Redox-driven fluorescent sensing platform for perphenazine detection using 4-aminothiophenol and polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized silver nanoclusters

Perphenazine (PERZ) requires highly sensitive and selective detection due to its narrow therapeutic index and risk of adverse effects. Accurate quantification is essential for dosage monitoring and quality control, particularly in complex matrices where interference can compromise analytical reliability. This study introduces a fluorescence-based sensing platform for selective and sensitive PERZ detection in pharmaceutical tablets and biological fluids. The sensor utilizes 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized silver nanoclusters (4-ATP/PVP@Ag NCs), where the fluorescence emission at 640 nm was quenched by Fe 3+ ions via a static quenching mechanism and selectively restored upon PERZ-mediated reduction of Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ . Under optimized conditions, the fluorescence response (F/F°) exhibited a strong linear correlation with PERZ concentrations in the range of 0.01–660 μM, achieving a low detection limit of 1.5 nM. The method demonstrated reliable applicability in real samples, providing high recoveries and precision, confirming its potential for routine pharmaceutical analysis and clinical monitoring of PERZ. • Novel red-emitting Ag NCs were developed for the selective detection of perphenazine. • Ag NCs were stabilized by 4-ATP and PVP. • In presence of Fe 3+ , the fluorescence emission of 4-ATP/PVP@Ag NCs was decreased. • Addition of PERZ, Fe 3+ was reduced to Fe 2+ , recovering the fluorescence emission. • The fluorescent probe was used to detect PERZ in different matrices with acceptable results.