Optimization of separation and determination of chloramphenicol in food using aqueous two-phase flotation coupled with HPLC

An aqueous two-phase flotation (ATPF) based on short-chain alcohol and salt was a preconcentration, separation and analysis method of chloramphenicol (CAP) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet–visible detector. The influences of salt concentration, flotation time, flow rate and the volume of n-propanol on the flotation efficiency of CAP were discussed. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the experimental conditions. Under the optimal conditions, this method has been applied to quantitative determination of CAP in food with detection limit of 0.12 ng g^?1 and quantification limit of 0.4 ng g^?1 and the recoveries were in the range of 91.53–103.95 %. This ATPF used low cost of organic solvents, had high concentration coefficient and supplied a moderate and biocompatible environment, which is suitable for biomolecules.