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The foci of this dissertation are on advanced liquid chromatography (LC) separation and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques for the analysis of small bioactive molecules. In addition to discussing general aspects of such techniques the results from analyses of polyphenols (PPs), alkaloids and amino acids published in five appended studies are presented and discussed. High efficiency and well understood principles make LC the method of choice for separating analytes in many kinds of scientific investigations. Moreover, when LC is coupled to an MS instrument, analytes are separated in two stages: firstly they are separated and pre-concentrated in narrow bands using LC and then separated according to their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios in the MS instrument. Some MS instruments can provide highly accurate molecular weight measurements and mass resolution allowing identification of unknown compounds based purely on MS data, thus making prior separation unnecessary. However, prior separation is essential for analyzing substances in most complex matrices – especially useful is the ultra-high performance LC (UHPLC). The advantages of using UHPLC rather than HPLC for the analysis of PPs in tea and wine were evaluated in one of the studies this thesis is based upon. The phenolic composition of red wine was also examined, using a novel LDI technique, following solid phase extraction (SPE). A class of small aromatic molecules (medicinally important alkaloids) also proved to be amenable to straightforward analysis, by thin layer chromatography (TLC) work-up followed by LDI-MS. Finally, a LC-MS method for monitoring neurotoxins (β-N-methyl-amino-L-alanine and 2,3-diaminobutyric acid) in complex biological matrices was developed and applied. Overall, the studies show that careful attention to the physicochemical properties of analytes can provide insights that can greatly facilitate the development of alternative methods to analyze them, e.g. by LDI. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: In press. Paper 5: Manuscript.</p>

[Truncated abstract. Please see the pdf format for the complete text.] Interest in the role of peroxynitrite in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has increased due to many in vitro studies which have demonstrated its potent oxidising and nitrating capability and immunohistochemical staining studies which demonstrate nitration of tyrosine in vivo. It is frequently suggested that the production of nitric oxide and superoxide at sites of inflammation implicates peroxynitrite as the major damaging reactive nitrogen species in vivo. Evidence for a role for peroxynitrite is often demonstrated by measurement of 3-nitrotyrosine yet even this cannot distinguish peroxynitrite from other nitrating species. Clearly, however, if peroxynitrite is important in atherogenesis, then identification of mechanisms for its detoxification could provide a means of preventing such effects. Therefore, this Thesis has sought to determine whether phenolic compounds of dietary origin can be preferentially nitrated by reactive nitrogen species thereby protecting endogenous structures, such as low density lipoproteins, from atherogenic modifications. This Thesis focuses upon phenolic acids as they have received relatively less attention than other classes of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, yet they are quite abundant in socially important beverages such as red wine. In order to complete the required analyses, the development of methods to detect phenolic acids and their nitration products together with 3-nitrotyrosine, dityrosine and 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol was necessary. The initial in vitro experiments described herein sought to determine the products of reaction of peroxynitrite with phenolic acids of the 4-hydroxy and 3,4-dihydroxy type and then to examine whether these products could account for a protective effect upon tyrosine, lipids and endogenous anti-oxidants, if any was observed, when isolated LDL was treated with SIN-1, which releases peroxynitrite through the simultaneous generation of nitric oxide and superoxide. A concurrent minor focus was to examine the relationship between structure and activity of these phenolic acids under various regimes of oxidative insult. These experiments indicate that, at least in this in vitro model, oxidation is a dominant mechanism over nitration. Peroxynitrite was shown to nitrate coumaric acid in moderate yields but exclusive oxidation of caffeic acid appeared to occur. Although a potential role for γ-tocopherol as an anti-nitration agent was inferred, all types of chemical treatment of LDL in the presence of phenolic acids yielded oxidation as the primary end point. In fact, nitration of tyrosine was not detected and nitration of coumaric acid was at the limit of detection. Since nitration of tyrosine is generally regarded as important in many disease states, a more physiological nitrating mechanism involving artificially stimulated neutrophils was used. This system demonstrated that although physiologically relevant reactive nitrogen species can result in nitration of phenolic compounds, in a complex system including biological structures (LDL) and phenolic compounds, oxidation but not nitration of all species appears to occur. As a consequence of the results above, an examination of carotid plaque was undertaken to determine to what extent nitration occurred relative to oxidation in atherosclerotic tissue. These studies applied methods developed herein to detect 3-nitrotyrosine and dityrosine in complex biological matrices as markers of nitration and oxidation respectively. The data obtained demonstrated that nitration was a minor modification of protein (0.01%) compared to oxidation (0.3%) even in a highly diseased tissue such as carotid artery plaque. A secondary study examining plasma revealed that dityrosine, which has been implicated in irreversible albumin aggregation in chronic renal failure and more recently in heart disease, is elevated in chronic renal failure subjects compared to well matched controls. A separate examination of plasma from healthy subjects revealed that in both the fasting and post prandial state 3-nitrotyrosine could not be detected and, in fact, interfering species could be problematic in the GC-MS analysis of 3-nitrotyrosine. The lack of nitration of any substrate observed in vitro using reactive nitrogen species generated in the aqueous phase, the relative lack of nitration of tyrosine in plaque proteins and the lipophilicity of nitric oxide, the precursor of all reactive nitrogen species, suggested that nitration could be more closely associated with lipid structures. The known ability of γ-tocopherol to form 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol was used to probe this concept. The 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol content of lipid extracts obtained from carotid artery plaques was very high (30%). This indicated that nitration is predominantly a lipid phase phenomenon and that nitrating species are present in much greater abundance than oxidising species in vivo.

Ce travail de thèse s'inscrit dans un projet régional, initié par le Parc du Lubéron et en collaboration avec le Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et d'Ethnopharmacologie de l’Université de Marseille. Il avait pour objectif d'étudier la possibilité de domestiquer une plante sauvage, Inula montana L. (Asteraceae) connue dans la pharmacopée provençale pour ses effets anti traumatiques semblables à ceux d'Arnica montana L. et de la proposer comme nouvelle production agricole. Inula montana produit notamment des lactones sesquiterpènes, identifiées comme les métabolites secondaires responsables de ses aptitudes biologiques anti inflammatoires. Il s’est agit dans cette étude1) de déterminer les caractéristiques de croissance et de développement de la plante sauvage largement inconnue et d’identifier en conditions naturelles les facteurs les plus favorables à la production de métabolites secondaires, 2)d’étudier sa capacité à se multiplier végétativement in vitro et à former des cultures cellulaires aptes à synthétiser les molécules d’intérêt 3), de proposer un itinéraire technique applicable agronomiquement et 4) de tester les effets de divers facteurs environnementaux (fertilisation, apport de NaCl, modification du rythme circadien de l’éclairement,rayonnement UVB, ablation de feuilles, application de méthyl jasmonate ) sur la production qualitative et quantitative des lactones sesquiterpènes et des composés phénoliques. Les traits phénologiques de la plante sauvage sont impactés par l’altitude qui induit un retard dans la croissance végétative et la phase reproductrice ainsi que des modifications physiologiques et morphologiques. Les teneurs en métabolites secondaires (certaines lactones sesquiterpènes, les polyphénols totaux et flavonoïdes) varient en fonction de la saison et sont plus importantes dans le site qui présente les conditions climatiques les plus contraignantes du point de vue hydrique (sol drainant,température plus élevée et présence d’une période sèche en été). L’observation microscopique a indiqué la présence de deux types de trichomes : glandulaires (bisériés) et non glandulaires (des poils) qui sont potentiellement les structures porteuses des molécules d’intérêt. I. montana est apte à former des cals in vitro à partir d’explants racinaires, foliaires et caulinaires sur lesquels des pousses feuillées se forment. La domestication d’Inula a été réussie à partir de semences issues des plantes sauvages et en conditions agronomiques, les teneurs en lactones sesquiterpènes (costunolide, artémorine, eldarine et hydrocostunolide) et en composés phénoliques sont généralement plus élevées que chez les plantes sauvages. Les différentes contraintes appliquées pour tester les effets des facteurs environnementaux sur la production des métabolites ont montré : 1) qu’il ne peut pas être établi de corrélation entre la présence d’un stress oxydatif et une augmentation des teneurs en métabolites chez Inula 2) que l’accumulation des lactones et composés phénoliques semblent principalement favorisée lorsque la plante dispose d’un surplus de squelettes carbonés, non utilisés pour la croissance 3) enfin, les deux conditions les plus favorables à l’accumulation des métabolites chez Inula, sont : dans les feuilles, une alternance rapide de lumière et d’obscurité durant la photopériode et dans les capitules, l’application de méthyl jasmonate. Ce travail augure de bonnes perspectives en termes de valorisation d’Inula dans le secteur pharmaco-cosmétologique. Il reste à poursuivre la description du profil phytochimique de la plante et à localiser précisément les organes et/ou sous structures anatomiques concentrant les composés considérés. Ayant démontré que cette plante présente une bonne réponse à la domestication, il est également proposé de poursuivre l’étude des leviers environnementaux susceptibles d’influencer positivement et significativement le profil chimique d’Inula. / This thesis work is part of a regional project, initiated by the Luberon Park and in collaboration with the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacology of the University of Marseille. It aimed to study the possibility of domesticating a wild plant, Inula montana L. (Asteraceae) known in the Provençal pharmacopoeia for its anti-traumatic effects similar to those of Arnica montana L. and to propose it as a new agricultural production. Inula montana produces lactones sesquiterpenes, identified as the secondary metabolites responsible for its biological anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, 1) to determine the growth and development characteristics of the largely unknown wild plant and to identify under natural conditions the most favorable factors for the production of secondary metabolites, 2) to study its characteristics. ability to multiply vegetatively in vitro and to form cell cultures able to synthesize the molecules of interest 3), to propose an agronomically applicable technical itinerary and 4) to test the effects of various environmental factors (fertilization, NaCl supply, modification circadian rhythm of illumination, UVB radiation, ablation of leaves, application of methyl jasmonate) on the qualitative and quantitative production of sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds. The phenological characteristics of the wild plant are impacted by the altitude which induces a delay in the vegetative growth and the reproductive phase as well as physiological and morphological modifications. Levels of secondary metabolites (certain sesquiterpene lactones, total polyphenols and flavonoids) vary according to the season and are more important in the site which has the most water-constraining climatic conditions (draining soil, higher temperature and presence of a dry period in summer). Microscopic observation indicated the presence of two types of trichomes: glandular (biseriate) and non-glandular (hair) which are potentially the carrying structures of the molecules of interest. I. montana is able to form calli in vitro from root, foliar and shoot explants on which leafy shoots are formed. The domestication of Inula has been successful from seed from wild plants and under agronomic conditions, sesquiterpene lactone (costunolide, artemorine, eldarin and hydrocostunolide) and phenolic compounds are generally higher than in wild plants. The different constraints applied to test the effects of environmental factors on the production of metabolites have shown: 1) that there can be no correlation between the presence of oxidative stress and an increase in metabolite levels in Inula 2) that the accumulation of lactones and phenolic compounds seems mainly favored when the plant has a surplus of carbon skeletons, not used for growth; 3) finally, the two most favorable conditions for the accumulation of metabolites in Inula, are: in the leaves, a rapid alternation of light and darkness during the photoperiod and in the flower heads, the application of methyl jasmonate. This work augurs good prospects in terms of valuation of Inula in the pharmaco-cosmetological sector. It remains to continue the description of the phytochemical profile of the plant and to precisely locate the organs and / or anatomical substructures concentrating the compounds in question. Having demonstrated that this plant has a good response to domestication, it is also proposed to continue the study of environmental levers likely to positively and significantly influence the chemical profile of Inula.

Introdução: Um dos fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis é o excesso de espécies reativas causado pelo estresse oxidativo. Ácidos fenólicos atuam na defesa contra estas espécies, agindo como antioxidantes e como fatores de transcrição para as enzimas antioxidantes fase II (superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase). Vários alimentos possuem ácidos fenólicos na composição porém o café se destaca pelo alto conteúdo dos mesmos e por ser consumido mundialmente. Objetivos: a) Comparar a capacidade antioxidante e a estabilidade dos cafés regular e descafeinado ao longo de seis meses; b) Verificar o tempo de resposta e possíveis correlações dose-resposta do efeito antioxidante em ratos após dose única de café; c) Avaliar o efeito antioxidante e possíveis danos hepáticos em ratos submetidos a doses repetidas de café durante 30 dias. Métodos: na etapa in vitro, foram analisados os compostos fenólicos totais, os principais ácidos fenólicos, a capacidade antioxidante (ORAC e DPPH) e a estabilidade destes parâmetros nos cafés regular e descafeinado durante seis meses. Na etapa in vivo, foram utilizados ratos machos Wistar, sendo dosadas as enzimas fase II e o ORAC, além do exame histopatológico e biomarcadores. Resultados: o café regular apresentou capacidade antioxidante inicial superior ao descafeinado com compostos fenólicos totais iguais e maiores teores de ácido fenólicos (15,3% cafêico, 17,0% p-cumárico e 38,1% ferúlico), ORAC (20,8%) e DPPH (3,9%). Após 6 meses, as amostras fechadas à vácuo praticamente não sofreram perdas, as abertas mantidas a 4oC apresentaram perdas medianas (9,6% fenólicos totais, 4,5-8,2% ácidos fenólicos, 21,3-21,6% ORAC e 2,8-3,2% DPPH) e as mantidas abertas a 20oC exibiram perdas elevadas (14,4-19,8% fenólicos totais, 11,9-19,6% ácidos fenólicos, 38,8-49,9% ORAC e 2,1- 3,8% DPPH). Após dose única de café para os ratos, o tempo de resposta máxima para as enzimas fase II e ORAC foi de 1 hora, com significância estatística para as enzimas (p=0,015 SOD e Cat, p=0,007 GPx e p=0,403 ORAC). Após diferentes doses, foram obtidas correlações dose-resposta positivas e com significância estatística para as enzimas (p=0,050 SOD, p=0,033 Cat, p=0,008 GPx e p=0,113 ORAC). Após doses repetidas (30 dias), a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes e o ORAC apresentaram grandes aumentos (74,8% SOD, 59,4% Cat, 135,2% GPx e 25,1% ORAC), todos estatisticamente significativos (p<0,001 para todos). O tecido hepático e os biomarcadores não apresentaram alterações em relação ao grupo controle. Conclusões: o café regular apresentou capacidade antioxidante superior ao descafeinado, os dois cafés não apresentaram perdas das características antioxidantes após seis meses se mantidos selados à vácuo e a administração oral de café regular aumentou a condição antioxidante dos ratos de maneira significativa, sem causar danos hepáticos. / Introduction: A risk factor for several degenerative diseases is the excess of reactive species caused by oxidative stress. Phenolic acids share in the defense against those species, acting as antioxidants and as transcriptional factors for the phase II antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). Several foods have phenolic acids in their composition but coffee stands out by the high contend of them and to be consumed worldwide. Objectives: a) Compare the antioxidant capacity and the stability of regular and decaffeinated coffees along six months; b) Verify the time of response and possible dose-response correlations of antioxidant effect in rats after a single dose of coffee; c) Evaluate the antioxidant effect and possible hepatic damages in rats submitted to repetitive doses along 30 days. Methods: in the in vitro step, it was analyzed the total phenolic compounds, main phenolic acids, antioxidant capacity (ORAC and DPPH) and the stability of these parameters in regular and decaffeinated coffees along six months. In the in vivo step, it was used male Wistar rats, being analyzed phase II enzymes and ORAC, besides histopathologic examination and biomarkers. Results: regular coffee presented a higher initial antioxidant capacity than decaffeinated coffee with equal total phenolic compounds and higher contend of phenolic acids (15.3% caffeic, 17.0% p-coumaric and 38.1% ferulic), ORAC (20.8%) and DPPH (3.9%). After six months, closed samples kept under vacuum practically did not show any losses, opened samples kept at 4oC presented regular losses (9.6% total phenolic compounds, 4.5-8.2% phenolic acids, 21.3-21.6% ORAC and 2.8-3.2% DPPH) and opened samples kept at 20oC exhibited big losses (14.4-19.8% total phenolic compounds, 11.9-19.6% phenolic acids, 38.8-49.9% ORAC and 2.1-3.8% DPPH). After a single dose of coffee for rats, time for maximum response of phase II enzymes and ORAC was 1 hour, with statistic significance for enzymes (p=0.015 SOD and Cat, p=0.007 GPx and p=0.403 ORAC). After different doses, it was obtained positive dose-response correlations, with statistic significance for enzymes (p=0.050 SOD, p=0.033 Cat, p=0.008 GPx and p=0.113 ORAC). After repetitive doses (30 days), the activity of antioxidant enzymes and ORAC showed big increases (74.8% SOD, 59.4% Cat, 135.2% GPx and 25.1% ORAC), all with statistic significance (p<0.001 for all). Hepatic tissue and biomarkers did not show any change compared to control group. Conclusions: regular coffee presented higher antioxidant capacity than decaffeinated coffee, both coffees did not show any antioxidant losses after six months if kept sealed under vacuum and the oral administration of regular coffee increased significantly the antioxidant condition of rats, without any hepatic damages.

Foram propostos, no projeto, estudos da interação de compostos modelos de antocianinas (íons hidroxiflavílios e hidroxi/metoxiflavílios sintéticos) com íons metálicos e com copigmentos orgânicos, bem como uma busca de sinergia na complexação ternária destes modelos de antocianinas com íons inorgânicos e copigmentos orgânicos. A partir dos resultados obtidos, pretendeu-se modelar e entender as interações antocianina - íon metálico - copigmento envolvidas na estabilização da cor de antocianinas in natura. Para realizar os estudos, quatro compostos modelos os cloretos dos íons 7,8-diidroxi-4-metilflavílio (DHMF), 8-hidroxi-4-metil-7-metoxiflavílio (HMMF), 3\',4\'-diidroxi-7-metoxiflavílio (B-DHMF) e 7,3\',4\'-trimetoxiflavílio (B-TMF) foram sintetizados. Todas as estruturas apresentam hidroxilas e/ou metoxilas vicinais (estruturas tipo catecol). Além de sua síntese e caracterização, foram estudadas as propriedades fotofísicas e as espécies presentes em solução quantificadas, de acordo com os multiequilíbrios aos quais estes compostos estão submetidos. Nos estudos de complexação por um íon metálico, o Al3+, foram determinadas estequiometrias de 1:1, 2:3 e 1:3 (relação flavílio:Al3+), dependendo da metodologia adotada. As constantes de complexação foram estimadas na ordem de 104 a 105 M-x, onde x depende da estequiometria determinada. A segunda etapa envolveu a interação com copigmentos orgânicos, tais como os ácidos p-cumárico (PCA), ferúlico (FRA), sinápico (SNA), vanílico (VNA) e siríngico (SRA). Utilizando espectroscopia de absorção e de fluorescência, determinaram-se estequiometrias de 1:1 para todos os pares pigmento-copigmento. As constantes dos equilíbrios também foram estimadas sem diferenças significativas entre os pares, embora a afinidade do flavílio pelos derivados de acido cinâmico seja ligeiramente maior. Com relação à base quinonoidal, em pHs em torno de 5,0, foram observadas interações menores, tendo sido concluído que os ácidos fenólicos estabilizam melhor a forma catiônica. A estabilidade do cátion flavílio frente à hidratação na presença destes copigmentos foi avaliada e, em comparação com a estabilidade promovida pelos íons Al3+ ou pela cucurbit[7]urila, é pouco significativa. Finalmente, a terceira etapa envolveu o estudo dos complexos ternários. Observaram-se diferenças na estabilização do cátion flavílio dependendo das concentrações dos dois tipos de copigmento - concentrações maiores de Al3+ foram requeridas para estabilizar o B-DHMF em comparação ao sistema supramolecular formado com DHMF. A partir destes estudos, foi concluído que a presença do copigmento orgânico, embora em pequena extensão, também é responsável pela manutenção da cor, quando envolvido no complexo ternário, evidenciando comportamento sinérgico. Como parte integrante do projeto, um trabalho em colaboração com o grupo da Profa Cornelia Bohne, na University of Victoria (UVic), no Canadá, foi desenvolvido, envolvendo a determinação das constantes de equilíbrio e de velocidade de uma reação do tipo hóspede-hospedeiro, entre um íon flavílio (B-TMF) e um composto orgânico cíclico (hospedeiro), a curcubit[7]urila - CB[7]. A estequiometria da reação foi determinada como 1:2 (B-TMF:CB[7]) sendo que concentrações de CB[7] suficientes para formar o complexo 1:2 promovem uma estabilização da forma catiônica do flavílio nunca vista antes, em pHs em que a reação de hidratação ocorre. / The proposal of this project was to study the reactions of model compounds of anthocyanins (synthetic hydroxyl- and hydroxyl/methoxyflavylium ions), with metal ions, as well as organic copigments or both, in a ternary complex. With results obtained from these systems, it was intended to propose mechanisms and understand how this structure - flavylium ion-metal ion-organic copigment - enables maintenance of the color of anthocyanins in natura. This study would provide information to investigate and search for evidence of synergic effect in the stabilization of these model compounds. Four model compounds were synthesized for the study - chloride salts of 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methylflavylium (DHMF), 8-hydroxy-4-methyl-7-methoxyflavylium (HMMF), 3\',4\'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavylium (B-DHMF) and 7,3\',4\'-trimethoxyflavylium (B-TMF). Each one of those compounds presents a catechol-like structure, with bounded hydroxyl and/or methoxy in vicinal positions. The main aims were to synthesize, characterize and study photophysical properties, with a view to determine the concentration of multiequilibria species according to the pH of the medium. The first step was an investigation of metallic complexes produced with Al3+ ions. The stoichiometries were determined as 1:1, 2:3 and 1:3 (flavylium:Al3+), depending on the methodology adopted. Complexation constants were estimated between 104 and 105 M-x, where x represents stoichiometry. A second step was the study of interaction of flavylium ions and organic copigments, such as the following phenolic acids: para-coumaric acid (PCA), ferulic acid (FRA), sinapic acid (SNA), vanilic acid (VNA) and siryngic acid (SRA). Using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, a stoichiometry of 1:1 for each of the pigment:copigment pairs was found. Equilibrium constants were determined, and there was no significant differences considering the structures of flavylium ions, although for cinnamic acid derivatives the constants found are slightly larger. The same reactions studied in pH of about 5.0, showed that affinities between the cationic forms and the phenolic acids are larger in comparison to the bases. The stability of the cation regarding the hydration reaction is much smaller in the presence of these organic acids than in the presence of Al3+ or cucurbit[7]uril. At last, the third step involved both types of copigment - metal ions and organic acids - in a supramolecular assembly with flavylium ions. It was observed that different concentrations of the two types of copigments studied are required for B-DHMF and DHMF to stabilize the cationic form; much larger concentrations of Al3+ in the complex in which B-DHMF are involved. It was also concluded that the presence of organic copigments, less representatively, are necessary for the maintenance of the color, an evidence of synergic behaviour. An additional study, which was not in the scope of the project, but did provide another source of flavylium stabilization, was the reaction inclusion of B-TMF with CB[7] cucurbit[7]uril. This step was developed in collaboration with Prof. Cornelia Bohne, at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada. It consisted of the determination of the equilibrium and kinetic constants of this host-guest system, in which the flavylium cation interacts as the guest for the macrocyclic host. It was proposed a sequential 1:2 (B-TMF:CB[7]) mechanism that provides an alternative to avoid the hydration reaction of B-TMF, where CB[7] must be present in concentrations large enough to form the 1:2 complex.

O trabalho envolve o desenvolvimento de métodos para análise de alimentos visando a determinação de ácidos fenólicos em frutas, ácido fólico em farinhas enriquecidas e corantes Sudan em produtos de pimenta utilizando eletroforese capilar nos modos de detecção UV e MS. A separação de dez ácidos fenólicos (ácidos clorogênico, siríngico, p-cumárico, benzóico, p-hidroxibenzóico, ferúlico, vanílico, cafeico, gálico e protocatecuico) foi obtida por eletroforese capilar de zona (CZE). Um eletrólito composto de 50 mmol L-1 de tetraborato e 7,5% metanol (v/v) permitiu a separação em linha de base dos dez ácidos fenólicos em menos de 15 minutos. A fim de promover o \"clean-up\", pré-concentração e liberação dos ácidos fenólicos esterificados, um procedimento de extração líquido-líquido seguido pela hidrólise alcalina foi realizado. O método foi validado obtendo-se limites de detecção de 1,63-3,80 &#181g mL-1 e limites de quantificação de 4,95-11,39 &#181g mL-1. O método otimizado foi aplicado para análise de frutas como a abiu-roxo (Chrysophyllum caimito), amora silvestre (Morus nigra L.) e tomate de árvore (Cyphomandra betacea), identificando os ácidos fenólicos na fração livre e hidrolisada. Este trabalho também otimizou o processo de extração e caracterizou a composição de ácidos fenólicos na forma livre e hidrolisada presentes no açaí Juçara (Euterpe precatória Mart.), açaí do Pará (Euterpe oleracea) e em produtos comercias de açaí como polpa congelada e \"açaí na tigela\". Para a determinação do ácido fólico, estudos de pré-concentração online foram realizados. A focalização do ácido fólico foi obtida por CZE e MEKC, devido a fenômenos de isotacoforese transiente. Um método de extração simples baseado na dissolução da farinha em solução de Na2HPO4 seguida de ultrassom e adição de HCl concentrado foi adotado. Entretanto, a detecção do ácido fólico no extrato foi obtida por MEKC com injeção de grande volume de amostra em condições eletroforéticas de 40 mmol L-1 TBS e 30 mmol L-1 SDS, 15 kV a 310 nm. Os limites de detecção e de quantificação atingidos foram de 0,047 e 0,14 &#181;g mL-1, sendo adequados para quantificação do ácido fólico em farinhas de trigo. Um método para determinação de corantes Sudan (I, II, III e IV) em alimentos foi desenvolvido por cromatografia eletrocinética micelar (MEKC) com preenchimento parcial do capilar. A separação dos quatro corantes foi obtida utilizando-se um preenchimento de 25% do capilar (volume total) com eletrólito composto por 40 mmol L-1 NH4HCO3, 25 mmol L-1 SDS e 32,5% ACN (v/v). O restante do capilar foi preenchido com um tampão composto de 40 mmol L-1 NH4HCO3 e 32,5% (v/v) de ACN. Após otimização do método por CE-UV o método foi aplicado para o acoplamento ao CE-MS. Para detecção dos compostos no MS os parâmetros de ionização foram otimizados. A separação em linha de base dos quatro compostos foi obtida em menos de 10 min com limites de detecção de 0,57 a 0,75 &#181;g mL-1 para detecção no UV-Vis e 0,05 a 0,2 &#181;g mL-1 para detecção no MS. O método foi eficaz para a determinação destes corantes adicionados a amostras de molho de tomate e pimenta e chilli em pó / The present work involves the development of methods for food analysis in order to determinate phenolic acids in fruits, folic acid in enriched flour and Sudan dye in chilli products by capillary electrophoresis with UV/Vis and MS detection. The separation of ten phenolic acids (benzoic, caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, and vanillic acid) was obtained by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). An electrolyte composed by 50 mmol L-1 of tetraborate and 7,5% methanol (v/v) allowed the baseline resolution of all phenolic acids under investigation in less than 15 min. In order to promote sample clean up, to preconcentrate the phenolic fraction and to release esterified phenolic acids from the fruit matrix, elaborate liquid-liquid extraction procedures followed by alkaline hydrolysis were performed. The proposed method was validated with limits of detection of 1.63-3.80 &#181;g mL-1 and limits of quantification of 4.95-11.39 &#181;g mL-1. The optimized method was applied to evaluation of phenolic contents of abiu-roxo (Chrysophyllum caimito), wild mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea). This work also optimized the extraction process and characterized the free and hydrolysed forms of phenolic acids in Juçara açaí (Euterpe precatória Mart.), Pará´s açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and commercial products such as frozen pulp and açaí desserts. For the determination of folic acid, on-line preconcentration studies were performed. The focalization of folic acid was obtained by CZE and MEKC by transient isotacophoresis. A simple method of extraction based on dissolution of flour in a Na2HPO4 solution followed by ultrasonication and the addition of concentrated HCl was adopted. However, the detection of folic acid in flour extract was obtained by MEKC with the large volume sample injection with eletrophoretic conditions of 40 mmol L-1 TBS and 30 mmol L-1 SDS, 15 kV and 310 nm. The limits of detection and quantification reached were 0.047 and 0.14 &#181;g mL-1, which are suitable limits to quantify folic acid in enriched wheat flours. A method of Sudan dyes (I, II, III and IV) was developed by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with partial filling technique. Filling 25 % of the capillary with a MEKC solution containing 40 mmol L-1 NH4HCO3, 25 mmol L-1 SDS and 32.5 % ACN (v/v), a baseline separation of the four azo-dyes was obtained. The rest of capillary was filled with 40 mmol L-1 NH4HCO3 and 32.5 % ACN (v/v). After the optimization by CE-UV the method was applied to CE-MS coupling. To detect the compounds in MS the ionization parameters were optimized. The baseline separation of four compounds was obtained in less than 10 min with limit of detection within 0.57 to 0.75 &#181;g mL-1 to UV-Vis detection and 0.05 to 0.2 &#181;g mL-1 to MS detection. The method was efficient in the determination of these dyes spiked in tomato chilli sauces and chilli powder.

A utilização de compostos químicos no controle de pragas que afetam negativamente a produção agrícola tem sido objeto de muitas críticas por parte de ambientalistas e pesquisadores devido aos problemas ambientais proporcionados por tais substâncias. Nos últimos anos tem-se dedicado bastante tempo e recursos em pesquisas que levem à descoberta de produtos para controle de pragas que tragam nenhum ou o menor prejuízo possível ao ambiente. Neste sentido, o estudo da alelopatia busca a utilização de compostos oriundos da própria natureza para uso no combate a espécies invasoras em plantações, na esperança de ter-se um controle prático e efetivo sobre plantas daninhas minimizando-se a contaminação ambiental. Neste trabalho foram utilizaram-se extratos aquosos de sementes e folhas da leguminosa feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis) como um bioerbicida pós-emergente aplicado no controle das plantas daninhas trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis) e corda-de-viola (Ipomoea grandifolia), e foi avaliada também a seletividade dos extratos com relação a cultivares de soja (Glycine max) convencional e transgênica. Foram preparados tratamentos em seis diferentes concentrações e aplicados em três diferentes períodos, sendo avaliados seus efeitos de toxicidade e seletividade sobre o desenvolvimento das plantas daninhas e da soja. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e aplicou-se o teste F a 1% de probabilidade, mostrando que os tratamentos mais eficazes no controle das invasoras foram aqueles preparados a partir das sementes de feijão-de-porco nas concentrações 25 e 50 g L-1, que interromperam completamente o desenvolvimento as plantas daninhas, sem causar, no entanto qualquer efeito aparente sobre a soja, tanto transgênica quanto convencional. Foram realizadas também determinações cromatográficas para identificação de compostos fenólicos em amostras de folhas de feijão-de-porco. Mediante a comparação com compostos padrão e variação de comprimento de onda na região do ultravioleta-visível foi possível identificar os compostos ácido clorogênico, ácido p-anísico, naringina e rutina, cujas concentrações encontradas, relativas às amostras, foram de 4,42 mg L-1, 6,0 mg L-1, 3,75 mg L-1 e 5,0 mg L-1 respectivamente. / The use of chemicals to control pests that adversely affect agricultural production has been treated with great concern due environmental issues provided by such substances. In the last years much time and money were devoted in researchs leading to discovery products to control pests that bring no or the least damage to the environmet. In this sense, the use of allelopathic species for controlling invasive species is an environmental friendly technique. In this work aqueous extracts of seeds and leaves of Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) were used as a post-emergent bioherbicide succesfully applied for control of dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) and morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia), and selectivity on conventional and transgenic soybean (Glycine max) cultivars. Treatments were prepared in six different concentrations and applied in three different periods, being analyzed the effects of toxicity and selectivity on the development of weeds and soybean. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and applied the F test at 1% probability, showing that the most effective treatments in controlling the weeds were those prepared from seeds of Jack bean at concentrations of 25 and 50 g L-1, that totally controlled weeds, however causing no apparent injury on soybeans, both transgenic and conventional. Chromatographic analysis were also performed for identification of phenolic compounds in samples of Jack bean leaves. By comparison with standards and changes in wavelength on ultraviolet-visible spectra was possible to identify clorogenic acid, p-anisic acid, naringin and rutin compounds at concentrations of 4.42 mg L-1, 6.0 mg L-1, 3.75 mg L-1 and 5.0 mg L-1 respectively.

Sorghum plants excrete phenolic acids which reduce subsequent crop yields. These acids accumulate in field soil by combining with soil and clay particles to form stable complexes which remain until degraded by bacterial metabolism. The amount of phenolic acids in soil samples were obtained by gas chromatography measurements, while Azotobacter populations were obtained by plate counts in 40 sorghum field samples from Denton County, Texas. One can conclude that increasing the Azotobacter population in the soil increased the degradation rate of phenolic acids proportionally. It is proposed that seed inoculation will introduce selected strains of Azotobacter into the soil. The presence of Azotobacter should increase crop size in subsequent plantings.

A própolis é uma mistura complexa de substâncias com aspecto resinoso, elaborada majoritariamente por Apis mellifera. Possui composição química diversificada, que varia de acordo com a flora ao redor da colmeia. Os objetivos deste trabalho são a caracterização química de quatro própolis de diferentes localidades do Brasil (MG, CE, PR e SC) e o isolamento e testes das atividades antioxidante (métodos do DPPH e &beta;-caroteno) e anti-HIV (atividade inibitória da transcriptase reversa) das substâncias presentes nestas amostras. A fração volátil da própolis verde de Viçosa (MG) foi extraída e analisada por CG-EM. Verificou-se a presença de mono- e sesquiterpenos e ácidos fenólicos, sendo este o primeiro relato da presença do ledeno, muuroladieno, &beta;-copaeno, aloaromadendreno e nerolidol na fração volátil da própolis verde brasileira. Um de seus constituintes majoritários, o éster alílico do ácido 3-prenilcinâmico foi isolado e testado quanto às atividades biológicas, apresentando alta ação antioxidante no método do &beta;-caroteno. Nos demais testes o éster não foi ativo. Sugere-se que esta falta de atividade está ligada à ausência de hidroxilas fenólicas livres nesta substância. As amostras do CE, PR e SC foram analisadas por várias técnicas cromatográficas, incluindo CLAE-EM-EM, e colorimétricas. A própolis do CE, com origem botânica desconhecida, possui flavonoides (ex. naringenina e isoramnetina) e ácidos fenólicos (ex. cafeico e &rho;-cumárico). Sua composição química é diferente daquela previamente descrita para uma própolis do mesmo estado. Os flavonoides pinocembrina e galangina, típicos da própolis europeia, foram detectados na própolis de SC, sugerindo que a origem botânica desta própolis seja Populus deltóide, descrita anteriormente como fonte de resinas para própolis da região. A própolis do PR não possui esses flavonoides, e é composta por ácidos fenólicos altamente prenilados. Sua composição é diferente daquelas já descritas, sugerindo uma nova fonte de resina para as própolis do sul do Brasil. Estas três própolis foram submetidas ao isolamento biomonitorado de seus constituintes, sendo obtidas 19 substâncias, nove delas com alta ação antioxidante, uma com ação anti-HIV, e três com ação anti-HIV moderada. Sugere-se que a atividade antioxidante destas própolis seja conferida pelos seus componentes majoritários, como o ácido p-cumárico, presente nas três própolis; quercetina, isoraminetina e 7,4\',5\'-trimetilmiricetina-5,3\'-dihidroxi-3-O-cafeoil glucosídeo, na própolis do CE; a mistura dos ácidos diidrocafeoilquinico + dimetoxicinamoil-diidrocafeoilquinico, na própolis do PR; ácido cafeico, pinocembrina e uma substância desconhecida, identificada como 16, na própolis de SC. Substâncias com ação anti-HIV foram isoladas das própolis do CE (naringenina, isoraminetina e quercetina) e PR (ácido 4-acetil-5-carboxi cumárico), demonstrando que estas própolis possuem grande potencial na busca de substâncias ativas / Propolis is a complex mixture of substances with resinous aspect, prepared mostly by Apis mellifera honeybees. It has a diverse chemical composition, according to the flora around the hive. The aims of this work are to chemically characterize four samples of propolis from different regions of Brazil (MG, CE, SC and PR states) and to isolate and test the antioxidant (DPPH and &beta;-carotene methods) and anti-HIV (inhibitory activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase) activities of the compounds present on those samples. The volatile fraction sample of green propolis from Viçosa (MG) was extracted and analyzed by GC-MS. We verified the presence of mono-and sesquiterpenes and phenolic acids. Among them ledene, muuroladiene, &beta;-copaene, aloaromadendrene and nerolidol were detected for the first time in the volatile fraction of Brazilian green propolis. One of its major constituents, the allyl ester of 3-prenylcinnamic acid was isolated and tested for biological activities. It was shown to have high antioxidant activity by the &beta;-carotene method, but showed no activity regarding the other tests. It is suggested that the lack of activity is linked to the absence of free phenolic hydroxyl on the compound. The samples from CE, PR and SC states were analyzed by various chromatographic, including HPLC-MS-MS, and colorimetric techniques. The sample from CE, with unknown resin source, contains flavonoids (eg, naringenin and isorhamnetin) and phenolic acids (e.g. &rho;-coumaric acid and caffeic). Its chemical composition is different from a previously described sample from the same state. The flavonoids galangin and pinocembrin, typical from European propolis, were detected in the sample from SC, which suggests that its botanical source is Populus deltoide. The sample from PR does not have these flavonoids; instead it possesses prenylated phenolic acids. Its composition is different from samples previously described, suggesting that the sample corresponds to a new type of propolis from southern Brazil. The three propolis samples were subjected to bioguided isolation of their constituents. Nineteen substances were obtained, nine of them with high antioxidant activity, one with anti-HIV action, and three with moderate anti-HIV activity. It is suggested that the antioxidant activity of these propolis is conferred by their major constituents, such as p-coumaric acid, present in all three samples, quercetin, isorhaminetin and 7,4\',5\'-trimethylmyricetin-5,3\'-dihydroxy-3-O-caffeoyl glucoside in propolis from CE; a mixture of dihydrocaffeoylquinic and dimethoxycinnamoyl-dihydrocaffeoylquinic acids in propolis from PR; and caffeic acid, pinocembrin and a unknown compound named 16, in propolis from SC. Compounds with anti-HIV activity were isolated from propolis from CE (naringenin, quercetin and isorhaminetin) and PR (4-acetyl-5-carboxy-coumaric acid), indicating that these types of propolis have high potential in the search for active compounds