Bio-inspired linseed derived carbon quantum dots as a fluorescent probe for the fluorimetric determination of imeglimin in biological fluids and dosage forms

This study demonstrates the first fluorimetric method for the determination of Imeglimin IMG, a novel antidiabetic drug. Since IMG lacks native fluorescence, a novel bio-inspired linseed derived carbon quantum dots LIN-CQDs were utilized as a fluorescent probe for its determination. The LIN-CQDs exhibited strong native emission at 470 nm upon excitation at 380 nm. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized LIN-CQDs was performed using transmission electron microscopy TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDX, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, which confirmed the successful formation of nitrogen-doped CQDs. The fluorescence intensity of LIN-CQDs was quenched progressively with increasing concentrations of IMG. The mechanism of quenching was studied and it was found to follow a static quenching process. The quenching response showed excellent linearity over the concentration range of 0.15–3.0 μg/mL. All experimental conditions influencing the quenching process were carefully optimized. The method was validated in compliance with ICH guidelines, demonstrating high accuracy, precision, and specificity. The results of statistical comparison with a previously reported HPLC method confirmed no evident difference between the two approaches for the assay of the drug in its dosage form. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied for the assay of IMG in biological fluids including spiked human plasma and urine. The sustainability of the developed method was evaluated using the Analytical Eco-Scale, AGSA, and ComplexMoGAPI, metrics. Owing to its simplicity, sensitivity, and sustainability, the proposed fluorimetric assay provides a green alternative for routine determination of IMG in pharmaceutical analysis. • This study represents the first synthesis of bioinspired nitrogen doped CQDs from linseed. • This study introduces a novel fluorimetric assay for determination of IMG. • This study was successfully applied for assay of IMG in biological fluids and dosage forms. • IMG induces static quenching of the native fluorescence of LIN-CQD. • The synthesized LIN-CQDs were fully characterized. • This study demonstrates sustainability via Eco-Scale, AGSA, and ComplexMoGAPI.