Photochemical derivatization was proposed to enable intense fluorescence (412/465 nm) from erythromycin. Crucial experimental parameters such as type and concentration of the acid used to treat analyte solutions and UV irradiation time were adjusted. Limits of detection and quantification of 0.025 and 0.085 µg mL-1 were achieved with linear range up to 200 µg mL-1. The procedure was selective towards the presence of aminoglycoside antibiotics (kanamycin, gentamycin and amikacin). The method was tested using pharmaceutical formulations and one vaccine composition containing erythromycin as a preservative component, with analyte recoveries between 98 and 105%.
photochemical induced fluorescence; erythromycin; pharmaceutical formulations
