New potentiometric sensors for methylphenidate detection based on host–guest interaction

Abstract The study aims to develop simple, sensitive, and selective methods for detecting methylphenidate in its bulk, dosage form and human urine. Sensing materials include β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), and 4-tertbutylcalix[8]arene as ionophores or electroactive materials have been used for construction of sensors 1, 2, and 3, respectively; Potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl)borate (KTpClPB) as an ion additive was used and dioctyl phthalate as a plasticizer. The sensors displayed a fast, stable response over a wide concentration range of methylphenidate (8 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−3 M) with 10−6 M detection limit over the pH range of 4–8. The developed sensors displayed a Near-Nernstian cationic response for methylphenidate at 59.5, 51.37, and 56.5 mV/decade for sensors β-CD, γ-CD, or 4-tertbutylcalix[8]arene respectively. Validation of the proposed sensors is supported by high accuracy, precision, stability, fast response, and long lifetimes, as well as selectivity for methylphenidate in the presence of different species. Sensitive and practical sensors for the determination of methylphenidate in bulk, in pharmaceutical forms and urine were developed and validated for routine laboratory use. The results were comparable to those obtained by HPLC method.