Chemical Analysis and Separations
The research line in Chemical Analysis and Separations seeks the development and application of analytical methodologies, including chemometric techniques, in the study of environmental problems associated with pollution by heavy metals and pesticides; quality control of raw material and finished product; in the study of bioactive molecules of pharmaceutical, food, biotechnological and clinical interest. It will also considers the development, preparation and characterization of electrodes, sensors in order to study the electrochemical processes, charge transfer mechanisms, electrocatalysis and adsorption phenomena that occur at the electrode/solution interface. It also aims at the development of chromatographic methods.
Related line professors:
Andrea Rodrigues Chaves
Research Project: Standardization and analytical validation of new extraction and separation methodologies employing miniaturizes systems
The present work proposes the development and analytical validation of DPX/LC-UV methodology employing monolithic extraction phase, applied in the determination and quantification of dexamethasone in controlled release microparticulate drug systems. Encapsulated dexamethasone phosphate poly lactic acid (PLA) microspheres will be employed as a release model.
Claudinei Alves Da Silva
Research Project: Development and Validation of Chromatographic Methods for Analysis of Bioactive Drugs and Molecules.
Its aim is the development and validation of analytical protocols for analysis of bioactive molecules, for the quality control of pharmaceutical formulations, physicochemical analyzes of raw materials and finished products and aiming not only to develop such tools, but also to expand knowledge about chromatographic techniques.
Research Project: Cerrado plant species prospecting with potential for biological applications.
The proposal is to verify the biological activities of essential oils, extracts and active principles of remnant Cerrado plant species, especially renewable parts such as leaves, fruits and flowers, thus not impacting the environment. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the chemical constitution of Brazilian Cerrado plant species, since it will involve the isolation, identification and quantification of the most active components of the studied species. With this in mind, the species identification with medicinal potential use could be useful to guide research, refine and/or improve their popular use, develop low cost therapeutic preparations and isolate active substances that can be synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry, generating a contribution to the development of new drugs with antioxidant, antitumor, anthelmintic and photoprotective activities.
Gildiberto Mendonca de Oliveira
Research Project: Modification of electrodeposition graphite powder surfaces for the development of carbon paste electrode.
Among the different types of working electrodes used in the development of electroanalytical methods is the carbon paste electrode (EPC), obtained by mixing graphite powder and a binder (eg mineral oil). The main characteristic of this type of electrode is the possibility of modifying the composition of the electrode material, which may contribute to increase its sensitivity and selectivity when employed in electroanalysis. The use of metals as modifiers has mainly occurred through nanoparticles obtained by ex situ processes, which are incorporated at the time of carbon paste preparation. Electroplating of metal nanoparticles has also been used, but it has only been done as a coating of the EPC surface, which cannot be renewed by simple polishing but by a new electroplating. In this sense, the aim of this research line is to investigate the process of electrodeposition of metals within a carbon paste, in order to obtain a volume of metal coated graphite powder (micro or nanoparticles), which among other characteristics enable the EPC surface to be renewed by simple polishing. In addition to the direct application of electrodeposited graphite powder, it may also be functionalized by bioreceptors for the purpose of application in the development of biosensors.
Helen Cristine de Rezende
Research Project: Preconcentration by cloud point extraction for determination of metal ions in samples of environmental interest by molecular absorption spectrophotometry.
Cloud point extraction (CPE) is based on the property that some surfactants have to form micelles in aqueous or organic solutions from a given concentration. It has emerged as an alternative to conventional liquid-liquid extraction, because it has high pre-concentration factors, requires smaller sample sizes, is a relatively simple procedure when compared to conventional extraction, uses less toxic reagents eliminating the use of large amounts of organic solvents. and for making the procedure safer and more economical. Thus, the main goal of the project is to develop a methodology for the determination of metal ions, as well as other analytes such as dyes in environmental samples using cloud point pre-concentration/extraction and detection by molecular absorption spectrophotometry.