Liquid chromatography with amperometric detection for the determination of cephalosporins in biological fluids

Abstract

The amperometric detection of cephalosporins with an aminothiazole substituent in the side-chain after HPLC separation has been investigated. The electrochemical characteristics of the cephalosporins were determined at three different pH values. A limiting current is reached at a potential of + 1.00–1.10 V vs. Ag-AgCl under the conditions used. The linearity and precision are comparable to those obtained with UV detection. The detection limits are about five times lower than those obtained with UV detection. The applicability of the method to the determination of cephalosporins in serum and urine is shown for cefmenoxine. The method is also of interest for stability studies in vitro.