Chemometric-assisted UV-Vis spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous quantification of triple anthelmintics in veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Effective control of parasitic diseases in veterinary medicine relies heavily on anthelmintic drugs, particularly combinations targeting both nematodes and cestodes. However, simultaneous quantification of multi-component anthelmintic formulations presents significant analytical challenges, especially with cost-effective UV-Vis spectrophotometry due to inherent spectral overlap. This study introduces a novel, rapid, and environmentally conscious UV-Vis spectrophotometric method, leveraging advanced chemometrics, for the simultaneous determination of Fenbendazole (FN), Pyrantel embonate (PN), and Praziquantel (PZ) in veterinary pharmaceuticals. A novel Adaptive Plateau-based Successive Projections Algorithm coupled with Automated Tuning Support Vector Regression (AP-SPA/AT-SVR) approach was developed. AP-SPA strategically selected optimal wavelengths, mitigating collinearity, while AT-SVR, employing hybrid hyperparameter optimization, robustly modeled complex spectral-concentration relationships. The AP-SPA/AT-SVR method demonstrably outperformed traditional Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), achieving significantly enhanced predictive accuracy, evidenced by reduced Mean Squared Error (MSE) and elevated coefficients of determination (R²). Rigorous validation, adhering to the accuracy profile approach, confirmed method accuracy across the relevant concentration range. Furthermore, comprehensive greenness and whiteness assessments unequivocally established the method superior sustainability profile. This innovative chemometric-assisted UV-Vis spectrophotometric method provides a valuable, rapid, accurate, and environmentally responsible tool for quality control in veterinary pharmaceutical analysis, offering a compelling alternative to conventional HPLC.