HPLC separation of antibiotics present in formulated and unformulated samples

Sphere-shaped ZnO photocatalyst synthesis for enhanced degradation of the Quinolone antibiotic, Ofloxacin, under UV irradiation

The sphere-shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst was synthesized by the homogeneous precipitation method, using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a zinc precursor and NH4OH as a precipitating agent. The morphology and crystal structure of the prepared ZnO sample were studied by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, XPS, zeta potential measurements, and a low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. The optical characteristics of ZnO were determined by UV - Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. ZnO photocatalyst performance of up to 100% within 210 min was observed in the photodegradation of the ofloxacin antibiotic under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The effect of antibiotic concentration, heavy metal ions, and water sources on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO demonstrated both the potential of its application under different conditions, and a good adaptability of this photocatalyst. The photodegradation reaction correlated well with the first-order kinetics model, with a rate constant of 0.0173 min-1. The reusability of the photocatalyst was verified after three cycles of use. Admittedly, photogenerated electrons and holes played a key role in removal of the antibiotic. This work showed the suitability of prepared ZnO for antibiotic removal, and its potential use for environmental protection.

Smart optical sensing of multiple antibiotic residues from wastewater effluents with ensured specificity using SERS assisted with multivariate analysis

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy offers great potential for rapid and highly sensitive detection of pharmaceuticals from environmental sources. Herein, we investigated the feasibility of label-free sensing of antibiotic residues from wastewater effluents with high specificity by combining with multivariate analysis. Highly ordered silver nanoarrays with ∼34 nm roughness have been fabricated using a cost-effective electroless deposition technique. As-fabricated Ag arrays showed superior LSPR effects with an enhancement factor of 8 × 107. Excellent reproducibility has also been noticed with RSD values within 11%, whilst the sensor showed good stability and reusability characteristics for being used as a low-cost and reusable sensor. SERS studies demonstrated that antibiotics-spiked wastewater effluents can be detected with high efficiency in a label-free method. The molecular fingerprint bands of antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, and ciprofloxacin were well analyzed in effluent, tap, and deionized water. It has been found that antibiotics can be detected near picomolar levels; meanwhile, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) exhibited a detection limit within nanomolar concentrations only. Furthermore, the specificity of SERS sensing has been further analyzed using a multivariate analysis method, principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA); which showed prominent discrimination to distinguish each antibiotic residue from wastewater effluents. The current study presented the potential of Ag nanoarray sensors for rapid, highly specific, and cost-effective analysis of pharmaceutical products for environmental remediation applications.

A molecularly imprinted nanocavity with transformable domains that fluorescently indicate the presence of antibiotics in meat extract samples

In this study, we aimed to create synthetic polymer receptors with the fluorescence signalling ability, using molecular imprinting, precisely designed template molecules, and site-specific post-imprinting modifications, which can mimic conjugated proteins and are capable of specific molecular recognition, and wherein successful binding can be indicated by a change in fluorescence. A molecularly imprinted APO-type nanocavity with a reconstructable domain was prepared by co-polymerisation of a template molecule containing cephalexin conjugated to polymerisable groups via a Schiff base, a disulphide bond, and a cross-linker, followed by hydrolysis of the Schiff base and a disulphide exchange reaction. Fluorescence-based indication of binding was devised by the Schiff base formation reaction with 4-formylsalicylic acid, and the interacting site was introduced via a disulphide exchange reaction with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, yielding a multifunctional mature (HOLO)-type molecularly imprinted nanocavity. The ability to indicate binding events using changes in the fluorescence of the HOLO polymer was investigated, and it was revealed that the target antibiotic cephalexin can be selectively detected in aqueous media with high affinity (K_a = 1.1 × 10⁴ M^-1). Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibited the potential to detect spiked cephalexin in chicken extracts with a limit of detection of 18 μM (1.3 ppm). The proposed fluorescence-sensing system based on molecular imprinting and post-imprinting modification is expected to enable the development of advanced materials for the specific detection of trace antibiotics in complex samples.

Survey of Aflatoxin M1 in Commercial Liquid Milk Products in China

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in Chinese liquid milk products. A total of 190 liquid milk samples, including 168 ultrahigh-temperature-treated milk samples and 22 pasteurized milk (PM) samples, were collected in August 2019. A screening assay with the Charm rapid test kit and a confirmation method with high-performance liquid chromatography were used for AFM1 analysis. Nine (4.74%) samples were screened positive, of which 5 (2.11%) samples were confirmed with concentration levels of 0.022 to 0.049 μg/kg. The AFM1 levels confirmed were all below the maximum residue levels set by China, the European Union, the United States, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The detection rate of AFM1 in domestic milk samples was 3.39%, while no AFM1 was detected in samples of imported milk. The prevalences of AFM1 detected in three groups of brands were as follows: group I, the major brands of China, 2.70%; group II, the local city domestic brands, 4.55%; and group III, the brands imported into China, 0. The detection rate of AFM1 was significantly higher in PM samples (9.09%) than in ultrahigh-temperature-treated samples (1.19%) (P < 0.05). Although the residue level of AFM1 did not exceed the maximum residue levels in any of the samples, the higher detection rate in local Chinese brands, especially in PM samples, deserves the attention of the Chinese government and consumers.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lemna minor studies under various storage periods using extended-polarity extraction and metabolite non-target screening analysis

Plant metabolomic studies cover a broad band of compounds, including various functional groups with different polarities and other physiochemical properties. For this reason, specific optimized methods are needed in order to enable efficient and non-destructive extraction of molecules over a large range of LogD values. This study presents a simple and efficient extraction procedure for Lemna minor samples demonstrating polarity extension of the molecular range. The Lemna samples chosen were kept under the following storage conditions: 1) fresh, 2) stored for a few days at -80 °C, and 3) stored for 6 months at -80 °C. The samples were extracted using five specifically chosen solvents: 100 % ethanol, 100 % methanol (MeOH), acidic 90 % MeOH (MeOH-water-formic acid (FAC) (90:9.5:0.5, v/v/v), MeOH-water (50:50, v/v), and 100 % water. The final extraction procedure was conducted subject to three solvent conditions, and the subsequent polarity-extended analysis was applied for Lemna minor samples using RPLC-HILIC-ESI-TOF-MS. The extraction yield is in descending order (acidic 90 % MeOH), 50 % MeOH, 100 % water and 100 % MeOH. The results displayed significant molecular differences, both in the extracts investigated and in the fresh Lemna samples, compared to stored samples, in terms of the extraction yield and reducing contents as well as the number of features. The storage of Lemna minor resulted in changes to the fingerprint of its metabolites as the reducing contents increased. The comparisons enable a direct view of molecule characterizations, in terms of their polarity, molecular mass, and signal intensity. This parametric information would appear ideal for further statistical data analysis. Consequently, the extraction procedure and the analysis/data evaluation are highly suitable for the so-called extended-polarity non-target screening procedure.

A Survey of 61 Veterinary Drug Residues in Commercial Liquid Milk Products in China

ABSTRACT

To investigate the drug residue status in commercial liquid milk products in China, 190 samples, including ultrahigh temperature milk (n = 168) and pasteurized milk (n = 22) samples, were collected in 2019. Milk samples were analyzed for the presence of any of the 61 veterinary drugs in them by using a screening assay combined with an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Ten (5.26%) samples were found positive for β-lactams, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides, and six (3.16%) samples were confirmed residual for penicillin G (n = 6; 3.16%), tetracycline (n = 1; 0.53%), and oxytetracycline (n = 1; 0.53%), with the maximum concentration of 2.85, 40.64, and 12.35 μg kg-1, respectively. Drug residue detection rate in group II (4.55%; the local city domestic brands) was higher than that in group I (2.70%; the major brands of China) and group III (2.78%; the imported brands into China) and higher in domestic samples (3.39%) than that in imported samples (2.78%), and higher in pasteurized milk samples (9.09%) than in ultrahigh temperature milk samples (2.38%). All drug residue levels were far below the regulated maximum residue limits. However, based on some veterinary drug residues detected in the samples, there is a potential veterinary drug risk in liquid milk products in the Chinese market, and this situation deserves the attention of governments and consumers.

HIGHLIGHTS

A model study by using polymeric molecular imprinting nanomaterials for removal of penicillin G

We aimed to develop a molecularly imprinted polymeric systems with using penicillin G as a template molecule for removal of the antibiotic residues from environmental samples. Firstly, Pen-G-imprinted poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-alanine) [p(HEMA-MAAL)] nanopolymers were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method. Then, template molecule (Pen-G) was extracted from nanopolymers. Synthesized nanopolymers were characterized by different methods such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental and zeta-size analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and surface area calculations. Nanopolymers have 60.38 nm average size and 1034.22 m²/g specific surface area. System parameters on Pen-G adsorption onto Pen-G imprint nanopolymers were investigated at different conditions. The specific adsorption value (Q_max) of molecularly impirinted p(HEMA-MAAL) nanopolymers was found 71.91 g/g for Pen-G in 5 mg/mL Pen-G initial concentration. Pen-G adsorption of molecularly imprinted nanopolymers was 15 times more than non-imprinted polymer. It is shown that obtained p(HEMA-MAAL) nanopolymer was a reuseable product which protected its adsorption capacity of 98.9% after 5th adsorption-desorption cycle. In conclusion, we suggest a method to develop a nanostructure, selective, low-cost molecularly imprinted polymeric systems with using penicillin G as a template molecule for removal of the antibiotic residues.

Rapid determination of aminoglycosides in pharmaceutical preparations by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics often employed to combat Gram-negative bacterial infections. A technique based on electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was developed for rapid determination of aminoglycosides. This method, which does not require prior chromatographic separation, or derivatization and extensive sample preparation steps, was deployed to estimate gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin in pharmaceutical formulations. Upon gas-phase collisional activation, protonated gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin undergo a facile loss of their respective “C” ring moiety to produce characteristic ions of m/z 322, 324, and 425, respectively. The mass spectral peak intensities for these specific product ions were monitored either by a flow-injection analysis selected-ion monitoring (FIA-SIM) time-intensity method or by a mass spectrometric internal-standard method. The linear dynamic ranges of detection for both methods were evaluated to be 10–1000 ng/mL for gentamicin, 25–2500 ng/mL for tobramycin, and 10–1000 ng/mL for amikacin. The internal-standard mass spectrometric method afforded lower intra-day and inter-day variations (2.3–3.0% RSD) compared to those from FIA-SIM method (4.5–5.0% RSD). This method was applied as a potential alternative procedure to determine gentamicin in commercial pharmaceutical samples and to monitor the release of gentamicin from “self-defensive” tannic acid-based layer-by-layer films into phosphate buffer solutions at different pHs.

First derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the determination of Gatifloxacin in presence of its oxidative degradation product: Application to pharmaceutical preparation

A highly accurate and precise spectrofluorimetric method was established for quantitation of Gatifloxacin in pure material, pharmaceutical formulations and in the existence of its oxidative degradation product. The emission was recorded at 487 nm after the excitation at 290 nm. Using micelle, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), enhanced fluorescence intensity of Gatifloxacin-SDS complex. The optimization of numerous experimental conditions was carried out. The improved emission showed a suitable linear correlation between derivative synchronous fluorescence power and concentration of Gatifloxacin over the range of 10 to 100 ng/mL with a determination coefficient equals 0.9996. Studying cytotoxicity and antimicrobial susceptibility for oxidative degradation product of Gatifloxacin was carried out using Gatifloxacin as a control. In comparison, the proposed method presented a superior sensitivity and enhanced stability over the reported method.

Validation of a Stability-Indicating Spectrometric Method for the Determination of Sulfacetamide Sodium in Pure Form and Ophthalmic Preparations

Introduction:

Sulfacetamide sodium is a widely used sulfonamide for ophthalmic infections.

Objective:

A number of analytical methods have been reported for the analysis of sulfacetamide but they lack the ability to determine both the active drug and its major degradation product, sulfanilamide, simultaneously in a sample.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study a simple, rapid and economical stability-indicating UV spectrometric method has been validated for the simultaneous assay of sulfacetamide sodium and sulfanilamide in pure form and in ophthalmic preparations.

Results:

The method has been found to be accurate (recovery 100.03 ±0.589%) and precise (RSD 0.587%) with detectable and quantifiable limits of 1.67×10^–6 M (0.04 mg%) and 5.07×10^–6 M (0.13 mg%), respectively for the assay of pure sulfacetamide sodium. The method is also found to be accurate and precise to small changes in wavelength, pH and buffer concentration as well as to forced degradation. The study further includes the validation of the method for the assay of pure sulfanilamide in solution, which has been found to be accurate, precise and robust.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that the proposed two-component spectrometric method is stability-indicating and can be used for the simultaneous assay of both sulfacetamide sodium and sulfanilamide in synthetic mixtures and degraded solutions.

Thermoanalytical characterization of clindamycin-loaded intravitreal implants prepared by hot melt extrusion

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a non-destructive fabrication method in for the development of sustained-release poly (L, D-lactic acid)-based biodegradable clindamycin phosphate implants for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rod-shaped intravitreal implants with an average length of 5 mm and a diameter of 0.4 mm were evaluated for their physicochemical parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) studies were employed in order to study the characteristics of these formulations.

RESULTS

Drug content uniformity test confirmed the uniformity in different implant batches. Furthermore, the DSC, FTIR, and 1H NMR studies proved that the fabrication process did not have any destructive effects either on the drug or on the polymer structures.

CONCLUSION

These studies showed that the developed sustained-release implants could be of interest for long-term sustained intraocular delivery of clindamycin, which can provide better patient compliance and also have good potential in terms of industrial feasibility.

Development and validation of stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography method to analyze gatifloxacin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical preparations

Quantitative determination of gatifloxacin in tablets, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and eye-drops using a very simple and rapid chromatographic technique was validated and developed. Formulations were analyzed using a reverse phase SUPELCO® 516 C-18-DB, 50306-U, HPLC column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer:acetonitrile (75:25, v/v) and with orthophosphoric acid pH was adjusted to 3.3 The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and analyte concentrations were measured using a UV-detector at 293 nm. The analyses were performed at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Gatifloxacin was separated in all the formulations within 2.767 min. There were linear calibration curves over a concentration range of 4.0-40 μg.mL(-1) and correlation coefficients of 0.9998 with an average recovery above 99.91%. Detection of analyte from different dosage forms at the same Rt indicates the specificity and stability of the developed method.

Quantization of Dextromethorphan and Levocetirizine in Combined Dosage form Using a Novel Validated RP-HPLC Method

The present study reveals a simple isocratic RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and levocetirizine dihydrochloride in a cough syrup. The separation of these compounds was achieved within 10 min on a Phenomenex (USA) C₁₈ analytical column, 250×4.0 mm i.d., using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) - acetonitrile- tetrahydrofuran (70:25:5, v/v/v). The analysis was performed at a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min and at a detection wavelength of 232 nm. Percentage recovery and RSD were 100.36% and 0.05% for levocetirizine dihydrochloride, 100.35% and 0.27% for dextromethorphan hydrobromide respectively. Quantification of the components in syrup formulation was calculated against the peak areas of freshly prepared standard solutions. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines.

Occurrence of several main antibiotic residues in raw milk in 10 provinces of China

In the present study, 199 raw milk samples were analysed for beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides and quinolones. They were obtained from collection tanks of milk routes in 10 provinces of China. The occurrence and concentration range of the four antibiotics were investigated by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. At the detectable level, 0.5%, 47.2% and 20.1% of samples were positive for beta-lactams, quinolones and sulfonamides, respectively. No sample was positive for tetracyclines. Beta-lactams were positive only in Beijing while quinolones and sulfonamides were positive in all provinces. One (0.5%) sample for beta-lactams was above the maximum residue limits (MRLs, regulated by EU, CAC and China). The maximum concentrations for sulfonamides and quinolones were 16.28 µg kg⁻¹ and 23.25 µg kg⁻¹ which were under their maximum residue limits. More precaution should be taken on antibiotic controls because of the high detection rate of some antibiotics.

Comparative Study of RP-HPLC and UV Spectrophotometric Techniques for the Simultaneous Determination of Amoxicillin and Cloxacillin in Capsules

Reversed-phase HPLC and UV spectrophotometric techniques using water as solvent have been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of amoxicillin and cloxacillin in capsules. For both techniques, the linearity range of 60.073x2013;140.0 µg/mL was studied. The spectrophotometric data show that non-derivative techniques, such as absorbance ratio and compensation, and ratio spectra first-order derivative could be successfully used for the co-assay of amoxicillin and cloxacillin. Based on the statistical comparison of spectrophotometric and chromatographic data, the interchangeability between HPLC and UV spectrophotometric techniques has been suggested for the routine analysis.

Validation of an HPLC-UV method for the determination of ceftriaxone sodium residues on stainless steel surface of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipments

In pharmaceutical industry, an important step consists in the removal of possible drug residues from the involved equipments and areas. The cleaning procedures must be validated and methods to determine trace amounts of drugs have, therefore, to be considered with special attention. An HPLC-UV method for the determination of ceftriaxone sodium residues on stainless steel surface was developed and validated in order to control a cleaning procedure. Cotton swabs, moistened with extraction solution (50% water and 50% mobile phase), were used to remove any residues of drugs from stainless steel surfaces, and give recoveries of 91.12, 93.8 and 98.7% for three concentration levels. The precision of the results, reported as the relative standard deviation (RSD), were below 1.5%. The method was validated over a concentration range of 1.15-6.92 μg ml(-1). Low quantities of drug residues were determined by HPLC-UV using a Hypersil ODS 5 μm (250×4.6 mm) at 50 °C with an acetonitrile:water:pH 7:pH 5 (39-55-5.5-0.5) mobile phase at flow rate of 1.5 ml min(-1), an injection volume of 20 μl and were detected at 254 nm. A simple, selective and sensitive HPLC-UV assay for the determination of ceftriaxone sodium residues on stainless steel surfaces was developed, validated and applied.

Application of a liquid chromatographic procedure for the analysis of penicillin antibiotics in biological fluids and pharmaceutical formulations using sodium dodecyl sulphate/propanol mobile phases and direct injection

A direct injection liquid chromatography procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of four penicillin antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin) in pharmaceutical formulations and physiological fluids (urine) using hybrid micellar mobile phases. These antimicrobials are used to treat gastrointestinal and systemic infections. The four penicillins were analysed using a Zorbax C18 reversed-phase column and detected at 210 nm. These antibiotics were separated by an interpretive optimisation procedure based on the accurate description of the retention and shape of the chromatographic peaks. Antibiotics were eluted in less than 16 min with no interference by the urine protein band or endogenous compounds using the mobile phase 0.11 M sodium dodecyl sulphate-6% propanol-0.01 M NaH(2)PO(4) buffered at pH 3. The method was validated according to the Food and Drug Administration guideline, including analytical parameters such as linearity (R(2)>0.993), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD, %: 0.1-4.4 and 1.2-5.9, respectively), and robustness for the four compounds. This method is sensitive enough for the routine analysis of penicillins at therapeutic urine levels, with limits of detection in the 1.5-15 ng mL(-1) range and limits of quantification of 50 ng mL(-1). Recoveries in a micellar medium and a spiked urine matrix were in the 92.4-108.2% and 96-110% ranges, respectively. Finally, the method was successfully applied to determine these antibiotics in urine samples and pharmaceutical formulations.

Decomposition and mineralization of cefaclor by ionizing radiation: kinetics and effects of the radical scavengers

There has been recent growing interest in the presence of antibiotics in different environmental sectors. One considerable concern is the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment, even at low concentrations. Cefaclor, one of the beta-lactam antibiotics, is widely used as an antibiotic. Kinetic studies were conducted to evaluate the decomposition and mineralization of cefaclor using gamma radiation. Cefaclor, 30 mg/l, was completely degraded with 1,000 Gy of gamma radiation. At a concentration of 30 mg/l, the removal efficiency, represented by the G-value, decreased with increasing accumulated radiation dose. Batch kinetic experiments with initial aqueous concentrations of 8.9, 13.3, 20.0 and 30.0mg/l showed the decomposition of cefaclor using gamma radiation followed a pseudo first-order reaction, and the dose constant increased with lower initial concentrations. At a given radiation dose, the G-values increased with higher initial cefaclor concentrations. The experimental results using methanol and thiourea as radical scavengers indicated that ()OH radicals were more closely associated with the radiolytic decomposition of cefaclor than other radicals, such as e(aq)(-) or ()H. The radical scavenger effects were tested under O(2) and N(2)O saturations for the enhancement of the TOC percentage removal efficiencies in the radiolytic decomposition of cefaclor. Under O(2) saturation, 90% TOC removal was observed with 100,000 Gy. Oxygen is well known to play a considerable role in the degradation of organic substances with effective chain reaction pathways. According to the effective radical reactions, the enhanced TOC percentage removal efficiencies might be based on the fast conversion reactions of e(aq)(-) and ()H with O(2) into oxidizing radicals, such as O(2)(-) and HO(2)(), respectively. 100% TOC removal was obtained with N(2)O gas at 20,000 Gy, as reducing radicals, such as e(aq)(-) and ()H, are scavenged by N(2)O and converted into ()OH radicals, which have strong oxidative properties. The results of this study showed that gamma irradiation was very effective for the removal of cefaclor in aqueous solution. The use of O(2) or N(2)O, with radiation, shows promise as effective radical scavengers for enhancing the TOC or COD removal efficiencies in pharmaceutical wastewaters containing antibiotics. However, the biological toxicity and interactions between various chemicals during the radiolytic treatment, as well as treatments under conditions more representative of real wastewater will require further studies.

Use of SDS micelles for improving sensitivity, resolution, and speed in the analysis of β-lactam antibiotics in environmental waters by SPE and CE

This study dealt with the potential of MEKC with LIF detection involving derivatization with sulfoindocyanine succinimidyl ester (Cy5) for the separation and determination of beta-lactam antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephradine, and cephalexin) in environmental water samples. Water samples of 50 mL were enriched by SPE by passage through a weak base-cation Amberlite(R) IRA-93 exchange column. SDS micelles play important roles in the whole analytical process by improving the yield (sensitivity) and the kinetics of the labeling reaction, the elution of the retained antibiotics from the SPE preconcentration system and the electrophoretic resolution of their Cy5-derivatives. The optimum procedure includes a derivatization step of the antibiotics at 25 degrees C for 10 min and direct injection for MEKC analysis, which is conducted within about 15 min using 15 mM SDS in the running buffer (35 mM sodium borate at pH 9.3). LODs from 30 to 45 ng/L and RSDs (within-day precision) from 3.5 to 5.9% were obtained for the antibiotics in water samples with average recoveries ranging from 96.4 to 99.4%. These results indicate that the method proposed is a straightforward and sensitive tool for the determination of these antibiotics in environmental water samples providing similar quantitative results to those using more expensive equipment like LC-electrospray MS/MS.

Development of a validated HPLC method for the determination of four penicillin antibiotics in pharmaceuticals and human biological fluids

A quantitative method for the determination of four penicillin antibiotics, amoxicillin (AMO), oxacillin (OXA), cloxacillin (CLO), and dicloxacillin (DICLO), has been developed. Separation was achieved on an Inertsil ODS-3 (250 x 4 mm, 5 microm) column after selective extraction of penicillin drugs from biological matrices by means of SPE. Gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% TFA (pH 1) and ACN, and PDA detection with monitoring at 240 nm was applied. Salicylic acid (5 ng/microL) was used as the internal standard. RP-8 Adsorbex Merck cartridges provided high absolute recoveries (98-101%). The developed method was fully validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, and sensitivity. Repeatability (n = 8) and between-day precision (n = 8) revealed RSD <10%. Recoveries from biological samples ranged from 91 to 103%. The detection limits were estimated as 3.3 ng for AMO, OXA, and CLO, and 6.6 for DICLO in blood plasma. LOD in whole blood and urine was 6.6 ng. Injection volume was 20 microL. The method was applied to commercially available AMO containing pharmaceuticals and spiked biological matrices. The method was also applied to biological samples after AMO oral administration, where the drug was successfully identified and quantified.

Simultaneous separation of five fluoroquinolone antibiotics by capillary zone electrophoresis

A novel methodology has been developed for simultaneous separation of ciprofloxacin (CPFLX), gatifloxacin (GTFLX), levofloxacin (LVFLX), moxifloxacin (MFLX) and sparfloxacin (SPFLX) fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs), using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with UV detection at 282 nm. Electrolyte composition was optimized through the variation of the Tris/hydrochloride and sodium tetraborate buffer mixture. The electrolyte consisted of a 25 mmol L(-1) Tris/hydrochloride and 15 mmol L(-1) sodium tetraborate buffer mixture resulting in pH 8.87. All analytes were separated in less than 3 min. The proposed method was applied to the separation of FQs in pharmaceutical formulations, and the assay results were within 95-105% of the label claim.

Chromatographic analysis of penicillins in pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids

Natural penicillin (benzylpenicillin) is the oldest antibiotic observed by Alexander Fleming in 1928. To broaden its spectrum of activity, natural penicillin was modified, giving rise to a group of antibiotics under the name 'penicillins'. Although an increasing number of bacteria appear to be resistant to them, penicillins are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including Gram-positive, Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Consequently, they are widely used in human and veterinary medicine to prevent and treat diseases. This review covers the analytical methodologies, mainly chromatographic, employed to the penicillins determination in pharmaceutical formulations, biological fluids and in production-scale fermentations reported in the literature. Results of published assays are comparatively presented focusing on sample preparation regarding isolation and purification, chromatographic conditions and method validation. Information on chemical structure, spectrum of activity and action mechanism of common penicillins has also been given.

Development and validation of a simple HPLC method for simultaneous in vitro determination of amoxicillin and metronidazole at single wavelength

A simple, rapid, sensitive and robust reversed phase-HPLC method was developed and validated to measure simultaneously the amount of amoxicillin and metronidazole at single wavelength (254 nm) in order to assess drug release profiles and drug-excipients compatibility studies for a new floating-sustained release tablet formulation and its subsequent stability studies. An isocratic elution of filtered sample was performed on C18 column with buffered mobile phase (pH 4.0) and UV detection at 254 nm. Quantification was achieved with reference to the external standards. The linearity for concentrations between 0.15 and 600 microg/ml for amoxicillin and 0.13 and 300 microg/ml for metronidazole were established. Intra and inter-day precision were less than 2.5%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification were 0.05 and 0.15 microg/ml for amoxicillin and 0.10 and 0.13 microg/ml for metronidazole. The determination of the two active ingredients was not interfered by the excipients of the products. Samples were stable in the release media (37 degrees C) and the HPLC injector at least for 12 h.

Quantitative determination of gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin and pefloxacin fluoroquinolonic antibiotics in pharmaceutical preparations by high-performance liquid chromatography

The objective of this research was to develop and validate analytical methods for quantitative determination of fluoroquinolones of third generation. Simple and rapid chromatographic method was developed and validated for quantitative determination of four quinolone antibiotics in tablets and injection preparations. The fluoroquinolones studied were gatifloxacin (GAT), levofloxacin (LEV), lomefloxacin (LOM) and pefloxacin (PEF). The quinolones were analyzed by using a LiChrospher 100 RP-18 column (5 microm, 125 mm x 4 mm) and a mobile phase constituted of water:acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) with 0.3% of triethylamine and pH adjusted to 3.3 with phosphoric acid. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the analyses were performed using UV detector with wavelengths varying from 279 to 295 nm. The analyses were performed at room temperature (24 +/- 2 degrees C). All fluoroquinolones were separated within 5 min. The calibration curves were linear (r>or=0.9999) over a concentration range from 4.0 to 24.0 microg/mL. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was < 1.0% and average recovery was above 99.54%.

Analysis of macrolide antibiotics by liquid chromatography

A compilation of the most representative single and multianalyte HPLC methods for the analysis of macrolide antibiotics published during the last two decades is presented in this paper. Its scope is the coverage of two main areas which require the determination of macrolide antibiotics at a low concentration level, i.e. pharmacokinetic studies and residue analysis. Both of these areas involve the treatment of biological and foodstuff matrices, respectively. A detailed explanation of the different sample preparation procedures as well as the experimental conditions and the main analytical features are provided for each referred method in order to allow the reader to select the most suitable conditions for their particular purpose.