Simplex optimization of the variables influencing the determination of pefloxacin by time-resolved chemiluminescence

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 2018-03, Vol.193, p.117-124
• Main Authors: Murillo Pulgarín, José A., Alañón Molina, Aurelia, Jiménez García, Elisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemiluminescence; Pefloxacin; Simplex optimization
• ISSN: 1386-1425
• DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2017.12.002

A new chemiluminescence (CL) detection system combined with flow injection analysis (FIA) for the determination of Pefloxacin is proposed. The determination is based on an energy transfer from Pefloxacin to terbium (III). The metal ion enhances the weak CL signal produced by the KMnO4/H2SO3/Pefloxacin system. A modified simplex method was used to optimize chemical and instrumental variables. The influence of the interaction of the permanganate, Tb (III), sodium sulphite and sulphuric acid concentrations, flow rate and injected sample volume was thoroughly investigated by using a modified simplex optimization procedure. The results revealed a strong direct relationship between flow rate and CL intensity throughout the studied range that was confirmed by a gamma test. The response factor for the CL emission intensity was used to assess performance in order to identify the optimum conditions for maximization of the response. Under such conditions, the CL response was proportional to the Pefloxacin concentration over a wide range. The detection limit as calculated according to Clayton's criterion 13.7μgL−1. The analyte was successfully determined in milk samples with an average recovery of 100.6±9.8%. [Display omitted] •A fast, simple and direct method for the determination of Pefloxacin has been developed,•The determination is based on an energy transfer from Pefloxacin to terbium (III).•A modified simplex optimization procedure was used to select the instrumental and chemical variables.•The results revealed a strong direct relationship between the flow rate and CL intensity that was confirmed by a Gamma test.•The method is an effective choice for the determination of Pefloxacin in biological matrices such as milk.