Development of a method for the determination of lead in lithium carbonate-based medications by GF AAS

• Grant number: 25/00850-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Maciel Santos Luz
• Grantee: Catarina da Cruz Anselmo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas S/A (IPT). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Contamination by potentially toxic elements in medicines poses a significant risk to human health, especially in drugs for continuous use. Among these elements, lead is of particular concern due to its high toxicity, even at low concentrations, and can cause cumulative and severe damage to the body. This project aims to develop an analysis method that has high sensitivity and that produces accurate and precise results in the determination of lead in lithium carbonate-based medicines. The analysis will be performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, where the parameters of the heating program and the procedure for sample preparation will be carefully optimized. The results of this study aim to contribute to the improvement of quality control methods and ensure that medicines meet the standards established by regulatory agencies. With this, it is expected to support the application of more rigorous standards, promoting the improvement of human health safety during the use of these drugs.