Eco‐Friendly Fluorescent Probe‐Based Quantification of Ceftobiprole Medocaril: Greenness Assessment and Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

A sustainable and highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of ceftobiprole medocaril, a fifth-generation cephalosporin, in pharmaceutical dosage form and rat plasma samples. This approach utilizes carbon quantum dots functionalized through ion-pair formation with ceftobiprole and tetraphenylborate, creating a selective fluorescent probe. Quantification is based on a measurable decrease in fluorescence intensity at 450 nm following excitation at 365 nm, resulting from the interaction between the drug and the probe. Method parameters were systematically optimized and validated according to ICH guidelines, demonstrating excellent linearity (0.25-2.00 μg/mL), sensitivity (LOD = 0.07 μg/mL), and precision. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic analysis in Wistar rats following a single 50-mg/kg intravenous infusion over 5 min. Pharmacokinetic parameters including C_max (45 μg/mL), T_max (0.25 h), half-life (3.17 h), and systemic clearance (0.45 L/h/kg) were obtained using non-compartmental analysis. Greenness evaluation using AGREE and GAPI tools confirmed the method's minimal environmental impact. The results affirm the method's applicability for routine quality control, therapeutic monitoring, and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.