Comparison of methods for detecting ciprofloxacin in pharmaceuticals and urine: UV–Vis spectrophotometry versus poly ([Mn(Chr)3]Cl2)/PGE voltammetry

Abstract Background Ciprofloxacin (Cpro) is a drug belonging to the fluoroquinolones class which can contribute to bacterial resistance due to its improper and overuse, and excretion in urine as unchanged. Therefore, continuous monitoring is required. In this work, voltammetric technique with pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified by manganese(II)-chrysin complex ([Mn(Chr) 3 ]Cl 2 ) has been developed and its performance has been compared with the unmodified PGE working electrode and UV–Vis spectrophotometric method. Results Both the developed and UV–Vis spectrophotometric methods were calibrated using a series of standard solutions of Cpro with increasing concentration in the range of 1–250 µM. After calibrating the two methods, Cpro has been determined in two brands of pharmaceuticals, in urine samples, and in the presence of paracetamol. The values of dynamic range, LoD, and sensitivity for the developed method were 1–250 µM, 0.536 µM, and 0.148, respectively, whereas in UV–Vis spectrophotometric method the dynamic range, LoD, and sensitivity were 1–120 µM, 0.413 µM, and 0.025, respectively. Conclusion Based on slope value, dynamic range, and selectivity the developed method has better performance than UV–Vis spectrophotometric method. Graphical abstract