A fluorescence method based on the graphene quantum dots for the measurement of Deferiprone in biological samples

Abstract

Introduction: In the world of nanotechnology, graphene quantum dots which produced from graphene sheets with all dimensions less than 100 nm in 3 to 10 layers, have been considerably employed in numerous optical sensing and bioanalytical applications. Deferiprone is an oral bidentate iron chelator. In patients who received Deferiprone, some adverse effects are observed. Therefore, appropriate monitoring in all patients is imperative.. Aim: Herein, a simple and cost-efficient methodology was developed to the quantification of Deferiprone in plasma samples by utilizing the selective interaction of the GQDs and drug in the presence of Fe3+ ions. Methods: GQDs were synthesized by a bottom-up technique as an advantageous fluorescent probe. The synthesized GQDs were characterized by various instrumental analysis method. The optimization of some important parameters on the reaction between Fe3+-GQDs-DFP were carried out. The method validation was carried out according to the FDA guidelines to confirm the accuracy, precision, stability and selectivity of the developed method. Results: . Increasing levels of Deferiprone ranging from 5 to 50 mg.L-1, leads to significant fluorescence quenching of GQDs. In addition, the calibration curve was revealed a linear response in this range with a sensitivity of 5 mg.L-1. The results show that this green and low-cost fluorescent probe could be used for the analysis of Deferiprone. Conclusion: the present work provides a simple, low-cost and efficient, method based on GQDs and Fe3+ as a fluorescence probe, to determine the level of DFP based on the relatively selective interaction between them in a complex matrix i.e. plasma. This study showed the importance of GQDs for developing analytical methods for quantification of pharmaceuticals.