UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled with firefly algorithm-enhanced artificial neural networks for the determination of propranolol, rosuvastatin, and valsartan in ternary mixtures

In the present study, a simple, rapid and cost-effective analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of three commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs: propranolol, rosuvastatin and valsartan. The method employed artificial neural networks (ANN) to model the relation between the UV absorption spectra of the drugs and their concentrations. An experimental design of 25 samples was employed as a calibration set, and a central composite design of 20 samples was used as a validation set. The firefly algorithm (FA) was evaluated as a variable selection procedure to optimize the developed ANN models resulting in simpler models with improved predictive performance as evident by lower relative root mean square error of prediction (RRMSEP) values compared to the full spectrum ANN models. Validation of the developed FA-ANN models demonstrated excellent accuracy, precision and selectivity for the quantification of the target analytes as per international conference on harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Additionally, the greenness, analytical practicality and sustainability of the developed models were assessed using the analytical greenness (AGREE), blue applicability grade index (BAGI) and the red-green-blue (RGB) tools, confirming their environmentally friendly, practical and sustainable nature. This research shed the light on the potential of ANN coupled with UV fingerprinting for the rapid and simultaneous determination of critical cardiovascular drugs posing a significant impact on pharmaceutical quality control and patient monitoring.