Comprehensive Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Lomefloxacin Across Multiple Matrices

Lomefloxacin (LOM), a third-generation fluoroquinolone, remains analytically important due to its ongoing pharmaceutical use, environmental persistence, and complex physicochemical behavior. Its amphoteric nature, metal-ion chelation, photosensitivity, and matrix-dependent stability complicate accurate quantification in pharmaceuticals, biological fluids, food, and environmental samples. This review critically evaluates analytical methods for LOM determination, focusing on sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and matrix compatibility. Chromatographic approaches, particularly HPLC with fluorescence detection and LC-MS/MS, provide the highest reliability for complex matrices, enabling effective separation of LOM from metabolites and degradation products at trace levels. Electrochemical techniques, especially those using nanomaterials and molecularly imprinted electrodes, offer rapid and sensitive alternatives with reduced solvent use, though their performance depends on pH and metal-ion interactions. Spectroscopic methods are cost-effective and suitable for routine quality control but are more prone to matrix interference and photodegradation effects. LC-MS/MS achieves the lowest detection limits (∼0.1 ng mL⁻¹), followed by HPLC (0.5-10 ng mL⁻¹), electrochemical sensors (low ng mL⁻¹), and spectrophotometric methods (µg mL⁻¹). Future directions include greener methodologies, improved sample preparation, miniaturized sensors, and AI-driven optimization.