The potential of electroanalytical techniques in pharmaceutical analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Pharmaceutical Analysis

Background:

• Analytical instrumentation has significantly advanced, necessitating a review of electroanalytical trends for drug analysis.
• Electroanalytical methods are crucial for determining drugs in diverse matrices, from formulations to biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey recent trends in the electroanalysis of drugs.
• To evaluate potentiometric, voltammetric, and amperometric techniques for drug analysis.
• To discuss the evolution and potential of various electrochemical methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of potentiometric, voltammetric, and amperometric techniques.
• Analysis of historical evolution and current potentialities.
• Examination of selective electrodes, stripping analysis, polarography, and solid electrodes.
• Discussion of surface modifications, microelectrodes, and biosensors.

Main Results:

• Numerous selective electrodes have been developed and commercialized; improvements in membrane matrices and fouling reduction are needed.
• Potentiometric stripping analysis shows renewed interest due to computational power.
• Polarography and its refinements are effective for trace metal analysis and speciation, and applicable to drug analysis with validation.
• Solid electrodes are routine detectors post-chromatography; surface modifications enhance selectivity and response.
• Microelectrodes and screen-printed sensors offer advantages for specific applications like single-cell analysis and field assays.
• Biosensors and electrochemical immunoassays demonstrate success in selective and sensitive drug analysis.

Conclusions:

• Electroanalysis provides powerful tools for sensitive and selective drug detection.
• Ongoing research in surface modifications, microelectrodes, and biosensors promises further advancements.
• Validated electrochemical methods are essential for reliable drug analysis in complex matrices.