Advances in Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods for Drug Analysis: A Modern Analytical Perspective

Abstract

Drug analysis plays a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry by ensuring the identity, purity, potency, and safety of drug substances and formulations. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in analytical technologies—particularly spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods—which now form the foundation of modern pharmaceutical quality assurance. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques used for drug evaluation. It begins with an overview of classical UV–Visible spectrophotometry and its modifications, followed by an in-depth discussion on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The evolution of analytical instrumentation, miniaturization, and automation is examined in the context of enhanced precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity. Method validation as per ICH guidelines, including parameters such as accuracy, linearity, specificity, and robustness, is also discussed. The paper further highlights the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), chemometrics, and green analytical chemistry in drug testing. Finally, it addresses the challenges and scope for future development in the field. This holistic review demonstrates that advanced analytical methods are indispensable for ensuring pharmaceutical quality and safety in an era of regulatory rigor and technological innovation.

KEYWORDS: Drug analysis, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography, Analytical method validation, Pharmaceutical quality control