Spectrofluorometric quantitative analysis of aripiprazole based on quenching of natural derived carbon quantum dots in spiked human plasma

Autism spectrum disorder is a significant concern worldwide, particularly in Middle Eastern countries. Aripiprazole, a psychiatric medicine that works as a partial agonist at D(2) receptors, is often used for autism-related behavior issues in children. Monitoring the therapy of aripiprazole could enhance the safety and effectiveness of treatment for autistic individuals. The purpose of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and environmentally friendly method for analysis of aripiprazole in plasma matrix. To achieve this, water-soluble N-carbon quantum dots were produced from a natural green precursor, guava fruit, and used in fluorescence quenching spectroscopy to determine the presence of aripiprazole. The synthesized dots were analyzed and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and they showed a strong fluorescence emission peak at 475 nm. The proposed method was validated according to ICH M10 guidelines and was shown to be highly sensitive, allowing for nanoscale determination of aripiprazole in plasma matrix. Additionally, the method was compared to a previously reported spectrophotometric method, and it was found to be more sensitive and consistent with the principles of green analytical chemistry.