The highly c-axis oriented ZnO films were deposited on silicon substrates by reactive RF magnetron sputtering in this study. The optimal two-step deposition parameters for ZnO films, which are oxygen concentrations of 70 % (1st step) and 50 % (2nd step), RF power of 100 W and sputtering pressure of 25 mTorr, are obtained by means of XRD, SEM and AFM analysis. Al films are deposited under optimal deposition parameters, which are DC power of 100 W and sputtering pressure of 4 mTorr, to form IDT electrodes with low sheet resistances. Therefore, Al/ZnO/Si layered SAW devices were fabricated under these optimized manufacturing parameters. An oscillator based on a Al/ZnO/Si layered SAW device was fabricated for the application of UV detection and then investigating the acoustoelectric effect between surface acoustic wave and ultraviolet light illumination. Due to the fact that the sensor sensitivity is directly proportional to the resonance frequency, in this study the SAW device with high resonance frequency of Sezawa mode is adopted to form SAW oscillator for high sensitivity. The resonance frequency of SAW oscillator is 751.41 MHz. The optimal detecting zone for UV light is the center of IDT electrode with maximum sensitivity of 8.12 ppm/(£gW/cm2).

In Parkinson's disease, severe damage to nigrostriatal neurons causes a depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Oxidative stress on the brain is thought to contribute to neuron cell death and to the onset of Parkinson's disease. Reactive oxygen radicals produced during oxidative stress have been implicated as an initiator of neuron destruction. Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, can initiate OH radical formation when present in excess. Oxidative stress on the brain caused by glutamate overflow may be monitored by trapping the OH radicals with salicylic acid to produce 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA). Determination of this product is initially performed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled with UV detection to establish optimum separation conditions. These conditions were applied for rapid, efficient, and sensitive determination of 2,3-DHBA by CZE coupled with electrochemical detection. Quick and sensitive detection of 2,3-DHBA is essential in monitoring OH radical generation and identifying its role in Parkinson's disease. / Master of Science

There is currently no published method for the analysis of the herbicide quizalofop-p-tefuryl or its matabolite quizalofop in biological matrices. Quizalofp-p-tefuryl is a relatively new herbicide with apparent low toxicity and is readily degraded. Its metabolite also has herbicide activity. Quizalofop-p-tefuryl is a aryloxyphenoxypropionate and is a post emergence herbicide used for pulses and vegetables. This work reports on a method for the analyses of this pesticide residue and its metabolite in soybean using HPLC on a C-18 column with UV detection at 332 nm. Several methods are tried including some involving the use of solid phase extractors like silica, Florisil and strong cationic exchange cartridges. The main method developed uses an extraction solvent hexane: acetone: acetic acid for extracting the quizalofop-p-tefuryl and quizalofop from the ground soybean. The extracts are then made alkaline with NaOH and this deprotonates the quizalofop separating it from the hexane phase which contains the quizalofop-p-tefuryl. The hexane phase is extracted with ACN and quizalofop-p-tefuryl partitions into this phase. The quizalof-p-tefuryl is repartitioned into a fresh diethyl ether: hexane phase by adding a large quantity of H2O and NaCL to the ACN layer. The organic phase is washed and evaporated to dryness before being made up to volume with ACN for direct analysis by UV detection or by derivatising it to methoxychloroquinoxaline for fluorescence detection. Using the method that directly detects the analytes, for quizalofop-p-tefuryl and quizalofop at spike levels, the method has average recoveries. The precision of recoveries for both compounds is about 9%. The method is fairly robust. Time of analysis per analyte is about 2 hrs. / Master of Science

Fast analysis of different species of molecules in soils is investigated by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Several CE techniques for the analysis of inorganic ions and carbohydrates have been tested. With regard to the intents of pedologists and the usually large number of soil analyses a bundle of CE systems is proposed, capable of effecting time-saving soil analyses. Adapted electrolyte systems recently published and new separation systems are described. Examples of the application of these methods to two different soil samples are presented.

Proteinogenic amino acids are the basic structural building units of proteins. Their analysis is important in many fields, especially in medicine. This thesis deals with one of the methods of derivatization of amino acids in order to increase their absorption in the UV - the post-column derivatization using copper (II) oxide. It is quick, robust and easy-to-use method. Following the nowadays trend in the analysis of free amino acids, this thesis is focused on the HILIC mode separation environment.

L'objectif principal de cette thèse a été d'étudier et de développer les méthodes électrophorétiques pour la détermination de la charge effective de petits ions, de (bio)macromolécules et de nanoparticules. En effet, la charge effective est un paramètre physico-chimique qui contrôle les interactions électrostatiques et qui permet d'accéder aux taux de condensation des contre-ions dans le cas de polyélectrolytes. Dans une première partie, différents modèles sur la mobilité électrophorétique (Nernst-Einstein, O'Brien-White-Ohshima, Yoon-Kim) ont été comparés pour la détermination de la charge effective à partir des valeurs expérimentales de mobilité électrophorétique et de rayon hydrodynamique. Trois autres méthodes expérimentales basées sur la sensibilité de détection UV en mode indirect, sur la sensibilité de détection en conductimétrie et sur la longueur des zones isotachophorétiques ont été étudiées. Ces méthodes ont été appliquées en particulier à la détermination de la charge effective de dendrimères greffés de la lysine et de polymères utilisés en délivrance de principe actif.Une étude du comportement électrophorétique en fonction de la force ionique nous a mené à proposer une représentation graphique, appelée « slope-plot », permettant de distinguer les solutés en fonction de leur nature (petits ions, polyélectrolytes, nanoparticules). Cette représentation peut s'avérer très utile pour l'optimisation des séparations en électrophorèse capillaire en fonction de la force ionique. / The main objective of this thesis was to study and develop electrophoretic methods for effective charge determination of small ions, (bio)macromolecules and nanoparticles. Effective charge is a physical parameter that controls the electrostatic interactions and allows for the determination of condensed counter-ion fraction in the case of polyelectrolytes. In a first part, different models of electrophoretic mobility (Nernst-Einstein, O'Brien-White-Ohshima, Yoon-Kim) have been compared for effective charge determination from experimental values of electrophoretic mobility and hydrodynamic radius. Three other experimental methods based on the sensitivity of UV detection in indirect mode and in conductivity detection, or on the length of the isotachophoretic zones, were studied. These methods were applied to effective charge determination of dendrigraft poly-L-lysines and on drug delivery polymeric systems. A study of the ionic strength dependence of the electrophoretic mobility leads us to propose a graphical representation, called the slope-plot, allowing for the distinction between solutes according to their nature (small ions, polyelectrolytes, nanopaticles). The slop-plot can also be used for the optimization of electrophoretic separations according to the ionic strength.

Capillary zone electrophoresis is an analytical method frequently used in many laboratories for solving various analytical problems. This diploma thesis describes one of many applications of capillary zone electrophoresis using a unique laboratory apparatus composed of a short capillary and dual conductivity/UV detector placed in one detection point of the separation capillary. In the first part of this thesis, the laboratory apparatus was tested by the separation of small inorganic and organic ions. Sodium, potassium, tyramine and histidine ions were used to test the two parts of the dual detector. Experimentally obtained mobilities of these ions were compared with those calculated from the tabulated values. In the second part, the apparatus was used for determination of analytes in samples with more complex matrixces, pharmaceuticals Acylcoffin and B-komplex produced by Zentiva, a.s. One analyte was chosen from each pharmaceutical preparation for determination of its concentration in the preparation, caffeine from Acylcoffine and thiamine from B-komplex. The concentrations were calulated using three different calibration methods and the experimentally obtained values were compared with those specified by the pharmaceuticals producer. Key words: capillary electrophoresis; short capillary;...

This work deals with the development and optimization of conditions of pretreatment of two industrial surface finishing baths containing chromium(III) ions and oxalic, maleic, acetic or citric acid and their electrophoretic analysis. Some model mixtures containing known amounts of components of industrial solutions have been made for simulation of complex matrices of the real samples. Prior to analysis a sample pre-treatment consisting of different dilution and addition of fluoride, hydroxide or EDTA anions as suitable agent releasing acid out of the stable chromium complex were studied. Determination of organic anions was accomplished by indirect UV detection at 350 nm with a reference at 230 nm. A commercially available background electrolyte, pH 5.7, was used for separation of analytes. The most appropriate pre-treatment to release acids have been achieved by precipitation of chromium(III) hydroxide. The method of standard additions was used for the quantification. The concentrations of oxalate and citrate in the real samples were calculated as 96,50 % (S.D. = 0,71 %) and 97,53 % (S.D. = 0,79 %), respectively, of declared amount. Satisfactory repeatabilities were obtained for both analytes with R.S.D. values (n = 5) for migration times lower than 0,51 %, R.S.D. for peak areas of oxalic acid were...

Atualmente, a quantidade de pacientes que são diagnosticados com alguma forma de depressão, entre elas, o transtorno depressivo maior, aumenta consideravelmente, quer seja em razão de diagnósticos mais precisos ou pela própria epidemiologia da doença. Acresça-se o fato de que muitos pacientes, apesar da quantidade de tipos de antidepressivos atualmente disponíveis para a terapêutica, são refratários ao tratamento prescrito, em razão dos efeitos adversos apresentados ou ainda em razão de simplesmente não se observar melhora com a prescrição. Em razão disso, novos tratamentos farmacológicos são disponibilizados. Para auxiliar na máxima eficácia em sua utilização, esse trabalho propôs o desenvolvimento de metodologia analítica para a determinação simultânea de antidepressivos tricíclicos e não tricíclicos, a saber: moclobemida, venlafaxina, citalopram, agomelatina, duloxetina, amitriptilina e sertralina em plasma humano por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC), para posteriormente ser aplicada na monitorização de pacientes depressivos. O método consistiu na extração líquido-líquido com recuperação entre 73% a 86%, exceto para a moclobemida (55%). A separação foi obtida usando uma coluna em fase reversa LiChrospher® 60 RP-select B em LichroCART 250mm x 4mm, 5 ?m de diâmetro interno, Merck sob condições isocráticas com detecção em UV em 230 nm, com fase móvel composta por 35% de uma mistura de acetonitrila/metanol 55/5 v/v e 65% de tampão acetato 0,25M pH 4,4. As curvas padrão foram lineares em uma faixa de trabalho de 2,5-1000 ng/mL para moclobemida, 5-2000 ng/mL para venlafaxina, citalopram, agomelatina, duloxetina e amitriptilina, 10-2000 ng/mL para sertralina. A precisão intra e interensaios foi efetuada em 3 concentrações (50, 200 e 500 ng/mL). Os coeficientes de variação para a precisão intraensaio foram menores que 8,8% para todos os compostos e os coeficientes de variação para a precisão interensaios foram menores que 8,6%. Os limites de quantificação foram de 2,5 ng/mL para a moclobemida, 5 ng/mL para venlafaxina, citalopram, duloxetina, agomelatina, amitriptilina e 10 ng/mL para sertralina com a etidocaína como padrão interno. Não se observou qualquer interferência das drogas normalmente associadas com antidepressivos. O método desenvolvido foi aplicado na monitorização de 79 pacientes em tratamento prolongado com amitriptilina, sertralina e venlafaxina. Paralelamente, foram avaliadas as concentrações plasmáticas de pacientes voluntários sadios submetidos a tratamento em dose única com agomelatina. A monitorização terapêutica se faz necessária para monitorar adesão ao tratamento já que a depressão está entre as principais causas mundiais de morbidade por incapacitação social e estimativa de prevalência crescente até 2030; caracterizando-se como um dos maiores e mais onerosos problemas de saúde pública. / Currently, the number of patients who are diagnosed with some form of depression, among them, major depressive disorder, increases considerably, either because of more accurate diagnosis or by the epidemiology of the disease. One should add the fact that many patients, despite the amount of types of antidepressants currently available for therapy are refractory to the treatment prescribed, because of the adverse effects appear, or their toxic effects, or by simply not observed improvement then the prescription. Therefore, new pharmacological treatments are available. To assist in maximum effectiveness in its use, this paper presents a methodology on HPLC for simultaneous determination of seven antidepressants, tricyclic and non-tricyclic, moclobemide, venlafaxine, citalopram, agomelatine, duloxetine, amitriptyline and sertraline in human plasma, later to be applied in monitoring depressed patients. The simple and accurate method of sample preparation consists of the liquid-liquid extraction with recovery between 73% to 86% (except for moclobemide, 55%). Separation was achieved using a reverse phase column Lichrospher® 60 RP-select B LiChroCART 4mm x 250mm, 5?m internal diameter, Merck, under isocratic conditions, with UV detection at 230nm, with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 35% acetonitrile:methanol 55/5 (v/v) and 65% 0.25M acetate buffer, pH 4.4. The standard curves were linear in the working range of 2,5-1000 ng/mL for moclobemide, 5-2000 ng/mL to venlafaxine, citalopram, agomelatine, duloxetine and amitriptyline and 10-2000ng/mL to sertraline. The intra and interassay precisions were performed at three concentrations (50, 200 and 500 ng/mL). The coefficients of variation for intra-assay precision were less than 8.6% for all compounds and the coefficients of variation for interassay precision were lower than 8.5%. The limits of quantification were 2.5 ng/mL for moclobemide, 5 ng/mL for venlafaxine, citalopram, duloxetine, agomelatine, amitriptyline and 10 ng/mL for sertraline. No interference of drugs normally associated with antidepressants was observed. The developed method was applied to the monitoring of 79 patients receiving prolonged treatment with amitriptyline, sertraline and venlafaxine. And, the plasma concentrations of healthy volunteer patients undergoing single dose agomelatine were evaluated. Therapeutic drug monitoring, is to ensure maximum clinical efficacy coupled with minimal adverse effects in patients undergoing long-term therapy is needed and to monitor adherence to treatment since depression is among the major causes of morbidity and social disability increasing prevalence estimate of 2030; characterized as one of the largest and most costly public health problems

Atualmente, a quantidade de pacientes que são diagnosticados com alguma forma de depressão, entre elas, o transtorno depressivo maior, aumenta consideravelmente, quer seja em razão de diagnósticos mais precisos ou pela própria epidemiologia da doença. Acresça-se o fato de que muitos pacientes, apesar da quantidade de tipos de antidepressivos atualmente disponíveis para a terapêutica, são refratários ao tratamento prescrito, em razão dos efeitos adversos apresentados, ou de seus efeitos tóxicos, ou ainda por simplesmente não se observar melhora com a prescrição seguida. Portanto, novos tratamentos farmacológicos são disponibilizados, e entre eles, a duloxetina, um duplo inibidor de recaptação de serotonina e norepinefrina. Para auxiliar na máxima eficácia em sua utilização, esse trabalho apresenta metodologia em HPLC para determinação simultânea de sete antidepressivos, tricíclicos e não tricíclicos, moclobemida, venlafaxina, citalopram, agomelatina, duloxetina, amitriptilina e sertralina, em plasma humano, para posteriormente ser aplicada na monitorização de pacientes depressivos. O simples e preciso método de preparo da amostra consiste na extração líquido-líquido, com recuperação entre 73% a 86% (exceto para moclobemida, de 55%), e para a duloxetina, de aproximadamente 73%. A separação foi obtida usando uma coluna em fase reversa Lichrospher® 60 RP-select B em LichroCART 250mm x 4mm, 5?m de diâmetro interno, Merck, sob condições isocráticas, com detecção em UV em 230nm, com fase móvel composta por 35% de uma mistura de acetonitrila:metanol 55/5 (v/v) e 65% de tampão acetato 0,25M, pH 4,4. As curvas padrões foram lineares em uma faixa de trabalho de 2,5-1000ng/mL para moclobemida, 5-2000ng/mL para venlafaxina, citalopram, agomelatina, duloxetina e amitriptilina, e 10-2000ng/mL para sertralina. As precisões intra e interensaios foram efetuadas em três concentrações (50, 200 e 500ng/mL). Os coeficientes de variação para a precisão intraensaio foram menores que 8,6% para todos os compostos e os coeficientes de variação para a precisão interensaio foram menores que 8,5%. Os limites de quantificação foram de 2,5ng/mL para a moclobemida, 5ng/mL para venlafaxina, citalopram, duloxetina, agomelatina, amitriptilina e 10ng/mL para sertralina. Não se observou qualquer interferência das drogas normalmente associadas aos antidepressivos. / Currently, the number of patients who are diagnosed with some form of depression, among them, major depressive disorder, increases considerably, either because of more accurate diagnosis or by the epidemiology of the disease. One should add the fact that many patients, despite the amount of types of antidepressants currently available for therapy are refractory to the treatment prescribed, because of the adverse effects appear, or their toxic effects, or by simply not observed improvement then the prescription. Therefore, new pharmacological treatments are available, and among them, duloxetine, a dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine. To assist in maximum effectiveness in its use, this paper presents a methodology on HPLC for simultaneous determination of seven antidepressants, tricyclic and non-tricyclic, moclobemide, venlafaxine, citalopram, agomelatine, duloxetine, amitriptyline and sertraline in human plasma, later to be applied in monitoring depressed patients. The simple and accurate method of sample preparation consists of the liquid-liquid extraction with recovery between 73% to 86% (except for moclobemide, 55%), and duloxetine, of approximately 73%. Separation was achieved using a reverse phase column Lichrospher® 60 RP-select B LiChroCART 4mm x 250mm, 5?m internal diameter, Merck, under isocratic conditions, with UV detection at 230nm, with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 35% acetonitrile:methanol 55/5 (v/v) and 65% 0.25M acetate buffer, pH 4.4. The standard curves were linear in the working range of 2,5-1000ng/mL for moclobemide, 5-2000ng/mL to venlafaxine, citalopram, agomelatine, duloxetine and amitriptyline and 10-2000ng/mL to sertraline. The intra and interassay precisions were performed at three concentrations (50, 200 and 500ng/mL). The coefficients of variation for intra-assay precision were less than 8.6% for all compounds and the coefficients of variation for interassay precision were lower than 8.5%. The limits of quantification were 2.5ng/mL for moclobemide, 5ng/mL for venlafaxine, citalopram, duloxetine, agomelatine, amitriptyline and 10ng/mL for sertraline. No interference of drugs normally associated with antidepressants was observed.