No description available.

The enantioanalysis of compounds of clinical and pharmaceutical became increasingly important because the enantiomers of the same substance may be markers for different disease or are having a different pathway in the body. The utilization of enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes made the assay of a single enantiomer easier and faster. Also the reliability of the analytical information is higher than that obtained using chromatographic techniques. The proposed electrodes are made by mixing graphite powder with paraffin oil to give carbon paste, which is modified by the addition of a chiral selector (e.g., cylodextrins, maltodextrins, macrocyclic antibiotics and fullerenes). This design is reliable. The high sensitivity, selectivity, enantioselectivity, accuracy and precision made them suitable to be used for the enantioanalysis of different compounds of clinical and pharmaceutical importance (e.g., L-histidine, L-cysteine and R-clenbuterol) in pharmaceutical tablets, and/or serum and urine samples. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Chemistry / unrestricted

The purpose of this investigation was to employ newly improved qualitative and quantitative chromatographic techniques to obtain purified myosin from 1 G and 3 G chick embryos and to determine if muscle myosin production either follows or precedes the unparallel bone growth during chronic acceleration as reported by several investigators.

Magister Scientiae (Medical Bioscience) - MSc(MBS) / Even though Tulbaghia violacea has been used to treat and manage epilepsy in South Africa by traditional medicine practitioners, no evidence in any literature has shown any scientific scrutiny of the effectiveness of the plant species in therapy. This project was intended, therefore, to investigate the anticonvulsant effect of the leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea by studying its effect against tonic convulsion induced by either pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), bicuculline, picrotoxin, strychnine or N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid (NMDLA) in mice. Qualitative phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity and HPLC studies were also carried out on the plant species. The doses of 200 (mg/kg, i.p.) and 400 (mg/kg, i.p.) of the leaf methanol extract of T. Violacae significantly delayed the onset of PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion in a dose dependent manner. Leaf methanol extract of the plant species (200 mg/kg, i.p.) did not affect the incidence of PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion while 400 mg/kg (i.p.) protected only one mouse against the tonic convulsion. Leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea (100mg/kg, i.p.) did not significantly affect the onset or incidence of PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.)- induce tonic convulsion. Phenobarbitone (12 mg/kg, i.p.), diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and muscimol (2mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion and also significantly reduced the number of animals convulsing. Muscimol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) did not significantly affect the onset or incidence of PTZ (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion. However, combined therapy of sub effective doses of the leaf methanol extract of T. Violacea (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and muscimol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of PTZ (100mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion and but did not significantly reduce the number of animals convulsing. The combined therapy of sub effective doses of the leaf methanol extract of T. violacea (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and muscimol (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) protected two of the mice against the tonic convulsion. Leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea (100-400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly and dose dependently delayed the onset of tonic convulsion produced by bicuculline (30 mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or NMDLA (400 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion but did not affect the incidence of any of the convulsions. Phenobarbitone (12 mg/kg, i.p.), diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or muscimol (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of bicuculline (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or picrotoxin (20 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion and also significantly reduced the number of animals convulsing. Phenobarbitone (12 mg/kg, i.p.) or diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) did affect significantly affect the onset or incidence of NMDLA (400 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion. LY233053 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of tonic convulsion produced by NMDLA (400 mg/kg, i.p.) and also significantly reduced the number of animals convulsing. Leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion but did not significantly affect the number of mice convulsing. The dose of 100 mg/kg (i.p.) of leaf methanol extract of T. violacea did not significantly affect the onset or incidence of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion. Phenobarbitone (12 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly delayed the onset of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion and also significantly reduced the number of animals convulsing. Diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) did not significantly delay the onset of strychnine (2 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced tonic convulsion and also did not significantly affect the number of mice convulsing. Phenytoin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or DMSO (0.25 ml, i.p.) did not significantly affect the onset or incidence of bicuculline (30 mg/kg, i.p.), picrotoxin, strychnine or NMDLA-induced tonic convulsion. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant species showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, triterpene steroids, quinones and tannins. The LD50 value obtained following oral administration of the leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea may be greater than 4000 mg/kg. The HPLC fingerprint of the leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea showed distinct peaks at the following retention times, 2.911, 3.269, 4.010, 7.597, and 15.122 min. The results obtained in this study indicate that the leaf methanol extract of Tulbaghia violacea has anticonvulsant activity. The results obtained also indicate that GABA, glutamic acid and glycine mechanisms may probably be involved in the anticonvulsant activity of the plant extract. The relatively high LD50 obtained for the plant species, given orally, indicate that it is safe in mice.

To investigate potential sources of novel grain protectors, this study evaluated, firstly, the bioactivity of ethanolic extracts (66) prepared from 29 species belonging to 11 different genera of Neotropical Annonaceae against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). A screening assay demonstrated that the most pronounced effects (acute and chronic) on S. zeamais were caused by extracts from the Annona montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata and A. sylvatica seeds, and, to a lesser extent, by extracts prepared from leaves of A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata, and Duguetia lanceolata. However, the most active extracts (from seeds) did not affect fungal growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus (Ascomycota: Trichocomaceae). Using the maize weevil as bioindicator, bioguided fractionations were then conducted in order to isolate, purify and characterize the possible active compound(s) from the most interesting extracts. By means of different chromatographic procedures, nine compounds (five acetogenins, three steroids, and one aromatic compound) were isolated. The acetogenins rolliniastatin-1 and ACG4 (structural determination in progress) and the aromatic compound 2,4,5- trimethoxystyrene as well as the steroids campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol [tested in mixture (8.44 + 12.37 + 79.19%, respectively)] showed promising grain protective properties. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate that compounds from different chemical natures have a synergistic effect on the overall biological activity of the crude extracts. In a second study, the acute and chronic toxicity of selected ethanolic seed extracts from Annona species (A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata, and A. sylvatica) and an acetogenin-based commercial bioinsecticide (Anosom® 1EC) were investigated against the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In the laboratory, extracts of A. mucosa and A. sylvatica as well as Anosom® were especially active through oral and topical administration. A greenhouse trial showed that a formulated A. mucosa extract and Anosom® were highly effective (>98% mortality) against third instar of T. ni larvae, and comparable to a pyrethrin-based commercial insecticide (Insect Spray®) used as a positive control. Similar to results with T. ni, A. mucosa extract showed the greatest aphicidal either in laboratory or greenhouse bioassays. In a third study, the acaricidal activity [against the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)] of the ethanolic extract from A. mucosa seeds (most active) was investigated. In laboratory tests, it exhibited levels of activity superior to commercial acaricides/insecticides of natural origin [Anosom® 1EC (annonin), Derisom® 2EC (karanjin), and Azamax® 1.2EC (azadirachtin + 3- tigloylazadirachtol)] and similar to a synthetic acaricide [Envidor® 24 SC (spirodiclofen)]. Finally, the compatibility of A. mucosa seed extract with three entomopathogenic fungi species (Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea and Metarhizium anisopliae) was assessed. In overall, it was compatible with the three entomopathogenic fungi species when tested at recommended concentrations for target pest species control. Therefore, this study argues for the use of derivatives from Neotropical Annonaceae as a useful component in the framework of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. / Visando investigar potenciais fontes de novos protetores de grãos, este estudo avaliou, primeiramente, a bioatividade de extratos etanólicos (66) obtidos de 29 espécies pertencentes a 11 diferentes gêneros de anonáceas neotropicais sobre o gorgulho-do-milho Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). A triagem inicial demonstrou que os efeitos (agudos e crônicos) mais pronunciados sobre S. zeamais foram causados pelos extratos de sementes de Annona montana, de A. mucosa, de A. muricata e de A. sylvatica, seguidos pelos extratos de folhas de A. montana, de A. mucosa, de A. muricata e de Duguetia lanceolata. No entanto, os extratos mais ativos (sementes) não afetaram o crescimento vegetativo e a produção de aflatoxinas de um isolado de Aspergillus flavus (Ascomycota: Trichocomaceae). Fracionamentos biomonitorados foram então realizados a fim de isolar, purificar e caracterizar o(s) composto(s) ativo(s) majoritário(s) dos extratos mais promissores, utilizando-se, para isso, o gorgulho-do-milho como bioindicador. Por meio de diferentes procedimentos cromatográficos, foram isolados nove compostos: cinco acetogeninas, três esteroides e um composto aromático. As acetogeninas roliniastatina-1 e ACG4 (determinação estrutural em andamento), o composto aromático 2,4,5-trimetoxiestireno e os esteroides campesterol, estigmasterol e sitosterol [testados em mistura (8,44 + 12,37 + 79,19%, respectivamente)] mostraram promissoras propriedades protetoras de grãos. Em geral, os resultados obtidos indicaram que compostos de diferentes naturezas químicas têm efeito sinérgico sobre a atividade biológica dos extratos brutos. No segundo estudo, foi avaliada a toxicidade aguda e crônica dos extratos selecionados de sementes de Annona (A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata e A. sylvatica) e de um bioinseticida comercial à base de acetogeninas (Anosom® 1EC) sobre a lagarta-mede-palmo Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) e sobre o pulgão-verde Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Em laboratório, os extratos de A. mucosa e de A. sylvatica e o bioinseticida Anosom® foram especialmente ativos através da administração oral e tópica. Em casa de vegetação, um extrato formulado de A. mucosa e Anosom® foram altamente eficazes contra larvas de terceiro ínstar de T. ni, com eficácia comparável ao de um inseticida comercial à base de piretrinas (Insect Spray®) utilizado como controle positivo. Similar aos resultados com T. ni, o extrato de A. mucosa apresentou a maior atividade aficida, tanto em bioensaios em laboratório quanto em casa de vegetação. No terceiro estudo, a atividade acaricida [sobre o ácaro-purpúreo-dos-citros Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)] do extrato de sementes de A. mucosa (mais ativo) foi avaliada em bioensaios laboratoriais. O extrato de A. mucosa apresentou eficácia superior aos acaricidas/inseticidas comerciais de origem natural [Anosom® 1EC (anonina), Derisom® 2EC (karanjina) e Azamax® 1.2EC (azadiractina + 3-tigloilazadiractol)] e similar a um acaricida sintético [Envidor® 24SC (espirodiclofeno)]. Finalmente, foi avaliada a compatibilidade do extrato de sementes de A. mucosa com três espécies de fungos entomopatogênicos (Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea e Metarhizium anisopliae). De modo geral, o extrato de A. mucosa foi compatível com as três espécies quando testado nas concentrações preconizadas para o controle das espécies-praga alvo. Assim, este estudo fornece importantes subsídios para o uso de derivados de anonáceas neotropicais como um componente útil para os programas de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP).

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Chemistry) / Plants have been widely used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments, among which may be included infectious diseases such as colds, influenza, chicken pox, TB, etc. as well as lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Seaweeds have also been shown to contribute to the maintenance of health through their nutritional and medicinal properties and recently, a great deal of interest has developed towards the isolation of bioactive compounds from marine sources due to their numerous health benefits. Furthermore, marine algae are valuable sources of structurally diverse metabolites with scientifically proven therapeutic claims. Chemical constituents of red seaweed, Porphyra capensis was investigated in this present study along with subsequent brine shrimp lethality assay analysis of the crude extracts. The compounds isolated from the plant were from the hexane (6) and butanol (2) extracts. These compounds were all isolated and purified by various chromatographic techniques, namely silica gel chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel as well as C18 reversed phase silica gel. The structures of the isolated compounds were analysed and characterised by NMR, GC-MS, ESI MS and FTIR spectroscopy. Eight compounds were isolated and identified as phytol, desmosterol, 9-eicosenoic acid, 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentanoic acid, palmitic acid, methyl (E)-hexadec-9-enoate, glycerol and compound 1 (novel compound). All the compounds were isolated from Porphyra capensis for the first time. The hexane, butanol and methanol extracts were found to be non-toxic with the brine shrimp test LC50 value at least two times greater than ?g/ml.

To investigate potential sources of novel grain protectors, this study evaluated, firstly, the bioactivity of ethanolic extracts (66) prepared from 29 species belonging to 11 different genera of Neotropical Annonaceae against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). A screening assay demonstrated that the most pronounced effects (acute and chronic) on S. zeamais were caused by extracts from the Annona montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata and A. sylvatica seeds, and, to a lesser extent, by extracts prepared from leaves of A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata, and Duguetia lanceolata. However, the most active extracts (from seeds) did not affect fungal growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus (Ascomycota: Trichocomaceae). Using the maize weevil as bioindicator, bioguided fractionations were then conducted in order to isolate, purify and characterize the possible active compound(s) from the most interesting extracts. By means of different chromatographic procedures, nine compounds (five acetogenins, three steroids, and one aromatic compound) were isolated. The acetogenins rolliniastatin-1 and ACG4 (structural determination in progress) and the aromatic compound 2,4,5- trimethoxystyrene as well as the steroids campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol [tested in mixture (8.44 + 12.37 + 79.19%, respectively)] showed promising grain protective properties. Furthermore, the obtained results indicate that compounds from different chemical natures have a synergistic effect on the overall biological activity of the crude extracts. In a second study, the acute and chronic toxicity of selected ethanolic seed extracts from Annona species (A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata, and A. sylvatica) and an acetogenin-based commercial bioinsecticide (Anosom® 1EC) were investigated against the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In the laboratory, extracts of A. mucosa and A. sylvatica as well as Anosom® were especially active through oral and topical administration. A greenhouse trial showed that a formulated A. mucosa extract and Anosom® were highly effective (>98% mortality) against third instar of T. ni larvae, and comparable to a pyrethrin-based commercial insecticide (Insect Spray®) used as a positive control. Similar to results with T. ni, A. mucosa extract showed the greatest aphicidal either in laboratory or greenhouse bioassays. In a third study, the acaricidal activity [against the citrus red mite Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)] of the ethanolic extract from A. mucosa seeds (most active) was investigated. In laboratory tests, it exhibited levels of activity superior to commercial acaricides/insecticides of natural origin [Anosom® 1EC (annonin), Derisom® 2EC (karanjin), and Azamax® 1.2EC (azadirachtin + 3- tigloylazadirachtol)] and similar to a synthetic acaricide [Envidor® 24 SC (spirodiclofen)]. Finally, the compatibility of A. mucosa seed extract with three entomopathogenic fungi species (Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea and Metarhizium anisopliae) was assessed. In overall, it was compatible with the three entomopathogenic fungi species when tested at recommended concentrations for target pest species control. Therefore, this study argues for the use of derivatives from Neotropical Annonaceae as a useful component in the framework of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. / Visando investigar potenciais fontes de novos protetores de grãos, este estudo avaliou, primeiramente, a bioatividade de extratos etanólicos (66) obtidos de 29 espécies pertencentes a 11 diferentes gêneros de anonáceas neotropicais sobre o gorgulho-do-milho Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). A triagem inicial demonstrou que os efeitos (agudos e crônicos) mais pronunciados sobre S. zeamais foram causados pelos extratos de sementes de Annona montana, de A. mucosa, de A. muricata e de A. sylvatica, seguidos pelos extratos de folhas de A. montana, de A. mucosa, de A. muricata e de Duguetia lanceolata. No entanto, os extratos mais ativos (sementes) não afetaram o crescimento vegetativo e a produção de aflatoxinas de um isolado de Aspergillus flavus (Ascomycota: Trichocomaceae). Fracionamentos biomonitorados foram então realizados a fim de isolar, purificar e caracterizar o(s) composto(s) ativo(s) majoritário(s) dos extratos mais promissores, utilizando-se, para isso, o gorgulho-do-milho como bioindicador. Por meio de diferentes procedimentos cromatográficos, foram isolados nove compostos: cinco acetogeninas, três esteroides e um composto aromático. As acetogeninas roliniastatina-1 e ACG4 (determinação estrutural em andamento), o composto aromático 2,4,5-trimetoxiestireno e os esteroides campesterol, estigmasterol e sitosterol [testados em mistura (8,44 + 12,37 + 79,19%, respectivamente)] mostraram promissoras propriedades protetoras de grãos. Em geral, os resultados obtidos indicaram que compostos de diferentes naturezas químicas têm efeito sinérgico sobre a atividade biológica dos extratos brutos. No segundo estudo, foi avaliada a toxicidade aguda e crônica dos extratos selecionados de sementes de Annona (A. montana, A. mucosa, A. muricata e A. sylvatica) e de um bioinseticida comercial à base de acetogeninas (Anosom® 1EC) sobre a lagarta-mede-palmo Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) e sobre o pulgão-verde Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Em laboratório, os extratos de A. mucosa e de A. sylvatica e o bioinseticida Anosom® foram especialmente ativos através da administração oral e tópica. Em casa de vegetação, um extrato formulado de A. mucosa e Anosom® foram altamente eficazes contra larvas de terceiro ínstar de T. ni, com eficácia comparável ao de um inseticida comercial à base de piretrinas (Insect Spray®) utilizado como controle positivo. Similar aos resultados com T. ni, o extrato de A. mucosa apresentou a maior atividade aficida, tanto em bioensaios em laboratório quanto em casa de vegetação. No terceiro estudo, a atividade acaricida [sobre o ácaro-purpúreo-dos-citros Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)] do extrato de sementes de A. mucosa (mais ativo) foi avaliada em bioensaios laboratoriais. O extrato de A. mucosa apresentou eficácia superior aos acaricidas/inseticidas comerciais de origem natural [Anosom® 1EC (anonina), Derisom® 2EC (karanjina) e Azamax® 1.2EC (azadiractina + 3-tigloilazadiractol)] e similar a um acaricida sintético [Envidor® 24SC (espirodiclofeno)]. Finalmente, foi avaliada a compatibilidade do extrato de sementes de A. mucosa com três espécies de fungos entomopatogênicos (Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea e Metarhizium anisopliae). De modo geral, o extrato de A. mucosa foi compatível com as três espécies quando testado nas concentrações preconizadas para o controle das espécies-praga alvo. Assim, este estudo fornece importantes subsídios para o uso de derivados de anonáceas neotropicais como um componente útil para os programas de manejo integrado de pragas (MIP).

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Extracts from the root bark, stem bark, and leaves of R. natalensis were screened for antibacterial activity against standard bacterial strains; Staphylococcus aureas, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aureginosa, and fungi; Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum gyseum. Chromatographic techniques were utilized to isolate pure compounds. This study validates and documents, in a systematic way, the antimicrobial properties of the R.natalensis used for many years by many people of the world. It also provides valuable information for further phytochemical isolation and characterization studies of active compounds, necessary for the development of new drugs. The extractions were carried out using broad spectrum of solvents (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol).Fractionation was done using standard chromatographic techniques. A total of seven (7)compounds were isolated from R. natalensis. Three of the isolates were characterized and their structures were unambiguously established by detailed spectroscopic analysis that involved high resolution mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D-NMR spectral data experiments 1H, 13C, DEPT,COSY, HMBC, and NOESY. These compounds are: 3-(1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,3-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-4H-chromone-4-one (39), Rhuschromone, a novel compound isolated for the first time, 2’,4’ dihydroxychalcone-(4-O-5’’’)-4’’,2’’’,4’’’-trihydroxychalcone (40) and 3-((Z)-heptadec-13-enyl) benzene-1,2-diol (41), an urushiol.Compound 39 recorded the highest activity zone of inhibition (21mm) against S. aureas, which was found to be 50% as active the chloramphenicol standard used. The traditional use of the extracts in infections and inflammatory conditions is rationalized based on the content of the isolated compounds, and it has been proposed that the total crude extract, with its contents of so many bioactive compounds, could be formulated for use in many infections, microbial or fungal.Furthermore, not all of the species studied to date have been fully characterized for potential bioactivities. Thus, there remains a significant research gap spanning the range from lead chemical discovery through process development and optimization in order to better understand the full bioactive potential of many of these plants.

This study is concerned with the regulation of Lasparaginase (LA) in the cell-free crude extracts from Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC8014). A previously reported finding that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inhibits the action of LA in crude extracts was confirmed. The study was extended to include the mono-, di-, and triphosphates of adenosine, guanosine, cytidine, and uridine. These compounds were also shown to inhibit LA activity. These andother studies revealed that LA appears to be an allosteric type enzyme exhibiting positive homotropism with respect to substrate and heterotropism with respect to the nucleotides tested. The regulation of LA activity by high energy compounds, when coupled with asparagine synthetaseL suggests a relationship between amide synthesis-amide degradation and the energy levels of the cell.

A microextração líquido-líquido dispersiva baseada no uso de solventes orgânicos (OS-DLLME) vem recebendo grande destaque devido a facilidade de operação, baixo custo, rapidez e um consumo mínimo de solventes. Previamente a OS-DLLME um pré-tratamento do plasma se faz necessário a fim de propiciar a formação de uma adequada fase sedimentada. O levetiracetam (LEV) é um dos fármacos mais prescritos para o tratamento de crises epilépticas parciais e com generalizações secundárias. Assim, foi desenvolvido e validado um método bioanalítico para a quantificação do LEV em amostras de plasma por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC/MS). O pré-tratamento das amostras de plasma empregou ultrafiltros Amicon® (poros com tamanho de 10 kDa) que formavam um permeado adequado para a realização da OS-DLLME. A adição de 130 ?L de clorofórmio (solvente extrator) e 400 ?L de isopropanol (solvente dispersor), sem alteração na força iônica e agitação da amostra, proporcionaram 33 % de recuperação do LEV nas amostras de plasma. Tal análise foi realizada usando uma coluna de sílica fundida recoberta com Rtx-5MS (30 m × 0,25 mm x 0,25 ?m) empregando uma rampa de aquecimento. O tempo total de corrida cromatográfica foi de 9 minutos. O método apresentou-se linear no intervalo de concentração de 2 - 80 ?g mL-1 (r >= 0,99), onde os resultados foram ponderados (peso =1/x). A validade da regressão foi confirmada aplicando o teste da falta de ajuste linear. O limite inferior de quantificação (LIQ) foi de 2 ?g mL-1. Os parâmetros de precisão, exatidão, efeito matriz, efeito carry-over e estabilidade demonstraram-se em conformidade com o European Medicines Agency. Outro método foi desenvolvido e validado para a quantificação da risperidona (RSP) e seu metabólito 9-hidroxi-risperidona (9-OH-RSP) em amostras de plasma. A RSP e 9-OH-RSP correspondem a \"fração ativa\" do medicamento responsável pela atividade anticonvulsivante. As amostras de plasma foram pré-tratadas com ácido tricloroacético (TCA 30 %). O sobrenadante límpido foi diluído com solução de NaCl (10 %) e ajustado para o valor de pH 12, no qual foi desenvolvido a OS-DLLME. Foi adicionado um volume de 500 ?L de acetona (solvente dispersor) e 80 ?L de clorobenzeno (solvente extrator). Após otimização da extração, foi alcançado 89 % e 42 % de recuperação da RSP e 9-OH-RSP, respectivamente. Para tais análises foi empregada a cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas sequencial com ionização por eletrospray (LC-MS/MS). Uma coluna Ascentis® C18 (10 cm x 4,6 mm x 2,7 ?m), fase móvel composta por tampão acetato de amônio e acetonitrila, em modo de eluição gradiente, vazão de 500 ?L min-1 e temperatura da coluna de 40 ºC foram empregados. O tempo total da corrida cromatográfica foi de 8 minutos. O método foi linear na faixa de concentração de 5 - 80 ng mL-1 (r >= 0,99), para ambos os analitos. O LIQ foi de 5 ng mL-1. Todos os demais parâmetros estavam em conformidade com a agência regulatória. Ambos os métodos foram aplicados com sucesso em amostras de plasma de paciente em tratamento com LEV ou RSP. Desta forma foi possível demonstrar aplicabilidade dos métodos bioanalíticos desenvolvidos e averiguar a concentração plasmática dos devidos fármacos no paciente / Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique based on the use of organic solvents (OS-DLLME) has received highlighted due to the easily, rapidity, low cost and low consumption of organic solvent. Prior to OS-DLLME, plasma pretreatment is necessary to provide the formation of a suitable settled phase. Levetiracetam (LEV) is one of the most prescribed drugs for the treatment-refractory partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization. So, it was developed and validated a bioanalytical method for the quantification of LEV in plasma samples by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The pretreatment of the plasma samples employed tubes of ultrafiltration Amicon® (pore size 10 kDa) in order to form a suitable permeated to carry out the OS-DLLME. The addition of 130 ?L of chloroform (extraction solvent) and 400 ?L of isopropanol (disperser solvent), without ionic strength and agitation of samples, have reached 33 % of recovery of LEV from plasma samples. This analysis was carried out using a fused silica coated Rtx-5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 ?m) and a heating ramp. The run time was 9 minutes. The method was linear in the concentration range of 2 - 80 ?g mL-1 (r >= 0.99) and the results were weighted (1/x). The linear regression was confirmed by applying the lack of fit test. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 2 ?g mL-1. The precision, accuracy, matrix effect, carry-over and stability were in agreement with European Medicines Agency. Another method was developed and validated for the quantification of risperidone (RSP) and its 9-hydroxy-risperidone metabolite (9-OH-RSP) from plasma samples. The RSP and 9-OH-RSP constitutes the total active moiety responsible for the anticonvulsant activity. Plasma samples were pretreated with trichloroacetic acid (TCA 30%). The clear supernatant was diluted with NaCl solution (10%) and adjusted to pH 12, where was developed the OS-DLLME. It was added 500 ?L of acetone (dispersing solvent) and 80 ?L of chlorobenzene (extraction solvent). After the parameters optimization, the recovery was 89% and 42% for RSP and 9-OH-RSP, respectively. It was employed liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem-mass spectrometry (LC/ MS/MS). Ascentis® C18 column (10 cm x 4.6 mm x 2.7 ?M), ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile as mobile phase in gradient elution mode, at flow rate 500 ?L min-1 and column temperature of 40 °C for this analysis. The run time was 8 minutes. The method was linear in the concentration range 5 - 80 ng mL-1 (r >= 0.99) for both analytes. The LLOQ was 5 ng mL-1. All other parameters were in agreement with the regulatory agency. Both methods have been successfully applied in plasma samples from patient that receive diary doses of LEV or RSP. In this way, it was possible to present the applicability of developed bioanalytical methods and the quantitation of plasmatic concentration of these studied drugs.