Micronisation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve desirable quality attributes for formulation preparation and drug delivery remains a major challenge in the pharmaceutical sciences. It is therefore important that the relationships between crystal structure, the mechanical properties of powders and their subsequent influence on processing behaviour are well understood. The aim of this project was therefore to determine the relative importance of particle attributes including size, crystal quality and morphology on processing behaviour and the characteristics of micronised materials. It was then subsequently intended to link this behaviour back to crystal structure and the nature of molecular packing and intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice enabling the identification of some generic rules which govern the quality of size reduced powders. In this regard, different sieve fractions of lactose monohydrate and crystal variants of ibuprofen and salbutamol sulphate (size, morphology and crystal quality) were investigated in order to determine those factors with greatest impact on post-micronisation measures of particle quality including particle size, degree of crystallinity and surface energy. The results showed that smaller sized feedstock should typically be used to achieve ultrafine powders with high crystallinity. This finding is attributed to the reduced number of fracture events necessary to reduce the size of the particles leading to decreases in milling residence time. However the frequency of crystal cracks is also important, with these imperfections being implicated in crack propagation and brittle fracture. Ibuprofen crystals with a greater number of cracks showed a greater propensity for comminution. Salbutamol sulphate with a high degree of crystal dislocations however gave highly energetic powders, with reduced degree of crystallinity owing to the role dislocations play in facilitating plastic deformation, minimising fragmentation and extending the residence of particles in the microniser. Throughout these studies, morphology was also shown to be critical, with needle like morphology giving increased propensity for size reduction for both ibuprofen and salbutamol sulphate, which is related to the small crack propagation length of these crystals. This behaviour is also attributed to differences in the relative facet areas for the different morphologies of particles, with associated alternative deformation behaviour and slip direction influencing the size reduction process. Molecular modelling demonstrated a general relationship between low energy slip planes, d-spacing and brittleness for a range of materials, with finer particle size distributions achieved for APIs with low value of highest d-spacings for identified slip planes. The highest d-spacing for any material can be readily determined by PXRD (powder x-ray diffraction) which can potentially be used to rank the milling behaviour of pharmaceutical materials and provides a rapid assessment tool to aid process and formulation design. These studies have shown that a range of crystal properties of feedstock can be controlled in order to provide micronised powders with desirable attributes. These include the size, morphology and the density of defects and dislocations in the crystals of the feedstock. Further studies are however required to identify strategies to ensure inter-batch consistency in these attributes following crystallisation of organic molecules.

Des simulations de dynamique moléculaire classique prenant en compte explicitement la polarisation ont été réalisées afin de déterminer les propriétés structurales et thermodynamiques de solutions binaires aqueuses de chlorure, perchlorate et nitrate d'uranyle (UO2Cl2, UO2(ClO4)2 et UO2(NO3)2). A partir d'une étude faite en fonction de la concentration en sels, les propriétés d'hydratation et les interactions ion-ion des solutions aqueuses concentrées de chlorure, perchlorate et nitrate d'uranyle ont été étudiées. Les simulations de dynamique moléculaire permettent de reproduire les propriétés de solvatation de l'uranyle, du chlorure, du perchlorate et du nitrate en accord avec les données expérimentales. Les résultats ont montré les différents modes de coordination du chlorure et du perchlorate dans la deuxième sphère de coordination de l'uranyle et la présence de l'anion NO3- dans la première sphère de coordination à concentration élevée.De plus, nous avons calculé les potentiels de force moyenne des paires ioniques à dilution infinite en fonction de la distance et de l'angle. Les propriétés thermodynamiques des solutions ont été calculées à partir des potentiels des paires ioniques en utilisant la théorie McMillan-Mayer et moléculaire. La constante d'association des complexes UO2Cl+ (Kcal =2,52 L mol−1), UO2ClO4+ (Kcal =2,34 L mol−1) et UO2NO3+ (Kcal =3,02 L mol−1) a été calculée et sont en accord avec les données expérimentales. A partir des potentiels effectifs de McMillan-Mayer et en utilisant une approche multi-échelle basée sur l'approximation MSA, nous avons également calculé les coefficients osmotiques. / Classical molecular dynamics simulations with explicit polarization have been successfully used to determine the structural and thermodynamic properties of binary aqueous solutions of uranyl chloride, perchlorate and nitrate (UO2Cl2, UO2(ClO4)2 and UO2(NO3)2). From a study performed as a function of the concentration of salts, the hydration properties of solutes and the ion-ion interactions of concentrated aqueous solutions of uranyl chloride, perchlorate and nitrate have been studied. The molecular dynamics simulations allow for reproducing the solvation properties of the hydrated uranyl, chloride, perchlorate and nitrate in good agreement with the experimental data. The results point out different coordination modes of Cl− and ClO4− in the UO22+ second hydration shell and the presence of NO3− anion in the UO22+ first coordination shell at high concentration. The ion – ion interaction properties over water configurations have been studied at different concentrations.Furthermore, we investigated the potential of mean force of ion pairs at infinite dilution as a function of the distance and the angle. The thermodynamical properties of the solutions have been calculated from these effective ion-ion pair potentials thanks to the McMillan-Mayer theory and molecular theory. The association constant of complex UO2Cl+ (Kcal =2,52 L mol−1), UO2ClO4+ (Kcal =2,34 L mol−1) and UO2NO3+ (Kcal =3,02 L mol−1) has been determined and compared to the experimental ones. From the effective McMillan-Mayer potentials and using a multi-scale approach based on the MSA approximation, we also calculated the osmotic coefficients.

A captação de maltose em bactérias é feita por um sistema transportador do tipo ABC composto por uma proteína ligadora de substrato (MalE), duas proteínas transmembrana e uma ATPase. No presente trabalho descrevemos a clonagem, expressão e análise bioquímica e estrutural da proteína MalE da bactéria fitopatogênica Xanthomonas axonopodis pv citri (Xac) O gene malE de Xac foi clonado em vetor de expressão pET28a, a proteína recombinante foi expressa em Escherichia coli e purificada por cromatografia de afinidade ao níquel. Amostras da proteína solúvel foram analisadas quanto à estrutura secundária, interação com possíveis ligantes, estabilidade frente a diferentes condições físico-químicas. Ensaios de cristalização possibilitaram a obtenção de cristais em diferentes condições, um deles apresentou grupo espacial P6122, mas não foi possível resolver a estrutura. Com base nas estruturas conhecidas de ortólogos de MalE, geramos um modelo estrutural para a proteína de Xac e foram feitas análises quanto à interação com trealose e maltose. Modelos estruturais dos componentes transmembrana (LacF e LacG) e ATPase (UgpC) do sistema transportador de maltose de Xac também foram gerados. Os resultados representam uma contribuição importante para o conhecimento sobre a fisiologia e sistemas de transporte de Xac. / Maltose uptake in bacteria is mediated by an ABC transporter comprising a substrate binding protein (MalE), two transmembrane proteins, and one ATPase. In the present study, we describe the cloning, expression and biochemical as well as structural analyses of the MalE protein of the phytopagen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv citri (Xac). The malE gene of Xac was cloned in the pET28a expression vector, the recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and, subsequently, purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Samples of soluble protein were analyzed regarding secondary structure, interaction with putative ligants and stability under different physico-chemical conditions. Crystallization trials were carried out under different conditions, one particular condition yielded crystal with a P6122space group, but the structure was not solved. Based on known ortholog structures, a structural model for Xac MalE was obtained allowing interaction with modeled threhalose and maltose. Structural models the transmembrane (LacF and LacG) and ATPase (UgpC) components were also obtained. The present results represent an important contribution to the knowledge of the physiology and transporter systems found in Xac.

We present the synthesis and characterisation of novel single organic molecules known as phenoxylene borazines and borazatruxenes. Using temperature-dependant and concentration-dependant 1H NMR, we probe the supramolecular aggregation of these molecules in solution. Finally, we synthesise 2D hybrid material comprised of electron delocalised benzene rings and electron localised borazine rings. Using a combination of solid-state 11B and 13C NMR techniques, Raman spectroscopy and XPS, we confirm the presence of benzene and borazine regions in these novel materials.

Os antioxidantes naturais extraídos de vegetais são potenciais substitutos aos sintéticos. Entretanto, as pesquisas que avaliem as atividades destes compostos em sistemas in vivo e que também elucidem os mecanismos dessas substâncias são escassas. A acerola apresenta consideráveis quantidades de compostos antioxidantes, os quais foram objetivo de estudo deste trabalho. A extração de compostos ativos de frutos de acerola verde e madura foi otimizada e diferentes métodos para avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vivo, utilizando Saccharomyces cerevisiae como microrganismo modelo, foram aplicados. Foi realizado um estudo da extração de compostos com atividade antioxidante através da metodologia de superfície resposta, identificando os efeitos da concentração de etanol da solução extratora e da temperatura de extração sobre o poder redutor e atividade estabilizadora de radicais ABTS e DPPH dos extratos. Duas estirpes de S. cerevisiae foram utilizadas para avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vivo: Wild Type (WT) e modificada geneticamente (erg6Δ). As estirpes apresentam diferença quanto à presença de ergosterol (ERG) e zimosterol (ZIM), esteróis analisados por modelagem molecular para determinação de sua possível atividade antioxidante. Os extratos de acerola verde e madura obtidos sob condições otimizadas, além dos antioxidantes sintéticos BHA (2 e 3-terc-butil-4-hidroxianisol), BHT (Butil Hidroxitolueno) e ácido ascórbico, tiveram sua atividade antioxidante avaliada por meio do estresse oxidativo induzido às células por diferentes reagentes químicos. As técnicas utilizadas para avaliar o efeito dos extratos e dos antioxidantes sintéticos foram a cultivabilidade, oxidação no nível de membrana celular e oxidação intracelular. Por fim, foi avaliado o efeito do processo de microencapsulação por spray drying na composição química dos extratos de acerola verde e madura. Através da análise das superfícies respostas foi possível identificar as condições ótimas para a obtenção de extratos, que apresentaram alta atividade antioxidante nos estudos com células de S. cerevisiae, com efeito protetor maior ou igual aos antioxidantes BHT e ácido ascórbico. Ainda foi comprovado nos experimentos in vivo que em todas as concentrações utilizadas, o BHA, além de não prevenir a oxidação, mostrou-se uma substância deletéria as células, principalmente no meio intracelular. Por meio dos estudos de modelagem molecular foi possível não só prever uma atividade antioxidante para o ERG e ZIM (em menor grau), mas também sugerir o mecanismo de transferência de elétrons seguido por doação de próton. O processo de microencapsulação permitiu a obtenção de um produto à base de extrato de acerola verde promissor para futuras aplicações. Pode-se concluir que é possível obter extratos ricos em compostos com atividade antioxidante a partir de frutos de acerola verdes e maduros e que a S. cerevisiae pode ser utilizada como um microrganismo modelo para a análise in vivo do efeito de antioxidantes por diferentes técnicas. / Natural antioxidants extracted from plants show potential to replace synthetic ones. However, publications that both evaluates the activities of these compounds in in vivo systems and elucidate the chemical characteristics of these substances are scarce and often resorts to techniques that do not necessarily reflect the antioxidant activity in different systems. Acerola fruits have considerable concentrations of antioxidant compounds, so in this study the extraction of natural compounds from green and ripe acerola fruits was optimized and different methods for in vivo antioxidant activity evaluation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model microorganism were performed. Surface response methodology was applied to identify effects of ethanol concentration and temperature during the extraction of antioxidants compounds, using as response the reducing power and the sequestering activity of radicals ABTS and DPPH. Two strains of S. cerevisiae were used to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant activity: wild Type (WT) and the genetically modified (erg6Δ), which had difference in the presence of ergosterol (ERG) and zymosterol (ZYM). These two sterols were analyzed by molecular modelling to evaluate their possible antioxidant activity. Effects of green and ripe acerola fruits extracts, synthetic antioxidants Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid were evaluated on the oxidative stress caused in the cells by different chemical reagents, cell culturability, cell membrane oxidation level and intracellular oxidation. Finally, the effect of the microencapsulation process by spray drying on the chemical composition of the acerola extracts was evaluated. Through the surface response methodology it was possible to determine the optimal conditions to produce acerola extracts rich in phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. The extracts of acerola showed a high or equal antioxidant activity in the studies with S. cerevisiae cells, especially when compared to the synthetic antioxidants BHT and ascorbic acid. It has still been proven in in vivo experiments that at the presence of BHA in all concentrations, besides to do not prevent oxidation, proved to be a deleterious substance to cells, mainly in the intracellular studies. Through molecular modeling it was possible to predict an antioxidant activity for ERG and, in a lesser degree, for ZYM by the mechanism of electron transfer followed by proton donation. It was possible to obtain a microencapsulated powder from green acerola extract as a promising product for future food applications. The same conditions applied to mature acerola fruit extracts showed undesirable effect on reduction power and scavenging capacity. The study concludes that it is possible to obtain extracts rich in antioxidants compounds from green and ripe acerola fruits under optimized conditions. S. cerevisiae can be used as a model microorganism for in vivo analysis of synthetic and natural antioxidants. Finally, the microencapsulation by spray drying was feasible under the conditions of this work only for the green acerola extract.

As plantas desenvolveram diferentes mecanismos para reduzir o ataque de insetos, incluindo compostos protéicos de defesa, como os inibidores de proteinases (IPs). Os insetos, ao longo da evolução, desenvolveram estratégias para superar as barreiras defensivas das plantas, permitindo a sua alimentação e desenvolvimento, como a super expressão de genes de enzimas digestivas sensíveis e insensíveis aos IPs de plantas. Uma das abordagens desse trabalho foi identificar novas serinoproteinases no intestino de lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda. Duas novas quimotripsinas e trê novas tripsinas foram identificadas e juntamente com mais 10 genes já conhecidos que codificam estas enzimas foram submetidos à análise de expressão gênica por PCR em tempo real. Entre essas duas famílias de serinoproteinases (SPs) os genes que codificam as quimotripsinas apresentam uma regulação positiva mais ampla do que aqueles que codificam as tripsinas. Estudos de modelagem molecular das quimotripsinas também foram realizados. Foram construídos modelos tridimensionais à partir de modelagem por homologia além de análises de dinâmica molecular e docagem com oito diferentes IPs do tipo Bowman- Birk. Os resultados mostram quais quimotripsinas apresentam as maiores afinidades aos inibidores testados de maneira geral e individual, inferidos à partir da estimativa de energia livre do sistema. Também foi encontrada uma serina extra próxima ao sítio catalítico de três quimotrispsinas modeladas que pode interferir na afinidade dessas enzimas já que este aminoácido apresenta perda de área acessível ao solvente quando complexada ao IP de soja testado. Os resultados de expressão gênica e grau de sensibilidade foram comparados e não se observou qualquer relação entre esses parâmentros. Isso sugere que as lagartas da espécie S. frugiperda combinam diferentes estratégias adaptativas como o aumento de expressão de todas as suas quimotripsinas independentemente do grau de sensibilidade das enzimas. / Plants have developed different mechanisms to reduce insect attack, including defence proteins such as proteinase inhibitors (PIs). In turn, insects have evolved strategies to overcome these plant defence mechanisms, such as the hyperexpression of PI-sensitive and insensitive digestive enzymes, allowing the insect to thrive. One of the aims of this work was to identify new serine proteinases (SPs) in the gut of the fall armyworm larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda. Two new chymotrypsins and three new trypsins were identified, and together with 10 previously identified genes, the genes that encode these enzymes were subjected to real-time PCR and gene expression analysis. Between these two families of serine-proteinases the genes that encode chymotrypsins show a greater positive regulation then those encoding the trypsins. Molecular modelling studies of the chymotrypsins were carried out, and 3D models were generated using homology modelling, which were then further refined by dynamic molecular and docking analyses with 8 different Bowman-Birk type PIs. The results demonstrate which chymotrypsins possess the highest affinities to the tested inhibitors in a general and individual manner, inferred from the estimated free energies. A serine residue in very close proximity to the catalytic site was present in three of chymotrypsins investigated, which may be affecting the enzymes affinity since the residue has a reduced accessible area to the solvent when complexed to the soya PI tested. The genetic expression patterns and the degree of PI-sensitivity were also compared and no relation between the parameters was found. This suggests that the larvae of the species S. frugiperda combine different adaptive strategies like the increase in expression of its entire chymotrypsin arsenal regardless of the degree of PI-sensitivity of the enzymes.

As plantas desenvolveram diferentes mecanismos para reduzir o ataque de insetos, incluindo compostos protéicos de defesa, como os inibidores de proteinases (IPs). Os insetos, ao longo da evolução, desenvolveram estratégias para superar as barreiras defensivas das plantas, permitindo a sua alimentação e desenvolvimento, como a super expressão de genes de enzimas digestivas sensíveis e insensíveis aos IPs de plantas. Uma das abordagens desse trabalho foi identificar novas serinoproteinases no intestino de lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda. Duas novas quimotripsinas e trê novas tripsinas foram identificadas e juntamente com mais 10 genes já conhecidos que codificam estas enzimas foram submetidos à análise de expressão gênica por PCR em tempo real. Entre essas duas famílias de serinoproteinases (SPs) os genes que codificam as quimotripsinas apresentam uma regulação positiva mais ampla do que aqueles que codificam as tripsinas. Estudos de modelagem molecular das quimotripsinas também foram realizados. Foram construídos modelos tridimensionais à partir de modelagem por homologia além de análises de dinâmica molecular e docagem com oito diferentes IPs do tipo Bowman- Birk. Os resultados mostram quais quimotripsinas apresentam as maiores afinidades aos inibidores testados de maneira geral e individual, inferidos à partir da estimativa de energia livre do sistema. Também foi encontrada uma serina extra próxima ao sítio catalítico de três quimotrispsinas modeladas que pode interferir na afinidade dessas enzimas já que este aminoácido apresenta perda de área acessível ao solvente quando complexada ao IP de soja testado. Os resultados de expressão gênica e grau de sensibilidade foram comparados e não se observou qualquer relação entre esses parâmentros. Isso sugere que as lagartas da espécie S. frugiperda combinam diferentes estratégias adaptativas como o aumento de expressão de todas as suas quimotripsinas independentemente do grau de sensibilidade das enzimas. / Plants have developed different mechanisms to reduce insect attack, including defence proteins such as proteinase inhibitors (PIs). In turn, insects have evolved strategies to overcome these plant defence mechanisms, such as the hyperexpression of PI-sensitive and insensitive digestive enzymes, allowing the insect to thrive. One of the aims of this work was to identify new serine proteinases (SPs) in the gut of the fall armyworm larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda. Two new chymotrypsins and three new trypsins were identified, and together with 10 previously identified genes, the genes that encode these enzymes were subjected to real-time PCR and gene expression analysis. Between these two families of serine-proteinases the genes that encode chymotrypsins show a greater positive regulation then those encoding the trypsins. Molecular modelling studies of the chymotrypsins were carried out, and 3D models were generated using homology modelling, which were then further refined by dynamic molecular and docking analyses with 8 different Bowman-Birk type PIs. The results demonstrate which chymotrypsins possess the highest affinities to the tested inhibitors in a general and individual manner, inferred from the estimated free energies. A serine residue in very close proximity to the catalytic site was present in three of chymotrypsins investigated, which may be affecting the enzymes affinity since the residue has a reduced accessible area to the solvent when complexed to the soya PI tested. The genetic expression patterns and the degree of PI-sensitivity were also compared and no relation between the parameters was found. This suggests that the larvae of the species S. frugiperda combine different adaptive strategies like the increase in expression of its entire chymotrypsin arsenal regardless of the degree of PI-sensitivity of the enzymes.

<p>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causative agent of the pandemic disease Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV acts to disrupt the immune system which makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections. Untreated, AIDS is generally fatal. Twenty years of research by countless scientists around the world has led to the discovery and exploitation of several targets in the replication cycle of HIV. Many lives have been saved, prolonged and improved as a result of this massive effort. One particularly successful target has been the inhibition of HIV protease. In combination with the inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase, protease inhibitors have helped to reduce viral loads and partially restore the immune system. Unfortunately, viral mutations leading to drug resistance and harmful side-effects of the current medicines have identified the need for new drugs to combat HIV.</p><p>This study presents computational efforts to understand the interaction of inhibitors to HIV protease. The first part of this study has used molecular modelling and Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) to help explain the structure-active relationship of a novel series of protease inhibitors. The inhibitors are sulfamide derivatives structurally similar to the cyclic urea candidate drug mozenavir (DMP-450). The central ring of the sulfamides twists to adopt a nonsymmetrical binding mode distinct from that of the cyclic ureas. The energetics of this twist has been studied with <i>ab initio</i> calculations to develop improved empirical force field parameters for use in molecular modelling.</p><p>The second part of this study has focused on an analysis of the association and dissociation kinetics of a broad collection of HIV protease inhibitors. Quantitative models have been derived using CoMFA which relate the dissociation rate back to the chemical structures. Efforts have also been made to improve the models by systematically varying the parameters used to generate them.</p>

<p>Statistical experimental designs have been used for method development and optimisation of separation. Two reversed phase HPLC methods were optimised. Parameters such as the pH, the amount of tetrabutylammonium (TBA; co-ion) and the gradient slope (acetonitrile) were investigated and optimised for separation of erythromycin A and eight related compounds. In the second method, a statistical experimental design was used, where the amounts of acetonitrile and octane sulphonate (OSA; counter ion) and the buffer concentration were studied, and generation of an α-plot with chromatogram simulations optimised the separation of six analytes.</p><p>The partial filling technique was used in capillary electrophoresis to introduce the chiral selector Cel7A. The effect of the pH, the ionic strength and the amount of acetonitrile on the separation and the peak shape of R- and S-propranolol were investigated.</p><p>Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) is a technique similar to micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), except that the microemulsion has a core of tiny droplets of oil inside the micelles. A large number of factors can be varied when using this technique. A screening design using the amounts of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Brij 35, 1-butanol and 2-propanol, the buffer concentration and the temperature as factors revealed that the amounts of SDS and 2-propanol were the most important factors for migration time and selectivity manipulation of eight different compounds varying in charge and hydrophobicity. SDS and 2-propanol in the MEEKC method were further investigated in a three-level full factorial design analysing 29 different compounds sorted into five different groups. Different optimisation strategies were evaluated such as generating response surface plots of the selectivity/resolution of the most critical pair of peaks, employing chromatographic functions, simplex optimisation in MODDE and 3D resolution maps in DryLab™.</p><p>Molecular descriptors were fitted in a PLS model to retention data from the three-level full factorial design of the MEEKC system. Two different test sets were used to study the predictive ability of the training set. It was concluded that 86 – 89% of the retention data could be predicted correctly for new molecules (80 – 120% of the experimental values) with different settings of SDS and 2-propanol.</p><p>Statistical experimental designs and chemometrics are valuable tools for the development and optimisation of analytical methods. The same chemometric strategies can be employed for all types of separation techniques.</p>

Statistical experimental designs have been used for method development and optimisation of separation. Two reversed phase HPLC methods were optimised. Parameters such as the pH, the amount of tetrabutylammonium (TBA; co-ion) and the gradient slope (acetonitrile) were investigated and optimised for separation of erythromycin A and eight related compounds. In the second method, a statistical experimental design was used, where the amounts of acetonitrile and octane sulphonate (OSA; counter ion) and the buffer concentration were studied, and generation of an α-plot with chromatogram simulations optimised the separation of six analytes. The partial filling technique was used in capillary electrophoresis to introduce the chiral selector Cel7A. The effect of the pH, the ionic strength and the amount of acetonitrile on the separation and the peak shape of R- and S-propranolol were investigated. Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) is a technique similar to micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), except that the microemulsion has a core of tiny droplets of oil inside the micelles. A large number of factors can be varied when using this technique. A screening design using the amounts of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Brij 35, 1-butanol and 2-propanol, the buffer concentration and the temperature as factors revealed that the amounts of SDS and 2-propanol were the most important factors for migration time and selectivity manipulation of eight different compounds varying in charge and hydrophobicity. SDS and 2-propanol in the MEEKC method were further investigated in a three-level full factorial design analysing 29 different compounds sorted into five different groups. Different optimisation strategies were evaluated such as generating response surface plots of the selectivity/resolution of the most critical pair of peaks, employing chromatographic functions, simplex optimisation in MODDE and 3D resolution maps in DryLab™. Molecular descriptors were fitted in a PLS model to retention data from the three-level full factorial design of the MEEKC system. Two different test sets were used to study the predictive ability of the training set. It was concluded that 86 – 89% of the retention data could be predicted correctly for new molecules (80 – 120% of the experimental values) with different settings of SDS and 2-propanol. Statistical experimental designs and chemometrics are valuable tools for the development and optimisation of analytical methods. The same chemometric strategies can be employed for all types of separation techniques.