An Overview of Analytical Methods for the Estimation of Propofol in Pharmaceutical Formulations, Biological Matrices, and Hair Marker

Propofol (PFL) owing to its excellent inhibitory property of neurotransmitters in CNS by positive modulation of ligand gated ion channels to an integrated chloride channeled GABA(A) thereby acts as a general anesthetic. It differs from other general anesthetics chemically and pharmacologically as it has lesser side effects compared to other general anesthetics and is most commonly used. The present review focuses on two aspects (a) various analytical methods used in quantification of Propofol in pharmaceutical formulations and (b) various analytical methods used to determine Propofol in biological matrices and some biological markers like hair and end tidal nasal air for forensic purpose to estimate drug concentration in suspected cases. Here the various analytical methods are developed using different parameters and validation of employed methods are discussed. Estimated parameters like the linearity, LOQ (Limit of quantification), % recovery, slope, intercept, validation are discussed for the individual method. The critical quality attributes like the wavelength of detection, columns, flow rate, gas flow, and the sample preparation methods for the determination of PFL by bioanalytical methods are also discussed. Type of electrode, mechanism involved and the potential voltage applied for a particular electrochemical method are also discussed.