Preparation and immobilization of diNOsarcobalt(III) complex in zeolite y for the catalyzed production of hydrogen peroxide

A complex cation, diNOsarcobalt(III), [Co(diNOsar)]3+, (diNOsar = 1,8-dinitro-3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo-[6.6.6]eicosane), was synthesized and immobilized in the cavities of a Y zeolite by the reaction of precursor species in the pores of the zeolite. The encapsulated material was compared to the compound diNOsarcobalt(III) chloride, [Co(diNOsar)]Cl3. Both diNOsarcobalt(III) chloride and the zeolite-encapsulated complex, [Co(diNOsar)]3+/zeolite, were obtained in high yield and characterized by ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction demonstrated the incorporation of the complex cation into the pores of the zeolite. The catalytic production of hydrogen peroxide from oxygenated water confirmed the successful synthesis of the complex diNOsarcobalt(III) immobilized in the zeolite.

Imobilização de lacase de Aspergillus sp. em quitosana e sua aplicação na bioconversão de fenóis em reatores de leito fixo

The immobilization of laccase on chitosan by cross-linking and application of the immobilized laccase in the bioconversion of phenolic compounds in batch and fixed bed reactors were studied. The process for immobilization of enzyme was optimized using a rotational central composite design. The optimized conditions to generate immobilized laccase with maximal activity were determined to be a glutaraldehyde concentration of 1.0% (v/v), a pH of 6.0, an immobilization time of 5.0 hours and an enzyme concentration of 5.2 g L-1. In packed bed reactors, the activity of the immobilized enzyme is maintained for a longer time in the bioconversion of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol than in the bioconversion of syringaldazine.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR PALM OIL DETERMINATION IN MICROCAPSULES PRODUCED BY COMPLEX COACERVATION

The microencapsulation of palm oil may be a mechanism for protecting and promoting the controlled release of its bioactive compounds. To optimize the microencapsulation process, it is necessary to accurately quantify the palm oil present both external and internal to the microcapsules. In this study, we developed and validated a spectrophotometric method to determine the microencapsulation efficiency of palm oil by complex coacervation. We used gelatin and gum arabic (1:1) as wall material in a 5% concentration (w/v) and palm oil in the same concentration. The coacervates were obtained at pH 4.0 ± 0.01, decanted for 24 h, frozen (−40 ºC), and lyophilized for 72 h. Morphological analyzes were then performed. We standardized the extraction of the external palm oil through five successive washes with an organic solvent. We then explored the best method for rupturing the microcapsules. After successive extractions with hexane, we determined the amount of palm oil contained in the microcapsules using a spectrophotometer. The proposed method was shown to be of low cost, fast, and easy to implement. In addition, in the validation step, we confirmed the method to be safe and reliable, as it proved to be specific, accurate, precise, and robust.

Garlic viral complex: identification of Potyviruses and Carlavirus in Central Brazil

Garlic viruses often occur in complex infections in nature. In this study, a garlic virus complex, collected in fields in Brazil, was purified. RT-PCR was performed using specific primers designed from the consensus regions of the coat protein genes of Onion yellow dwarf virus, a garlic strain (OYDV-G) and Leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV). cDNA of Garlic common latent virus (GCLV) was synthesized using oligo-dT and random primers. By these procedures individual garlic virus genomes were isolated and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence analysis associated with serological data reveals the presence of two Potyvirus OYDV-G and LYSV, and GCLV, a Carlavirus, simultaneously infecting garlic plants. Deduced amino acid sequences of the Brazilian isolates were compared with related viruses reported in different geographical regions of the world. The analysis showed closed relations considering the Brazilian isolates of OYDV-G and GCLV, and large divergence considering LYSV isolate. The detection of these virus species was confirmed by specific reactions observed when coat protein genes of the Brazilian isolates were used as probes in dot-blot and Southern blot hybridization assays. In field natural viral re-infection of virus-free garlic was evaluated.

Extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Hg2+ as complex anion HgI3-

A method has been developed for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Hg2+ in a concentration range of 0.2-1.0 mg L-1; following the Lambert-Beer's law using high molecular weight quaternary ammonium salts dissolved in chloroform. The metal complex anion was determined in the extract in the region UV (260 nm).

Sensitive spectrophotometric determination of lansoprazole in pharmaceuticals using ceric ammonium sulphate based on redox and complex formation reactions

Two simple sensitive and cost-effective spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of lansoprazole (LPZ) in bulk drug and in capsules using ceric ammonium sulphate (CAS), iron (II), orthophenanthroline and thiocyanate as reagents. In both methods, an acidic solution of lansoprazole is treated with a measured excess of CAS followed by the determination of unreacted oxidant by two procedures involving different reaction schemes. The first method involves the reduction of residual oxidant by a known amount of iron(II), and the unreacted iron(II) is complexed with orthophenanthroline at a raised pH, and the absorbance of the resulting complex measured at 510 nm (method A). In the second method, the unreacted CAS is reduced by excess of iron (II), and the resulting iron (III) is complexed with thiocyanate in the acid medium and the absorbance of the complex measured at 470 nm (method B). In both methods, the amount CAS reacted corresponds to the amount of LPZ. In method A, the absorbance is found to increase linearly with the concentration of LPZ where as in method B a linear decrease in absorbance occurs. The systems obey Beer's law for 2.5-30 and 2.5-25 µg mL-1 for method A and method B, respectively, and the corresponding molar absorptivity values are 8.1×10³ and 1.5×10(4) L mol-1cm-1 . The methods were successfully applied to the determination of LPZ in capsules and the results tallied well with the label claim. No interference was observed from the concomitant substances normally added to capsules.

Use of modified silica gel for concentrating Pb (II) and Cd (II) occurring in form of complex anions

The performance of silica gel, modified by the impregnation with a high molecular weight quaternary amine (triethyl octadecyl ammonium iodide), used for the concentration of heavy metals occurring in water is studied. The material under study captures Cd, Pb, which are capable of forming stable complexes with I- ions.The results obtained about the metal capture, under dynamic conditions, are described and metal ions are removed by desorption with EDTA and quantified by AAS.

Cerimetric determination of simvastatin in pharmaceuticals based on redox and complex formation reactions

Two sensitive spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of simvastatin (SMT) in bulk drug and in tablets. The methods are based on the oxidation of SMT by a measured excess of cerium (IV) in acid medium followed by determination of unreacted oxidant by two different reaction schemes. In one procedure (method A), the residual cerium (IV) is reacted with a fixed concentration of ferroin and the increase in absorbance is measured at 510 nm. The second approach (method B) involves the reduction of the unreacted cerium (IV) with a fixed quantity of iron (II), and the resulting iron (III) is complexed with thiocyanate and the absorbance measured at 470 nm. In both methods, the amount of cerium (IV) reacted corresponds to SMT concentration. The experimental conditions for both methods were optimized. In method A, the absorbance is found to increase linearly with SMT concentration (r = 0.9995) whereas in method B, the same decreased (r = -0.9943). The systems obey Beer's law for 0.6-7.5 and 0.5-5.0 µg mL-1 for method A and method B, respectively. The calculated molar absorptivity values are 2.7 X 10(4) and 1.06 X 10(5) Lmol-1 cm-1, respectively; and the corresponding sandel sensitivity values are 0.0153 and 0.0039µg cm-2, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) are reported for both methods. Intra-day and inter-day precision, and accuracy of the methods were established as per the current ICH guidelines. The methods were successfully applied to the determination of SMT in tablets and the results were statistically compared with those of the reference method by applying the Student's t-test and F-test. No interference was observed from the common excipients added to tablets. The accuracy and validity of the methods were further ascertained by performing recovery experiments via standard addition procedure.

Electrochemical properties of Cu4[PhN3C6H4N3(H)Ph]4(µ-O)2, a tetranuclear Copper(II) complex with 1-phenyltriazenido-2-phenyltriazene-benzene as ligand

Bis-(µ2-oxo)-tetrakis{[1-feniltriazene-1,3-diil)-2-(phenyltriazenil)benzene copper(II) is a tetranuclear complex which shows four Cu(II) ions coordinated by four 1,2-bis(phenyltriazene)benzene bridged ligands, with one diazoaminic deprotonated chain, and two O2- ligands. The complex reduces at E1/2 = -0.95 V vs Fc+/Fc, a two electrons process. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies showed a reversible process. When immobilized on carbon paste electrode, the complex electrocatalyses the reduction of O2 dissolved on aqueous solution at -0.3 V vs SCE potential. The obtained current shows linearity with O2 concentration.

Qualidade sanitária de grãos e frutos de amendoim comercializados no estado de Alagoas e identificação através de características culturais de espécies do gênero Aspergillus

A identificação de espécies fúngicas presentes em grãos e frutos de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea), bem como a caracterização cultural das espécies de Aspergillus detectadas, é um importante passo para a prevenção da presença de micotoxinas no substrato, garantindo a qualidade do produto, tanto para a comercialização in natura quanto já processado. A partir de grãos e frutos de amendoim comercializados, in natura ou processados, no estado de Alagoas foram isolados os fungos Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, Fusarium verticillioides (= F. moniliforme), F. equiseti, Rhizopus stolonifer, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum e Colletotrichum sp. De um modo geral, os grãos processados apresentaram menor incidência de fungos, diferindo estatisticamente dos grãos in natura, com destaque para as espécies A. flavus, A. parasiticus, F. verticillioides e F. equiseti. As espécies de Aspergillus foram identificadas com base nas características culturais, exibidas em meio de Czapek-ágar, e morfológicas, através de microscópio ótico. No oitavo dia de crescimento em meio de BDA, cada espécie apresentou diferenças quanto à taxa de crescimento durante o período de incubação, de acordo com a procedência das amostras dos grãos ou frutos.

Atmosfera modificada na conservação da qualidade de uva 'Thompson Seedless' e na redução da podridão de Aspergillus

Existe uma demanda, na região semiárida produtora de uvas no Submédio São Francisco, por medidas sustentáveis de controle de doenças pós-colheita, uma vez que o modelo atual de revestimento de caixas com polietileno de alta densidade, associado ao metabissulfito de sódio, não tem se mostrado eficiente no controle dos fungos que ocorrem na região. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar um controle da podridão por Aspergillus em uvas 'Thompson Seedless' por meio da modificação da atmosfera, pelo envolvimento de caixas de uva em bolsões de poliamida. Comparou-se o bolsão de poliamida (PA) ao de polietileno alta densidade (PEAD), comumente usado na região, combinados ou não com o metabissulfito de sódio (SO2). Frutos provenientes de propriedade comercial, após serem selecionados e desinfestados foram feridos com alfinete entomológico e inoculados com uma suspensão de Aspergillus niger na concentração de 10(6) conídios.mL-¹ e submetidos à câmara úmida por 24 horas. Em seguida as caixas de uva foram colocadas em bolsões específicos de acordo com o tratamento e armazenadas em câmara fria à temperatura de 2 ºC e umidade relativa de 75%, durante 40 dias. A partir do 12º dia de armazenagem foram feitas avaliações semanais da incidência da doença e de variáveis físico-químicas: perda de massa, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), pH, acidez titulável (AT), ratio (SST/AT); peroxidase (POD) e medição das concentrações de CO2 e O2 até o 40º dia. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas com cinco repetições. O revestimento de caixas de uva em bolsões de poliamida, mesmo sem o uso de metabissulfito de sódio, apresenta-se como uma alternativa viável na manutenção da qualidade pós-colheita de uva "Thompson Seddless", bem como na redução de podridão causada por A. Niger. A enzima peroxidase pode ter atuado no processo de manutenção de qualidade da fruta, contribuindo para uma redução dos níveis da doença em uvas.

Complex pulmonary aspergilloma treated by cavernostomy

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cavernostomy in patients with complex fungal balls.Methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients undergoing cavernostomy between January 2005 and May 2013, evaluating: age, gender, preoperative signs and symptoms, predisposing disease, preoperative tests, location of the aspergilloma, etiologic agent, cavernostomy indication, postoperative outcome.Results: Ten patients were male. The mean age was 42.9 years (34-56). The most frequent symptom was repeated pulmonary bleeding. Cavernostomy was proposed for patients at high risk for lung resection. It was performed in 17 patients and all of them had pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae, with cavitations. The indication in all cases was hemoptysis and elimination of phlegm. The cavernostomies were performed in a single surgical procedure. In all 17 patients the cavity was left open after the withdrawal of the mycetoma. In all patients hemoptysis ceased immediately. Operative mortality was 9.5% (1).Conclusion: cavernostomy is an effective treatment alternative in patients at high risk. It may be useful in some patients with complex aspergilloma, irrespective of lung function or bilateral disease. It is technically easy, has low-risk, saves parenchyma, and may be performed in a single operative time.

Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos

Descreve-se a reprodução experimental de doença neurológica em ovinos através da administração de bagaço de malte (resíduo cervejaria) contaminado com Aspergillus clavatus. Esse resíduo de cervejaria, cujas amostras revelaram cultura pura de A. clavatus, estava sendo utilizado em duas propriedades, onde ocorreram surtos da doença em bovinos. Os sinais clínicos iniciaram-se cerca de 2 a 6 dias após a administração do subproduto ou da cultura e a evolução clínica foi de 1,5 a 12 dias. Os sinais clínicos, que foram predominantemente locomotores e respiratórios, incluíram tremores musculares, hiperestesia, taquipnéia progressiva, rigidez de membros pélvicos (mais evidente à locomoção), fraqueza dos posteriores e decúbito. Um ovino também apresentou apoio ocasional sobre os boletos dos membros pélvicos. As anormalidades locomotoras e tremores eram intensificados pelo exercício. Entretanto, em 6 dos 7 ovinos, o apetite e a dipsia eram mantidas até próximo à morte ou eutanásia. O principal achado histológico consistia de degeneração e necrose neuronal cromatolítica em núcleos nervosos específicos do tronco encefálico, cornos ventrais da medula espinhal e gânglios espinhais, trigeminal, estrelado e celíaco. Três ovinos também apresentaram degeneração e necrose leves em músculos dos membros pélvicos e torácicos.

Neurotoxicose em bovinos associada ao consumo de bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus

Descrevem-se dois surtos de uma doença neurológica que afetou rebanhos bovinos leiteiros que consumiam bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus no município de Viamão, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A morbidade em ambos os surtos foi em torno de 30% e a letalidade, 50% e 100%. A evolução clínica da doença variou de 5 a 64 dias. Dentre os animais que se recuperaram apenas um permaneceu com seqüelas locomotoras leves. Os sinais clínicos eram predominantemente locomotores e incluíam tremores musculares de intensidade variável, hiperestesia e membros pélvicos com ataxia, paresia e paralisia progessivas, e apoio sobre os boletos. Os distúrbios locomotores eram intensificados pelo exercício que, em geral, desencadeava quedas. Havia também marcada queda na produção leiteira, no entanto o apetite e a dipsia eram mantidos até próximo da morte ou eutanásia. Cinco bovinos foram necropsiados e destes dois apresentaram lesões macroscópicas nos músculos esqueléticos, principalmente nos membros pélvicos e torácicos caracterizadas por alterações necróticas e mineralização. No sistema nervoso, os principais achados consistiam de degeneração e necrose neuronal cromatolítica em núcleos nervosos específicos no tronco encefálico, nos cornos ventrais da medula espinhal e nos gânglios trigeminal, estrelado, celíaco e espinhais. Em dois bovinos havia adicionalmente degeneração walleriana nos funículos dorsais da medula espinhal e nervos isquiádico e fibular. O diagnóstico foi baseado nos dados epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos, achados de necropsia, histopatológicos e micológicos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos da enfermidade, além de possíveis mecanismos patogenéticos e diagnósticos diferenciais são discutidos.