Green “turn-off” luminescent nanosensor for the sensitive analysis of finerenone in various matrices: application of recent greenness assessment techniques

Abstract

Finerenone (FNR) is an innovative FDA-approved selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist utilized in kidney failure. This study utilizes eco-friendly nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs), fluorescent nanomaterials, to introduce a sensitive and environmentally sustainable spectrofluorometric platform for the analysis of FNR. Water-soluble N,S-CQDs were prepared from green precursors (citric acid and glutathione) using a straightforward and eco-friendly hydrothermal technique. The intrinsic fluorescence of the fluorophore was monitored at λ_em = 419 nm upon excitation at 344 nm. The luminescence of the fluorophore was quantifiably dropped after the incorporation of FNR, which is the foundation of this luminescent technique. The luminescence quenching mechanism was investigated, and the suggested methodology was validated in compliance with the ICH considerations. The analytical response for FNR was achieved throughout the linear dynamic range of 0.30 to 9.00 µg mL⁻¹. The calculated limits for FNR detection and quantification were 0.098 and 0.297 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. The suggested approach was utilized for the analysis of FNR in authentic powder, commercial formulation, and spiked human plasma. The computed percentage recoveries and percentage relative standard deviations were acceptable. The assessment of the ecological sustainability of the suggested approach, utilizing recently developed methodologies, including the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), the Complex Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index (ComplexMoGAPI), and the Carbon Footprint Reduction Index (CaFRI), has shown its superiority and sustainability compared to the reported methodologies for the FNR analysis.