Determination of poly(ethylene glycol)-400 in urine by Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry

Abstract

A simple and rapid method for the analysis of poly(ethylene glycol)-400 (PEG-400) (used in the study of intestinal physiology) in human urine is described using Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry, The quantitative measurements were carried out by using the absorbance value of the C-O-C band (wavenumber 1100 cm(-1)). The lower limit of determination of PEG-400 in human urine was 0.8 mg cm(-3), Analytical recovery of PEG-400 added to urine controls was 99.6%, The results of the analyses of one urine sample were compared with those obtained by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Limitations and advantages of the two systems are discussed.