Comprehensive Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Lomefloxacin Across Multiple Matrices

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Pharmaceutical Analysis

Background:

• Lomefloxacin (LOM) is a third-generation fluoroquinolone with significant pharmaceutical use and environmental persistence.
• Its amphoteric nature, metal-ion chelation, photosensitivity, and matrix-dependent stability present analytical challenges.
• Accurate quantification is crucial in diverse matrices including pharmaceuticals, biological fluids, food, and environmental samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate and compare various analytical methods for lomefloxacin determination.
• To assess methods based on sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and matrix compatibility.
• To identify optimal techniques for accurate LOM quantification across different sample types.

Main Methods:

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection.
• Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Electrochemical techniques utilizing nanomaterials and molecularly imprinted electrodes.
• Spectroscopic methods.

Main Results:

• LC-MS/MS provides the highest reliability and lowest detection limits (∼0.1 ng mL⁻¹), ideal for complex matrices.
• HPLC offers good reliability with detection limits of 0.5-10 ng mL⁻¹.
• Electrochemical sensors are rapid and sensitive (low ng mL⁻¹), while spectroscopic methods are cost-effective but prone to interference (µg mL⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• Chromatographic techniques, especially LC-MS/MS, are superior for accurate LOM quantification in complex samples.
• Electrochemical methods offer promising alternatives with reduced solvent usage.
• Future research should focus on greener analytical approaches, improved sample preparation, and advanced sensor technologies.