Spectrophotometric determination of lamotrigine in plasma samples: Ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction based on a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent followed by back-extraction

Solid-phase extraction coupled to automated centrifugal microfluidics SERS: Improving quantification of therapeutic drugs in human serum

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful method in analytical chemistry, but its application in real-life medical settings has been limited due to technical challenges. In this work, we introduce an innovative approach that is meant to advance the automation of microfluidics SERS to improve reproducibility and label-free quantification of two widely used therapeutic drugs, methotrexate (MTX) and lamotrigine (LTG), in human serum. Our methodology involves a miniaturized solid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) method coupled to a centrifugal microfluidics disc with incorporated SERS substrates (CD-SERS). The CD-SERS platform enables simultaneous controlled sample wetting and accurate SERS mapping. Together with the assay we implemented a machine learning method based on Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) for robust data analysis and drug quantification. The results indicate that combining μ-SPE with CD-SERS (μ-SPE to CD-SERS) led to a substantial improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio compared to combining CD-SERS with ultrafiltration or protein precipitation. The PLSR model enabled us to obtain the limit of detection and quantification for MTX as 2.90 and 8.92 μM, respectively, and for LTG as 10.76 and 32.29 μM. We also validated our μ-SPE to CD-SERS method for MTX against HPLC and immunoassay (p-value <0.05), using patient samples undergoing MTX therapy. In addition, we achieved a satisfactory recovery rate (80%) for LTG when quantifying it in patient samples. Our results show the potential of this newly developed approach as a strategy for therapeutic drugs in point-of-care clinical settings and highlight the benefits of automating label-free SERS assays.

Label-free SERS assay combined with multivariate spectral data analysis for lamotrigine quantification in human serum

Considering the need for a more time and cost-effective method for lamotrigine (LTG) detection in clinics we developed a fast and robust label-free assay based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for LTG quantification from human serum. The optimization and application of the developed assay is presented  showing the: (i) exploration of different methods for LTG separation from human serum; (ii) implementation of a molecular adsorption step on an ordered Au nanopillar SERS substrate; (iii) adaptation of a fast scanning of the SERS substrate, performed with a custom-built compact Raman spectrometer; and (iv) development of LTG quantification methods with univariate and multivariate spectral data analysis. Our results showed, for the first time, the SERS-based characterization of LTG and its label-free identification in human serum. We found that combining a miniaturized solid phase extraction, as sample pre-treatment with the SERS assay, and using a multivariate model is an optimal strategy for LTG quantification in human serum in a linear range from 9.5 to 75 μM, with LoD and LoQ of 3.2 μM and 9.5 μM, respectively, covering the suggested clinical therapeutic window. We also showed that the developed assay allowed for quantifying LTG from human serum in the presence of other drugs, thereby demonstrating the robustness of label-free SERS. The sensing approach and instrumentation can be further automated and integrated in devices that can advance the drug monitoring in real clinical settings.

A smartphone digital image colorimetric method based on nanoparticles for determination of lamotrigine

Aim: A colorimetric approach for quantification of lamotrigine using spectrophotometric and smartphone image analysis is described in this study. Methods: For full optimization and validation procedures, UV-visible spectroscopy was used, and image analysis was carried out with the help of an app (PhotoMetrix PRO®). Then, as a multivariate calibration method, parallel factor analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The results demonstrated the capacity of these methods to estimate lamotrigine concentrations in the range of 0.1-7.0 μg.ml-1 in exhaled breath condensate, indicating the value of using digital images and smartphone applications in combination with chemometric tools. Conclusion: The image analysis can be superior for its fast and reliable lamotrigine analysis in biological samples.

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction combined with GC for eugenol, isoeugenol, and methyl isoeugenol determination in aquatic products

The use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has great prospects because of the green and efficient characteristics, which can be used for developing analytical methods for foods. In this research, assisted by ultrasonic waves, a liquid-liquid microextraction detection method combined with gas chromatography was established for three anaesthetics (eugenol, isoeugenol, and methyl isoeugenol) in aquatic food. The processing conditions including the components, ratio of hydrogen bond acceptor and hydrogen bond donor, DES volume, ultrasonic time, and pH were evaluated and optimised to improve the extraction efficiency, which was based on the DES structures and properties. In-house method validation was carried out by applying to real samples. A Thymol: levulinic acid DES (with a molar ratio of 1:2) was used as the extractant and the recoveries were as high as 93-101% for eugenol, 90-100% for methyl isoeugenol, and 86-94% for isoeugenol with RSDs <5% under optimum conditions. The limit of detection and quantification of the eugenol compounds were 0.08-0.10 μg/mL and 0.26-0.33 μg/mL, respectively. The method has green credentials and comparable LOD to homologous apparatus, which can be used for the determination of eugenol components in aquatic food.

Determination of lamotrigine by fluorescence quenching of N-doped graphene quantum dots after its solid-phase extraction using magnetic graphene oxide

A sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe is reported for the determination of lamotrigine after its preconcentration by magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite. The fluorescent nanoprobe is based on the quenching effect of lamotrigine on the nitrogen graphene quantum dots fluorescence at 440 nm, through strong hydrogen bonding. Under optimum conditions, the quenching fluorescent intensity of nitrogen graphene quantum dots shows linearity with the lamotrigine concentration in the range of 2.0-45.0 µg L^-1, limits of detection (LOD), and quantification of 0.39 and 1.28 µg L^-1 respectively. The parameters affecting the extraction and determination of lamotrigine were optimized via the central composite design (CCD) and one at the time method, respectively. The developed method was successfully employed for the extraction and quantification of lamotrigine in biological samples.

Determination of prohibited lead and cadmium traces in hair dyes and henna samples using ultrasound assisted-deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction followed by microsampling-flame atomic absorption spectrometry

In this study ultrasound assisted-deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction followed by microsampling-flame atomic absorption spectrometry was developed to determine prohibited lead and cadmium traces in hair dye and henna samples. For this purpose, deep eutectic solvent, prepared from choline chloride and phenol, was used as an extraction solvent, dithizone was used as a complexing agent, and THF was used as an aprotic solvent. All parameters that affect extraction efficiency, such as pH, the DES volume and composition, the extraction time, the amount of dithizone, were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, for Pb(ii) and Cd(ii), enhancement factors of 92 and 57, LODs of 2.5 μg L^-1 and 0.75 μg L^-1, LOQs of 7.8 μg L^-1 and 2.5 μg L^-1, linear working ranges of 10-250 μg L^-1 and 2.5-50 μg L^-1, were obtained, respectively. Relative standard deviation (n = 10) was calculated to be 2.7 for 100 μg L^-1 of Pb(ii) and 2.1 for 25 μg L^-1 of Cd(ii). The matrix effect was investigated by comparing the solvent-based calibration curve with the matrix-matched calibration curve. The determination of lead and cadmium in hair dye and henna samples without being affected by the sample matrix was successfully performed. The lead content was between 1.3 and 6.5 μg g^-1, and the cadmium content was between 0.028 and 0.54 μg g^-1 for the selected hair dye and henna samples.