St. Petersburg University has unveiled an automated technique for detecting fluoroquinolone antibiotics in liquids that may pose risks to human health. The method underwent testing on dairy milk, shrimp, and wastewater, with findings shared with socialbites.ca from the university in St. Petersburg. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
Fluoroquinolones represent the most widely used class of synthetic antibiotics, known for their broad spectrum of action. For many years they were considered relatively safe, but growing evidence highlights significant concerns due to serious side effects such as arterial thrombosis, erosion of cartilage in supporting joints, colitis, life threatening bleeding, and even death. Today the case for tighter regulatory controls on the use of these antibiotics spans pharmacology, the food industry, and agriculture. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
The core idea behind the St. Petersburg State University method is the selective and efficient extraction of antibiotics from the tested materials. This process employs eutectic solvents, which are modern, safe solvents designed for high performance in extraction tasks. After the extraction step, the solvent phase that contains the separated fluoroquinolones is analyzed by liquid chromatography, a precise technique for separating and measuring components in mixtures. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
Researchers noted that the method delivers both high efficiency and strong sensitivity, capable of detecting trace levels of these substances. According to Irina Timofeeva, a member of the Analytical Chemistry Department, the technique reduces manual labor and minimizes human error. The approach aligns with flow analysis principles that support automation and streamlined workflows. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
Experiments involved three distinct sample types: milk, shrimp, and wastewater, chosen to reflect common vectors for antibiotic presence in the food supply and environmental media. The results demonstrated reliable performance across these matrices, underscoring the method’s robustness. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
Looking ahead, the technology has the potential for broad adoption across industries that handle liquids susceptible to antibiotic contamination. In particular, food production and processing facilities stand to gain from faster, more automated screening that supports safer product quality control. The method could become a staple part of routine surveillance alongside established chromatographic tools. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
As the discussion around antibiotic stewardship continues, such innovations offer a pathway to better monitoring and safer use of fluoroquinolones. By enabling more rapid detection and reducing the labor involved in testing, this approach may help stakeholders respond more quickly to contamination concerns. The integration of these solvents with advanced analytical instruments reflects a trend toward more efficient and reliable laboratory workflows. (Source: St. Petersburg University)
In the near term, the technology is especially relevant to the food industry, where chromatography remains one of the most widely used analytical platforms. Its deployment could enhance routine screening, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen confidence in product safety for consumers in North America and beyond. (Source: St. Petersburg University)