Novel and sustainable microfabricated Cu ion selective sensor doped with ionophore and supported with docking study for determination of vonoprazan fumarate in tablet dosage form

In the field of drug analysis, there is a growing emphasis on developing techniques that are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient. To align with the principles of green analytical chemistry and to support the advancement of portable and handheld devices, an innovative microfabricated ion selective electrode (ISE) has been developed for the detection of Vonoprazan fumarate (VON). The development of this electrode involved a two-step optimization process. Initially, a range of ionophores were screened to determine the one with the highest selectivity for VON. Through molecular docking studies, gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-cyclodextrin) was identified as demonstrating maximal activity towards VON. The second optimization step involved incorporating a graphene nanocomposite as an ion to electron transducer layer between the γ-cyclodextrin polymeric membrane and the microfabricated copper (Cu) solid contact ISE. This nanocomposite layer contributed to enhanced stability, reduced potential drift, and rapid response times (approximately 30 s), likely due to its hydrophobic properties that prevent water layer formation at the interface between the Cu electrode and the polymeric membrane. The VON sensor was characterized according to IUPAC guidelines, revealing a linear dynamic range of 2.00 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.00 × 10⁻² M (equivalent to 9.23 to 4615.00 µg/mL) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ M. This sensor was successfully utilized for the selective determination of VON in bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulations. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference when comparing the results with those obtained using the reported method. The environmental impact of the method was assessed using Complex-GAPI and BAGI tools.