Towards Sustainable Bioanalysis: First Green-Validated Synchronous Fluorimetric Platform for Nano-Level Determination of Co-Administered Empagliflozin and Favipiravir across Various Matrices

Abstract

Abstract Given the potential for worsened outcomes in diabetic patients with COVID-19, a treatment approach incorporating both empagliflozin (EGF) for glycemic control and favipiravir (FPV) for antiviral activity is often favored. Accordingly, we developed an ultrasensitive and environmentally sustainable fluorimetric technique for the concurrent estimation of EGF and FPV in various matrices (pharmaceuticals and spiked biological fluids). This technique could achieve high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility by utilizing the studied analytes’ intrinsic fluorescence and optimizing the experimental conditions. The intrinsic fluorescence of EGF and FPV in ethanol was measured at 308 and 424 nm, respectively, when excited at 238 and 243 nm. Initial testing revealed significant overlap in the fluorescence spectra of the analytes, which prevented direct quantification. To resolve this issue, we utilized the synchronous fluorescence measurement mode with a Δ λ of 60 nm. This permitted the direct estimation of EGF and FPV at 305 and 429 nm, respectively. The technique allowed for the sensitive measurement of EGF and FPV at concentrations ranging from 30 to 900 ng/mL and 5 to 400 ng/mL, respectively. The technique was verified in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Its conformity with the principles of sustainable analytical chemistry was assessed using various metrics (Eco-scale and AGREE), which concluded that it complies with recognized sustainability benchmarks in analytical chemistry. This highly sensitive, validated, and environmentally sustainable technique for quantifying EGF and FPV could empower clinicians with more comprehensive analytical data on drug concentrations and potential drug interactions, facilitating more informed decision-making in the therapeutic management of diabetic patients with COVID-19.