Paweł Kubalczyk, Izabella Kośka, Rafał Głowacki
Fluoroquinolones (FQLs) are synthetic derivatives of the quinolone class, originally developed from the nalidixic acid scaffold. FQLs are widely used in human and animal medicine due to their broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Their strong bactericidal properties result from the inhibition of bacterial DNA transcription and replication. However, inappropriate use of these antibiotics often leads to toxic side effects, environmental pollution, and the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Recently, numerous methods for determination of FQLs in various matrices have been developed using separation techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. In recent years, analytical procedures have employed a range of detection methods, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, electrochemiluminescence, mass spectrometry, and fluorescence. Most of these procedures involve some form of extraction during the sample preparation step. This report summarizes the development of FQL determination methods over the last five years and may assist in selecting an appropriate procedure for a given sample matrix.