Applications of the ninhydrin reaction for analysis of amino acids, peptides, and proteins to agricultural and biomedical sciences

Effect of gemini (alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide)) (16-s-16, s=4, 5, 6) surfactants on the interaction of ninhydrin with chromium-glycylphenylalanine

The effect of gemini (alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide)) (16-s-16, s=4, 5, 6) surfactants on the interaction of ninhydrin with chromium(III) complex of glycylphenylalanine ([Cr(III)-Gly-Phe]2+) has been investigated using UV-visible spectrophotometer at different temperatures. The order of reaction with respect to [Cr(III)-Gly-Phe]2+ is unity while it is fractional with respect to ninhydrin. Whereas, the values of rate constant (kψ) increase and leveling-off regions, like conventional single chain cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant, were observed with geminis, later produces a third region of increasing kψ at higher gemini surfactant concentrations. This unusual third-region effect of the gemini micelles is assigned to changes in their micellar morphologies. The results obtained in micellar media were treated in terms of pseudo-phase model. The values of thermodynamic parameters (Ea, ΔH# and ΔS#) and binding constants (KA and KNin) have been evaluated.

Multiparametric protocol for the determination of thiol redox state in living matter

Thiol redox state (TRS) evaluation is mostly restricted to the estimation of GSH and GSSG. However, these TRS parameters can estimate the GSSG/GSH potential, which might be useful for indicating abnormalities in redox metabolism. Nonetheless, evaluation of the multiparameric nature of TRS is required for a more accurate assessment of its physiological role. The present protocol extends the partial assessment of TRS by current methodologies. It measures 15 key parameters of TRS by two modular subprotocols: one for the glutathione (GSH)- and cysteine (CSH)-based nonprotein (NP) thiols/mixed disulfides (i.e., GSH, GSSG, GSSNP, CSH, CSSNP, NPSH, NPSSNP, NP(x)SH(NPSSNP), NP(x)SH(NPSH)), and the other for their protein (P) thiols/mixed disulfides (i.e., PSH, PSSG, PSSC, PSSNP, PSSP, NP(x)SH(PSSNP)). The protocol eliminates autoxidation of GSH and CSH (and thus overestimation of GSSG and CSSNP). Its modularity allows the determination GSH and GSSG also by other published specific assays. The protocol uses three assays; two are based on the photometric reagents 4,4'-dithiopyridine (DTP) and ninhydrin (NHD), and the third on the fluorometric reagent o-phthaldialdehyde (OPT). The initial assays employing these reagents have been extensively modified and redesigned for increased specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity. TRS parameter values and their standard errors are estimated automatically by sets of Excel-adapted algebraic equations. Protocol sensitivity for NPSH, PSH, NPSSNP, PSSP, PSSNP, CSH, CSSNP, PSSC, NP(x)SH(NPSSNP), and NP(x)SH(NPSH) is 1 nmol -SH/CSH, for GSSNP 0.2 nmol, for GSH and GSSG 0.4 nmol, and for PSSG 0.6 nmol. The protocol was applied on human plasma, a sample of high clinical value, and can be also applied in any organism.

Vaccination against the M protein of Streptococcus pyogenes prevents death after influenza virus: S. pyogenes super-infection

Influenza virus infections are associated with a significant number of illnesses and deaths on an annual basis. Many of the deaths are due to complications from secondary bacterial invaders, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The β-hemolytic bacteria S. pyogenes colonizes both skin and respiratory surfaces, and frequently presents clinically as strep throat or impetigo. However, when these bacteria gain access to normally sterile sites, they can cause deadly diseases including sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and pneumonia. We previously developed a model of influenza virus:S. pyogenes super-infection, which we used to demonstrate that vaccination against influenza virus can limit deaths associated with a secondary bacterial infection, but this protection was not complete. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of a vaccine that targets the M protein of S. pyogenes to determine whether immunity toward the bacteria alone would allow the host to survive an influenza virus:S. pyogenes super-infection. Our data demonstrate that vaccination against the M protein induces IgG antibodies, in particular those of the IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes, and that these antibodies can interact with macrophages. Ultimately, this vaccine-induced immunity eliminated death within our influenza virus:S. pyogenes super-infection model, despite the fact that all M protein-vaccinated mice showed signs of illness following influenza virus inoculation. These findings identify immunity against bacteria as an important component of protection against influenza virus:bacteria super-infection.

Production of a saccharifying rice malt for brewing using different rice varieties and malting parameters

This study was conducted to produce rice malt suitable for beer brewing. An all-rice beer would be particularly appealing to individuals with celiac disease because rice does not contain gluten proteins. Furthermore, rice malt could also contribute to new beer flavors and brands. A screening of 10 rice varieties was conducted. The varieties Balilla and Centauro were found to be suitable for the production of an all-rice malt beer without the need of exogenous enzymes. They were characterized by a low diastatic power but nevertheless they saccharified well, likely due to other endogenous amylolytic enzymes such as limit dextrinase and α-glucosidase. The addition of CaCl2 and lactic acid during mashing lowered the pH value and increased saccharification. However, the Balilla variety saccharified without the need of these additives. We also show that the soluble nitrogen and free amino nitrogen content of rice malt wort can be increased by the incorporation of the acrospires and rootlets during mashing.

The challenging measurement of protein in complex biomass-derived samples

Measurement of the protein content in samples from production of lignocellulosic bioethanol is an important tool when studying the adsorption of cellulases. Several methods have been used for this, and after reviewing the literature, we concluded that one of the most promising assays for simple and fast protein measurement on this type of samples was the ninhydrin assay. This method has also been used widely for this purpose, but with two different methods for protein hydrolysis prior to the assay-alkaline or acidic hydrolysis. In samples containing glucose or ethanol, there was significant interference from these compounds when using acid hydrolysis, which was not the case when using the alkaline hydrolysis. We evaluated the interference from glucose, cellulose, xylose, xylan, lignin and ethanol on protein determination of BSA, Accellerase(®) 1500 and Cellic(®) CTec2. The experiments demonstrated that the presence of cellulose, lignin and glucose (above 50 g/kg) could significantly affect the results of the assay. Comparison of analyses performed with the ninhydrin assay and with a CN analyser revealed that there was good agreement between these two analytical methods, but care has to be taken when applying the ninhydrin assay. If used correctly, the ninhydrin assay can be used as a fast method to evaluate the adsorption of cellulases to lignin.

In situ observation of ninhydrin and phenylhydrazine reaction in solution by FTIR

The current work was performed for hydrazone formation reaction of ninhydrin with phenylhydrazine in chloroform by using "background defining method" in FTIR liquid cell. The method allowed following the consumption and formation of the reagent and product at the same time. Negative absorption bands are based on reagent consumption and positive absorbances are based on product formation. The method was applied for two different mol ratios (1:1, 1:3) of reagent. Both ratios resulted in same product (1,2,3-tris-phenylhydrazonoindan). The results showed that, phenylhydrazine react with all of the carbonyl groups in ninhydrin at both run.

Isolation and sequence determination of tetrapeptide from Selaginella bryopteris

A simple and inexpensive paper chromatographic method was developed for the isolation of a small peptide from Selaginella bryopteris fronds. The content of peptides is low in most plants and the isolation and purification procedure is troublesome. This method may be used as a first step for the detection of small peptides in the plant extracts. De novo sequence determination by tandem mass spectrometry indicated that the peptide is a tetrapeptide.

Main phenolic compounds of the melanin biosynthesis pathway in bruising-tolerant and bruising-sensitive button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) strains

Browning is one of the most common postharvest changes in button mushrooms, which often results in economic losses. Phenolic compounds, which are associated with browning, were extracted from the nonbruised and bruised skin tissue of various button mushrooms with a sulfite-containing solution and analyzed with UHPLC-PDA-MS. In total, 34 phenolic compounds were detected. Only small differences in the total phenolic content between bruising-tolerant and -sensitive strains were observed. The contents of γ-L-glutaminyl-4-hydroxybenzene (GHB) and γ-L-glutaminyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzene (GDHB) correlated with bruising sensitivity; for example, R(2) values of 0.85 and 0.98 were found for nonbruised brown strains, respectively. In nonbruised skin tissue of the strains with brown caps, the GHB and GDHB contents in sensitive strains were on average 20 and 15 times higher, respectively, than in tolerant strains. GHB and GDHB likely participate in the formation of brown GHB-melanin, which seemed to be the predominant pathway in bruising-related discoloration of button mushrooms.

Automatic spot preparation and image processing of paper microzone-based assays for analysis of bioactive compounds in plant extracts

The colorimetric determination of the concentration of phytochemicals in plant extract samples using a spotting automatic system, mobile phone camera and a computer with developed software for quantification is described. Method automation was achieved by using a robotic system for spotting. The instrument was set to disperse the appropriate aliquots of the reagents and sample on a Whatman paper sheet. Spots were photographed and analysed by ImageJ software or by applying the developed MatLab based algorithm. The developed assay was found to be effective, with a linear response at the concentration range of 0.03-0.25g/L for polyphenols. The detection limit of the proposed method is sub 0.03g/L. The paper microzone-based assays for flavonoids and amino acids/peptides were also developed and evaluated as applicable. Comparing the results with conventional PμZP methods demonstrates that both methods yield similar results. At the same time, the proposed method has an attractive advantage in analysis time and repeatability/reproducibility.

Fungal degradation of lignocellulosic residues: an aspect of improved nutritive quality

Microbial degradation of lignocellulosic materials brings a variety of changes in their bio-physicochemical properties. Lower digestibility of various agricultural residues can be enhanced by microbial treatment. White rot fungi are the potential candidates, which can improve the nutritional quality of lignocellulosic residues by degrading lignin and converting complex polysaccharides into simple sugars. Changes in physical qualities of lignocellulosics that is texture, colour and aroma have been an interesting area of study along with chemical properties. Degradation of lignocellulose not only upgrades the quality of degraded biomass, but helps simultaneous production of different commercial enzymes and other by products of interest. The review is focused on fungal degradation of lignocellulosics, resultant changes in physicochemical properties and nutritional value.

Ultrafast optical nonlinearity, electronic absorption, vibrational spectra and solvent effect studies of ninhydrin

FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis spectra of the nonlinear optical molecule ninhydrin have been recorded and analyzed. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features, and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers have been investigated with the help of B3LYP density functional theory method. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra is carried out with the aid of normal coordinate analysis following the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology. Solvent effects have been calculated using time-dependent density functional theory in combination with the polarized continuum model. Natural bond orbital analysis confirms the occurrence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the molecule. Employing the open-aperture z-scan technique, nonlinear optical absorption of the sample has been studied in the ultrafast and short-pulse excitation regimes, using 100 fs and 5 ns laser pulses respectively. It is found that ninhydrin exhibits optical limiting for both excitations, indicating potential photonic applications.

Interaction of Chromium(III) Complex of Glycylphenylalanine with Ninhydrin in Aqueous and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) Micellar Media

In this paper, we are reporting the influence of cationic CTAB surfactant on the interaction of chromium(III) complex of glycylphenylalanine [Cr(III)-Gly-Phe]2+ with ninhydrin under varying experimental conditions. The reaction follows irreversible first-order reaction kinetics with respect to [complex] and fractional-order with respect to [ninhydrin]. With progressive increase in [CTAB], the rate constant (k Ψ) for condensation of ninhydrin into [Cr(III)-Gly-Phe]2+ complex increased, reached a maximum value, and then decreased. The results are best accounted for by the distribution of substrate into micellar and aqueous pseudo-phases as well as combination of substrate molecules with surfactant molecule. On the basis of above results, template mechanism has been discussed.

Molecular structure, vibrational spectral analysis, NBO, HOMO-LUMO and conformational studies of ninhydrin

The FT-IR and FT-Raman vibrational spectra of ninhydrin have been recorded in the range 4000-400 cm(-1)and 3600-50 cm(-1), respectively. A detailed vibrational spectral analysis has been carried out and assignments of the observed fundamental bands have been proposed on the basis of peak positions and relative intensities. The optimized molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies, atomic charges, dipole moment, rotational constants and several thermodynamic parameters in the ground state are calculated using ab initio HF and density functional B3LYP methods with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set combination. In order to find the most optimized geometry, the energy calculations are carried out for various possible conformers. Keto and enol forms of ninhydrin are also studied. The condensed summary of the principal NBOs shows the occupancy, orbital energy and the qualitative pattern of delocalization interactions of ninhydrin. The calculated HOMO-LUMO energies reveal that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The predicted first hyperpolarizability also shows that the ninhydrin molecule have good optical quality and nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior. With the help of specific scaling procedures, the observed vibrational wave numbers in FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra are analyzed and assigned to different normal modes of the molecule.

Sequence Determination of a Novel Tripeptide Isolated from the Young Leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss

The neem tree has long been recognized for its unique properties, both against insects and in improving human health. Every part of the tree has been used as a traditional medicine for household remedy against various human ailments, from antiquity. Although the occurrence of various phytochemicals in neem has been studied, we have identified the presence of a novel tripeptide in the young leaves of neem using a simple and inexpensive paper chromatographic method, detected by Cu(II)-ninhydrin reagent. The peptide nature of the isolated compound is confirmed by spectral studies. The sequence of the peptide is determined using de novo sequencing by tandem MS after purification.

Short communication: Characteristics of proteolytic activities of endo- and exopeptidases in alfalfa herbage and their implications for proteolysis in silage

The pH optimum and thermostability of both exopeptidases and endopeptidases were investigated in this study to elucidate the possible role of plant proteases in proteolysis during ensiling of alfalfa herbage. Proteolytic activities of 4 classes of endopeptidases (i.e., serine, metallo, aspartic, and cysteine peptidase) and 5 classes of exopeptidases (i.e., aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase, dipeptidase, dipeptidyl-peptidase, and tripeptidyl-peptidase) were examined within pH values of 3 to 9, and within temperatures from 20 to 90°C. Serine and metalloproteases, the principal endopeptidases that hydrolyzed most of the protein to nonprotein nitrogen in alfalfa silage, had optimum activities at pH 4. Among the major exopeptidases contributing protein degradation in ensiled alfalfa, dipeptidase and tripeptidyl-peptidase had stable activities between pH 4 and 6, and carboxypeptidase activity was optimal at pH 5. The optimum temperature for most peptidase activities was 40°C. Proteolytic activities of both endo- and exopeptidases increased with the elevation of incubating temperature from 20 to 40°C. The pH value in well-preserved alfalfa silage is often above 4.0, and the temperatures in the ensiled mass range from 25 to 40°C. Therefore, high proteolytic activities between pH 4 and 6 and the temperature range of ensiled alfalfa suggest that plant peptidases play a role in hydrolyzing protein during prolonged storage.

Generation of a focused poly(amino ether) library: polymer-mediated transgene delivery and gold-nanorod based theranostic systems

A focused library of twenty-one cationic poly(amino ethers) was synthesized following ring-opening polymerization of two diglycidyl ethers by different oligoamines. The polymers were screened in parallel for plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery, and transgene expression efficacies of individual polymers were compared to those of 25 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI), a current standard for polymer-mediated transgene delivery. Seven lead polymers that demonstrated higher transgene expression than PEI in pancreatic and prostate cancer cells lines were identified from the screen. All seven lead polymers showed highest transgene expression at a polymer:pDNA weight ratio of 5:1 in the MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line. Among the conditions studied, transgene expression efficacy correlated with minimal polymer cytotoxicity but not polyplex sizes. In addition, this study indicated that methylene spacing between amine centers in the monomers, amine content, and molecular weight of the polymers are all significant factors and should be considered when designing polymers for transgene delivery. A lead effective polymer was employed for coating gold nanorods, leading to theranostic nanoassemblies that possess combined transgene delivery and optical imaging capabilities, leading to potential theranostic systems.

Synthesis, structural elucidation and spectroscopic analysis of 3a,8b-dihydroxy-4-oxo-1H,2H,3H,3aH,4H,8bH-indeno[1,2-d]imidazolidin-2-iminium chloride

Ninhydrin guanidinium chloride (3a,8b-dihydroxy-4-oxo-1H,2H,3H,3aH,4H,8bH-indeno [1,2-d]imidazolidin-2-iminium chloride) a semiorganic crystal was synthesized. The structure was determined using X-ray single crystal technique. Comparisons between the FT-IR spectrum of ninhydrin guanidinium chloride with ninhydrin were made. Melting point was found using thermal measurements. The molecular geometry, vibrational frequencies and Mulliken charges of the compound in the ground state have been calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) method with 3-21G(d,p) basis set and theoretical frequencies were compared with the experimental FT-IR spectrum. Besides, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) analysis, natural bond orbitals (NBO) and thermodynamic properties at various temperatures of the compound were investigated by theoretical calculations.

Protein thiolation index (PTI) as a biomarker of oxidative stress

Several biomarkers of oxidative stress have been proposed and used in clinical research but so far unreliable or, at least, controversial results have been obtained. Given the high susceptibility of sulfhydryl groups to oxidation, we here suggest the use of a protein thiolation index (PTI), i.e., the molar ratio between the sum of all low molecular mass thiols bound to plasma proteins (forming, as a whole, S-thiolated proteins) and protein free cysteinyl residues, as a suitable biomarker of oxidative stress. While titration of free thiols can be performed by a simple spectrophotometric procedure, accurate quantification of S-thiolated proteins is problematic and current methods require, in most cases, application of time-consuming chromatographic techniques, making their application to large-scale clinical studies difficult. Here we report a new spectrophotometric method which relies on the specific determination of low molecular mass thiols released from S-thiolated proteins after dithiothreitol reduction. These amino acids can be titrated by conjugation with ninhydrin which, reacting with primary and secondary amine groups, yields a deep blue-purple color, which can be spectrophotometrically revealed. PTI showed an age dependency with a near linear increase during aging in humans. In addition, PTI was significantly higher in patients suffering from alkaptonuria with respect to healthy controls, suggesting that increased prooxidant conditions occur in the blood of these subjects.

Novel silk fibroin/elastin wound dressings

Silk fibroin (SF) and elastin (EL) scaffolds were successfully produced for the first time for the treatment of burn wounds. The self-assembly properties of SF, together with the excellent chemical and mechanical stability and biocompatibility, were combined with elastin protein to produce scaffolds with the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). Porous scaffolds were obtained by lyophilization and were further crosslinked with genipin (GE). Genipin crosslinking induces the conformational transition from random coil to β-sheet of SF chains, yielding scaffolds with smaller pore size and reduced swelling ratios, degradation and release rates. All results indicated that the composition of the scaffolds had a significant effect on their physical properties, and that can easily be tuned to obtain scaffolds suitable for biological applications. Wound healing was assessed through the use of human full-thickness skin equivalents (EpidermFT). Standardized burn wounds were induced by a cautery and the best re-epithelialization and the fastest wound closure was obtained in wounds treated with 50SF scaffolds; these contain the highest amount of elastin after 6 days of healing in comparison with other dressings and controls. The cytocompatibility demonstrated with human skin fibroblasts together with the healing improvement make these SF/EL scaffolds suitable for wound dressing applications.

Systematic comparisons of various spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods to measure concentrations of protein, peptide and amino acid: detectable limits, linear dynamic ranges, interferences, practicality and unit costs

There is limited and inconclusive information regarding detectable limits and linear dynamic ranges of various quantitative protein assays. We thus performed systematic comparisons of seven commonly used methods, including direct spectrophotometric quantitation at λ205 and λ280 nm (A205 and A280, respectively), bicinchoninic acid (BCA), Biuret, Bradford, Lowry and Ninhydrin methods. Purified BSA, porcine kidney extract, tryptic digested peptides derived from purified BSA, and glycine, were used as representative purified protein, complex protein mixture, peptide and amino acid, respectively. Bradford method was the most sensitive assay (LOD=0.006 mg/ml) and had the widest range of detectability (LOD-UOD=0.006-100mg/ml) for purified protein and complex protein mixture. For peptide, A205, A280, Lowry and Ninhydrin methods had a comparable LOD (0.006 mg/ml), but Ninhydrin method had the widest detectability range (LOD-UOD=0.006-100mg/ml). For amino acid, A205 and Ninhydrin methods had a comparable LOD (0.006 mg/ml), but A205 had a wider detectability range (LOD-UOD=0.006-6.250 mg/ml). Biuret method offered the widest linear dynamic range for purified protein and complex protein mixture (0.391-100mg/ml), A280 offered the widest linear dynamic range for peptide (0.024-6.250 mg/ml), and Ninhydrin method offered the widest linear dynamic range for amino acid (0.024-0.195 mg/ml). Both Laemmli's and 2-D lysis buffers had dramatic interfering effects on all assays. Concerning the practicality and unit costs, A205 and A280 were the most favorable. Among the colorimetric methods, Bradford method consumed the least amount of samples and shortest analytical time with the lowest unit cost. These are the most extensive comparative data of commonly used quantitative protein assays that will be useful for selecting the most suitable method for each study.

Sulfite oxidase controls sulfur metabolism under SO2 exposure in Arabidopsis thaliana

In the present study, the significance of sulfite oxidase (SO) for sulfite detoxification and sulfur assimilation was investigated. In response to sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) exposure, a remarkable expansion of sulfate and a significant increase of GSH pool were observed in wild-type and SO-overexpressing Arabidopsis. These metabolic changes were connected with a negative feedback inhibition of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate reductase (APR), but no alterations in gas exchange parameters or visible symptoms of injury. However, Arabidopsis SO-KO mutants were consistently negatively affected upon 600 nL L(-1) SO(2) exposure for 60 h and showed phenotypical symptoms of injury with small necrotic spots on the leaves. The mean g(H2O) was reduced by about 60% over the fumigation period, accompanied by a reduction of net CO(2) assimilation and SO(2) uptake of about 50 and 35%. Moreover, sulfur metabolism was completely distorted. Whereas sulfate pool was kept constant, thiol-levels strongly increased. This demonstrates that SO should be the only protagonist for back-oxidizing and detoxification of sulfite. Based on these results, it is suggested that co-regulation of SO and APR controls sulfate assimilation pathway and stabilizes sulfite distribution into organic sulfur compounds. In conclusion, a sulfate-sulfite cycle driven by APR and SO can be postulated for fine-tuning of sulfur distribution that is additionally used for sulfite detoxification, when plants are exposed to atmospheric SO(2).

UV-VIS detection of amino acids in liquid chromatography: online post-column solid-state derivatization with Cu(II) ions

In this work, we describe the introduction of a post-column solid-state reactor in the HPLC system used for the analyses of amino acids. The reactor used was filled with copper(II) oxide. Passage of the analytes through the reactor leads to the formation of Cu(II) complexes. Unlike free amino acids, the Cu-complexes show significant absorbance in the UV region and accordingly sensitivity of UV-VIS detection is increased by two to three orders of magnitude. As a result of this improvement in sensitivity, we have obtained LOD values in micromolar range and good linearity over the studied concentration range (5.0×10(-5) to 2.0×10(-3) mol/L). The method exhibits advantages typical of solid-state reactors, such as negligible loss of efficiency due to the derivatization, simplicity of realization and a long-term durability. The presented system brings an easy and versatile solution for UV-VIS detection of coordinating compounds, which do not normally absorb well in the UV-VIS region.

A novel method for spectrophotometric determination of pregabalin in pure form and in capsules

Background

Pregabalin, a γ-amino-n-butyric acid derivative, is an antiepileptic drug not yet official in any pharmacopeia and development of analytical procedures for this drug in bulk/formulation forms is a necessity. We herein, report a new, simple, extraction free, cost effective, sensitive and reproducible spectrophotometric method for the determination of the pregabalin.

Results

Pregabalin, as a primary amine was reacted with ninhydrin in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 to form blue violet colored chromogen which could be measured spectrophotometrically at λ_max 402.6 nm. The method was validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. The method showed linearity in a wide concentration range of 50-1000 μg mL^-1 with good correlation coefficient (0.992). The limits of assays detection was found to be 6.0 μg mL^-1 and quantitation limit was 20.0 μg mL^-1. The suggested method was applied to the determination of the drug in capsules. No interference could be observed from the additives in the capsules. The percentage recovery was found to be 100.43 ± 1.24.

Conclusion

The developed method was successfully validated and applied to the determination of pregabalin in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations without any interference from common excipients. Hence, this method can be potentially useful for routine laboratory analysis of pregabalin.