-intensive, environmentally burdensome, and not sufficiently sensitive for low-concentration analytes. There is a pressing need for more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly methods that can enhance sensitivity and throughput without compromising accuracy.

RESULTS

This study explores the use of melt-blown polypropylene nonwoven (MBPP), commonly found in face masks, as a novel sorbent for pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction (PT-μSPE). MBPP demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and significant mesoporous adsorption capacity. An extraction device was fashioned by inserting a segment of MBPP (15 mg) into a 200 μL disposable plastic pipette tip, which was then attached to a 2.5 mL disposable plastic syringe. The MBPP's fabric form removes the need for a frit, allowing the extraction process to be completed in just 3 min through simple plunger manipulation. The method achieved extraction recoveries ranging from 60.5 % to nearly 100 %. Subsequent method validation using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) showed satisfactory linearity (coefficient of determination R2 > 0.993), accuracy (relative recoveries: 86.3%-114.8 %), and precision (relative standard deviation: 3.4%-11.3 %), with detection limits between 0.022 and 0.135 ng mL-1.

SIGNIFICANCE

The introduction of MBPP for PT-μSPE represents a significant advancement in the bioanalytical detection of TKIs, offering a highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable method. It compares favorably with existing techniques, offering advantages in terms of cost, environmental impact, and ease of use. This approach has the potential to be widely adopted for routine monitoring of TKIs in clinical settings.

Convenient analysis of sartan adulteration in herbal oral liquids using cotton fiber-supported liquid extraction and with high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection

This research introduces a novel approach for detecting sartan antihypertensive drug adulteration in herbal oral liquids using cotton fiber-supported liquid extraction (CF-SLE) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Optimal extraction parameters were determined through systematic method development, establishing a sample solution with a pH of 3.0, using 200 mg of cotton fiber, ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent, and a solvent volume of 4 mL. These conditions demonstrated robust extraction efficiency and were further validated for precision and accuracy, with intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations consistently below 7.5 % and relative recoveries ranging from 88.5 % to 106.1 %. The method exhibited excellent linearity for sartans, with R² values greater than 0.993 across a concentration range of 10-2000 ng/mL. Detection limits were effectively established in the range of 2.6-3.1 ng/mL, indicating that the method's sensitivity is adequate for the intended screening purposes. This validated method was then applied to real sample analysis, confirming its potential for routine use in detecting illegal additives within complex herbal matrices, thereby ensuring consumer safety and supporting regulatory compliance.

Eco-Friendly Synchronous Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Imipenem, Cilastatin, and Relebactam; Application to Market Formulations and Biological Fluids; Greenness Assessment

The proposed study introduces a rapid, sensitive, and simple synchronous spectrofluorimetric technique for simultaneous quantification of relebactam, cilastatin, and imipenem in marketed pharmaceutical forms and biological fluids. Using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy at Δ λ = 110 nm, cilastatin was detected at 360 nm. Fourier Self-Deconvolution was subsequently applied to the spectrum to estimate relebactam and imipenem at 430 nm and 470 nm, respectively after detection of cilastatin at 360 nm ensuring no cross-interference. The pH was adjusted to 8.0 using 2.0 mL of alkaline borate buffer. This approach allowed for the precise quantification of relebactam, cilastatin, and imipenem through ranges of 50-400 ng mL- 1, 20-500 ng mL- 1, and 50-500 ng mL- 1 respectively. The lower detection and quantitation limits were 9.9 and 29.7 ng mL- 1 for REL, 4.5 and 13.6 ng mL- 1 for CIL and 5.5 and 16.5 ng mL- 1 for IMP. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of studied drugs in their pharmaceutical formulations with a high degree of accuracy and without interference from common excipients. This approach allowed for the precise quantification of relebactam, cilastatin, and imipenem through ranges of 50-400 ng mL- 1, 20-500 ng mL- 1, and 50-500 ng mL- 1, respectively. The proposed method was rigorously validated according to ICH guidelines. Furthermore, the method's environmental impact was assessed using Eco-scale and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) techniques.

Bio-inspired one-pot synthesis of luminescent silver nanoparticles and its significant utility as a fluorescence nano sensor for analysis of two adjunctive COVID-19 drugs

This study reveals one-step green synthesis of plant inspired silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The synthesis procedure relies on the bio-reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 using orange waste (orange peel) extract as cheap, readily available, sustainable, biocompatible feedstocks as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The prepared Ag-NPs passed through a full characterization procedure for better confirmation and elucidation of optical and structural properties. The fluorescence of the prepared Ag-NPs has a quantum yield of 17.15% enabling its potential use in chemical sensing of drugs. Ag-NPs are conceived to be used as a fluorescent nano sensor for sensitive, ecofriendly, rapid spectrofluorimetric determination of two recent direct oral anticoagulants, namely, rivaroxaban (RIV) and edoxaban tosylate monohydrate (EDT); COVID-19 adjunctive drugs in their raw materials and pharmaceutical tablets. The fluorescence of the prepared Ag-NPs at 333 nm( λ ex = 258 nm ) was found to be substantially quenched in existence of increasing concentrations of each drug. The quenching mechanisms were studied and explained. The validation of the method revealed linear correlation over the ranges of 0.5-10 µg/ml with an excellent regression correlation (r = 0.9999) for both drugs with minimum detection limits of 0.14 and 0.16 µg/ml for rivaroxaban and edoxaban tosylate monohydrate, correspondingly. Three different metrics were employed for verifying the greenness profile of the presented study. The findings of the greenness assessment were congruent and compatible with the green synthesis procedure, ecofriendly analysis, and the exclusion of using organic solvents and noxious materials opening an avenue for green synthesis of nanoparticles instead of chemical and physical methods.

Evaluating the Greenness of Wine Analytical Chemistry: A New Metric Approach

While the wine industry has already adopted some sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, special attention should be paid to the greenness of the analytical methodologies used. In this study, a new tool called "Green Wine Analytical Procedure Evaluation" (GWAPE) was developed to fulfill these "green" requirements. This framework offers a structured approach to evaluating the environmental impact of wine analysis processes, covering all the analytical steps from sample collection to the final results. GWAPE provides quantitative information, uses schematic representations, assigns varying levels of importance to green chemistry principles, and conducts detailed evaluations of hazard structures. Since wine analytical methods typically involve fewer highly hazardous reagents, certain criteria previously applied in green analytical chemistry should be integrated or omitted. In summary, GWAPE offers a customized and precise solution to help the laboratories of enology and the wineries assess their analytical methodologies' environmental impact. As an example of application, the proposed metric was used to evaluate the greenness of three different standard analytical methodologies to determine sugars in wine, showing good discrimination ability.

Green analytical chemistry metrics for evaluating the greenness of analytical procedures

Green analytical chemistry (GAC) focuses on mitigating the adverse effects of analytical activities on human safety, human health, and environment. In addition to the 12 principles of GAC, proper GAC tools should be developed and employed to assess the greenness of different analytical assays. The 15 widely used GAC metrics, i.e., national environmental methods index (NEMI), advanced NEMI, assessment of green profile (AGP), chloroform-oriented toxicity estimation scale (ChlorTox Scale), Analytical Eco-Scale, Green Certificate Modified Eco-Scale, analytical method greenness score (AMGS), green analytical procedure index (GAPI), ComplexGAPI, red-green-blue (RGB) additive color model, RGB 12 algorithm, analytical greenness calculator (AGREE), AGREE preparation (AGREEprep), HEXAGON, and blue applicability grade index (BAGI), are selected as the typical tools. This article comprehensively presents and elucidates the principles, characteristics, merits, and demerits of 15 widely used GAC tools. This review is helpful for researchers to use the current GAC metrics to assess the environmental sustainability of analytical assays.

Development of an ultra-sensitive laser stimulated fluorescence system for simultaneous detection of amino acids

An ultra-sensitive, high-performance liquid chromatography-based laser-stimulated fluorescence detection system was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection of 20 derivatized amino acids. Dansyl chloride was used as a derivatizing agent, and key derivatization parameters, such as reaction time and temperature, were optimized to enhance sensitivity and reproducibility. The majority of amino acids showed a relative standard deviation of less than 5%, indicating the reliability of the approach. The method demonstrated excellent sensitivity for all 20 amino acids, with detection limits ranging from 4.32 to 85.34 femtomoles. It also exhibited good linearity, with regression (R 2) values greater than 0.98 for the amino acids. The system's performance was tested on human serum, and the eluted amino acids were identified. This method has great potential for analyzing amino acids in various body fluids and can be used in various clinical applications. It is ultra-sensitive, reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective, offering a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing amino acid-related disorders.

Promoting the sensitive detection of ethamsylate via a colorimetric sensing platform based on the enhanced oxidase-mimicking activity of ultrathin MnO2 nanosheets

In this work, we present a novel colorimetric sensing platform for the sensitive detection of ethamsylate (ETM) usingultrathin MnO2 nanosheets with enhancedoxidase-mimicking activity. A facile template-free hydrothermal process was applied to synthesize the MnO2 nanosheets under mild conditions. The nanosheets exhibited oxidase-mimicking activity, facilitating the conversion of TMB into the blue-colored oxTMB in the absence of H2O2. However, the presence of ETM inhibited this activity, resulting in the conversion of oxTMB back to colorless TMB and a substantial decrease in the blue color intensity. The colorimetric response exhibited a linear relationship with ETM concentration over the range of 0.5 to 10.0 µg/mL and a detection limit of 0.156 µg/mL. To further elucidate the underlying mechanism, we performed extensive characterization and kinetic experiments. The findings demonstrated that this unique property is attributed to the remarkable capacity of the MnO2 nanosheets to absorb oxygen, producing superoxide radicals (O2-). The oxidase-mimicking activity of the nanosheets was further confirmed by the reaction kinetics, following Michaelis-Menten's behavior. Moreover, the applicability of the sensing platform was assessed by determining ETM concentrations in various real samples (different pharmaceuticals, human plasma, and environmental water). The well-established platform demonstrates the prospective role that nanomaterials-based sensing platforms may play in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical analysis, and other relevant fields.

A technique based on infrared spectroscopy for determining sulfanilamide levels sustainably: Progress and comparisons of greenness and whiteness using ComplexGAPI, AGREE, and RGB

The study aimed to determine the potential of the infrared (IR) spectrophotometric technique for measuring the content of sulphanilamide with the sulfonamide group. The study aimed to obtain the IR spectra of sulfanilamide and use the -SO2 band at 1114.37 for the quantitative assay, determining its area under the curve (AUC). The study gives an alternative approach to existing analytical techniques that require vast amounts of organic solvents, which are costly and can be toxic, thus impacting the environment and increasing the analysis cost. The study evaluated the method's whiteness and greenness by utilizing the Complex green analytical procedure index, analytical GREEness calculator and Red Green Blue algorithm tool. The linierity was found to be 5 to 30 µg/ml. The present study has developed an infrared (IR) spectroscopic method that employs a straightforward sample preparation technique in methanol. The IR spectroscopic method's linearity range was determined to be 5-30 µg/ml. The p-value was 0.001 at 95 % confidence level assuring better recovery. This method is evaluated according to the Q2R1 ICH guideline. It is applicable to routine quality control analysis without pre-extraction using green IR spectroscopy. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that IR spectrophotometric techniques can quantify sulfanilamide while reducing the use of organic solvents, contributing to the green-and-white analytical chemistry approach. The developed methods are reliable, accurate, and cost-effective and have the potential to be implemented in routine analysis of sulfanilamide.

Green and recyclable catalyst based on chitosan/CuFe2O4 nanocomposite hydrogel for one-step synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles

The scope of the heterogeneous catalysts has been greatly expanded in last few decades by the development of various catalysts. In this work a new chitosan-based nanocomposite hydrogel (CS/CuFe2O4 NCH) was synthesized as a high-performance heterogeneous catalyst and then, it was utilized for the green synthesis of substituted 1,2,3-triazoles by a multi-component (azide-alkyne-epoxide) cycloaddition reaction. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogel was investigated by using various instrumental analyses, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, HRTEM, DLS, and TGA. The structure of one of the substituted 1,2,3-triazoles was studied by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The nanocomposite hydrogel can be easily regenerate after the catalytic reaction. It can be reused frequently without considerable loss of activity. The high catalytic activity, straightforward reaction, easy recyclability, short reaction time, use of a green solvent, and the simple separation of catalyst are the main advantage of the current method, which offers both financial and environmental benefits.

One-Pot Synthesis of Sustainable Fluorescent Nanomaterials via Microwave Irradiation as a Probe for the Determination of Metformin in Pure and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Greenness and Whiteness Metrics

A rapid, green and sensitive technique for the determination of metformin determination was developed based on the direct fluorescence enhancement of carbon dots (CDs) induced by the cited drug. The water-soluble CDs were prepared via a one-pot synthesis from avocado peels using domestic microwave. The prepared CDs exhibited strong fluorescence at 405 nm after excitation at 320 nm with a quantum yield of 51%. The fluorescence of CDs was enhanced linearly by increasing the concentration of metformin within the range 0.5-25 μg/mL with limit of detection 0.087 μg/mL and limit of quantification 0.263 μg/mL. The designed probe was proved to be selective toward metformin in the presence of other drugs such as vildagliptin and alogliptin and also in the presence of excipients in the pharmaceutical dosage form. The suggested and reported methods were compared with the help of the whiteness and greenness tools, specifically the white analytical chemistry and analytical greenness metric tools, for assessing hazardous solvents and reagents used.

Preparation of a New Hexafluorobutanol-Farnesol Based Supramolecular Solvent and Its Application in Microextraction of Sudan Dyes From Beverage and Water Samples

In this work, a new supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) was prepared for the first time using hexafluorobutanol (HFB) and farnesol (FO). FO acts as an amphiphile and HFB as a coacervation inducer and density regulator. The method of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography, supported by a vortex technique, was established using the prepared SUPRAS for the determination of Sudan dyes in aqueous samples. The extraction parameters, including FO content, HFB content, vortex time, salt addition, and solution pH, were thoroughly investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the linearity range is 10-750 ng/mL for Sudan I, and 10-1000 ng/mL for Sudan III and Sudan IV, respectively. The limits of detection for Sudan dyes were in the range of 0.8-3.1 ng/mL. The inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations for Sudan dyes were in the range of 1.3%-4.1% and 0.2%-2.6%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the determination of Sudan dyes in beverage and river water samples with recoveries ranging from 93.9% to 122.1%. Compared to conventional techniques for the extraction of Sudan dyes in real samples, the proposed method is simpler, faster, and more environmentally friendly.

All-in-one 2LabsToGo system for analysis of ergot alkaloids in whole rye

Ergot alkaloids, naturally occurring mycotoxins of Claviceps fungi, pose health risks. This necessitates accurate analysis methods to ensure food safety. This study explored the open-source miniaturized all-in-one 2LabsToGo system to analyze ergot alkaloids in whole rye samples. It is suited for sustainable atline analysis as it combines all planar chromatography tasks, allowing low-cost quality control in milling plants. The LOD and LOQ of ergocristine were determined to be 0.4 and 1.2 ng/zone, respectively. Detectability of ergot alkaloids was proven to be below the current maximum limit of 500 µg/kg for rye milling products. The repeatability (%RSD) was 4.1 % and the coefficient of determination of the analytical response (R2) was 0.9918 for ergocristine. The mean recovery rate of ergot alkaloids in spiked whole rye grain was close to 100 %. Results of screening whole rye for ergot alkaloids were successfully verified by comparison with those obtained by conventional status quo HPTLC instrumentation.

Intelligent spectrophotometric resolution platforms for the challenging spectra of ipratropium and fenoterol in their combination inhaler with ecological friendliness assessment

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common diagnoses for adults and children with respiratory tract inflammation. Recently, a novel fixed dose combination consisting of Ipratropium and Fenoterol has been released for the management and control of the symptoms of such disorders. The current research has newly developed and optimized three smart, accurate, simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly spectrophotometric methods that enabled the simultaneous determination of the drugs under study in their combined inhaler dosage form, without the need for any previous separation steps, using water as a green solvent. The strategy employed was based on calculating one or two factors as a numerical spectrum or constant, which provided the complete removal of any component in the mixture that might overlap and the mathematical filtration of the targeted analyte. The methods developed could be classified into two types of spectrophotometric windows. Window I; involved absorption spectrum in their original zero-order forms (°D), which included recently designed methods named induced concentration subtraction (ICS) and induced dual wavelength (IDW). While window III focused on the ratio spectrum as the induced amplitude modulation (IAM) method. The extremely low absorptivity and lack of distinct absorption maximum in the zero-order absorption spectrum of Ipratropium were two intrinsic challenges that were better overcome by the proposed spectrophotometric methods than by the conventionally used ones. According to ICH guidelines, the proposed methods were validated using unified regression over range 2.0-40.0 µg/mL in the ICS method, while the linearity ranges for the IDW and IAM methods were 5.0-40.0 µg/mL of Ipratropium and 2.0-40.0 µg/mL of Fenoterol. Moreover, the three proposed methods were effectively used to assay the co-formulated marketed inhaler and further expanded to confirm the delivered dose uniformity in compliance with the USP guidelines. Finally, the established methods were evaluated for their greenness and blueness, in comparison to the official and reported analysis methods, using advanced cutting edge software metrics. Furthermore, the suggested techniques adhered well to the white analytical chemistry postulates that were recently published.

Current green capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography methods for analysis of pharmaceutical and biomedical samples (2019-2023) - A review

Separation analytical methods, including liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), in combination with an appropriate detection technique, are dominant and powerful approaches preferred in the analysis of pharmaceutical and biomedical samples. Recent trends in analytical methods are focused on activities that push them to the field of greenness and sustainability. New approaches based on the implementation of greener solvents, non-hazardous chemicals, and reagents have grown exponentially. Similarly, recent trends are pushed in to the strategies based on miniaturization, reduction of wastes, avoiding derivatization procedures, or reduction of energy consumption. However, the real greenness of the analytical method can be evaluated only according to an objective and sufficient metric offering complex results taking into account all twelve rules of green analytical chemistry (SIGNIFICANCE mnemonic system). This review provides an extensive overview of papers published in the area of development of green LC and CE methods in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis over the last 5 years (2019-2023). The main focus is situated on the metrics used for greenness evaluation of the methods applied for the determination of bioactive agents. It critically evaluates and compares the demands of the real applicability of the methods in quality control and clinical environment with the requirements of the green analytical chemistry (GAC). Greenness and practicality of the summarized methods are re-evaluated or newly evaluated with the use of the dominant metrics tools, i.e., Analytical GREEnness (AGREE), Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), and Sample Preparation Metric of Sustainability (SPMS). Moreover, general conclusions and future perspectives of the greening procedures and greenness evaluation metrics systems are presented. This paper should provide comprehensive information to analytical chemists, biochemists, and it can also represent a valuable source of information for clinicians, biomedical or quality control laboratories interested in development of analytical methods based on greenness, practicality, and sustainability.

Eco-friendly cobalt-doped carbon quantum dots for spectrofluorometric determination of pregabalin in pharmaceutical capsules

The misuse of pregabalin has become a significant issue over the last decade. Consequently, there is a growing demand for a sensitive and selective method for its determination. In this study, an eco-friendly cobalt-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been fabricated and applied as nanoprobes for the fluorometric determination of pregabalin. The CQDs were synthesized through mixed doping with non-metallic atoms such as nitrogen and sulfur, and a metal ion, cobaltous ion, via a microwave-assisted method in just 1.5 min. The synthesized Co-NS-CQDs exhibited advantageous characteristics, including rapid response times, compatibility with various pH levels, exceptional detection limits, high sensitivity, and excellent selectivity. The Co-NS-CQDs exhibited a high quantum yield (55 %) relative to NS-CQDs (38 %), with blue emissive light at 438 nm. The assessment of pregabalin was based on its enhancement effect on the native fluorescence intensity of CQDs. The proposed method had a good linearity over the range of 25-250 µg/mL, with a limit of detection of 4.17 µg/mL and a limit of quantitation of 12.63 µg/mL, respectively. The prepared NS-CQDs have been successfully applied for the pregabalin determination in pharmaceutical capsules, with excellent % recovery (98-102 %). The greenness of the developed method has been investigated using different greenness metrics, in comparison with the reported RP HPLC method. The greenness characteristics of the method originated from the synthesis of CQDs, utilizing sustainable, readily available, and cost-effective starting materials.