Pharmaceutical Analysis

Chapter 10

Analysis of Antibiotics

INTRODUCTION

Antibiotics are the agents used for the inhibition of growth of micro-organisms and they are obtained from the micro-organisms. Hence these agent's analysis is important for the determination of the activity. There are number of antibiotics having different activities. Based on the activity of the compound and importance, various analytical methods are developed.

1. Identification tests:
   1. For bacitracin: The sample is dissolved in methanol and NaOH. Then little quantity of 1% of copper sulphate pentahydrate is added and the solution is shaken with the butanol. Then the two layers are separated. The appearance of pink colour for the aqueous phase indicates the presence of bacitracin.
   2. For carbomycin ...