The use of cyclodextrins as ionophores in potentiometric sensors
enables the determination of ibuprofen in aqueous solutions
in a economical, non toxic and environmental clean fashion. Particularly,
incorporation of -cyclodextrin together with a lipophilic
anionic additive in membranes composition enabled to construct
sensors with fast response, down to micromolar level, much better than other sensors previously reported in literature. The use
of a lipophilic cationic additive was important to get extraction
of the analyte in the membrane, and its use dictated a profile of
selectivity according the lipophilicity of the interfering ion considered.
The results evidenced in the analysis of pharmaceuticals and
waters showed the applicability of the sensors either in analytical
control or in environmental studies where sample pre conditioning
methods are affordable like in other currently resorted analytical
techniques. Concerning this last application, it is worth of mention
the high selectivity of the sensor towards the ibuprofen metabolic
adducts, thus providing a good sensor to help in the identification
of environment contamination points.