A simple and rapid batch injection analysis method with amperometric detection for determination of azithromycin in pharmaceutical tablets

Azithromycin (AZI) is a macrolide antibiotic that presents highly bactericidal or bacteriostatic action and is extensively used worldwide. However, in excess it can cause severe side effects, while AZI residues can significantly harm both humans and the environment. In this study, a method was developed for AZI determination using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a suspension of Super P carbon black and Nafion®, together with a fully 3D-printed batch injection analysis (BIA) device. For AZI detection, a potential of + 0.95 V was selected and the optimal BIA parameters were an injection volume of 100 µL and a dispensing rate of 200 µL s⁻¹. The method exhibited a linear range from 1.00 to 150 µmol L⁻¹ and a detection limit of 0.045 µmol L⁻¹. Repeatability and reproducibility tests demonstrated the robustness of the sensor, which could be used for multiple sequential analyses over several days. The developed method was applied to pharmaceutical samples, with the results confirming its viability for analyses of these matrices.

Graphical Abstract