Eletrodos à base de carbono, como os eletrodos de troca iônica, entre outros, têm aplicação principalmente no tratamento de efluentes industriais e rejeitos radioativos. Carbono é também amplamente utilizado em células a combustível como substrato para os eletrocatalisadores, por possuir elevada área superficial, que supera a sua área geométrica. O conhecimento desta superfície ativa total é importante na determinação das condições de operação de uma célula eletroquímica no que diz respeito às correntes a serem aplicadas (densidade de corrente). No presente estudo foram utilizadas duas técnicas eletroquímicas na determinação da área superficial ativa de eletrodos de carbono vítreo e poroso e eletrodos de troca iônica: espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE) e voltametria cíclica (VC). Os experimentos foram realizados com soluções de KNO3 0,1 mol.L-1 em célula eletroquímica de três eletrodos: eletrodo de trabalho à base de carbono, eletrodo auxiliar de platina e eletrodo de referência de Ag/AgCl. Os eletrodos de carbono vítreo e de carbono poroso utilizado possuíam uma área geométrica de 3,14 x 10-2 cm2 e 2,83 10-1 cm2, respectivamente. O eletrodo de troca iônica foi preparado misturando-se grafite, carbono, resina de troca iônica e um aglutinante, sendo esta mistura aplicada em três camadas sobre feltro de carbono, utilizando-se nos experimentos uma área geométrica de 1,0 cm2. Por EIE determinou-se diretamente a capacitância dos materiais dos eletrodos (Cd) utilizando-se os diagramas de Bode. O valor de 172 μF.cm-2 encontrado para o carbono vítreo está de acordo com a literatura (~200 μF.cm-2). Por VC, variando a velocidade de varredura de 0,2 a 2,0 mV.s-1, determinou-se a capacitância CdS (S=área superficial ativa) na região da dupla camada elétrica (DCE) para cada um dos materiais, Por EIE, foram determinados os valores de Cd de 3,0 x 10-5 μF.cm-2 e de 11,0 x 103 μF.cm-2 para os eletrodos de carbono poroso e de troca iônica, respectivamente, o que possibilitou a determinação das áreas superficiais ativas de 3,73 x 106 cm2 e 4,72 cm2. Portanto, o uso combinado das técnicas de EIE e VC mostra-se promissor para o cálculo das áreas superficiais ativas de eletrodos à base de carbono. / Carbon-based electrodes as well the ion exchange electrodes among others have been applied mainly in the treatment of industrial effluents and radioactive wastes. Carbon is also used in fuel cells as substrate for the electrocatalysts, having high surface area which surpasses its geometric area. The knowledge of the total active area is important for the determination of operating conditions of an electrochemical cell with respect to the currents to be applied (current density). In this study it was used two techniques to determine the electrochemical active surface area of glassy carbon, electrodes and ion exchange electrodes: cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experiments were carried out with KNO3 0.1 mol.L-1 solutions in a three-electrode electrochemical cell: carbon-based working electrode, platinum auxiliary electrode and Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The glassy carbon and porous carbon electrodes with geometric areas of 3.14 x 10-2 and 2.83 10-1 cm2, respectively, were used. The ion exchange electrode was prepared by mixing graphite, carbon, ion exchange resin and a binder, and this mixture was applied in three layers on carbon felt, using a geometric area of 1.0 cm2 during the experiments. The capacitance (Cd) of the materials was determined by EIS using Bode diagrams. The value of 172 μF.cm-2 found for the glassy carbon is consistent with the literature data (~200 μF.cm-2). By VC, varying the scan rate from 0.2 to 2.0 mV.s-1, the capacitance CdS (S = active surface area) in the region of the electric double layer (EDL) of each material was determined. By EIS, the values of Cd, 3.0 x 10-5 μF.cm-2 and 11 x 103 μF.cm-2, were found for the porous carbon and ion exchange electrodes, respectively, which allowed the determination of active surface areas as 3.73 x 106 cm2 and 4.72 cm2. To sum up, the combined use of EIS and CV techniques is a valuable tool for the calculation of active surface areas of carbon-based electrodes.

Propõe-se método novo e completo para análise de acetona em ar exalado envolvendo coleta com pré-concentração em água, derivatização química e determinação eletroquímica assistida por novo algoritmo de processamento de sinais. Na literatura recente a acetona expirada vem sendo avaliada como biomarcador para monitoramento não invasivo de quadros clínicos como diabetes e insuficiência cardíaca, daí a importância da proposta. Entre as aminas que reagem com acetona para formar iminas eletroativas, estudadas por polarografia em meados do século passado, a glicina apresentou melhor conjunto de características para a definição do método de determinação por voltametria de onda quadrada sem a necessidade de remoção de oxigênio (25 Hz, amplitude de 20 mV, incremento de 5 mV, eletrodo de gota de mercúrio). O meio reacional, composto de glicina (2 mol·L-1) em meio NaOH (1 mol·L-1), serviu também de eletrólito e o pico de redução da imina em -1,57 V vs. Ag|AgCl constituiu o sinal analítico. Para tratamento dos sinais, foi desenvolvido e avaliado um algoritmo inovador baseado em interpolação de linha base por ajuste de curvas de Bézier e ajuste de gaussiana ao pico. Essa combinação permitiu reconhecimento e quantificação de picos relativamente baixos e largos sobre linha com curvatura acentuada e ruído, situação em que métodos convencionais falham e curvas do tipo spline se mostraram menos apropriadas. A implementação do algoritmo (disponível em http://github.com/batistagl/chemapps) foi realizada utilizando programa open source de álgebra matricial integrado diretamente com software de controle do potenciostato. Para demonstrar a generalidade da extensão dos recursos nativos do equipamento mediante integração com programação externa em linguagem Octave (open source), implementou-se a técnica da cronocoulometria tridimensional, com visualização de resultados já tratados em projeções de malha de perspectiva 3D sob qualquer ângulo. A determinação eletroquímica de acetona em fase aquosa, assistida pelo algoritmo baseado em curvas de Bézier, é rápida e automática, tem limite de detecção de 3,5·10-6 mol·L-1 (0,2 mg·L-1) e faixa linear que atende aos requisitos da análise em ar exalado. O acetaldeído, comumente presente em ar exalado, em especial, após consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, dá origem a pico voltamétrico em -1,40 V, contornando interferência que prejudica vários outros métodos publicados na literatura e abrindo possibilidade de determinação simultânea. Resultados obtidos com amostras reais são concordantes com os obtidos por método espectrofotométrico, em uso rotineiro desde o seu aperfeiçoamento na dissertação de mestrado do autor desta tese. Em relação à dissertação, também se otimizou a geometria do dispositivo de coleta, de modo a concentrar a acetona num volume menor de água gelada e prover maior conforto ao paciente. O método completo apresentado, englobando o dispositivo de amostragem aperfeiçoado e o novo e efetivo algoritmo para tratamento automático de sinais voltamétricos, está pronto para ser aplicado. Evolução para um analisador portátil depende de melhorias no limite de detecção e facilidade de obtenção eletrodos sólidos (impressos) com filme de mercúrio, vez que eletrodos de bismuto ou diamante dopado com boro, entre outros, não apresentaram resposta. / A new and complete method for analyzing acetone in exhaled breath is proposed, involving sample collection by preconcentration in water, chemical derivatization and electrochemical determination assisted by a new signal processing algorithm. Breath acetone is under investigation in the medical literature as a biomarker for noninvasive monitoring of clinical conditions such as diabetes and heart failure and better analyzers are demanded. Some amines that react with acetone to form electroactive imines, already studied by polarography in the middle of the last century, were evaluated here as derivatizing agents and glycine presented the best compromise for the definition of a determination method by square wave voltammetry without purging of dissolved oxygen (20 mV pulses at 25 Hz with 5 mV scanning steps, mercury drop electrode). The derivatization medium of glycine (2 mol·L-1) and NaOH (1 mol·L-1) also serves as electrolyte and the imine reduction peak at -1.57 V vs. Ag|AgCl constitutes the analytical signal. For signal processing a novel algorithm based on baseline automatic prediction using Bézier curves was developed in combination with Gaussian peak fitting. This innovative combination enables the recognition and quantification of relatively low and broad peaks on a curved and noisy baseline while standard procedures fail and fitting of splines is less appropriate. The algorithm (available at http://github.com/batistagl/chemapps) was implemented using open source matrix algebra software directly integrated with the potentiostat control software. The generality of this approach to extend the native resources of commercial equipment was evidenced by proceeding the implementation of 3D chronocoulometry with help of the open source Octave language. The processed charge vs. potential vs. time function 3-D surfaces for the forward and backward steps can be observed from any angle on the screen. The fast automatic electrochemical determination of acetone assisted by the Bézier based curve fitting algorithm, with an acetone detection limit of 3.5·10-6 mol·L-1 (0.2 mg·L-1) and a wide linear range is entirely satisfactory for breath analysis. Acetaldehyde, an expected component of breath, especially after ingestion of alcohol, and a common interferent for some other analytical methods, generates a peak at -1.40 V that does not interfere with the acetone determination and that is possibly suitable for simultaneous determination of this analyte. Results obtained with real samples are in agreement with spectrophotometric determinations routinely applied to breath analysis, formerly developed in the master dissertation of the author of this thesis. The geometry of the impinger sampling device was also improved (in comparison with the dissertation) in order to collect the acetone in a smaller volume of cooled water and to allow the patient to breath more freely. The complete method at its current state of development, encompassing the improved sampler and the new effective signal processing algorithm for voltammetric signals is ready for use. Evolution to a portable analyzer can be envisioned if the shortcomings of detection limits of solid (screen-printed) electrode preparation with a mercury film are overcome, once the imine signal was not observed on solid electrodes like bismuth and boron doped diamond.

Introduction: Over recent decades, there has been an increase in the availability and use of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) all over the world. They include several classes of chemicals that mimic the effects of illicit drugs and have been purposefully introduced into the market to circumvent or undermine the purpose of legal regulation. Currently, there is information lacking on the pharmacology of these substances; however, the increasing number of cases and outbreaks of intoxications/deaths is becoming a cause for deepening concern. Multi-disciplinary research in the fields of biology, chemistry, clinical medicine and web analysis is needed to develop responses against this tidal wave. Aim: The overall aim of this project is to gain insights into pharmacological, neurochemical and molecular properties of selected NPS to provide a reliable background needed for detection, assessment, and management of NPS-related harms. A range of approaches and methodologies was employed and a spectrum of different fields of knowledge has been engaged to gain some understanding into the complex multi-faceted phenomenon of NPS. Methods: Different substances have been selected as targets for the present project according to the clinical pattern of toxicity raised by their worldwide use and the lack of scientific knowledge available about them. The methods employed were: in vitro quantitative autoradiography (to evaluate the binding properties of the novel SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135 at the cannabinoid receptor type 1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; and the binding properties of the synthetic stimulants 5-IT and 2-DPMP at the dopamine transporter in rat brain slices); in vitro Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (to assess the effects of BB-22 on evoked dopamine efflux and dopamine re-uptake half-life in nucleus accumbens brain slices); in vivo microdialysis (to monitor dopamine release in terminal areas of the reward system after acute administration of the synthetic cannabinoids BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135; the dieting aid compound 2,4-DNP; the synthetic stimulants 2-DPMP and D2PM in freely moving animals); in silico molecular docking (to investigate the intermolecular interactions of the SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135, and other referent compounds, with a homology model of the rodent cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and the crystal structure of the human CB1R); and a web-based analysis approach (to analyse the information provided by a range of fora communities on 4,4'-DMAR use, additionally critical reviewing the available evidence-based literature on this topic). Results: Our in vitro quantitative autoradiography studies, confirmed that the index compounds BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135, behave as highly potent CB1R ligands able to compete with the radioligand [3H]CP-55,940 in cortical and striatal brain slices. On the other hand, all synthetic cannabinoids tested were unable to compete with the radioligand [3H]MK-801 in the same cerebral areas, rejecting the hypothesis of their potential binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) at all concentrations investigated. Consistent with previous in vitro studies, 5-IT and 2-DPMP behaved as highly potent dopamine transporter (DAT) ligands able to compete with the radioligand [125 I]RTI-121 in a concentration-dependent way in the Caudate Putamen (CPu) and Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) brain slices. Notably, 2-DPMP was able to displace the radioligand in both cerebral regions, starting from lower concentrations compared to 5-IT. In vitro Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry findings demonstrated that local application of the synthetic cannabinoid BB-22 in brain slices, was unable to change evoked dopamine efflux and dopamine reuptake time-constant in the NAc shell at any doses tested. The results obtained would suggest the relative contributions of complex neuronal circuits, either within or outside the NAc, whose modulation would interfere with the interactions between BB-22 and dopaminergic neurons and represent critical pathways accounting for some of the rewarding properties of BB-22 exposure. In vivo microdialysis outcomes suggested that all SCs tested could increase dopamine release in the NAc shell at specific doses, while no changes in dopamine output were observed in other areas of the reward system, namely NAc core and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFCx) after BB-22 administration. These outcomes provided a circumstantial pre-clinical evidence for a greater putative abuse liability of SCs compared to the natural compound found in cannabis (Δ9‐THC). Furthermore, the acute treatment with 2,4-DNP did not cause any change in dopamine release in the NAc shell and CPu rejecting the hypothesis of psychoactivity of this substance at the dose tested. On the other hand, the synthetic stimulant 2-DPMP elicited a comparable increase of dopamine (DA) release in the NAc shell and CPu at the higher doses tested, while D2PM caused a selective increase of DA release in the NAc shell, providing a circumstantial preclinical evidence for a putative abuse liability of this compound at the highest dose assessed. The in silico molecular docking studies demonstrated that the SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135 interact with CB1 receptor residues that, according to previous mutation and computational studies, are considered crucial for synthetic cannabinoid binding recognition. Additionally, they share some interacting residues with other aminoalkylindole derivatives (e.g. WIN-55,212-2). The web-based analysis focused on 4,4'-DMAR, suggested that fora members co-operate in exchanging an extensive body of knowledge about this drug, and the recurring topics of discussion include: routes of administration and dosages; desired and undesired effects; comparison and association with other drugs and medications; overall impression; provision of harm reduction advice. This approach has been useful to better understand some of the clinical and psychopharmacological issues pertaining to 4,4'-DMAR. Conclusions: Overall, these studies provided new pharmacological, neurochemical and molecular knowledge on a range of Novel Psychoactive Substances essential for identifying potential therapeutical approaches against their use/abuse. The novelty of this project lies in the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach involving a range of methodologies from different areas of expertise (neurobiology, pharmacology, chemistry, netnography) all integrated to clarify some aspects of the index NPS, which were not yet available in the current literature. Additional studies are needed to better explain short and long-term effects of the index NPS, their abuse potential, and their interactions with other drugs of abuse.

The ability to take effective decisions is fundamental for successful environmental adaptation and survival. In this thesis, I investigated situations in which decisions appear irrational, at least from certain standpoints. I conducted a behavioural decision-making experiment in two groups of macaques: controls and a group with ventromedial prefrontal cortex/medial orbitofrontal cortex (vmPFC/ mOFC) lesions. Some choices lead to compound outcomes composed of different constituent parts. Control macaques' decisions suggested their estimates of the value of the compound were biased away from the sum of the values of the constituents and towards their mean. Lesions of vmPFC/mOFC diminished the size of the effect so that macaques in some ways appeared to make more rational decisions. Based on the results of this experiment I devised a similar Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) paradigm with the control animals. This demonstrated strong vmPFC/mOFC activity when similar decisions were made and suggested a value comparison process. In addition, I investigated the role of dopamine in learning using Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV), while rats performed a simple decision-making task. Theories about the role of dopamine in learning have focused on the possibility that it codes scalar reward value prediction errors. Less consideration has been given to the possibility that dopamine might reflect prediction errors about reward identities regardless of value. I measured dopamine in the nucleus accumbens when unexpected changes in reward value or identity occurred while rats executed a two-choice two-reward instrumental task. Dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens reflected reward value prediction errors. In addition, however, they also reflected some information about reward identity under some circumstances. Further investigation suggested that this might be due to differences in the nutritional value of different reward types that did not have clear measurable impacts of behaviour in the tasks that I used.

Sistemas químicos capazes de produzir radicais livres OH• e O2•-, responsáveis por danos no DNA, foram estudados em diversos tipos de eletrodos de carbono previamente modificados. Nitrofural, RNO2, foi reduzido mono eletronicamente ao seu respectivo nitro ânion radical, RNO2•-, em eletrodo de pasta de carbono modificado superficialmente com um filme de guanina. O nitro ânion radical atacou a guanina imobilizada na superfície do eletrodo e, esta interação in situ, resultou na formação de cátions radicais de guanina (G+•), que ao interagirem com a guanina (G), foram identificados pelo pico de oxidação em voltametria pulso diferencial, VPD, nas formas diméricas de guanina na região positiva de potencial. Os outros sistemas estudados se referem ao desenvolvimento de novos eletrodos de carbono modificados ou ainda a utilização procedimentos de modificações desenvolvidas anteriormente, para a detecção de várias moléculas de importância biológica. O ácido ascórbico (AA), ácido úrico (AU), xantina (XA) e hipoxantina (HX) foram detectados simultaneamente em eletrodo de grafite pirolítico, previamente modificado em solução de dopamina (EGPD), utilizando VPD. Os picos de oxidação, obtidos por voltametria cíclica foram detectados em 51; 393; 765 e 1080 mV vs Ag / AgCl, KCl(sat) para AA, AU, XA e HX, respectivamente. O limite de detecção para XA em presença de 5,0 x10-5 mol L-1 de HX foi 2,3 x10-6 mol L-1 (com sensibilidade de 2,8 A mol-1 L cm2), enquanto que o limite de detecção para HX na presença de 5,0 x10-5 mol L-1 de XA foi de 5,6 x10-6 mol L-1 (com sensibilidade de 1,4 A mol-1 L cm-2). XA e HX foram determinadas em amostras de urina e os valores encontrados foram 0,47 µmol L-1 e 5,9 mol L-1, respectivamente. Serotonina (5-HT) e dopamina (DA) foram determinadas simultaneamente em eletrodo de carbono vítreo, previamente modificado em solução de serotonina (GCE - 5HT). A serotonina foi detectada em 379 mV vs Ag / AgCl, KCl(sat), 31 mV menos positivo daquele observado em eletrodo de carbono vítreo (410 mV), enquanto DA foi detectada a 200 mV. Nenhuma interferência foi observada na presença de (AA), tirosina (Tyr), epinefrina (EP) e noradrenalina (NE). Finalmente, na última etapa do presente trabalho lignina, extraída a partir de licor de Kraft, foi solubilizada em acetonitrila / H2SO4 e a solução resultante utilizada para dispersar nanotubos de carbono de parede múltipla, NTCPM. Esta suspensão foi empregada para modificar a superfície de um eletrodo de carbono vítreo, posteriormente utilizado na detecção de nitrito por VPD no intervalo de concentração de 4,0 x 10-6 ≤ [NO2-] ≤ 8, 0 x 10-5 mol L-1. O complexo formado entre neocuproina e Cu (I), um composto em potencial para geração de radicais livres e promoção de lesões no DNA, foi sintetizado e caracterizado. / Chemical systems, which are able to produce OH• and O2•- free radicals, responsible for damage in DNA, were studied at different carbon modified electrode surfaces. Guanine carbon paste modified electrode was used to promote the nitrofural (RNO2) monoelectronic reduction to its respective nitro anion radical, RNO2•-, which attacked guanine immobilized on the electrode surface. The interaction in situ promoted the formation of guanine cation radicals (G+•) between guanine (G), after a dimerization process, were detected in the positive potential range by Differential Pulse Voltammetry, DPV. The other studied systems refer to development of new carbon modified electrodes or utilization of carbon modified electrodes, previously described, for the detection of several important biological molecules. Ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), xanthine (XA) and hypoxanthine (HX) were simultaneously detected at pyrolytic graphite electrode, previously modified into dopamine solution (EGPD), using DPV. The oxidation peak potentials, were obtained by cyclic voltammetry at 51; 393; 0.765 and 1080 mV vs Ag/AgCl, KCl(sat) for AA, UA, XA and HX, respectively. The detection limit for XA in presence of 5.0 x10-5 mol L-1 HX was 2.3 x10-6 mol L-1 (with sensibility of 2.8 A mol-1 L cm-2), while the detection limit for HX in presence of 5.0 x10-5 mol L-1 XA was 5.6 x10-6 mol L-1 (with sensibility of 1.4 A mol-1 L cm-2). XA and HX were determined in urine samples and the values founded were 0.47 µM e 5.9 µM, respectively. Serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) were simultaneously detected at glassy carbon electrode, previously modified in serotonin solution (ECV - 5HT). Serotonin was detected at 379 mV vs Ag/AgCl, KCl (sat), 31 mV less positive potential than that observed at bare glassy carbon electrode (410 mV), while DA was detected at 200 mV. No interference was observed in presence of (AA), tyrosine (Tyr), epinephrine (EP) and noradrenaline (NE). Finally, in the last stage of this work, lignin, extracted from Kraft liqueur, was solubilized in acetonitrile/H2SO4 and used to disperse multi-wall carbon nanotubes, MWNTC. This suspension was used to modify the glassy carbon electrode surface and nitrite was detected, by DPV in the concentration range of 4,0 x 10-6≤ [NO2-] ≤ 8,0 x 10-5 mol L-1. The complex formed between neocuproina and Cu (I), a compound which can produce free radicals and thereby cause damage to DNA, was synthesized and characterized.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:42:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SeverinaDSO_DISSERT.pdf: 2512071 bytes, checksum: 12a15e7529d5b018959d5e9c644f10cf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-31 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / In this work a study was done using electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry for isoniazida (INH), ethambutol (EMB), rifampicina (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA) using the electrode boron-doped diamond (BDD) as working electrode. It also verified the applicability of the technique of differential pulse voltammetry in the quantification of the active compounds used in the treatment of tuberculosis, subsequently applying in samples of pharmaceutical formulation. Among the four active compounds studied, isoniazid showed the best results for the detection and quantification using differential pulse voltammetry. At pH 4 and pH 8, for the calibration curves to INH showed good linearity, with quantification limits of 6.15 mmol L-1 (0,844 ppm) and 4.08 mmol L-1 (0.560 ppm) for the respective pH. The proposed method can be used to determine drug isoniazid, for recovery values were obtained in approximately 100% / Neste trabalho foi feito um estudo eletroqu?mico utilizando a voltametria c?clica e voltametria de pulso diferencial para os f?rmacos isoniazida (INH), etambutol (EMB), rifampicina (RIF) e pirazinamida (PZA) usando o eletrodo de diamante dopado com boro (BDD) como eletrodo de trabalho. Foi tamb?m verificado a aplicabilidade da t?cnica de voltametria de pulso diferencial na quantifica??o dos princ?pios ativos usados no tratamento da tuberculose, posteriormente aplicando em amostras de formula??o farmac?utica. Dentre os quatro princ?pios ativos estudados, a isoniazida apresentou os melhores resultados de detec??o e quantifica??o com o uso da voltametria de pulso diferencial. Em pH 4 e pH 8, as curvas de calibra??o para a INH apresentaram boa linearidade, apresentando os limites de quantifica??o de 6,15 μmol L-1 (0,844 ppm) e 4,08 μmol L-1 (0,560 ppm), para os respectivos pH. O m?todo proposto pode ser usado para a determina??o de isoniazida em f?rmacos, pois foram obtidos valores de recupera??o em torno de 100%

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:42:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ElianeGA_TESE.pdf: 3715497 bytes, checksum: 52c61110127824acc91be76b2127151f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-12-04 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The development of more selective and sensitive analytical methods is of great importance in different areas of knowledge, covering, for example, food, biotechnological, environmental and pharmaceutical sectors. The study aimed to employ the technique electroanalytical differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) as an innovative and promising alternative for identification and quantification of organic compounds. The organic compounds were investigated in this study oxalic acid (OA) and folic acid (FA). The electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid has been extensively studied as a model reaction in the boundary between the organic and inorganic electrochemistry. Since the AF, an essential vitamin for cell multiplication in all tissues, which is essential for DNA synthesis. The AF has been investigated using analytical techniques, liquid chromatography and molecular absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained during the experimental procedure indicated that the process of electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid is strongly dependent on the nature of the anode material and the oxidation mechanism, which affects their detection. Efficient removal was observed in Ti/PbO2 anodes, graphite, BDD and Pt 90, 85, 80 and 78% respectively. It was also shown that the DPV employing glassy carbon electrode offers a fast, simple, reliable and economical way to determine the AO during the process of electrochemical oxidation. Furthermore, electroanalytical methods are more expensive than commonly used chromatographic analysis and other instrumental methods involving toxic reagents and higher cost. Compared with the classical method of titration and DPV could be a good fit, confidence intervals and detection limits confirming the applicability of electroanalytical technique for monitoring the degradation of oxalic acid. For the study of AF was investigated the electrocatalytic activity of the carbon paste electrode for identification and quantification in pharmaceutical formulations by applying the DPV. The results obtained during the experimental procedure showed an irreversible oxidation peak at 9.1 V characteristic of FA. The carbon paste sensor showed low detection limit of 5.683?10−8 mol L-1 reducing matrix effects. The spectrophotometric analysis showed lower concentrations of HF compared with those obtained by HPLC and DPV. The levels of AF were obtained according to the methodology proposed by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The electroanalytical method (DPV) proposed is cheaper than GC analysis commonly used by the pharmaceutical industry. The results demonstrated the potential of these electroanalytical techniques for future applications in environmental, chemical and biological sensors / O desenvolvimento de m?todos anal?ticos cada vez mais seletivos e sens?veis ? de grande relev?ncia em diferentes ?reas do conhecimento, contemplando, por exemplo, os setores aliment?cios, biotecnol?gicos, ambientais e farmac?uticos. O estudo teve como objetivo empregar a t?cnica eletronal?tica voltametria de pulso diferencial (DPV) como uma alternativa inovadora e promissora para identifica??o e quantifica??o de compostos org?nicos. Os compostos org?nicos investigado neste estudo foram o ?cido ox?lico (AO) e o ?cido f?lico (AF). A oxida??o eletroqu?mica do ?cido ox?lico tem sido extensivamente estudada como uma rea??o modelo na fronteira entre a eletroqu?mica org?nica e inorg?nica. O AF ? uma vitamina essencial na multiplica??o celular de todos os tecidos, indispens?vel ? s?ntese do DNA, tem sido investigada empregando t?cnicas anal?ticas, com a cromatografia l?quida e a espectrofotometria de absor??o molecular. No presente trabalho foi investigada a oxida??o eletroqu?mica do AO em diferentes materiais eletrocatal?ticos. Os resultados obtidos durante o procedimento experimental indicaram que o processo de oxida??o eletroqu?mica do ?cido ox?lico ? depende fortemente da natureza do material an?dico e do mecanismo de oxida??o, o que afeta a sua detec??o. Eficientes remo??es foram obtidas em ?nodos de Ti/PbO2, grafite, BDD e Pt 90, 85, 80 and 78% respectivamente. Foi tamb?m demonstrado que a VPD empregando eletrodo de carbono v?treo oferece uma maneira r?pida, simples, confi?vel e econ?mica para determinar a AO durante o processo de oxida??o eletroqu?mica. Al?m disso, os m?todos eletroanal?ticos s?o mais baratos do que a an?lise cromatogr?fica comumente utilizada e que outros m?todos instrumentais envolvendo reagentes t?xicos e de custo mais elevado. Comparado com o m?todo de titula??o cl?ssica e DPV conseguiu-se um bom ajuste, intervalos de confian?a e limites de detec??o confirmando a aplicabilidade da t?cnica eletroanal?tica para o monitoramento da degrada??o de ?cido ox?lico. Para o estudo envolvendo o AF foi investigado a atividade eletrocatal?tica do eletrodo de pasta de grafite para a sua identifica??o e quantifica??o em formula??es farmac?uticas aplicando a VPD. Os resultados obtidos durante o procedimento experimental indicaram um pico de oxida??o irrevers?vel em 9,1 V caracter?stico do AF. O sensor de pasta de grafite apresentou baixo limite de detec??o 5,683?10−8 mol L-1 reduzindo os efeitos da matriz. As an?lises espectrofotom?tricas apresentaram concentra??es de AF menor quando comparadas com os dados obtidos por CLAE e VDP. Os teores de AF foram obtidos de acordo com a metodologia proposta pela farmacopeia brasileira. O m?todo eletroanal?tico (VPD) proposto apresenta menor custo e redu??o do tempo de an?lise, quando comparado com a cromatografia l?quida, t?cnica comumente utilizadas pelas ind?strias farmac?uticas. Os resultados demonstraram o potencial dessas t?cnicas eletroanal?ticas para futuras aplica??es em sensores ambientais, qu?micos e biol?gicos

nÃo hà / Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de uma proposta de procedimento eletroanalÃtico para a determinaÃÃo do antidepressivo tricÃclico imipramina (IMP) em formulaÃÃes farmacÃuticas comerciais, utilizando eletrodo de diamante dopado com boro (EDDB) e voltametria de onda quadrada (VOQ). Os estudos da oxidaÃÃo eletroquÃmica da IMP foram realizados em soluÃÃo de tampÃo Britton-Robbinson (BR) 0,04 mol L-1. Os resultados utilizando VOQ mostraram dois picos de oxidaÃÃo bem definidos, com pico 1 em 0,04 V e pico 2 em 0,82 V versus Ag/AgCl/Cl- 3 mol L-1. Para o desenvolvimento dos estudos foi utilizado o pico 1 por ter se apresentado mais sensÃvel e seletivo. O efeito dos parÃmetros experimentais e voltamÃtricos foram avaliados e as melhores condiÃÃes foram obtidas em pH 7,4, frequÃncia de aplicaÃÃo de pulsos de potencial de 100 s-1, incremento de potencial de 2 mV e amplitude de 50 mV. Sob estas condiÃÃes, foram construÃdas curvas analÃticas com resposta linear na faixa de concentraÃÃo de 1,73 x 10-7 mol L-1 a 2,53 x 10-6 mol L-1 (r = 0,9984), com um limite de detecÃÃo e de quantificaÃÃo de 4,35 x 10-8 mol L-1 e 1,45 x 10-7 mol L-1, respectivamente. O mÃtodo proposto foi aplicado com sucesso na determinaÃÃo de IMP em formulaÃÃes farmacÃuticas comerciais e validado por comparaÃÃo com mÃtodo padrÃo de determinaÃÃo de imipramina. Os resultados obtidos estiveram de acordo, em um nÃvel de confianÃa de 95%, com aqueles obtidos usando o mÃtodo oficial da FarmacopÃia BritÃnica. / This research describes the development of an electroanalytical procedure proposal for the determination of tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (IMP) in commercial pharmaceutical formulations, using Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode (BDDE) and Square-Wave Voltammetry (SWV). The electrochemical oxidation of imipramine was studied in 0.04 mol L-1 Britton-Robbinson buffer solution (BR). The results using VOQ showed two well-defined oxidation peaks with potentials of 0.04 V and 0.82 V versus Ag/AgCl/Cl- 3 mol L-1 for peaks 1 and 2, respectively. For the studiesâ development was used the peak 1 because it demonstrated to be more sensitive and selective. The effect of the experimental and voltammetric parameters were evaluated and the best performance was obtained in pH 7.4, pulses application frequency of potential of 100 s-1, potential increment of 2 mV and amplitude of 50 mV. Under these conditions, the analytical curves were obtained in the linear range of concentration from 1.73 x 10-7 mol L-1 to 2.53 x 10-6 mol L-1 (r = 0,9984), with detection and quantitation limits 4.35 x 10-8 mol L-1 e 1.45 x 10-7 mol L-1, respectively. The proposed method was applied with success in the determination of IMP in commercial pharmaceutical formulations and validated by comparison with standard method for determination of imipramine. The obtained results were in close agreement, at a 95% confidence level, with those obtained using an official method of the British Pharmacopoeia.

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.

O mel de abelhas é um produto biológico muito complexo, cuja composição varia notavelmente em função da flora visitada pelas abelhas e das condições climáticas e edáficas da região onde foi produzido. Este trabalho teve como objetivos confrontar os resultados das análises físico-químicas entre as amostras de méis produzidos em diferentes localidades do Brasil por Apis mellifera e por Meliponíneos e investigar se o mel produzido por essas abelhas nas suas diferentes regiões de origem apresenta níveis toleráveis de contaminantes inorgânicos. Para tanto, foram avaliadas 56 amostras de méis de A. mellifera e 56 amostras de méis de Meliponíneos dos Estados da Bahia, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Piauí, Paraná, Santa Catarina e São Paulo, em relação aos seguintes parâmetros: umidade, atividade de água, viscosidade, pH, acidez livre, índice de formol, açúcares redutores, sacarose aparente, teor de cinzas, cor, condutividade elétrica, hidroximetilfurfural, atividade diastásica e metais (Hg+2, Zn+2, Cd+2, Pb+2 e Cu+2). Foi utilizada a técnica de Voltametria de Redissolução Anódica de Pulso Diferencial (DPASV) para quantificar os metais, e métodos convencionais e próprios para mel nas demais análises. Os resultados mostraram que a legislação atual, referente ao mel de A. mellifera, não é adequada para os parâmetros açúcares redutores, umidade e atividade diastásica de algumas espécies de Meliponíneos. Pôdese concluir que as espécies A. mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Melipona quadrifasciata, M. scutellaris, M. mandacaia, M. fasciculata, M. subnitida produzem méis com características físico-químicas diferentes e próprias de cada uma delas. Para todas as espécies avaliadas, os níveis de contaminantes inorgânicos encontrados nos méis foram toleráveis à saúde humana. Os méis produzidos por A. mellifera apresentaram variações nas características físico-químicas: atividade de água, viscosidade, acidez livre, índice de formol, açúcares redutores, condutividade elétrica, hidroximetilfurfural, atividade diastásica e o mineral zinco, em função dos diferentes locais onde foram produzidos. / The honeybee is a very complex biological product, whose composition varies markedly depending on the plant visited by the bees and the weather and soil conditions in the region where it was produced. This study aimed to compare the results of physicochemical analysis between the samples of honey produced in different locations in Brazil by Apis mellifera and Meliponid and to investigate whether honey produced by these bees, in different regions of origin, has tolerable levels of inorganic contaminants. To this end, we evaluated 56 samples of honey from A. mellifera and 56 samples of honey from Meliponid from the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Piauí, Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, for the following parameters: moisture content, water activity, viscosity, pH, free acidity, formol index, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, ash content, color, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity and metals (Hg+2, Zn+2, Cd+2, Pb+2 and Cu+2). Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DPASV) technique was used to quantify the metals, and, to the other analysis, conventional and suitable methods for honey were used. The results showed that the current legislation, referring to the honey of A. mellifera, is not appropriate for the parameters reducing sugars, moisture content and diastase activity of some species of Meliponid. It was concluded that the species A. mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Melipona quadrifasciata, M. scutellaris, M. mandacaia, M. fasciculata, M. subnitida produce honeys with different and specific physico-chemical characteristics. For all species studied, levels of inorganic contaminants found in honey were tolerable to human health. The honey produced by A. mellifera showed variations in physicochemical water activity, viscosity, free acidity, formol index, reducing sugars, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity and the mineral zinc, depending on the different locations where they were produced.