Sample Preparation\nApproaches for Determination of\nQuinolones in Aqueous Matrixes: Systematic Review

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are among the most used\nantibiotics\nworldwide. Antibiotic resistance genes can be acquired by human pathogens\nfrom ambient microorganisms, which can lead to a treatment failure\nfor bacterial infections. Furthermore, determining the levels of quinolones\nand fluoroquinolones in aqueous matrixes is crucial for safeguarding\nboth human health and the environment. Using sample preparation techniques\nis essential since these compounds are commonly present in aqueous\nmatrixes at trace levels. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the main\nanalytical methods for the determination of quinolones in aqueous\nsamples based on a systematic literature review. We only considered\nstudies that presented more robust analytical techniques that allowed\nfor more accurate and precise measurement of quinolones/fluoroquinolones\nin aqueous matrixes. In total, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria\nand were used in our analysis. A total of 21 quinolone antibacterial\nagents were investigated in water samples from 13 countries, showing\n a potential risk around the world. Ciprofloxacin (72.2%), enrofloxacin\n(61.1%), norfloxacin (50%), marbofloxacin, and levofloxacin (33.3%)\nwere the most frequently evaluated compounds. High-Performance Liquid\nChromatography stands out as the predominant instrumental technique\nfor the separation and identification of these compounds. Additionally,\namong the selected studies in this review, 44% employed liquid–liquid\nextraction techniques and its miniaturized versions, while 56% opted\nfor solid-phase extraction and its miniaturized variations. Finally,\nit is important to note that the final method efficiency relies on\nthe entire process, from selecting the instrumental technique with\nappropriate detection limits, going through the entire sample preparation,\nto achieving a good recovery through adjustments in the extraction\nparameters to archive the determination of trace levels.