Computer vision-based analytical chemistry applied to determining iron in commercial pharmaceutical formulations.

Two different computer vision-based analytical chemistry (CVAC) methods were developed to quantify iron in the commercial pharmaceutical formulations Ferbisol® and Ferro sanol®. The methods involve using a digital camera or a desktop scanner to capture a digital image of a series of Fe2+ standard solutions and the unknown sample upon reaction with o-phenanthroline. The images are processed with appropriate software (e.g., the public domain programme ImageJ, from NIH) to obtain a numerical value (analytical signal) based on colour intensity. The fact that such a value is proportional to the analyte concentration allows one to construct a calibration graph from the standards and interpolate the value for the sample in order to determine its concentration. The results thus obtained were compared with those provided by a spectrophotometric method and the US Pharmacopoeia's recommended method. The differences never exceeded 2%. The two proposed methods are simple and inexpensive; also, they provide an effective instrumental alternative to spectrophotometric methods which can be especially beneficial in those cases where purchasing and maintaining a spectrophotometer is unaffordable.

Oxidation of adrenaline and noradrenaline by solved molecular oxygen in a FIA assembly.

A simple and effective procedure is proposed for the study and simultaneous determination of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The fluorimetric determination of both substances is performed in a flow injection assembly and by oxidation of both drugs with the solved molecular oxygen. The influence of different parameters is empirically studied and the interpretation of the reaction mechanism is also added. The determination of adrenaline is monitored at 450 nm and the outputs at 520 nm correspond to the adrenaline and noradrenaline global amount; for both lectures lambda(exc) 329 nm. The influence of temperature is relevant and analytical determination occurred at 55 degrees C by immersing the sample loop in a water bath. The linear range for adrenaline is over 0.5-20 microg ml(-1), limit of detection for both compounds is 0.2 microg ml(-1): the influence of foreign compounds as potential interferents is also tested; and, finally the procedure is applied to determination of both chatecolamines in synthetic samples.

Flow injection-spectrophotometric determination of metoclopramide hydrochloride.

The determination of metoclopramide hydrochloride is spectrophotometrically determined by the Bratton-Marshall method in a flow injection assembly. The required nitrite is prepared on-line in the flow assembly by reducing a nitrate solution with the aid of a copperised cadmium solid-phase reactor. The calibration graph is linear over the range 0.5-85 mg l(-1), with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.89%, and sample throughput of 51 samples h(-1). The method is easy and simple, and it is applied to determination of metoclopramide in some pharmaceutical formulations. The method eliminates the need for frequent preparation of unstable nitrite solutions.