The molecular modeling of several drugs in complexes with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was undet1aken. Selected bis-lexitropsins, based upon NMR and modeling studies of bis-distamycin A, were modeled with an oligonucleotide d(CGAACA TGTTCG)2 using MidasPlus and AMBER 4.0. Intercalators ethidium, ellipticinc. mitoxantrone, and bisantrene were modeled with an oligonucleotide d(CGCG)~ using SpartanPlus and DOCK 4.0. The binding site was prepared from an x-ray study of this oligonucleotide interacting with ditercalinium, a bis-intercalator. The purpost: of this study was to estimate the conformation and orientation of the molecules in tht:ir rt:spcctive binding sites. The mndding study of the bis-lexitropsins showed good agreement with previous modeling studies on distamycin and would be further enhanced by acquisition and interpretation ofNOESY NMR data. The computer modeling study shows that one of the bis-lexitropsins (pyrrole-pyrrole-imidazole, PPI) forms several hydrogen bonds between subunits, which may make it less effective for binding DNA. The other bis-lexitropsin (pyrrole-imidazole-pyrrole, PIP) also forms some interactions between dimers, but is mainly occupied with binding to the DNA and therefore has a more favorable interaction energy for binding to the chosen sequence. The intercalators were similarly agreeable with previous models. Bisantrene has the most favorable interaction energy. It threads its sidechain through the DNA so that while the planar aromatic ring system stacks between base pairs, there is one sidechain in the major groove and one in the minor groove. These extra interactions between the drug and DNA help the interaction to be more favorable.

1. The sensitivity obtained even with the free compounds (except morphine) make gas chromatography a good technique for trace analysis of drugs in biological samples. 2. For many of the drugs studied the detector response curves are not linear with sample concentration but the calibration curves are reproducible if care is exercised. This makes quantitative analysis feasible down to 50-100 nanogram levels with proper technique. 3. Long column life is needed for routine analyses. Those columns employed in this work were used continuously for over seven months with no appreciable deterioration. / Master of Science

The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of the counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Jordan. Four types of pharmaceuticals Lipitor (Atorvastatin-calcium), Concor (bisoprolol fumarate), Co-Diovan (Valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide) and Plavix (clopidogrel) were subjected to physical and chemical analysis. 173 samples of these four medicines were collected from the three most populated cities in the country, namely Amman, the capital of Jordan, Zarqa and Irbid. A sample of confiscated counterfeited medicines was obtained from the health authorities and tested utilising the HPLC and dissolution testing, in order to validate the reliability of the testing procedures. Samples were then tested using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and dissolution tests in order to assess the quality of these samples. Results of both chemical and physical analyses revealed that all samples were found to fall within the specification limits of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and no evidence was found of any counterfeit drug products in the samples examined. Since this study found no indication of a drug counterfeiting problem in Jordan, the researcher has concluded that there seemed to be two contributing factors to this result: first, the very effective legislative campaigns conducted by the health authorities’ in Jordan against counterfeit trade through new public health and pharmacy law which has been launched in 2008. Second, the rigorous tough enforcement measures conducted by health and law enforcement agencies in the country.

Three areas related to Polymer Membrane Ion-Selective Electrodes were investigated. The first two concered (1) their application to analysis of organic cations and pharmaceuticals, and (2) the use of electrochemically polymerized films for potentiometric sensors. The third area focused on the development of a computer controlled data acquisition system for studying Ion Transport at the Interface of Two Immiscible Electrolyte Solutions (ITTIES). Coated wire Polymer Membrane Ion-Selective Electrodes (PMISEs) based on dinonylnapthalenesulfonic acid (DNNS) were prepared for several alkylammonium ions and pharmaceuticals. Selectivity coefficients and other operational characteristics were predictable from calculated distribution constants. Specifically, Log k ᵖᵒᵗ(i)(j) values increased linearly with carbon number in a homologous series of alkylammonium ions. Among cations of the same carbon number, interference increased tenfold with each additional substitution in going from quaternary, tertiary, secondary and primary alkylammonium ions. Addition of hydrophilic subtituent groups to cyclohexylammonium interferents further diminished electrode response. Electrodes for several important pharmaceuticals, namely cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, protriptyline, cimetidine, lidoflazine, verapamil, acebutalol, diltiazem, and nicardipine, displayed nearly theoretical response down to micromolar concentrations. Their selectivity was consistent with calculated distribution constants. Selectivity was independent of sensitivity, suggesting that the magnitude of each was determined by the distribution of both the free cation and the association complex of this cation with DNNS. The polymerization of phenol derivatives onto copper rendered the resulting films responsive to counter-ions of the electroactive species present in the polymerization medium. Those incorporating Aliquat 336 (tricaprylmethylammonium chloride) showed response to various anions, while others prepared using a sulfonated phenol derivative (m-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid) responded to tributylammonium. The films had short lifetimes due to poor adhesion to the copper substrate. Construction of a computer controlled data acquisition system provided a rapid method for obtaining electrocapillary data simultaneously with the current-scan polarogram. The system was evaluated by observation of ion-transfer of a variety of alkylammonium ions.

Orientador: José Paschoal Batistuti / Banca: Rubens Monti / Banca: Célia Maria de Sylos / Banca: Fernando Luis Fertonani / Banca: Sueli Ciabotti / Resumo: Os laboratórios de análise de alimentos e fármacos necessitam demonstrar competência técnica para garantia da qualidade dos ensaios que realizam, assegurando a confiabilidade e comparabilidade dos resultados que emitem que subsidiam tomadas de decisões relativas a aspectos econômicos, de saúde pública e defesa do consumidor. O presente trabalho apresenta uma abordagem metrológica de métodos clássicos e instrumental para a determinação do ácido ascórbico (AA). Os parâmetros de validação de todos os métodos de análise abordados neste trabalho e o cálculo da incerteza atenderam as diretrizes da ISO-Guia-IEC-17025 e dos guias EURACHEM. Os métodos clássicos validados foram: N-Bromosuccinamida (NBS), Iodo, Iodato de Potássio e Método do 2,6 diclorofenol-indofenol (DCFI). O método instrumental validado foi o espectrofotométrico, utilizando o reagente 2,6 diclorofenol-indofenol. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: a faixa linear de trabalho, seletividade, linearidade, precisão pela norma da American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E 691-99) (sn), precisão por repetição (sr), limite de detecção (LD), limite de quantificação (LQ), robustez (teste de Younden-Steiner) e incerteza genérica. A linearidade avaliada pela análise de resíduo (Y-Yo) mostra que a curva é linear em toda a sua extensão ensaiada em todos os métodos validados e eles foram precisos, robustos e exatos. A importância da validação de métodos analíticos está na obtenção de resultados confiáveis e adequados ao uso pretendido / Abstract: The laboratory analysis of food and drugs need to demonstrate technical competence for quality assurance tests to perform, ensuring the reliability and comparability of results that give off that support decision making on economic, public health and consumer protection. This paper presents a metrological approach of classical methods and instrument for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA). The validation parameters of all methods of analysis in this paper and the calculation of uncertainty within the guidelines of ISO-IEC-17025-Guide and EURACHEM guides. The classical methods have been validated: N-Bromosuccinamida (NBS), Iodine, Potassium iodate method and 2.6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPI). The instrumental method was validated spectrophotometric reagent using 2.6-dichlorophenol indophenol. The parameters evaluated were: the linear range of work, selectivity, linearity, accuracy in the standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E 691-99) (sn), by repetition accuracy (sr), limit of detection (LD), limit of quantification (LQ), robustness (test-Younden Steiner) and general uncertainty. Linearity was assessed by residual analysis (Y-Yo) shows that the curve is linear over its entire length in all tested methods validated and they were accurate and robust The importance of validation of analytical methods is to obtain reliable results and suitable for intended use / Doutor

The increasingly complex world of illicit chemistry has created a need for rapid, selective means of determining the threat posed by new drugs as they are encountered by law enforcement personnel. To streamline this process, the entirety of the problem, from the production of illicit drugs all the way to the final analysis have been investigated. A series of N-alkylated phenethylamine analogues were synthesized in a shotgun method and subjected to direct-infusion analysis. A range of products were detected without the need for time-consuming purification steps, which was extended to novel pharmacological and receptor-binding assays where mass spectrometry is used as a detector. This direct-infusion technique was also applied to studies of methamphetamine and fentanyl production to preemptively determine improvements to common reaction conditions and explore the origins of common impurities. The ability to utilize these rapid techniques directly from the fume hood has also been critically reviewed to highlight gaps in current research and opportunities for improvement. When combined, these studies seek to provide a means for rapid, simplified analysis of illicit drugs to improve the quality of data and dramatically increase throughput.

Presented in this thesis are two methods that are coupled to the instrumentation for the recovery and analysis of ultra-trace illicit drug residues. The electrostatic dust lifting process is coupled with nanomanipulation-nanospray ionization to retrieve drug particles off of hard surfaces for analysis. For the second method, drug residues from fingerprint impressions are extracted followed by analysis. The methodology of these hyphenated techniques toward forensic science applications is applied as to explore limits of detection, sensitivity, and selectivity of analytes as well as immediacy and efficiency of analysis. The application of nanomanipulation-coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry toward forensic science based applications is considered as future improvements to trace and ultra-trace analysis.

Na área da saúde, destacam-se alguns fármacos amplamente administrados, os quais possuem grupamentos nitro em suas moléculas, como o Clonazepam (CNZ), Nitrazepam (NTZ) e Nimesulida (Nimes). O CNZ e o NTZ são utilizados ilicitamente em coquetéis entorpecentes, fragilizando vítimas. A Nimes é anti-inflamatório amplamente administrado e frequentemente usado sem prescrição médica. As metodologias de detecção e quantificação destes fármacos são, na sua maioria, dispendiosas, desenvolvidas por HPLC, GC, etc. Poucos trabalhos utilizam determinação eletroanalítica e dentre eles, menos ainda utilizam eletrodos quimicamente modificados (EQMs). Os EQMs melhoram a seletividade e sensibilidade das análises. Dentre as formas de modificação, a metodologia de filmes poliméricos é muito versátil e possibilita o desenvolvimento de eletrodos específicos. Uma classe importante de polímeros é a dos derivados de viologênio, como o Poli (benzil viologênio) (PBV). Este polímero é empregado com diferentes finalidades. Possui três estados de oxidação, um deles; o PBV+ atua como mediador redox. E, a partir de experimentos prévios em nosso laboratório demonstrou ainda a possibilidade de atuar na redução de nitrocompostos. Neste sentido, este trabalho determinou as melhores condições experimentais para obtenção de um EQM com o PBV para seu emprego em análise e quantificação de fármacos nitroderivados (CNZ, NTZ e Nimes), bem como em amostras comerciais, utilizando a técnica de voltametria cíclica. Este trabalho contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia eficaz de modificação do eletrodo de carbono vítreo (CV) com o PBV sintetizado. Este método garantiu o controle da cobertura e a linearidade nas análises. Assim, o método foi padronizado com a aplicação de eletrólise por 30 s durante o terceiro ciclo em -0,4 V. A varredura adotada foi 50 mV s-1 de 0 a -0,8 V. Esse padrão forneceu de 2,0 a 3,0 nmol cm-2 de cobertura. O eletrodo CV-PBV não apresentou dificuldades na transferência de carga da superfície do eletrodo para o polímero, apesar do valor de k = 5,2 s-1 em tampão fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 pH 7,0. O valor do coeficiente difusional de cada fármaco foi determinado em tampão fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 pH 7,0. Os estudos de redução dos fármacos em diferentes pHs estão de acordo com o mecanismo descrito na literatura. Além disso, os resultados indicam que o eletrodo modificado diminui a influência do pH sobre a redução dos fármacos. As quantificações dos fármacos foram feitas por curvas padrões com os eletrodos CV e Au, polidos e modificados. As correntes foram lineares até a concentração de 120 mol L-1. A modificação do eletrodo de CV com o PBV diminuiu, no mínimo, em aprox. 80 mV o potencial de redução dos fármacos em pH 7,0 em relação ao eletrodo de CV polido. A exceção foi o eletrodo de ouro modificado (Au-PBV) na análise de Nimes. Pode-se ainda, atribuir à modificação do eletrodo com o PBV o aumento da sensibilidade das análises em comparação aos respectivos eletrodos polidos. Somente a determinação do NTZ não apresentou o mesmo efeito. O eletrodo CV-PBV foi empregado com sucesso na quantificação dos fármacos (NTZ, CNZ e Nimes) em amostras comerciais de Rivotril®, Sonebon® e Nimesulida - medicamento genérico. As quantificações apresentaram aproximadamente 100% de recuperação. A normalização das diferentes análises pelos valores das coberturas dos eletrodos mostrou uma curva analítica com boa correlação linear. Finalmente, os resultados apresentados neste trabalho sugerem a possibilidade de desenvolver eletrodos descartáveis. Estes eletrodos podem ser empregados na análise de substâncias utilizadas de forma ilícitas, neste caso, o coquetel chamado Boa noite Cinderela, para uso da perícia forense em análise amperométrica, no próprio local investigado. Estes eletrodos também podem ser aplicados nas indústrias farmacêuticas, nos setores de controle de qualidade de fármacos e medicamentos. / In health care, broadly administered drugs can be highlighted, which possess nitro group moieties within their molecules, such as the Clonazepam (CNZ), Nitrazepam (NTZ), and Nimesulide (Nimes). CNZ and NTZ are illicitly administered as part of narcotics drinks, weakening their victims. Nimes is an anti-inflammatory drug widely administered and often used in self-medication. Detection and quantification methods of these drugs are in the majority of cases costly and involve techniques such as HPLC, gas chromatography, etc. Only few studies have made use of electroanalytical determination, and among them, even fewer have made use of chemically modified electrodes (CME). CMEs improve selectivity and sensitivity of analysis. Among of modification methods, polymeric films are very versatile and make possible the development of specific electrodes. An important type of polymers comprise Viologen derivatives, such as Poly (benzyl viologen) (PBV). This polymer is used serving different purposes. This polymer has three oxidation states; one of them, PBV+, acts as a redox mediator. Also in addition, our group has provided evidence for the possibility of PBV+ to act reducing nitro compounds. In this way, in the present work it was determined the best experimental conditions for developing CME with PBV for further application in analysis and quantification of nitro derivative drugs (CNZ, NTZ and Nimes), as well as commercial samples, through the use of cyclic voltammetry technique. This work has contributed to the development of an effective methodology for the modification of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes with synthesized PBV. This method guaranteed the control of coverage and the linearity of the analysis. In this way, this method was standardized with a potential hold during the third cycle of about -0.4V for 30 sec. Scan rate of potential was 50 mV s-1, from 0 to -0.8 V. This method provided a coverage 2.0 to 3.0 nmol cm-2. The electrode GC-PBV did not show difficulties to charge transfer from the electrode surface to polymer, although the value of k was 5.2 s-1 in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.0. The difusional coefficient value of each drug was determined in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.0. Reduction studies of drugs in different pHs were in agreement with mechanisms described in the literature. Furthermore, results suggest that modified electrode decreased pH influence regarding drug reduction. Drug quantification was achieved from standard curves using GC and gold electrodes, polished and modified. Currents were linear up to 120 mol L-1. GC electrode modification with PBV decreased, at least, in approximately 80 mV, the drug potential reduction at pH 7.0 compared to respective polished electrode. The exception was found for gold modified electrode during Nimes analysis. It can be also attributed to modification with PBV the increase of analysis sensitivity when compared to respective polished electrodes. Only NTZ determination did not show the same effect. The GC-PBV was successfully employed for drug quantification (NTZ, CNZ and Nimes) from commercial samples, such as Rivotril®, Sonebon® and Nimesulide generic medicine. Drug quantification exhibited recovery close to 100%. Standardization of different analysis by electrode coverage value showed good linear correlation. Finally, results suggest the possibility to develop disposable electrodes. These electrodes can be employed to illicit substance analysis, in the present case, the narcotic drinks known in Brazil as Boa noite Cinderela, in addition to use in forensics during amperometic analysis at the site of investigation. Also, such electrodes could be used in pharmaceutical industries, for drug and medicine quality control.

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences

Na área da saúde, destacam-se alguns fármacos amplamente administrados, os quais possuem grupamentos nitro em suas moléculas, como o Clonazepam (CNZ), Nitrazepam (NTZ) e Nimesulida (Nimes). O CNZ e o NTZ são utilizados ilicitamente em coquetéis entorpecentes, fragilizando vítimas. A Nimes é anti-inflamatório amplamente administrado e frequentemente usado sem prescrição médica. As metodologias de detecção e quantificação destes fármacos são, na sua maioria, dispendiosas, desenvolvidas por HPLC, GC, etc. Poucos trabalhos utilizam determinação eletroanalítica e dentre eles, menos ainda utilizam eletrodos quimicamente modificados (EQMs). Os EQMs melhoram a seletividade e sensibilidade das análises. Dentre as formas de modificação, a metodologia de filmes poliméricos é muito versátil e possibilita o desenvolvimento de eletrodos específicos. Uma classe importante de polímeros é a dos derivados de viologênio, como o Poli (benzil viologênio) (PBV). Este polímero é empregado com diferentes finalidades. Possui três estados de oxidação, um deles; o PBV+ atua como mediador redox. E, a partir de experimentos prévios em nosso laboratório demonstrou ainda a possibilidade de atuar na redução de nitrocompostos. Neste sentido, este trabalho determinou as melhores condições experimentais para obtenção de um EQM com o PBV para seu emprego em análise e quantificação de fármacos nitroderivados (CNZ, NTZ e Nimes), bem como em amostras comerciais, utilizando a técnica de voltametria cíclica. Este trabalho contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia eficaz de modificação do eletrodo de carbono vítreo (CV) com o PBV sintetizado. Este método garantiu o controle da cobertura e a linearidade nas análises. Assim, o método foi padronizado com a aplicação de eletrólise por 30 s durante o terceiro ciclo em -0,4 V. A varredura adotada foi 50 mV s-1 de 0 a -0,8 V. Esse padrão forneceu de 2,0 a 3,0 nmol cm-2 de cobertura. O eletrodo CV-PBV não apresentou dificuldades na transferência de carga da superfície do eletrodo para o polímero, apesar do valor de k = 5,2 s-1 em tampão fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 pH 7,0. O valor do coeficiente difusional de cada fármaco foi determinado em tampão fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 pH 7,0. Os estudos de redução dos fármacos em diferentes pHs estão de acordo com o mecanismo descrito na literatura. Além disso, os resultados indicam que o eletrodo modificado diminui a influência do pH sobre a redução dos fármacos. As quantificações dos fármacos foram feitas por curvas padrões com os eletrodos CV e Au, polidos e modificados. As correntes foram lineares até a concentração de 120 mol L-1. A modificação do eletrodo de CV com o PBV diminuiu, no mínimo, em aprox. 80 mV o potencial de redução dos fármacos em pH 7,0 em relação ao eletrodo de CV polido. A exceção foi o eletrodo de ouro modificado (Au-PBV) na análise de Nimes. Pode-se ainda, atribuir à modificação do eletrodo com o PBV o aumento da sensibilidade das análises em comparação aos respectivos eletrodos polidos. Somente a determinação do NTZ não apresentou o mesmo efeito. O eletrodo CV-PBV foi empregado com sucesso na quantificação dos fármacos (NTZ, CNZ e Nimes) em amostras comerciais de Rivotril®, Sonebon® e Nimesulida - medicamento genérico. As quantificações apresentaram aproximadamente 100% de recuperação. A normalização das diferentes análises pelos valores das coberturas dos eletrodos mostrou uma curva analítica com boa correlação linear. Finalmente, os resultados apresentados neste trabalho sugerem a possibilidade de desenvolver eletrodos descartáveis. Estes eletrodos podem ser empregados na análise de substâncias utilizadas de forma ilícitas, neste caso, o coquetel chamado Boa noite Cinderela, para uso da perícia forense em análise amperométrica, no próprio local investigado. Estes eletrodos também podem ser aplicados nas indústrias farmacêuticas, nos setores de controle de qualidade de fármacos e medicamentos. / In health care, broadly administered drugs can be highlighted, which possess nitro group moieties within their molecules, such as the Clonazepam (CNZ), Nitrazepam (NTZ), and Nimesulide (Nimes). CNZ and NTZ are illicitly administered as part of narcotics drinks, weakening their victims. Nimes is an anti-inflammatory drug widely administered and often used in self-medication. Detection and quantification methods of these drugs are in the majority of cases costly and involve techniques such as HPLC, gas chromatography, etc. Only few studies have made use of electroanalytical determination, and among them, even fewer have made use of chemically modified electrodes (CME). CMEs improve selectivity and sensitivity of analysis. Among of modification methods, polymeric films are very versatile and make possible the development of specific electrodes. An important type of polymers comprise Viologen derivatives, such as Poly (benzyl viologen) (PBV). This polymer is used serving different purposes. This polymer has three oxidation states; one of them, PBV+, acts as a redox mediator. Also in addition, our group has provided evidence for the possibility of PBV+ to act reducing nitro compounds. In this way, in the present work it was determined the best experimental conditions for developing CME with PBV for further application in analysis and quantification of nitro derivative drugs (CNZ, NTZ and Nimes), as well as commercial samples, through the use of cyclic voltammetry technique. This work has contributed to the development of an effective methodology for the modification of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes with synthesized PBV. This method guaranteed the control of coverage and the linearity of the analysis. In this way, this method was standardized with a potential hold during the third cycle of about -0.4V for 30 sec. Scan rate of potential was 50 mV s-1, from 0 to -0.8 V. This method provided a coverage 2.0 to 3.0 nmol cm-2. The electrode GC-PBV did not show difficulties to charge transfer from the electrode surface to polymer, although the value of k was 5.2 s-1 in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.0. The difusional coefficient value of each drug was determined in 0.1 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.0. Reduction studies of drugs in different pHs were in agreement with mechanisms described in the literature. Furthermore, results suggest that modified electrode decreased pH influence regarding drug reduction. Drug quantification was achieved from standard curves using GC and gold electrodes, polished and modified. Currents were linear up to 120 mol L-1. GC electrode modification with PBV decreased, at least, in approximately 80 mV, the drug potential reduction at pH 7.0 compared to respective polished electrode. The exception was found for gold modified electrode during Nimes analysis. It can be also attributed to modification with PBV the increase of analysis sensitivity when compared to respective polished electrodes. Only NTZ determination did not show the same effect. The GC-PBV was successfully employed for drug quantification (NTZ, CNZ and Nimes) from commercial samples, such as Rivotril®, Sonebon® and Nimesulide generic medicine. Drug quantification exhibited recovery close to 100%. Standardization of different analysis by electrode coverage value showed good linear correlation. Finally, results suggest the possibility to develop disposable electrodes. These electrodes can be employed to illicit substance analysis, in the present case, the narcotic drinks known in Brazil as Boa noite Cinderela, in addition to use in forensics during amperometic analysis at the site of investigation. Also, such electrodes could be used in pharmaceutical industries, for drug and medicine quality control.