Antibiotics are a vital aspect of modern medicine, used to treat infections caused by harmful bacteria. However, their overuse and misuse have led to the development of resistant strains, putting millions of lives in danger worldwide. To address this issue, researchers have been developing new and innovative methods to detect and quantify antibiotics in different matrices. One of the most promising methods is the use of nanosorbents, which have revolutionized the process of antibiotic quantification. In this article, we’ll explore the latest advances in solid-phase extraction techniques using nanosorbents and how they are changing the way we measure antibiotics in different environments.
Antibiotics are critical drugs used to treat bacterial infections. However, emerging bacterial resistance to these drugs has led to rising global mortality rates. One factor contributing to antibiotic resistance is the presence of residual antibiotics in various environmental matrices. Even though antibiotics may be present in small concentrations, persistent exposure to these levels can lead to bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to detect these minute concentrations of antibiotics in different matrices. In response to this need, scientists have made significant progress in developing Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) techniques for detecting and quantifying antibiotics in different matrices.
A new review published in the Journal of Chromatography A provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in SPE techniques for extracting and quantifying antibiotics from different environmental matrices. The review discusses various factors affecting the extraction process, including methodology, parameters, and instrumental and operational advancements. It also analyzes nanosorbents’ potential in antimicrobial analysis and presents a table of antibiotics’ physicochemical properties.
Solid-phase extraction is a popular extraction technology that can be customized to extract specific compounds from matrices. Researchers use sorbents for extraction; these sorbents are modified over time with nanoparticles and multilayer structures. SPE, when combined with nanosorbents, is the most productive technique for antibiotic detection, quantification, and extraction. The technique is also automated, selective, and can be integrated with other extraction techniques.
The review provides a comprehensive overview of developments in sorbents with a specific focus on antibiotic detection and quantification in different matrices in the last two decades. It emphasizes the critical role of SPE in detecting antibiotic residues, which is essential for preventing the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Although SPE is an emerging and promising technique, it still has several challenges that need to be addressed. These include sample pretreatment, interference, reproducibility, speed, and selectivity. Addressing these challenges will unlock the potential of SPE and enable the detection and quantification of even minute antibiotic concentrations in different matrices.
In conclusion, the review highlights that identifying and quantifying antibiotic residues in various matrices is critical for preventing the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With the advancements in SPE techniques, scientists can detect and quantify antibiotics in environmental matrices accurately. Future research should focus on addressing the challenges faced by SPE techniques to unlock their full potential.
In conclusion, the development of nanosorbent technology has greatly impacted the field of analytical chemistry. The application of solid-phase extraction techniques using nanosorbents has revolutionized the quantification of antibiotics, providing more accurate and efficient results. The ability to detect the presence of antibiotics at trace levels is crucial to ensure the safety of our environment and public health. As research in this area continues to progress, we can expect to see further advancements in the use of nanosorbents for various analytical applications. Indeed, the future of analytical chemistry seems bright with the emergence of nanosorbents.
