Atualmente, a produção de Material de Referência Certificado (MRC) tem apresentado destaque devido a sua importância na aplicação durante a validação de métodos, estimativa de incerteza e controles de rotina, atendendo uma grande demanda de laboratórios que aplicam sistemas de gestão da qualidade (como por exemplo, baseados na ISO/IEC 17025) e necessitam desenvolver estas atividades em busca da rastreabilidade metrológica. Dentre estes diferentes laboratórios, podemos destacar os laboratórios de bebidas que analisam, por exemplo, contaminantes em uísque visando um monitoramento adequado deste produto de grande consumo interno, seja de produtos importados e/ou produção nacional. Desta maneira este projeto visa o desenvolvimento de candidato a material de referência certificado (MRC) para Uísque, considerando a importância em desenvolver métodos para a produção de material de referência, sendo o uísque um excelente candidato devido à importância em monitorar adequadamente este produto que tem apresentado um crescimento exponencial de consumo nos últimos anos. / Currently, the production of CRM has been highlighted due to its importance in method validation, uncertainty measurement and routine controls, necessary for laboratories that apply quality management systems (e.g. based on ISO/IEC 17025) and need to develop these activities to achieve an adequate metrological traceability. Among these different laboratories, we can highlight the beverage laboratory that analyses, for example, contaminants in whiskey to ensure an appropriate monitoring of this product that has great domestic consumption. This project aims the development of a candidate certified reference material (CRM) for whiskey, considering the importance of developing methods for the production of reference material, being the whiskey an excellent candidate because of its importance to properly monitor this product that has shown an exponential growth of consumption in recent years.

[pt] Os analisadores hematológicos são sistemas de medição que permitem identificar elementos sanguíneos, incluindo a contagem diferencial dos cinco tipos de leucócitos encontrados no sangue periférico: neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos, eosinófilos e basófilos. Devido à inexistência de materiais de referência certificados ou métodos de referência para a análise diferencial de leucócitos, tem sido habitual avaliar o desempenho de novos analisadores comparando-os com sistemas tradicionalmente disponíveis e bem consolidados. Em 2015, foi lançada uma nova tecnologia portátil e de baixo custo, o modelo DxH500 (Beckman Coulter), baseada na perda axial de luz usando LED azul como emissor, combinada à medição de impedância. O presente trabalho compara o desempenho do DxH500 com um modelo bastante utilizado desde seu lançamento em 2001 para exames laboratoriais em larga escala, o modelo LH750 (Beckman Coulter), baseado na combinação dos princípios de impedância, condutividade e dispersão de luz (VCS). No estudo foram examinadas 310 amostras pareadas. A análise comparativa entre os resultados fornecidos por cada dispositivo indicou uma boa correlação para a caracterização de neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos. Apesar da reduzida correlação observada para a contagem de basófilos, esse resultado não apresenta relevância clínica já que os valores obtidos para as amostras avaliadas foram muito reduzidos, inferiores aos limites de referência. Embora a análise comparativa realizada tenha apontado para um desempenho equivalente utilizando-se tecnologias com princípios diversos, a adequada avaliação dos dispositivos de análise hematológica requer o desenvolvimento de materiais de referência certificados, uma demanda fundamental para a garantia da confiabilidade na quantificação diferencial de leucócitos. / [en] Hematology analyzers are measurement systems that allow the identification of blood elements, including differential counting of the five types of leukocytes found in peripheral blood: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Because of the lack of certified reference materials or reference methods for differential leukocyte analysis, it has been customary to evaluate the performance of new analyzers by comparing them with traditionally available and well-established systems. In 2015, a new low-cost, portable technology was introduced, the Beckman Coulter DxH500 model, based on the axial loss of light using blue LED as a combined transmitter for impedance measurement. The present work compares the performance of the DxH500 with a widely used model since its launch in 2001 for large-scale laboratory tests, the Beckman Coulter model LH750, based on the combination of impedance, conductivity and scatter (VCS). In the study, we examined 310 paired samples. The comparative analysis between differential leukocyte evaluation results provided by each device indicated a good correlation for the characterization of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Despite the low correlation observed for basophil counts, this result is not clinically relevant since the values obtained for the evaluated samples were very low, lower than the reference limits. Although the comparative analysis carried out pointed to an equivalent performance using technologies with different principles, the adequate evaluation of hematological analysis devices requires the development of certified reference materials, fundamental demand for the reliability of the differential quantification of leukocytes.

O Brasil é um dos grandes produtores mundiais de minério de ferro e exporta a maior parte da sua produção. No comércio internacional é importante assegurar a comparabilidade dos resultados analíticos obtidos em diferentes laboratórios. Uma variação de 0,1 % na média do teor de ferro pode aumentar ou diminuir em muito o valor de um grande carregamento de minério. Assim, os sistemas de garantia da qualidade dos laboratórios necessitam de materiais de referência. Este trabalho estudou a preparação de um lote de minério de ferro (pelotizado) como material de referência, certificando os teores de vários constituintes por meio de um programa interlaboratorial. Treze laboratórios participaram do programa e dezoito componentes do minério tiveram seus teores certificados: Fetotal (65,1%), SiO2 (2,76%), Al2O3 (0,46%), TiO2 (0,056%), P (0,026%), S (0,003%), MnO (0,094%), CaO (3,31%), MgO (0,043%), K2O (0,013%), Ba (0,004%), Zn (13 mg/kg), Cu (10 mg/kg), Co (12 mg/kg), Cr (56 mg/kg), Pb (15 mg/kg), Ni (14 mg/kg), V (48 mg/kg). / Brazil is one of the great worldwide iron ore producers and exports most of its production. In the international trade it is important to make sure the comparison of the analytical results among different laboratories. A variation of 0,1% in the average of the iron content can increase or decrease the value of a large ore shipment. Thus, the quality guarantee systems of the laboratories need certified reference materials. The aim of this work was the preparation an amount of iron ore (pellets) as reference material, being certified content of some constituents through an interlaboratory program. Thirteen laboratories participated of the program and eighteen components of the ore had its content certified: Fetotal (65,1%), SiO2 (2,76%), Al2O3 (0,46%), TiO2 (0,056%), P (0,026%), S (0,003%), MnO (0,094%), CaO (3,31%), MgO (0,043%), K2O (0,013%), Ba (0,004%), Zn (13 mg/kg), Cu (10 mg/kg), Co (12 mg/kg), Cr (56 mg/kg), Pb (15 mg/kg), Ni (14 mg/kg), V (48 mg/kg).

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Polyaniline nanocomposites doped with poly(vinylsulphonate) (PV-SO3) and nanostructured polystyrene (PSNP) latex beads functionalized with amine (PSNP-NH2) and sulphate ((PSNP-OSO3) were prepared and characterised for use as nitrite electro-catalytic chemosensors and ochratoxin A immunosensors. The resultant polyaniline electrocatalytic chemosensors (PANI, PANI|PSNP-NH2 or PANI|PSNP-OSO3 −) were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Brown-Anson analysis of the multi-scan rate CV responses of the various PANI films gave surface concentrations in the order of 10−8 mol/cm. UV-vis spectra of the PANI films dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide showed typical strong absorbance maxima at 480 and 740 nm associated with benzenoid p-p* transition and quinoid excitons of polyaniline, respectively. The SEM images of the PANI nanocomposite films showed cauliflower-like structures that were <100 nm in diameter. When applied as electrochemical nitrite sensors, sensitivity values of 60, 40 and 30 μA/mM with corresponding limits of detection of 7.4, 9.2 and 38.2 μM NO2 −, were obtained for electrodes, PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNP-SO3 −; respectively. Immobilisation of ochratoxin A antibody onto PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNPSO3 - resulted in the fabrication of immunosensors. / South Africa

<p>Polyaniline nanocomposites doped with poly(vinylsulphonate) (PV-SO3 &minus / ) and nanostructured polystyrene (PSNP) latex beads functionalized with amine (PSNP-NH2) and sulphate (PSNP-OSO3 &minus / ) were prepared and characterised for use as nitrite electro-catalytic chemosensors and ochratoxin A immunosensors. The resultant polyaniline electrocatalytic chemosensors (PANI, PANI|PSNP-NH2 or PANI|PSNP-OSO3 &minus / ) were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Brown-Anson analysis of the multi-scan rate CV responses of the various PANI films gave surface concentrations in the order of 10&minus / 8 mol/cm. UV-vis spectra of the PANI films dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide showed typical strong absorbance maxima at 480 and 740 nm associated with benzenoid p-p* transition and quinoid excitons of polyaniline, respectively. The SEM images of the PANI nanocomposite films showed cauliflower-like structures that were &lt / 100 nm in diameter. When applied as electrochemical nitrite sensors, sensitivity values of 60, 40 and 30 &mu / A/mM with corresponding limits of detection of 7.4, 9.2 and 38.2 &mu / M NO2 &minus / , were obtained for electrodes, PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNP-SO3 &minus / , respectively. Immobilisation of ochratoxin A antibody onto PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNPSO3 - resulted in the fabrication of immunosensors.</p>

<p>Polyaniline nanocomposites doped with poly(vinylsulphonate) (PV-SO3 &minus / ) and nanostructured polystyrene (PSNP) latex beads functionalized with amine (PSNP-NH2) and sulphate (PSNP-OSO3 &minus / ) were prepared and characterised for use as nitrite electro-catalytic chemosensors and ochratoxin A immunosensors. The resultant polyaniline electrocatalytic chemosensors (PANI, PANI|PSNP-NH2 or PANI|PSNP-OSO3 &minus / ) were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Brown-Anson analysis of the multi-scan rate CV responses of the various PANI films gave surface concentrations in the order of 10&minus / 8 mol/cm. UV-vis spectra of the PANI films dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide showed typical strong absorbance maxima at 480 and 740 nm associated with benzenoid p-p* transition and quinoid excitons of polyaniline, respectively. The SEM images of the PANI nanocomposite films showed cauliflower-like structures that were &lt / 100 nm in diameter. When applied as electrochemical nitrite sensors, sensitivity values of 60, 40 and 30 &mu / A/mM with corresponding limits of detection of 7.4, 9.2 and 38.2 &mu / M NO2 &minus / , were obtained for electrodes, PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNP-SO3 &minus / , respectively. Immobilisation of ochratoxin A antibody onto PANI|PSNP-NH2, PANI and PANI|PSNPSO3 - resulted in the fabrication of immunosensors.</p>

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Immunosensors are affinity ligand-based biosensor solid-state devices in which the immunochemical reaction is coupled to a transducer. The specificity of the molecular recognition of antigens by antibodies to form a stable complex is the basis of the immunosensor on the electrode. The development of such a sensor requires a better design and preparation of an optimum interface between the biomolecules and the detector material. The immunosensors were developed based on Polyaniline derivative composite. Novel water soluble PdTe quantum dots (QD) was synthesized and characterized by different physical techniques such as UV-Visible (UV-VIS), Fluorescence Spectroscopy (PL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The electroactivity of such synthesized quantum dots was studied by cyclic voltammetry in aqueous media. The synthesis of poly(2,5- dimethoxyaniline)-multi wall 'carbon nanotubes nanocomposite was carried out by electropolymerization in situ of 2,5-dimethoxyaniline - multi wall carbon nanotubes (PDMA-MWCNT) from aqueous dispersion containing acid-treated multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and 2,5-dimethoxyaniline subsequently modifying a glassy carbon electrode in acid media. An undoped PDMA was also prepared for control. The composite for this work, consists of layer-by-layer method to form a multilayer film of QDs and PDMA-MWCNT. The method used was as follows; the drop coating of quantum dots followed by electrodeposition of poly(2,5- dimethoxyaniline )-carbon nanotubes onto surface of glassy carbon. The PDMA-CNT was characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical characterisation of PDMA-CNT was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The composite (QDs-PDMA-MWCNT) was also characterized using above mentioned techniques. The electrochemical immunosensor for fumonisin a mycotoxin was prepared by dropcoating of mycotoxins antibody onto the composite modified glassy carbon electrode. The response profiles of fumonisins sensors system were obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The fumonisin immunosensor was used for the detection of fumonisins in certified com reference materials. For comparison reasons, analysis of such mycotoxins was carried out by using conventional analytical method enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The EIS response of FBI immunosensor (GCEIPT-PDMA-MWCNT/anti-Fms-BSA) gave a linear range of 7 to 49 ng L-I and the corresponding sensitivity and detection limits were 0.0162 ka L ng-I and 0.46 pg L-I, respectively. Hence the limit of detection of GCEIPT-PDMA-MWCNT immunosensor for fumonisins in com certified material was calculated to 0.014 and 0.011 ppm for FBI, and FB2 and FB3, respectively. These results are lower than those obtained by ELISA, a provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) for fumonisins (the sum of FBI, FB2, and FB3) established by the Joint FAO / WHO expert committee on food additives and contaminants of 2 ug kg" and the maximum level recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for protection of human consumption (2-4 mg L-I).

[pt] A participação de laboratórios clínicos em programas de ensaio de proficiência é uma importante ferramenta para gestão da qualidade. A maior parte das avaliações de desempenho de laboratórios clínicos por ensaio de proficiência se realiza com base no critério Z-Score, cujo valor designado é o consenso de resultados obtidos pelos participantes da rodada de proficiência, que é fortemente dependente da qualidade dos sistemas analíticos dos participantes. Utilizando uma base de dados fornecida por um provedor de ensaios de proficiência acreditado pelo INMETRO, este trabalho compara o desempenho de critérios para a avaliação da proficiência de laboratórios clínicos para medição de glicose. Consideraram-se não só critérios comumente utilizados, mas também novos critérios propostos que independem do consenso, baseados apenas em parâmetros associados ao valor designado pelo material de referência. As discrepâncias de classificação de desempenho dos laboratórios em função dos critérios de avaliação empregados indicaram inadequações da classificação baseada em critérios com parâmetros afetados pelo consenso entre participantes. O estudo também permitiu caracterizar o desempenho dos sistemas analíticos empregados pelos participantes, evidenciando-se uma discrepância significativa entre seus resultados. Os resultados do presente trabalho possibilitam analisar o impacto dos critérios utilizados no ensaio de proficiência para a adequada avaliação do desempenho dos laboratórios, contribuindo, assim, para a garantia da confiabilidade dos diagnósticos clínicos e condutas terapêuticas. / [en] The participation of clinical laboratories in proficiency testing programs is an important tool for quality management. Most evaluations of clinical laboratory performance by proficiency testing are carried out based on the Z-Score criterion; whose assigned value is the consensus of results obtained by the participants of the round, which is heavily dependent on the quality of analytical systems of participants. Using a database provided by a proficiency testing provider accredited by INMETRO, this paper compares the performance of criteria for the assessment of proficiency of clinical laboratories for measuring glucose. The analysis considered not only commonly used criteria, but also new proposed criteria that are independent of the consensus effect, based only on parameters associated with the assigned value defined by the reference material. The observed discrepancies in the performance rating of laboratories, according to the evaluation criteria employed, allowed the evidencing of inadequacies in the classifications based on criteria using parameters affected by the consensus among participants. The study also characterized the performance of analytical systems employed by the laboratories, evidencing a significant discrepancy between the results its. The present work allowed a better understanding of the impact of criteria applied in proficiency testing programs on the adequacy of evaluation of laboratories performance, thus contributing to ensuring the reliability of clinical diagnostics and therapeutical procedures.