Solid phase extraction with electrospun nanofibers for determination of retinol and α-tocopherol in plasma

A novel packed-fiber solid phase extraction procedure based on electrospun nanofibers for simultaneous determination of vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) in human plasma has been developed. Parameters affecting extraction efficiency were investigated in detail. The limit of detection is 0.01 μg mL^?1 for retinol, and 0.3 μg mL^?1 for α-tocopherol. The linear range is from 0.05 to 2.0 μg mL^?1 for retinol, and from 0.5 to 30 μg mL^?1 for α-tocopherol. The precision (RSD) is <6%, and the relative recovery >90%. The method was applied to analysis of retinol and α-tocopherol in human plasma with satisfactory results.     

Flow Injection Chemiluminescence Determination Of Tetracyclines

Abstract

A fast and simple flow injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of trace amounts of tetracyclines is proposed based on the chemiluminescence of the KMnO₄ - TCs redox reaction in acidic medium in the presence of a sensitizer, OP. The response to the concentration of tetracyclines is linear in the range of 1.00 to 1000 μg mL^?1 with a relative standard deviation < 2.3 % for determination of 50.0 μg mL^?1 of each antibiotic (n = 11). The detection limits for tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline are 0.40, 0.52 and 0.60 μg mL^?1, respectively. The recommended method is suitable for automatic and continuous analysis and has been successfully tested for determination of tetracyclines in commercial formulations. The chemiluminescence intensity was found to be remarkably enhanced when in the presence of OP micellar system; possible reasons for this observed micellar induced enhanced chemiluminescence is given.     

Drug screening in human plasma by cloud-point extraction and HPLC

Cloud-point extraction (CPE) with RP-HPLC/DAD detection was used to develop a screen for six model basic drugs (paracetamol, promazine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and chlorpromazine) in human plasma. These drugs’ varied hydrophobicities entail different affinities for the micelle-rich phase and CPE extraction efficiencies. Extraction recovery (except paracetamol) was above 80% and reproducibility (RSD%) ranged from 2.88 to 10.26 intraday and from 3.12 to 12.33 interday. The limits of detection were: 0.125 μg mL^?1 (promazine and chlorpromazine), 0.25 μg mL^?1 (amitriptyline and nortriptyline) and 0.5 μg mL^?1 (paracetamol and clomipramine). The method was linear over the ranges: 0.125–1.0 μg mL^?1 (promazine and chlorpromazine), 0.25–1.0 μg mL^?1 (amitriptyline and nortriptyline), 0.5–1.0 μg mL^?1 (clomipramine) and 0.5–10 μg mL^?1 (paracetamol). The procedure is a good alternative to the SPE or LLE sample preparation usually used.     

Simultaneous Determination of Atrazine and Chlorpyrifos in Pesticide Formulations,in Soils and Waters by Derivative Spectrophotometry and Ratio Spectra Derivative

Abstract

A new method is described to analyse a binary mixture of atrazine and chlorpyrifos, using first-derivative spectrophotometry for atrazine and first derivative of the ratio spectra for chlorpyrifos. The procedure does not require any separation step. Calibration graphs were linear up to 15 μg.mL^?1 of atrazine and to 10 μg.mL^?1 of chlorpyrifos. The method has been applied to determine both compounds in pesticide formulations, in soils and waters.     

Simultaneous determination of fifteen multiclass organic pollutants in human saliva and serum by liquid chromatography–tandem ultraviolet/fluorescence detection: A validated method

A quick and inexpensive validated method, based on sample treatment by liquid–liquid microextraction followed by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with ultraviolet tandem fluorescence detection is proposed for the determination of 15 multiclass pollutants both in serum and in saliva, as a simple and easy to draw matrix. The method was set up and validated according to European guidelines. The compounds of interest include some endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (i.e. bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol E, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, bisphenol M, diethylhexyl phthalate, monoethylhexyl phthalate, triclosan and 4‐nonylphenol), as well as other pollutants belonging to the class of volatile organic compounds (2‐chlorophenol, 1,2 dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4,5‐tetrachlorobenzene). The limits of quantifications ranged from 2.28 × 10^?3 μg mL^?1 (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) to 6.29 μg mL^?1 (diethylhexyl phthalate), while those of detection ranged from 0.068 × 10^?3 μg mL^?1 (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether) to 1.031 μg mL^?1 (diethylhexyl phthalate). To test method suitability, it was applied to real saliva and serum samples of healthy human volunteers and was found to meet the demands of the laboratories handling simple and relatively inexpensive equipment for screening oriented at rapid and reliable contamination assessment of a population.     

New Rapid Assay for Nafcillin by Spectrofluorimetry in Pharmaceutical Dosage

Abstract

A method for the spectrofluorimetric determination of nafcillin is proposed (λ_ex = 226 nm, λ_em = 366 nm), for concentrations between 0.10 and 1.0 μg mL^?1. The method was performed in ethanol/water medium (30% V/V), at apparent pH 6.0 provided by adding of phosphate buffer solution with pH = 6.20.

The obtained values of detection and determination limits are 0.016 and 0.054 μg mL^?1, respectively.

The method was successfully applied to assay a commercial injection containing nafcillin sodium monohydrate.     

Determination of Iodate in Iodized Salt by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection

A method for the determination of iodate was developed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Iodate was converted to iodine, which was separated from the matrix using a reversed-phase Ultrasphere C₁₈ column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with methanol-1 mmol L^?1 H₃PO₄ (20:80, v/v) as mobile phase at 1.00 mL min^?1 and UV detection at 224 nm. The calibration graph was linear from 0.05 μg mL^?1 to 5.00μg mL^?1 for iodine with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 (n=7). The detection limit was 0.01 μg mL^?1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of iodate in iodized salt. The recovery was from 96% to 101% and the relative standard deviation was in the range of 1.5% to 2.9%.     

Flow injection spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid in soft drinks and beer

Two spectrophotometric methods, a photochemical and a non-photochemical, for the determination of ascorbic acid in soft drinks and beer using a flow-injection system are proposed. The non-photochemical method is based on the redox reaction that takes place between ascorbic acid and Fe(III), yielding dehydroascorbic acid and Fe(II). Fe(II) reacts with 1,10-phenantroline, originating the reddish orange Fe(phen)₃ ²⁺ complex (ferroin). This complex is spectrophotometrically monitored at 512 nm, and the signal is directly related to the concentration of ascorbic acid in the sample. The photochemical method has the same basis, nevertheless, uses the irradiation with visible light to enhance the redox reaction and so achieve higher sensitivities in the analysis. The non-photochemical method shows a linear range between 5 and 80 μg mL^?1, with a relative standard deviation of 1.6% (n = 11), a detection limit of 2.7 μg mL^?1 and a sample throughput of ¶60 samples h^?1. The photochemical method shows a linear range between 1 and 80 μg mL^?1, with a relative standard deviation of 1.0% (n = 11), a detection limit of 0.5 μg mL^?1 and a sample throughput of 40 samples h^?1.     

Anodic‐Stripping Voltammetric Immunoassay for Ultrasensitive Detection of Low‐Abundance Proteins Using Quantum Dot Aggregated Hollow Microspheres

A new anodic‐stripping voltammetric immunoassay protocol for detection of IgG1, as a model protein, was designed by using CdS quantum dot (QD) layer‐by‐layer assembled hollow microspheres (QDHMS) as molecular tags. Initially, monoclonal anti‐human IgG1 specific antibodies were anchored on amorphous magnetic beads preferably selective to capture F_ab of IgG1 analyte from the sample. For detection, monoclonal anti‐human IgG1 (F_c‐specific) antibodies were covalently coupled to the synthesized QDHMS. In a sandwich‐type immunoassay format, subsequent anodic‐stripping voltammetric detection of cadmium released under acidic conditions from the coupled QDs was conducted at an in situ prepared mercury film electrode. The immunoassay combines highly efficient magnetic separation with signal amplification by the multilayered QD labels. The dynamic concentration range spanned from 1.0 fg mL^?1 to 1.0 μg mL^?1 of IgG1 with a detection limit of 0.1 fg mL^?1. The electrochemical immunoassay showed good reproducibility, selectivity, and stability. The analysis of clinical serum specimens revealed good accordance with the results obtained by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. The new immunoassay is promising for enzyme‐free, and cost‐effective analysis of low‐abundance biomarkers.     

Development and validation of a generic RP‐HPLC PDA method for the simultaneous separation and quantification of active ingredients in cold and cough medicines

A novel generic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method is developed and validated for simultaneous determination of seven pharmaceutically active ingredients, namely, acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine, phenylephrine, guaifenesin, caffeine and aspirin. All seven ingredients were quantified in soft gel, syrup and tablet formulations of the over‐the‐counter US‐marketed products, as per the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization. The separation was achieved in a 16 min run time on an Agilent Zorbax Phenyl column using a gradient method with two mobile phases. Mobile phase A was 0.15% trifluoro acetic acid in purified water and while mobile phase B was a mixture of acetonitrile and methanol (750:250 v/v) with 0.02% trifluoro acetic acid. The flow rate was 1.0 mL min^?1 and injection volume was 10 μL. Detection was performed at 280 nm using a photodiode array detector. As part of the method validation, specificity, linearity, precision and recovery parameters were verified. The concentration and area relationships were linear (R² > 0.999), over the concentration ranges 20–120 μg mL^?1 for acetaminophen, 75–450 μg mL^?1 for dextromethorphan, 31.25–187.5 μg mL^?1 for doxylamine, 25–150 μg mL^?1 for phenylephrine, 25–150 μg mL^?1 for aspirin, 6.5–39 μg mL^?1 for caffeine and 12–72 μg mL^?1 for guaifenesin. The relative standard deviations for precision and intermediate precision were <1.5%. The proposed RP‐HPLC generic method is applicable for routine analysis of cold and cough over‐the‐counter products.     

Rubidium Determination In Mineral and Thermal Waters By Atomic-Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

A new procedure for rubidium determination in mineral and thermal waters using flame atomic-absorption spectrometry is described. to supress ionisation interference potassium solution was added. Rubidium can be determined in presence of Ca, Mg, Sr, Li, Cs, Fe, Al, CO² ₃, F^? and S^2? at higher levels that levels of these elements in waters. the precision and accuracy of the method were also investigated. In 163 mineral and thermal waters analysed, the rubidium concentration range is between 0.08 to 0.84 μg mL^?1.     

A Novel Label Free Electrochemical Magnetoimmunosensor for Human Interleukin‐6 Quantification in Serum

A novel magnetoimmunosensor, designed for sensitive and selective quantification of interleukin 6, is herein reported. The experimental design involves the covalent immobilization of anti‐interleukin 6 antibody through an amidic bond formed with the carboxyl functionalities provided at the surface of protein G‐functionalized magnetic microparticles, assuring a sandwich‐type immunoassay with electrochemical label free detection. All the experimental parameters involved in the elaboration and testing protocol were optimized. A linear calibration plot between the charge transfer resistance and the logarithmic concentration of interleukin‐6 was achieved in the 1 pg mL^?1 to 1 μg mL^?1 range. A limit of quantification of 1 pg mL^?1 and a detection limit of 0.3 pg mL^?1 were obtained. The optimized magnetoimmunosensor showed an excellent selectivity against some potentially interfering proteins and has been successfully applied for the determination of target protein in human serum, proving its clinical relevance.     

Kinetic Analysis of Cobalt in Veterinary Products

A novel kinetic method for the determination of trace amounts of Co(II) has been developed. The proposed method based on the catalytic effect of Co(II) on the oxidation of xylenol orange tetra sodium salt by H₂O₂ in the presence of cationic surfactant (N‐dodecylpyridinium chloride). Co(II) at μg.mL^?1 was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of xylenol orange at 577 nm by the differential method. The method is precise, selective, and sensitive. The detection limit of the procedure was 0.058 μg.mL^?1. The relative standard deviation for the replicate determination (n = 6) of 0.7 μg.mL^?1 was 1.285%. The results compared satisfactorily with those of atomic absorption spectrometry. The method was successful for the analysis of Co(II) in veterinary and synthetic samples.     

Determination of Procaine Penicillin G and Penicillin G by Second Derivative Spectrophotometry in Pharmaceutical Products

Abstract

“Zero-crossing” derivative spectrophotometry has been used for determining binary mixtures of penicillin G and procaine penicillin G.

The procedure is rapid, simple, nondestructive, and does not require resolutions of equations.

Calibration graphs are linear between 2.0 and 50.0 μg mL^?1 of the penicillin G at 226.0 nm, and between 2.0 and 100.0 μg mL^?1 of procaine penicillin G at 319.0 nm, in the presence of each other. A complete and exhausive statistical analysis of the experimental data was realized to demonstrate the validity of method. The method was successfully applied to assay commercial injections of these drugs.     

Development of an effective extraction process for coenzyme Q10 from Artemia

A method for extracting coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) from Artemia was developed. 1 g of fresh Artemia was incubated with 75 % acetic acid at (30 ± 2)°C for 24 h, followed by three consecutive extractions with a mixture of 5 mL of hexane and 5 mL of ethanol, then analysis by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector. The calibration curve for CoQ₁₀ was linear in a range of 1–50 μg mL^?1. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.3 μg mL^?1 and 1.1 μg mL^?1, respectively. Mean recoveries were 94–100 % with a high precision of below 10 %. The method developed was found to be simple, efficient and the time required for releasing CoQ₁₀ from Artemia was short. The method provides not only low energy consumption but is also practical for industrial applications.     

Voltammetric sensing of triclosan in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide using a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode

ABSTRACT

In the present study, a simple, cheap and sensitive electrochemical method based on a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond (CPT-BDD) electrode is described for the detection of triclosan with the cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) media. The oxidation of triclosan was irreversible and exhibited an adsorption controlled process. The sensitivity of the adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurements was significantly improved with addition of CTAB. Using square-wave stripping mode, a linear response was obtained for triclosan determination in Britton-Robinson buffer solution at pH 9.0 containing 2.5 × 10^?4 M CTAB at around + 0.67 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) (after 30 s accumulation at open-circuit condition). The method could be used in the range of 0.01–1.0 μg mL^?1 (3.5 × 10^?8–3.5 × 10^?6 M), with a detection limit of 0.0023 μg mL^?1 (7.9 × 10^?9 M). The feasibility of the proposed method for the determination of triclosan in water samples was checked in spiked tap water.     

Spectrophotometric Determination of Thioctic Acid in its Dosage Forms through Complex Formation with Pd(II)

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of thioctic acid in pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method is based upon the formation of a complex with palladium(II) in acetate buffer of pH 4.8 with an absorption maximum at 318 nm. The absorbance obeyed Beer's law over the range of 2–20 μg mL^?1 with a minimum detection limit of 0.15 μg mL^?1 and molar absorptivity (ζ) of 7 × 10³ L mol^?1.cm^?1. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the color were carefully studied and optimized. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial tablets and ampoules. The results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained using a reference spectrophotometric method. A proposal of the reaction pathway is presented.     

Simultaneous Determination of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in Tablets by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

ABSTRACT

A method for the simultaneous determination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide in tablets is described. The procedure, based on the use of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, is linear in the concentration range 5.0-10.0 μg ml^?1 for valsartan and 0.5-2.0 μg ml^?1 for hydrochlorothiazide, is simple and rapid and allows accurate and precise results. The limit of detection was 1.0 μg ml^?1 for valsartan and 0.05 μg ml^?1 for hydrochlorothiazide.     

Assay of Phenformin Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutics by Coupling with Sodium Nitroprusside

A novel and simple spectrophotometric method for the determination of phenformin hydrochloride using sodium nitroprusside as chromogenic reagent is developed in this paper. The experiment indicates that the sodium nitroprusside can react with the phenformin hydrochloride in a basic solution to form a product with colored N‐nitrosamines. The stoichiometric ratio of phenformin hydrochloride and sodium nitroprusside is 1:3 in the product. The maximal absorption wavelength (λ_max) of the product is 520 nm, ?₅₂₀ = 2.2 × 10³ Lmol^?1cm^?1. A Good linear relationship is obtained between the absorbance (A) and the concentration (C) of phenformin hydrochloride in a wide range of 0.20‐400 μg mL^?1. The equation of the linear regression is A = 0.03461 + 0.00907C (μg mL^?1) with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9991. The detection limit is 0.13 μg mL^?1, and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) is 0.19%. The method is successfully applied to the determination of phenformin hydrochloride in tablet forms, and satisfactory recoveries are obtained.     

Pervaporation as a Separation Technique for Direct Determination of Volatile Selenium Species by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

This paper reports for the first time a suitable way to determine methylated selenium compounds using the new approach of pervaporation coupled to atomic fluorescence spectrcmetry (PV-AFS).

The method developed allows direct extraction, separation, preconcentration and determination of dimethylselenium (DMSe) and dimethyldiselenium (DMDSe) from slurry samples. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits (LODs) were found to be 0.66 ng and 0.39 ng for DMSe and DMDSe, respectively, the precision being about 6–9 % for 10 ng mL as selenium concentration. The linearity ranges were from the LOD to 0.7 μg mL^?1 for DMSe and from the LOD to 0.4 μg mL^?1 for DMDSe (as Se). The pervaporation efficiencies were 55 ± 1 % and 85 ± 5 % for DMSe and DMDSe, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine methylated selenium species in sewage sludge, garlic and oyster samples. The concentrations found were from 0.07 to 1.42 μg g^?1.

As no certified reference materials are available for these analytes, validation was carried out by recovery studies in these matrices, and the results showed that the proposed method performed satisfactorily.