Synthetic dyes that are used as color additives in foodstuffs are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C). The use of synthetic dyes not approved by the FDA, or the addition of dyes approved by the FDA above their maximum concentration limits in foodstuffs necessarily constitutes illegal food adulteration. Recently, rhodamine B (RhB), a bright-pink synthetic dye not approved for use in foodstuffs, has become an adulterant of interest due to its discovery in a large variety of food samples, and its identity as a potential carcinogen. Numerous chromatographic and spectroscopic methods have been developed for the analysis of RhB in food samples, as well as standard methods available for the analysis of synthetic dyes. However, due to the complexity of real food samples and the chemical diversity of synthetic dye concomitants, comprehensive chromatographic methods tend to be time consuming and expensive. Herein, we report a method for the determination of RhB in foodstuffs for the screening of real samples prior to subsequent full-blown chromatographic analysis, saving valuable time and resources. This screening method employs thin-layer chromatography (TLC) as a separation method, and, due to the strong yellow-orange fluorescence exhibited by RhB when excited with ultraviolet or green light, direct fluorescent measurement of RhB on the TLC plate using a fiber optic probe coupled to a commercial spectrofluorometer or to an instrumental set up for laser-induced fluorescence measurements. Qualitative analysis of RhB is based on its retardation factor, excitation and fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime. Quantitative measurements are made directly from the TLC plate to provide analytical figures of merit comparable to traditional fluorometric methods in liquid solution. The ability of the new method to determine RhB in food samples is then demonstrated with the analysis of chili powder.

Earthquake-induced soil liquefaction is a phenomenon in which saturated, sandy soil loses its strength and stiffness during earthquake shaking. Liquefaction can be extremely costly and damaging to infrastructure. The commonly used "simplified" stress-based liquefaction triggering framework is correlated with metrics computed from in-situ tests like the Cone Penetration Test (CPT). While CPT-based procedures have been shown to accurately predict liquefaction occurrence in homogenous, sandy soil profiles, they tend to over-predict the occurrence of liquefaction in challenging, highly interlayered soil profiles. One contributing factor to the over-prediction is multiple thin-layer effects in CPT data, a phenomenon in which data in interlayered zones is blurred or averaged, making it difficult to identify specific layer boundaries and associated CPT parameters like tip resistance. Multiple thin-layer correction procedures have been proposed to convert the measured tip resistance in an interlayered profile (qm) to the "true" or characteristic tip resistance (qt) that would be measured without the influence of multiple thin-layer effects. In this dissertation, the efficacy of existing multiple thin-layer correction procedures is assessed. It is shown that existing procedures are not effective for layer thicknesses equal to or less than about 1.6 times the diameter of the cone. Two new multiple thin-layer correction procedures are proposed. Furthermore, a framework for numerically simulating CPTs in interlayered soil profiles using the Material Point Method (MPM) is developed. A framework for linking uncertainties associated with the numerical analyses and the laboratory CPT calibration chamber tests used to calibrate the numerical analyses is also proposed. Finally, a database of laboratory and numerically-generated CPT data is presented. It is shown how this database can be used to improve existing, and develop new, multiple thin-layer correction procedures. Ultimately, the work detailed in this dissertation will improve the characterization of highly interlayered soil profiles using CPTs to support more accurate liquefaction hazard assessment at challenging soil sites. / Doctor of Philosophy / Earthquake-induced soil liquefaction is a phenomenon in which saturated, sandy soil loses its strength and stiffness during earthquake shaking. Liquefaction can be extremely costly and damaging to infrastructure. Existing procedures used to assess liquefaction hazard were developed specifically for homogenous, sandy soil profiles. These procedures do not perform well in challenging, highly interlayered soil profiles. One reason for this is the inadequate characterization of the soil profile by the chosen in-situ test method. For example, the cone penetration test (CPT) consists of hydraulically advancing a steel probe with a conical shaped tip ("cone") into the ground. Typically, the penetrometer is about 3.6 to 4.4 cm in diameter, and data are recorded at 1 to 5 cm depth intervals. However, data recorded at a specific depth are representative of soil that falls within a zone several times the diameter of the penetrometer ahead of and behind the tip of the cone. In a highly interlayered soil profile, this means the CPT records blurred or averaged data within interlayered zones. Typical liquefaction analyses compute a factor of safety against liquefaction at every depth in the soil profile where CPT data are recorded. Hence, having data that are blurred can result in an inaccurate factor of safety against liquefaction. To account for this blurring (called multiple thin-layer effects), correction procedures have been proposed. This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of those procedures and develops new procedures. Additionally, a numerical simulation tool is shown to be capable of simulating CPTs in layered soil profiles. This reduces the need for costly laboratory testing to further evaluate multiple thin-layer effects. Finally, a combined laboratory and numerically-generated CPT database is developed to support the improvement of, and development of new, multiple thin-layer correction procedures. The broader impacts of this work support more accurate liquefaction evaluations in challenging soil profiles worldwide, like those in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Groningen region of the Netherlands.

Vitamin C is industrially produced by the Reichstein method, which uses gluconobacters to oxidize sorbitol to sorbose then a chemical process to convert sorbose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG). The establishment of a more extensive microbial process for 2-KLG production translates into a less expensive and more efficient production of vitamin C. I examined pure strains and mixed cultures for their ability to produce 2-KLG using thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography. The DSM 4027 mixed culture produced the highest yield, 25 g/L, of 2-KLG from 100 g/L of sorbose, while the gram-negative rods isolated from DSM 4027 produced 8.8 g/L, and B. megaterium isolated from DSM 4027 produced 1.4 g/L. Thus, the gram-negative rods in the mixed culture were the primary 2-KLG producer, but B. megaterium in the DSM 4027 mixture enhanced this synthesis. Authentic pure cultures of Gluconobacter oxydans IFO strain 3293 and ATCC strain 621 produced 3.4 g/L and 5.7 g/L, respectively. Attempts to co-culture the isolated B. megaterium with the isolated gram-negative rods and authentic Gluconobacter strains did not increase 2-KLG production, nor did growing the cultures on B. megaterium spent media. Bacillus megaterium produced an unidentified keto-compound detected on the TLC chromatograms, which suggested that B. megaterium converted sorbose to an intermediate that may then be converted by the gram-negative rods in DSM 4027 to 2-KLG. Limited phenotypic tests suggested that the gram-negative rods in the DSM 4027 mixture are not gluconobacters. / Master of Science

Les cellules photovoltaïques en couches minces de silicium cristallin sont des candidates prometteuses pour réduire le prix du watt-crête de l'énergie photovoltaïque, grâce à une très faible utilisation de silicium de haute pureté. Dans notre cas, les couches actives de silicium sont supportées par des substrats, de bas coût et compatibles avec les conditions de haute température nécessaires à une croissance cristalline rapide et de bonne qualité des couches. La société S’TILE développe ces substrats, par frittage à partir de poudres de silicium, et en recristallisant les plaquettes ainsi obtenues. Le but de cette thèse est de valoriser ce substrat pour l’industrie photovoltaïque et de démontrer qu’il est adapté à la fabrication de cellules solaires à bas coût et rendement élevé. Ces travaux utilisent le procédé d’épitaxie de silicium, qui est central pour fabriquer des cellules minces. Ils s’articulent autour de deux axes principaux. Le premier est la fabrication de cellules solaires et leur optimisation sur des substrats de référence monocristallins. Dans ce cadre, de nombreuses voies ont été explorées : l’utilisation de réflecteurs de Bragg en silicium poreux, l’optimisation du dopage de l’émetteur, la formation de gradients de dopage dans la base et l’utilisation de structures à émetteur en face arrière. Ces études ont permis d’évaluer le potentiel de ces différentes voies ; des résultats prometteurs pour l’amélioration du rendement de conversion des cellules sur couches minces ont été obtenus. Le second axe de la thèse est la fabrication de cellules sur les substrats frittés préparés par S’TILE et l’application des moyens développés dans le cadre du premier axe pour améliorer ces cellules. Les rendements encoura-geants obtenus ont ainsi démontré la faisabilité de cellules solaires sur les substrats réalisés par le procédé de frittage à bas coût développé par la société S’TILE. / Crystalline silicon thin-film solar cells are promising candidates to reduce the watt-peak prices of photovoltaic energy, thanks to a much smaller use of high purity silicon. In our case, the active layers of silicon are supported by substrates. These substrates have low production costs and are compatible with the high temperature process steps, which are necessary to a rapid and high-quality crystalline growth. The company S’TILE develops these substrates, by sintering silicon powders and recrystallizing the obtained wafers. The objective of this PhD thesis is to pinpoint the relevance of this substrate for the photovoltaics industry and demonstrate that it is adapted to the fabrication of solar cells with low cost and high efficiency. This work uses the epitaxy process, which is central to fabricate these thin-film cells. It is organized in two main axes. The first one is the fabrication of solar cells and their optimization on monocrystalline reference substrates. Several optimization pathways have been tested: the use of porous silicon Bragg reflectors, the optimization of emitter doping, the base variable doping and the use of rear emitter structures. The studies permitted to unveil the potential of each pathway; promising results were obtained for the improvement of thin-film solar cell conversion efficiency. The second axis of the thesis is the cell fabrication on the substrates prepared by S’TILE and the application of the means developed in the first axis to improve these cells. Encouraging efficiencies have demonstrated the feasibility of solar cells on the substrates made by the low-cost process developed by S’TILE.

As caprilinas são acilgliceróis de cadeia média com diversas aplicações nos campos alimentício, farmacêutico e cosmético. A esterificação direta é um processo importante para a síntese de caprilinas, dado que o glicerol é subproduto da produção de biodiesel e que a tricaprilina, material de partida para a glicerólise e hidrólise, não é um composto abundante naturalmente. As reações existentes para a síntese de acilgliceróis podem ser catalisadas por via química ou enzimática, sendo esta última superior em diversos aspectos. Dois dos principais contrapontos à utilização de enzimas são seu alto custo e dificuldade de recuperação. A imobilização de enzimas é uma das maneiras existentes para contornar estas questões. A maioria dos estudos científicos relativos à obtenção destes compostos refere-se aos acilgliceróis de cadeia longa. Portanto, é necessário aprimorar a esterificação direta entre o glicerol e ácido caprílico catalisada por lipase, através da compreensão da cinética reacional e da influência dos parâmetros reacionais. A existência de uma metodologia de separação, identificação e quantificação simples e eficaz também é importante, tornando as pesquisas relacionadas às caprilinas mais rápidas e menos complicadas. Desta maneira, este trabalho consistiu de três etapas principais: (1) a imobilização de lipases em resinas de troca aniônica, visando reduzir os custos em relação à lipase imobilizada comercial; (2) o desenvolvimento de um método de cromatografia em camada delgada capaz de quantificar as caprilinas formadas; (3) o estudo da reação de esterificação para a obtenção de caprilinas em regime descontínuo e descontínuo-alimentado. A resina DOWEX® 1X2-400 foi a que apresentou a melhor eficiência de imobilização (EI) da Palatase®. Sua atividade lipolítica foi apenas 12,7% inferior à versão imobilizada comercial da lipase, a Lipozyme®RM IM, indicando a viabilidade de substituição desta última. O desenvolvimento de método de cromatografia em camada delgada resultou em relações lineares para a detecção e quantificação de ácido caprílico, monocaprilina, dicaprilina e tricaprilina com R2 e R2pred de 99,3%/98,73%; 98,9%/97,6%; 99,8%/99,8% e 99,7%/99,5%, respectivamente, e com valor-p de 0,000. As reações em regime descontínuo foram realizadas seguindo planejamento fatorial completo, no qual foram variadas a temperatura (30 ou 70°C), a proporção molar entre os reagentes (1:1 ou 3:1 - ácido caprílico : glicerol) e o tempo reacional (6 ou 10h). A análise de regressão do rendimento reacional expresso em porcentagem de consumo de ácido caprílico indicou que, nestas condições, os fatores relevantes para o resultado final são a temperatura e a proporção molar, bem como a interação entre eles. As melhores condições para a obtenção de mono e dicaprilinas foram, portanto, de 30ºC e razão molar de 1:1. O estudo da cinética da reação indica que 40,4% do ácido caprílico são consumidos na primeira hora e que o consumo máximo ocorre na terceira hora de reação. Houve uma queda drástica no rendimento reacional, quando a reação foi conduzida em regime descontínuo-alimentado, provavelmente devido à menor eficiência catalítica da lipase devido ao baixo teor de água na primeira hora de reação. / Caprylins are medium chain acylglycerols that find several applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Direct esterification is an important route for the synthesis of caprylins, since glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel production and tricaprylin, the starting material of glycerolysis and hydrolysis, is not a naturally abundant compound. The glycerides synthesis can be catalyzed by either chemical or enzymatic routes, the latter being superior in several aspects. The biggest issues regarding the use of enzymes are their high cost and difficult recovery. Using immobilized enzymes can minimize these concerns. Most of scientific studies concerning the obtainment of these compounds address to long chain acyglycerols. Thus, the improvement of lipase catalyzed esterification of glycerol and caprylic acid is necessary, by understanding the reaction kinetics and the role of reaction parameters. A simple and effective method of separation, identification and quantification of caprylins is also a relevant contributing factor for easier and faster researches. Therefore, this work consisted of three main steps: (1) immobilization of lipases on anion exchange resins in order to produce a cheaper alternative to imported commercial immobilized lipases; (2) development of a thin layer chromatographic method capable of quantifying caprylins; (3) studying the obtainment of caprylins by direct esterification in batch and fed batch systems. DOWEX® 1X2-400 resin presented the best immobilization efficiency (IE) results. Additionally, its lipolytic activity was only 12.7% lower than the commercial Lipozyme® RM IM, suggesting that Lipozyme\'s substitution is feasible. Regarding the developing of a thin layer chromatography method, linear correlations were obtained for detection and quantification of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, dicaprylin and tricaprylin, with a R2 and R2pred of 99,3%/98,73%; 98,9%/97,6%; 99,8%/99,8% e 99,7%/99,5%, respectively, with a p-value of 0,000. The batch reactions were carried out according to a complete factorial design, in which the temperature (30 or 70ºC), the molar ratio between the reagents (1:1 or 3:1) and reaction time (6h or 10h) were varied. The regression analysis of reactional yield expressed in terms of percentage of caprylic acid consumption indicated that only the temperature, molar-ratio and their interaction were important for reaction yields, within the studied conditions. The best conditions related to the obtainment of mono and dicaprylins were 30ºC and molar ratio of 1:1. The reaction kinetics indicates that 40.4% of the caprylic acid is consumed within one hour of reaction and that the maximal consumption was achieved in the third hour. A drastic drop in reaction yield was observed when the fed batch mode was adopted, probably due a lower catalytic efficiency presented by lipase as a result of the lower water content in the first hour of reaction.

A aplicação do processo de fotoeletrocatálise à eliminação de interferentes orgânicos em baixa concentração na eletroanálise de metais foi abordada tomando o quelato Cu(II)-EDTA como sistema modelo e o restabelecimento da onda voltamétrica do cobre como indicador de efetividade. Desenvolveram-se células eletroquímicas de camada delgada (espessura de 600 micrômetros) nas quais alguns microlitros de amostra são tratados sobre um eletrodo modificado com TiO2 (tipo P25, rico em anatase), cuja superfície é irradiada através de uma janela por um LED (370 nm). Foram construídos e avaliados os seguintes eletrodos: pasta de carbono, TiO2 e óleo parafínico (CPE-TiO2), compósitos de grafite, TiO2 e adesivo epóxi ou de silicone e ouro com oclusão de TiO2 por eletrodeposição. Estudo do efeito de parâmetros como potencial aplicado ao eletrodo, composição do eletrólito e concentração de EDTA sobre a fotocorrente permitiu selecionar condições de trabalho e estabelecer algumas correlações. Por exemplo, observou-se linearidade entre a fotocorrente e a concentração de EDTA até 1,0 mmol/L, aparente limite superior do controle difusional do processo para potência radiante aplicada, acima do qual, a cinética de oxidação passa a sobrepujar o transporte no controle da velocidade de reação. O restabelecimento pleno da onda de Cu(II) 1,0 mmol.L-1 foi observado após a irradiação por 10 min quando a concentração de EDTA não excedia 0,94 mmol.L-1. Descobriu-se um procedimento mais rápido que consiste na aplicação do tratamento fotoeletrocatalítico simultâneo ao registro de voltamogramas cíclicos repetitivos (eletrodo de Au-TiO2, 0,3 a 0,7 V vs. Ag/AgCl, 100 mV.s-1). Após o sexto ciclo, a altura do pico de redissolução anódica do Cu (reduzido durante a varredura no sentido negativo) estabiliza, permitindo a quantificação sem etapa prévia de abertura. / The photoelectrocatalysis process was investigated for the elimination of organic compounds interference on the electroanalysis of trace metals. Cu(II)-EDTA chelate was chosen as model system and the recovery of copper voltammetric peak, as effectiveness indicator. Thin layer cells (thickness of 600 micrometers) were designed for the treatment of some microliters of sample by irradiation (370 nm LED) of an electrode modified with TiO2 (P25, anatase rich). The following modified electrodes were prepared and evaluated: carbon paste with TiO2 and paraffin oil (CPE-TiO2), composites of graphite, TiO2 and epoxy or silicone binders and TiO2 occluded in electrodeposited gold on a gold substrate. The effect of parameters like potential bias, electrolyte composition and EDTA concentration on the photocurrent was evaluated to setup working conditions. Some correlations were observed, e.g., a linear dependence between photocurrent and EDTA concentration up to 1.0 mmol/L. For the irradiance applied, this concentration is possibly the upper limit of operation diffusion transport control, above which, the kinetics of the oxidation at the TiO2 modified electrode becomes the controlling process. For EDTA concentrations not exceeding 0.94 mmol.L-1, full recovery of 1.0 mmol.L-1 Cu(II) voltammetric peaks was observed after 10 min of irradiation. A faster procedure was discovered and consists in recording repetitive cyclic voltammograms (Au-TiO2 electrode, 0,3 to 0,7 V vs. Ag/AgCl scans, 100 mV.s-1) simultaneously with continuous irradiation. After the sixth cycle, the copper anodic stripping peak height stabilizes allowing quantification without previous sample pre-treatment step.

As plantas medicinais são conhecidas há muitos séculos pelos homens, e ainda hoje são amplamente utilizadas no tratamento de enfermidades. A população acredita que é uma alternativa segura e de baixo custo em relação aos produtos farmacêuticos industrializados, e faz seu uso indiscriminado e sem acompanhamento médico. A automedicação e a falta de controle de qualidade das drogas vegetais (DVs) representam um sério risco à saúde de seus usuários. A diversidade de espécies conhecidas como plantas medicinais, e o uso de nomes populares regionais podem ocasionar erros de identificação taxonômica ou mesmo adulteração do produto. Outro fator que pode alterar a qualidade das DVs é a contaminação de origem química ou biológica, proveniente das diversas fases de seu preparo. Com o uso disseminado de DVs e fitoterápicos, cresceu a preocupação com os efeitos adversos e a interação com medicamentos convencionais. Esse panorama evidencia a interdisciplinaridade na área de plantas medicinais. Assim, o projeto, do qual derivou este de mestrado, é interdisciplinar, com a participação de pesquisadores da etnofarmacologia, microbiologia, farmacovigilância e farmacognosia. O objetivo específico desta dissertação de mestrado é avaliar a qualidade das DVs com possíveis ações psicoativas, adquiridas em barracas de rua na cidade de Diadema. As amostras selecionadas e adquiridas pelo grupo da etnofarmacologia foram confrontadas a monografias farmacopêicas, literatura especializada e/ou amostra autêntica, avaliando-se os caracteres macroscópicos, microscópicos, perfis cromatográficos e pureza das DVs. Cortes histológicos foram preparados conforme as técnicas usuais, cromatografias em camada delgada foram realizadas de acordo com literatura e fotografias documentam as análises. De um total de 35 lotes analisados, 88,6% confirmaram sua autenticidade, e apenas 57,1% estavam em conformidade com os valores máximos permitidos para materiais estranhos. Também ficou evidente a baixa qualidade de armazenamento do material e problemas com embalagens e rótulos, em total desacordo com a legislação vigente. Concluiu-se então que as DVs adquiridas demandam atenção e melhorias quanto à sua qualidade, fato que demonstra a necessidade de maior orientação e conscientização dos vendedores quanto aos cuidados para sua comercialização à população. / Medicinal plants have been known for centuries by humanity and are still widely used for the treatment of illnesses. People believe that it is a safer and low cost alternative in relation to manufactured pharmaceutical products and makes indiscriminate use of them, without medical supervision. Self-medication and the lack of quality control of herbal drugs (HDs) represent a serious health risk to users. The diversity of species known as medicinal plants and the use of popular regional names can cause errors in taxonomic identification or even product adulteration. Another factor that may alter the quality of HDs is contamination from biological or chemical origin, from various stages of their preparation. With the widespread use of herbal remedies and HDs, the concern about adverse effects and interactions with conventional medicines has increased. This scenario highlights the interdisciplinarity of the medicinal plants field. Thus, the project, which this master`s program was derived from, is interdisciplinary, involving researchers from ethnopharmacology, microbiology, pharmacovigilance and pharmacognosy. The specific aim of this master\'s project is to evaluate the quality of HDs with possible psychoactive action, acquired in street stalls in the city of Diadema. The samples selected and acquired by ethnopharmacology were confronted with pharmacopoeial monographs, literature and/or authentic samples and the macroscopic and microscopic characters, chromatographic profiles and purity of HDs were evaluated. Histological sections were prepared according to the usual techniques, thin layer chromatographys were performed according to the literature, and photographs document the analysis. From a total of 35 lots, 88.6% confirmed their authenticity, and only 57.1% were in compliance with the maximum limit for the amount of foreign material. The poor quality of material storage and problems with packaging and labels, in total disagreement with the law, was also made evident. We concluded that the acquired HDs require caution and improvement of their quality, which demonstrates the need for more guidance and awareness of vendors about the care involved in the commercialization of HDs to the population.

In many developing countries, farmers and pastoralists still rely on their indigenous knowledge, practices and locally available plants to control nematode parasitic infections, both in livestock and humans. The overall aim of my thesis was to undertake bioassay-guided phyto-chemical study of extracts and their constituents from Ethiopian anti-parasitic plants used by healers to control gastrointestinal nematode parasites in livestock to validate their ethno-medicinal use and to characterise and identify their active ingredients. As a first experiment (Chapter Three), four types of crude extracts (water, 70% methyl-alcohol, absolute methanol and acetone) of four indigenous Ethiopian medicinal plants (Adenia species, Cissus ruspolii, Ipomoea eriocarpa and Euphorbia thymifolia) were screened against Teladorsagia circumcincta egg hatching in vitro, not only as a first step to validate the traditional healers claim but also to choose the most promising plant extract(s) for further phyto-chemical studies. The egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test results revealed that the anti-parasitic properties of these plants depended on plant species, dose, and solvent polarity. The water extracts of both C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. exhibited largest, up to 100% EHI but also larval migration inhibition activities, and were selected for further studies. The second experiment (Chapter Four) assessed the nature of active constituents in these extracts by physico-chemical methods. It was observed that the major constituents of both plant extracts responsible for the EHI activities are likely highly polar, water-soluble, small and moderately heat-labile molecules. The third and fourth experiments (Chapters Five and Six) consisted of separating Cissus ruspolii and Adenia sp. water extracts into discrete fractions by gel-permeation chromatography, EHI tests of Bio-Gel P-2 fractions followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiling of these fractions to detect separated spots (in day light, under UV-light or after staining with various staining reagents) and also to see how elution patterns of separated spots affected by column parameters. The EHI tests on the fractions obtained revealed that the active constituents of C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. water crude extracts were eluted into few fractions based on their molecular sizes. The TLC profilings of these fractions identified spot patterns of active and inactive fractions, which allowed pooling of active constituents based on their EHI and TLC profiling into three pools for each plant. The fifth experiment (Chapter Seven) was to isolate and purify compounds from these pools using various preparative planar and column chromatographic methods. Sequential applications of column chromatography followed by preparative thin layer chromatography isolated and purified five active compounds from C. ruspolii and two active compounds from Adenia sp. The sixth experiment (Chapter Eight) was to characterize and propose/elucidate structures of compounds from the active fractions using chromatographic, analytical and spectroscopic methods. In this regard, the structures of two oleanane type triterpenoid saponins isolated from one of active fractions of Adenia sp. were proposed based on their mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data with support of compounds property, TLC and literature. Similar outcomes for C. ruspolii were not achieved due to lack of sufficient sample to run 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT), contamination of some purified compounds with ill-characterised substance from the preparative TLC matrix and in some cases mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data did not support each other. The last experiment (Chapter Nine) was to assess anthelmintic efficacy and safety of C. ruspolii and Adenia sp. crude water extracts in Heligmosomoides bakeri infected mice. This in vivo test revealed that both plant extracts exhibited significant reduction in worm burdens and worm egg excretion, with moderate effects on haematology and organ weights at tolerated dosages. In conclusion, both in vitro and in vivo data revealed that Adenia sp. and C. ruspolii have anthelmintic properties, thus validating traditional healer claims and supporting ethno-medicinal use. The bioassay-guided phytochemical study resulted in the isolation of a number of active compounds from these plants, for some of which a structure has been proposed.

A aplicação do processo de fotoeletrocatálise à eliminação de interferentes orgânicos em baixa concentração na eletroanálise de metais foi abordada tomando o quelato Cu(II)-EDTA como sistema modelo e o restabelecimento da onda voltamétrica do cobre como indicador de efetividade. Desenvolveram-se células eletroquímicas de camada delgada (espessura de 600 micrômetros) nas quais alguns microlitros de amostra são tratados sobre um eletrodo modificado com TiO2 (tipo P25, rico em anatase), cuja superfície é irradiada através de uma janela por um LED (370 nm). Foram construídos e avaliados os seguintes eletrodos: pasta de carbono, TiO2 e óleo parafínico (CPE-TiO2), compósitos de grafite, TiO2 e adesivo epóxi ou de silicone e ouro com oclusão de TiO2 por eletrodeposição. Estudo do efeito de parâmetros como potencial aplicado ao eletrodo, composição do eletrólito e concentração de EDTA sobre a fotocorrente permitiu selecionar condições de trabalho e estabelecer algumas correlações. Por exemplo, observou-se linearidade entre a fotocorrente e a concentração de EDTA até 1,0 mmol/L, aparente limite superior do controle difusional do processo para potência radiante aplicada, acima do qual, a cinética de oxidação passa a sobrepujar o transporte no controle da velocidade de reação. O restabelecimento pleno da onda de Cu(II) 1,0 mmol.L-1 foi observado após a irradiação por 10 min quando a concentração de EDTA não excedia 0,94 mmol.L-1. Descobriu-se um procedimento mais rápido que consiste na aplicação do tratamento fotoeletrocatalítico simultâneo ao registro de voltamogramas cíclicos repetitivos (eletrodo de Au-TiO2, 0,3 a 0,7 V vs. Ag/AgCl, 100 mV.s-1). Após o sexto ciclo, a altura do pico de redissolução anódica do Cu (reduzido durante a varredura no sentido negativo) estabiliza, permitindo a quantificação sem etapa prévia de abertura. / The photoelectrocatalysis process was investigated for the elimination of organic compounds interference on the electroanalysis of trace metals. Cu(II)-EDTA chelate was chosen as model system and the recovery of copper voltammetric peak, as effectiveness indicator. Thin layer cells (thickness of 600 micrometers) were designed for the treatment of some microliters of sample by irradiation (370 nm LED) of an electrode modified with TiO2 (P25, anatase rich). The following modified electrodes were prepared and evaluated: carbon paste with TiO2 and paraffin oil (CPE-TiO2), composites of graphite, TiO2 and epoxy or silicone binders and TiO2 occluded in electrodeposited gold on a gold substrate. The effect of parameters like potential bias, electrolyte composition and EDTA concentration on the photocurrent was evaluated to setup working conditions. Some correlations were observed, e.g., a linear dependence between photocurrent and EDTA concentration up to 1.0 mmol/L. For the irradiance applied, this concentration is possibly the upper limit of operation diffusion transport control, above which, the kinetics of the oxidation at the TiO2 modified electrode becomes the controlling process. For EDTA concentrations not exceeding 0.94 mmol.L-1, full recovery of 1.0 mmol.L-1 Cu(II) voltammetric peaks was observed after 10 min of irradiation. A faster procedure was discovered and consists in recording repetitive cyclic voltammograms (Au-TiO2 electrode, 0,3 to 0,7 V vs. Ag/AgCl scans, 100 mV.s-1) simultaneously with continuous irradiation. After the sixth cycle, the copper anodic stripping peak height stabilizes allowing quantification without previous sample pre-treatment step.

As caprilinas são acilgliceróis de cadeia média com diversas aplicações nos campos alimentício, farmacêutico e cosmético. A esterificação direta é um processo importante para a síntese de caprilinas, dado que o glicerol é subproduto da produção de biodiesel e que a tricaprilina, material de partida para a glicerólise e hidrólise, não é um composto abundante naturalmente. As reações existentes para a síntese de acilgliceróis podem ser catalisadas por via química ou enzimática, sendo esta última superior em diversos aspectos. Dois dos principais contrapontos à utilização de enzimas são seu alto custo e dificuldade de recuperação. A imobilização de enzimas é uma das maneiras existentes para contornar estas questões. A maioria dos estudos científicos relativos à obtenção destes compostos refere-se aos acilgliceróis de cadeia longa. Portanto, é necessário aprimorar a esterificação direta entre o glicerol e ácido caprílico catalisada por lipase, através da compreensão da cinética reacional e da influência dos parâmetros reacionais. A existência de uma metodologia de separação, identificação e quantificação simples e eficaz também é importante, tornando as pesquisas relacionadas às caprilinas mais rápidas e menos complicadas. Desta maneira, este trabalho consistiu de três etapas principais: (1) a imobilização de lipases em resinas de troca aniônica, visando reduzir os custos em relação à lipase imobilizada comercial; (2) o desenvolvimento de um método de cromatografia em camada delgada capaz de quantificar as caprilinas formadas; (3) o estudo da reação de esterificação para a obtenção de caprilinas em regime descontínuo e descontínuo-alimentado. A resina DOWEX® 1X2-400 foi a que apresentou a melhor eficiência de imobilização (EI) da Palatase®. Sua atividade lipolítica foi apenas 12,7% inferior à versão imobilizada comercial da lipase, a Lipozyme®RM IM, indicando a viabilidade de substituição desta última. O desenvolvimento de método de cromatografia em camada delgada resultou em relações lineares para a detecção e quantificação de ácido caprílico, monocaprilina, dicaprilina e tricaprilina com R2 e R2pred de 99,3%/98,73%; 98,9%/97,6%; 99,8%/99,8% e 99,7%/99,5%, respectivamente, e com valor-p de 0,000. As reações em regime descontínuo foram realizadas seguindo planejamento fatorial completo, no qual foram variadas a temperatura (30 ou 70°C), a proporção molar entre os reagentes (1:1 ou 3:1 - ácido caprílico : glicerol) e o tempo reacional (6 ou 10h). A análise de regressão do rendimento reacional expresso em porcentagem de consumo de ácido caprílico indicou que, nestas condições, os fatores relevantes para o resultado final são a temperatura e a proporção molar, bem como a interação entre eles. As melhores condições para a obtenção de mono e dicaprilinas foram, portanto, de 30ºC e razão molar de 1:1. O estudo da cinética da reação indica que 40,4% do ácido caprílico são consumidos na primeira hora e que o consumo máximo ocorre na terceira hora de reação. Houve uma queda drástica no rendimento reacional, quando a reação foi conduzida em regime descontínuo-alimentado, provavelmente devido à menor eficiência catalítica da lipase devido ao baixo teor de água na primeira hora de reação. / Caprylins are medium chain acylglycerols that find several applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Direct esterification is an important route for the synthesis of caprylins, since glycerol is a byproduct of biodiesel production and tricaprylin, the starting material of glycerolysis and hydrolysis, is not a naturally abundant compound. The glycerides synthesis can be catalyzed by either chemical or enzymatic routes, the latter being superior in several aspects. The biggest issues regarding the use of enzymes are their high cost and difficult recovery. Using immobilized enzymes can minimize these concerns. Most of scientific studies concerning the obtainment of these compounds address to long chain acyglycerols. Thus, the improvement of lipase catalyzed esterification of glycerol and caprylic acid is necessary, by understanding the reaction kinetics and the role of reaction parameters. A simple and effective method of separation, identification and quantification of caprylins is also a relevant contributing factor for easier and faster researches. Therefore, this work consisted of three main steps: (1) immobilization of lipases on anion exchange resins in order to produce a cheaper alternative to imported commercial immobilized lipases; (2) development of a thin layer chromatographic method capable of quantifying caprylins; (3) studying the obtainment of caprylins by direct esterification in batch and fed batch systems. DOWEX® 1X2-400 resin presented the best immobilization efficiency (IE) results. Additionally, its lipolytic activity was only 12.7% lower than the commercial Lipozyme® RM IM, suggesting that Lipozyme\'s substitution is feasible. Regarding the developing of a thin layer chromatography method, linear correlations were obtained for detection and quantification of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, dicaprylin and tricaprylin, with a R2 and R2pred of 99,3%/98,73%; 98,9%/97,6%; 99,8%/99,8% e 99,7%/99,5%, respectively, with a p-value of 0,000. The batch reactions were carried out according to a complete factorial design, in which the temperature (30 or 70ºC), the molar ratio between the reagents (1:1 or 3:1) and reaction time (6h or 10h) were varied. The regression analysis of reactional yield expressed in terms of percentage of caprylic acid consumption indicated that only the temperature, molar-ratio and their interaction were important for reaction yields, within the studied conditions. The best conditions related to the obtainment of mono and dicaprylins were 30ºC and molar ratio of 1:1. The reaction kinetics indicates that 40.4% of the caprylic acid is consumed within one hour of reaction and that the maximal consumption was achieved in the third hour. A drastic drop in reaction yield was observed when the fed batch mode was adopted, probably due a lower catalytic efficiency presented by lipase as a result of the lower water content in the first hour of reaction.