Near-infrared (NIR) light, with wavelengths of 650 to 900 nanometers, effectively penetrates tissues. The high signal to noise ratio and low phototoxicity of NIR light makes this wavelength range ideal for deep tissue imaging. However, current NIR fluorophores are generally large hydrophobic molecules that are prone to aggregation. Sulfonation can enhance aqueous solubility, but their anionic nature prevents membrane diffusion, and thus, restricts the applications of sulfonated molecules to in vitro or fixed cells. The repertoire of commercially available sulfonated NIR probes is mostly limited cyanines, which have low photostability. Moreover, larger cyanines require multiple sulfonates to maintain aqueous solubility. For example, Indocyanine Green is only sparingly soluble in PBS, despite having two sulfonates. My work has focused on the delivery of sulfonated dyes into live cells and the development of a new, ultra-compact NIR dye scaffold. First, to expand the in-cell applications of sulfonated fluorophores, I designed reductively-labile sulfonate protecting groups. Using these scaffolds, I have successfully delivered the fluorophore dansyl sulfonate into live cells, where the cytosolic reducing environment unmasks the anionic sulfonate. Secondly, to create a compact, photostable NIR fluorophore, I pioneered the discovery of azasilines dyes. The two azasiline derivatives, ASiFluor710 and ASiFluor730, fluoresce over 700 nanometers and are among the most compact NIR fluorophores currently known. ASiFluor730 also retains the high photostability of oxazine dyes, highlighting their potential in long exposure applications. Beyond the immediate applications in fluorescence microscopy and in vivo imaging, I envision that my work will serve as a framework for the future design of soluble, membrane permeable, NIR fluorescent probes.

Purpose: This research will study how hyperspectral sensoring can assess the moisture content of lettuce by monitoring its growth in indoor vertical farming. Research questions: “What accuracy can be achieved when using hyperspectral sensoring for assessing the moisture content of lettuce leaves grown in vertical farming?” “How can vertical farming contribute to sustainability in conjunction with integration of NIR spectroscopy?” Methodology: This study is an experimental study with a deductive approach in which experiments have been performed using the hyperspectral technologies singlespot sensor and the hyperspectral camera Specim FX17 to collect spectral data. To analyze the data from the experiments two regression models were used and trained to make it possible to predict future moisture content values in lettuce. In order to get a better understanding and analyze the results from the experiments, a literature review was also conducted on how hyperspectral imaging has been applied to assess the quality of food products. Conclusion: The achieved accuracies were 58.24 % and 65.54 % for the PLS regression model and the Neural Network model respectively. Employing hyperspectral sensoring as a non-destructive technique to assess the quality of food products grown and harvested in vertical farming systems, contributes to sustainability from several aspects such as reducing food waste, minimizing costs and detecting different quality attributes that affect the food products. / Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur hyperspektral avbildning kan användas för att bedöma fuktigheten i sallad genom att kontrollera hur den växer i vertikal odling inomhus. Frågeställningar: “Vilken noggrannhet kan uppnås vid användning av hyperspektral avbildning för att bedöma fukthalt hos salladsblad som odlas i vertikal odling?” “Hur kan vertikal odling bidra till hållbarhet i kombination med integration av NIR spectroscopy?”  Metod: Denna studie är en experimentell studie med en kvantitativ metod inom vilken en deduktiv ansats har tillämpats genom användning av de hyperspektrala teknologierna single-spot sensor och hyperspektralkameran Specim FX17 för insamling av spektral data. För att analysera datan från experimenten skapades och tränades två olika regressionsmodeller till att möjliggöra förutsägning av framtida värden av fukthalt i sallad. För att få en bättre förståelse för och kunna göra en bättre analys av resultaten från experimenten, utfördes även en litteraturöversikt på vad tidigare forskning om tillämpningen av hyperspektral avbildning för kvalitetssäkring av matprodukter har visat. Slutsats: Noggrannheten för PLS-regressionsmodellen var 58,24 % och 65,54 % för Neural Network-modellen. Minskat matsvinn och kostnader samt upptäcka olika kvalitetsattribut som påverkar livsmedelsprodukterna är de hållbara resultaten vid bedömning av kvalitet via hyperspektral sensing.

Vattenhalten i ett frystorkat proteinläkemedel bestämdes med KF och LOD som är två primära och traditionella metoder som används för bestämning av vattenhalten i produkter inom flera industrier. Istället för KF och LOD, som är tidskrävande och destruktiva, kan den sekundära, snabba och icke-destruktiva metoden NIR användas. För att kunna implementera NIR måste en kalibrering gentemot en primär metod ske. Syftet med detta projekt var att med en kvantitativ analys finna ett samband mellan NIR och KF samt mellan NIR och LOD för den frystorkade produkten. Det initiala steget var att upprätta en kalibreringsuppsättning och samla in spektrum med NIR. Därefter gjordes försök att bestämma vattenhalten med KF och LOD för den frystorkade proteinprodukten med inledande tester som verifierades genom att spetsa prover med vatten. LOD utfördes i en exsickator och KF-analyserna utfördes kolometriskt på två olika sätt, med och utan extraktion av proverna med metanol. Det slutgiltiga steget var att korrelera insamlat spektrum från NIR med bestämda referensvärden genom att skapa en kalibreringsmodell. Data från insamlat spektrum förbehandlades med multiple scatter correction (MSC), andra derivatan och Savitzy Golay, innan en kalibreringsmodell skapades med partial least square (PLS). Resultatet från LOD-analyserna med exsickator tydde på att tillvägagångssättet som användes inte var lämpligt för produkten och en kalibreringsmodell upprättades inte. Vattenhalten bestämdes med KF med extraktion av åtta prover till 0,144 – 0,558 % [w/w], och med KF utan extraktion till 2,34– 2,972 % [w/w] för åtta prover. Det förväntade värdet var 0,62-1,61 % [w/w]. En kalibreringsmodell upprättades för KF med och utan extraktion samt för det förväntade referensintervallet. Detta resulterade i en korrelationsfaktor på 0,9496 för KF med extraktion, 0,97418 för KF utan extraktion och 0,9932 för de förväntade värdena. Metoderna KF med och utan extraktion var inte lämpliga för produkten i detta projekt, utan fler försök behöver utföras med större kalibreringsuppsättningar för att kunna dra en slutgiltig slutsats. / The water content of a lyophilized protein drug is determined using KF and LOD which are two primary and traditional methods used by several industries for determination of water content in products. Instead of KF and LOD, which are time consuming and destructive, the secondary, fast and non-destructive method near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), can be used. To implement NIR, a calibration towards a primary method must be performed. The purpose of this study was to find a relation between NIR and KF and between NIR and LOD for the lyophilized product with a quantitative analysis. The initial step was to establish a calibration set and collect a spectrum with NIR. Attempts to determine the water content of KF and LOD for the lyophilized protein product were made with initial tests which later were verified by spiking samples with water. LOD was performed in a desiccator and the KF analyses were performed calorimetrically in two different ways: with and without extraction of the samples with methanol. The last step was to correlate the collected spectrum from NIR with determined reference values by creating a calibration model with partial least square (PLS). Prior to model development, data from collected spectrum was pre-treated with multiple scatter correction (MSC), second derivative and Savitzy-Golay filter. The result of the LOD analyses with a desiccator indicated that the method used was not suitable for the product and a calibration model was not established. The water content was determined by KF with extraction of eight samples to 0.144 - 0.558 % [w/w], and with KF without extraction of eight samples to 2.34-2.972 [w/w]. The expected value was 0.62-1.61 % [w/w]. A calibration model was established for KF with extraction of the samples, KF without extraction of the samples and for the expected reference interval. The developed calibration models resulted in a correlation factor of 0.9496 for KF with extraction, 0.97418 for KF without extraction and 0.9932 for the expected values. KF with and without extraction of the samples was not suitable for the product in this project. More experiments are needed with bigger calibration sets to be able to make a conclusion.

The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of vibrational spectroscopic techniques (Raman, FT-IR and FT-NIR spectroscopy) as a means for the solid-state structural analysis of pharmaceuticals. Budesonide, fluticasone propionate, salbutamol hemisulfate, terbutaline hemisulfate, ipratropium bromide, polymorphic forms of salmeterol xinafoate and two polymorphic forms of sulfathiazole were selected since they are used in the management of certain respiratory disorders and from different chemical and pharmacological entities along with some pharmaceutical excipients. Conventional visual examination is not sufficient to identify and differentiate spectra between different pharmaceuticals. To confirm the assignment of key molecular vibrational band signatures, quantum chemical calculations of the vibrational spectra were employed for better understanding of the first five selected drugs. The nondestructive nature of the vibrational spectroscopic techniques and the success of quantum chemical calculations demonstrated in this work have indeed offered a new dimension for the rapid identification and characterisation of pharmaceuticals and essentially warrant further research. The application of simultaneous in situ Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry for the preliminary investigation of the polymorphic transformation of salmeterol xinafoate polymorphs and two polymorphic forms of sulfathiazole has also been explored in this work leading to the development of a new method for the solid-state estimation of the transition temperature of entantiotropically related pharmaceutical polymorphs which represents the first analytical record of the use of this approach for pharmaceutical polymorphs.

As Boas Práticas de Fabricação de Medicamentos (BPFM) enfatizam que a indústria farmacêutica deve dirigir seus esforços no sentido de compreender a variação do processo, incluindo as fontes, o grau de variação e o impacto dessa variação nas características de qualidade do produto. O processo de fabricação de medicamentos tem apresentado significativas mudanças, em especial no que se refere à introdução de tecnologias analíticas que permitem o controle do processo em tempo real. A abordagem baseada na análise de risco e no novo Sistema de Qualidade Farmacêutica constitui ponto central das BPFM para o século XXI. Os órgãos regulatórios têm exigido da indústria farmacêutica sua adesão na melhoria contínua relativa ao desempenho de seus processos e, por consequência, na qualidade do produto. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o desenvolvimento e validação de método analítico empregando espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo, assim como a avaliação do processo de fabricação de comprimidos de Captopril 25 mg, empregando abordagem racional-científica. Com referência à avaliação do processo, foram adotadas as seguintes ferramentas: análise de modos e efeitos de falhas (FMEA); gráficos de controle; índices de capacidade e análise de variância (ANOVA). A espectroscopia por infravermelho próximo (NIR) foi selecionada por apresentar maior rapidez na obtenção dos resultados, maior simplicidade na preparação das amostras, multiplicidade das análises a partir de uma única leitura e por apresentar característica não invasiva. Os resultados comprovaram a adequação dessa tecnologia na avaliação quantitativa do Captopril nas etapas de mistura de pós e de compressão. Os desvios padrão relativos na determinação da uniformidade de Captopril na mistura de pós e nos comprimidos empregando método no NIR foram, respectivamente 3,15 e 0,18%. No que se refere à avaliação da estabilidade e da capacidade do processo, as ferramentas adotadas permitiram a compreensão das fontes de variabilidade, assim como a determinação de seu grau, nas diferentes etapas do processo. Os índices de capacidade (CpK) relativos à uniformidade de Captopril (% p/v) na mistura de pós, ao peso médio do comprimido, à uniformidade de conteúdo e à % (p/v) dissolvida de Captopril, no ensaio de dissolução, foram 0,70, 1,94, 1,80 e 2,19, respectivamente. / The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Medicinal Products point out that the pharmaceutical industry must direct efforts to understand the variation of the processes, including the sources, the level of variation and the variation impact on the process in characteristics of the product. The manufacturing process has shown meaningful changes, especially in the introduction of new analytical technologies that allow the process control in real time. The approach based on risk analyses and on the new Pharmaceutical Quality System is a central key for the GMP for the XXI century. The Regulatory Agencies have demanded the pharmaceutical industry to adhere the continuous improvement related to the performance of its processes and, consequently, the product quality. Thus, the present paper aimed the development and validation of the analytical method employing NIR spectroscopy as the assessment of manufacturing process of Captopril 25 mg tablets, using rational scientific approach. Regarding the process assessment, the following tools were adopted: analysis of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), control charts, capability indexes, as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA). The near-infrared spectroscopy was selected due to its greater speed in getting the results, simplicity in sample preparation, and multiplicity of analysis from a single reading and provide non-invasive feature. The results confirmed the suitability of this technology in quantitative assessment of Captopril on the steps of mixing powders and compression. The relative standard deviations for the determination of Captopril uniformity in the post mixtures and in the tablets employing NIR were 3,15 e 0,18%, respectively. In reference to the stability assessment and process capacity, the tools adopted permitted the understanding of the sources of variability, as well as the determination of their level in different phases of the process. The capacity indexes relating to Captopril uniformity (% p/v) in the powder mixture, the average weight of the tablet, the content uniformity and the % (p/v) dissolved Captopril, in the dissolution assay were 0,70, 1,94, 1,80 and 2,19, respectively.

A grande maioria da população mundial está crescentemente exposta à radiação eletromagnética proveniente de fontes que muitas vezes estão localizadas nas proximidades do corpo. A radiação eletromagnética é considerada um agente possivelmente cancerígeno para as pessoas, classificação 2B indicada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde-OMS (WHO/IARC, 2011). Devido às preocupações em relação aos riscos associados a esta exposição existem normas que recomendam os valores máximos de exposição permitidos (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). A correta avaliação das doses de radiação é, portanto, relevante. Este trabalho tem a finalidade de avaliar o impacto dos resultados do cálculo da dose da Taxa de Absorção Específica (SAR) em usuários expostos a radiação por tablets operando na faixa de radiocomunicações Wi-fi. Os três modelos existentes de cabeça humana utilizados serão um manequim homogêneo SAM phantom e dois modelos de cabeça realistas heterogêneos: um adulto masculino e uma criança masculina. Será também utilizado nas simulações um modelo masculino de criança que foi desenvolvido através de imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC) pelo processo de segmentação feito no software AMIRA. Será utilizado um modelo genérico de tablet. Os parâmetros dosimétricos usados para simulação da SAR serão computados pelo software SEMCAD X que é baseado no Método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Será criado também um código do Método FDTD através do software MATLAB que servirá para a escolha dos parâmetros do SEMCAD X. A distância entre o tablet e os modelos de cabeças varia de 50 mm a 300 mm. Os resultados da SAR serão comparados com os limites de exposição recomendados pelas normas internacionais. Também serão simuladas diferentes posições da antena no tablet. Da análise dos resultados foi constatado que os valores de SAR são muito baixos e todos os resultados ficaram dentro dos limites do psSAR recomendados pela FCC de 1,6 W/kg em cada 1 g de tecido e de 2 W/kg em cada 10 g de tecido estabelecidos pela ICNIRP. Comparando os valores de SAR do modelo SAM com o modelo DUKE, o modelo SAM se mostra conservador, porém quando a comparação é feita com as crianças o SAM deixa de ser conservador. / The vast majority of the world population is increasingly exposed to electromagnetic radiation from sources which are often located near to the body. Electromagnetic radiation is considered a possible carcinogen for people, classification 2B indicated by the World Health Organization-WHO (WHO/IARC, 2011). Due to concerns regarding the risks associated with this exposition there are regulations suggesting maximum allowed exposure values (ICNIRP, 1998; FCC, 2001). The correct evaluation of radiation doses is therefore relevant. This work aims to assess the impact of the results of the calculation of Specific Absorption Rate dose (SAR) in users exposed to radiation from tablets operating in the Wi-fi band. The three existing models of human head used are a homogeneous dummy SAM phantom and two heterogeneous realistic head models: a male adult and a male child. It will also be used in the simulations a male child model which was developed from computed tomography (CT) imaging using the AMIRA software for the segmentation process. A generic model of tablet is used. Dosimetric parameters used for simulation of the SAR are computed using the SEMCAD X software which is based on the Finite Difference Method in Time Domain (FDTD). A FDTD code was developed using the MATLAB software in order to help to choose the input SEMCAD X parameters. The distances between the tablet and the head of the models varies from 50 mm to 300 mm. SAR results are compared with the exposure limits recommended by international standards. Different antenna positions on the tablet are simulated too. Examining the results it was found that the SAR values are very low and all results are within the psSAR limits recommended by FCC (1,6 W/kg averaged over 1 g of tissue) and by ICNIRP (2 W/kg in 10 g of tissue). Comparing the SAR in the SAM model with the SAR in the DUKE model, the SAM model shows to be conservative. However, when compared with the children, the SAM is not conservative.

This project utilised a novel solvent-free continuous cocrystallisation (SFCC) method to manufacture pharmaceutical co-crystals. The objectives were to optimize the process towards achieving high co-crystal yields and to understand the behaviour of co-crystals under different conditions. Particular attention was paid to the development of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a process analytical technology (PAT). Twin screw, hot melt extrusion was the base technique of the SFCC process. Changing parameters such as temperature, screw speed and screw geometry was important for improving the co-crystal yield. The level of mixing and shear was directly influenced by the screw geometry, whilst the screw speed was an important parameter for controlling the residence time of the material during hot melt extrusion. Ibuprofen – nicotinamide 1:1 cocrystals and carbamazepine – nicotinamide 1:1 co-crystals were successfully manufactured using the SFCC method. Characterisation techniques were important for this project, and NIR spectroscopy proved to be a convenient, accurate analytical technique for identifying the formation of co-crystals along the extruder barrel. Separate thermal and model shear deformation studies were also carried out to determine the effect of temperature and shear on co-crystal formation for several different pharmaceutical co-crystal pairs. Finally, NIR spectroscopy was used to create two partial least squares regression models, for predicting the 1:1 co-crystal yield of ibuprofen – nicotinamide and carbamazepine – nicotinamide, when in a powder mixture with the respective pure API. It is believed that the prediction models created in this project can be used to facilitate future in-line PAT studies of pharmaceutical co-crystals during different manufacturing processes.

As Boas Práticas de Fabricação de Medicamentos (BPFM) enfatizam que a indústria farmacêutica deve dirigir seus esforços no sentido de compreender a variação do processo, incluindo as fontes, o grau de variação e o impacto dessa variação nas características de qualidade do produto. O processo de fabricação de medicamentos tem apresentado significativas mudanças, em especial no que se refere à introdução de tecnologias analíticas que permitem o controle do processo em tempo real. A abordagem baseada na análise de risco e no novo Sistema de Qualidade Farmacêutica constitui ponto central das BPFM para o século XXI. Os órgãos regulatórios têm exigido da indústria farmacêutica sua adesão na melhoria contínua relativa ao desempenho de seus processos e, por consequência, na qualidade do produto. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o desenvolvimento e validação de método analítico empregando espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo, assim como a avaliação do processo de fabricação de comprimidos de Captopril 25 mg, empregando abordagem racional-científica. Com referência à avaliação do processo, foram adotadas as seguintes ferramentas: análise de modos e efeitos de falhas (FMEA); gráficos de controle; índices de capacidade e análise de variância (ANOVA). A espectroscopia por infravermelho próximo (NIR) foi selecionada por apresentar maior rapidez na obtenção dos resultados, maior simplicidade na preparação das amostras, multiplicidade das análises a partir de uma única leitura e por apresentar característica não invasiva. Os resultados comprovaram a adequação dessa tecnologia na avaliação quantitativa do Captopril nas etapas de mistura de pós e de compressão. Os desvios padrão relativos na determinação da uniformidade de Captopril na mistura de pós e nos comprimidos empregando método no NIR foram, respectivamente 3,15 e 0,18%. No que se refere à avaliação da estabilidade e da capacidade do processo, as ferramentas adotadas permitiram a compreensão das fontes de variabilidade, assim como a determinação de seu grau, nas diferentes etapas do processo. Os índices de capacidade (CpK) relativos à uniformidade de Captopril (% p/v) na mistura de pós, ao peso médio do comprimido, à uniformidade de conteúdo e à % (p/v) dissolvida de Captopril, no ensaio de dissolução, foram 0,70, 1,94, 1,80 e 2,19, respectivamente. / The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Medicinal Products point out that the pharmaceutical industry must direct efforts to understand the variation of the processes, including the sources, the level of variation and the variation impact on the process in characteristics of the product. The manufacturing process has shown meaningful changes, especially in the introduction of new analytical technologies that allow the process control in real time. The approach based on risk analyses and on the new Pharmaceutical Quality System is a central key for the GMP for the XXI century. The Regulatory Agencies have demanded the pharmaceutical industry to adhere the continuous improvement related to the performance of its processes and, consequently, the product quality. Thus, the present paper aimed the development and validation of the analytical method employing NIR spectroscopy as the assessment of manufacturing process of Captopril 25 mg tablets, using rational scientific approach. Regarding the process assessment, the following tools were adopted: analysis of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), control charts, capability indexes, as well as analysis of variance (ANOVA). The near-infrared spectroscopy was selected due to its greater speed in getting the results, simplicity in sample preparation, and multiplicity of analysis from a single reading and provide non-invasive feature. The results confirmed the suitability of this technology in quantitative assessment of Captopril on the steps of mixing powders and compression. The relative standard deviations for the determination of Captopril uniformity in the post mixtures and in the tablets employing NIR were 3,15 e 0,18%, respectively. In reference to the stability assessment and process capacity, the tools adopted permitted the understanding of the sources of variability, as well as the determination of their level in different phases of the process. The capacity indexes relating to Captopril uniformity (% p/v) in the powder mixture, the average weight of the tablet, the content uniformity and the % (p/v) dissolved Captopril, in the dissolution assay were 0,70, 1,94, 1,80 and 2,19, respectively.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO-ÉRITON GONÇALO RUBEM.pdf: 2575591 bytes, checksum: d7e93a9078f655ec22ccea74a604b55e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-14 / FAPEAM - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas / Wood when exposed to sunlight undergoes chemical degradation surface which causes a change of color and weakening its mechanical strength. This process of surface degradation is commonly called weathering process. Although providing satisfactory results, the conventional methods of analysis expose the operator to hazardous environments and / or toxic materials necessary in the analyzes. An alternative to traditional destructive evaluation would be to use non-destructive methods for evaluating properties of wood. As an option to perform the analysis nondestructively technology emerges near infrared Fourier transform (FT-NIR), which gives information about the chemical properties of a sample. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of weathering on the main macroconstituintes wood (cellulose and lignin) through FR-NIR technology. To achieve the proposed objective we chose to use timber waste from three Amazonian forest species: Maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi), Tauari (Couratari stellata) and Marupá (Simarouba amara) chosen for having high, medium and low density respectively and relative insertion timber market in the Amazon region. The samples were subjected to methods of natural and artificial weathering, where the natural weathering test lasted a year and the artificial weathering test lasted 27 weeks. The samples were analyzed weekly with the FT-NIR spectrophotometer over the period of natural and artificial weathering tests. The test results showed changes in spectra during the processes of natural and artificial weathering and UV light prove that the chemical structure of modified wood by decomposition of the chemical constituents and the formation of lignin-related cellulose compounds. In the natural and artificial weathering test maçaranduba takes longer to break down cellulose and lignin, but with the increase in period of weathering, the peaks related to pulp and lignin change and decrease and tend. The rate of decomposition of the wood surface is characteristic of each species. / A madeira quando exposta à radiação solar sofre degradação química superficial que provoca uma mudança de cor e um enfraquecimento da sua resistência mecânica. Esse processo de degradação superficial é comumente chamado de processo de intemperização. Apesar de apresentarem resultados satisfatórios, os métodos de análise convencionais expõem o operador aos ambientes de risco e/ou materiais tóxicos indispensáveis nas análises. Uma alternativa à tradicional avaliação destrutiva seria o uso de métodos não destrutivos para avaliar as propriedades da madeira. Como opção para realização das análises de forma não destrutiva surge a tecnologia de infravermelho próximo com transformada de Fourier (FT-NIR), que permite obter informações sobre as propriedades químicas de uma amostra. O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos do intemperismo nos principais macroconstituintes da madeira (celulose e lignina) através da tecnologia FR-NIR. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto optou-se pela utilização de resíduos madeireiros de três espécies florestais amazônicas: Maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi), Tauari (Couratari stellata) e Marupá (Simarouba amara) escolhidas por apresentarem alta, média e baixa densidade respectivamente e relativa inserção no mercado madeireiro da região Amazônica. As amostras foram submetidas aos métodos de intemperização natural e artificial, onde o teste de intemperização natural teve duração de um ano e o teste de intemperização artificial teve a duração de 27 semanas. As amostras foram analisadas semanalmente com o espectrofotômetro FT-NIR durante o período dos testes de intemperização natural e artificial. Os resultados dos testes mostraram alteração nos espectros durante os processos de intemperização natural e artificial e provam que a luz UV modificou a estrutura química da madeira por meio da decomposição de constituintes químicos da lignina e da formação de compostos relacionados à celulose. No teste de intemperismo natural e artificial a maçaranduba demora mais para decompor a celulose e a lignina, porém com o aumento do período de intemperização, todas as bandas referentes à celulose e à lignina se alteram e tendem e diminuir. A velocidade de decomposição da superfície da madeira é característica de cada uma das espécies estudadas.

Nanoparticles were synthesized and modified for target drug delivery. The research involved the aqueous synthesis of near infrared (NIR) sensitive Au-Au₂S nanoparticles. An anti-cancer drug (<i>cis-platin</i>) was subsequently adsorbed onto the Au-Au₂S nanoparticle surface via the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid layers. The results showed that the degree of adsorption of cis-platin onto Au-Au₂S nanoparticles was controlled by the pH value of solution, and the rate of drug release was sensitive to NIR irradiation. The results of the synthesis, drug-release properties and nanoparticle-cell interactions will be discussed. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)