Thiago Barcellos

Determination of low levels of benzodiazepines and their metabolites in urine by hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)

In this study, it is shown a method for the determination of benzodiazepines and their main metabolites in urine samples by hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) in the three-phase mode. Initially, the hydrolysis step was performed using 100 μL of sodium acetate 2.0 mol/L buffer solution (pH 4.5), 25 μL of β-glucuronidase enzyme and incubation for 90 min at 55 °C. In parallel with hydrolysis, the LPME fiber (9 cm) was prepared. Its pores were filled with a mixture of dihexyl ether: 1-nonanol (9:1). Afterwards, a solution of 3.0 mol/L of HCl was introduced into the lumen of the fiber (acceptor phase). After hydrolysis, the fiber was submersed in the alkalinized urine (pH 10) containing 10% NaCl. Samples were then submitted to orbital shaking (2400 rpm) for 90 min. The acceptor phase was later withdrawn from the fiber, dried and the residue derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) for 10 min at 60 °C with further addition of N-methyl-N-tert-butyldimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide containing 1% tert-butyldimethylchlorosilane (MTBSTFA) for 45 min at 90 °C followed by determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The calibration curves obtained showed linearity over the specified range, with a similar sensitivity to traditional techniques and a higher detection capability compared to most of the miniaturized methods described in the literature. The method has been developed and successfully validated and applied to urine samples from real cases of benzodiazepines intake.

Sonochemistry in organocatalytic enamine-azide [3+2] cycloadditions: A rapid alternative for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoyl carboxamides

We described herein the use of sonochemistry in the organocatalytic enamine-azide [3+2] cycloadditions of β-oxo-amides with a range of substituted aryl azides. These sonochemical promoted reactions were found to be amenable to a range of β-oxo amides or aryl azides, providing an efficient access to new N-aryl-1,2,3-triazoyl carboxamides in good to excellent yields and short times of reaction.

Ultrasound-promoted organocatalytic enamine–azide [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions for the synthesis of ((arylselanyl)phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ketones

The use of sonochemistry is described in the organocatalytic enamine–azide [3 + 2] cycloaddition between 1,3-diketones and aryl azidophenyl selenides. These sonochemically promoted reactions were found to be amenable to a range of 1,3-diketones or aryl azidophenyl selenides, providing an efficient access to new ((arylselanyl)phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ketones in good to excellent yields and short reaction times. In addition, this protocol was extended to β-keto esters, β-keto amides and α-cyano ketones. Selanyltriazoyl carboxylates, carboxamides and carbonitriles were synthesized in high yields at short times of reaction under very mild reaction conditions.

Brazilian Tabernaemontana genus: Indole alkaloids and phytochemical activities.

The Tabernaemontana genus belongs to the family Apocynaceae comprising about 100 species spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions around the world including Brazil, which contains around 40 species spread all over its territory. Because of the territorial space and climate diversity, these species already identified in Brazil are the largest collection of Tabernaemontana, which are representative (about 30%) of worldwide distribution. The monoterpene indole alkaloids present as major secondary components in all parts of the plants of the genus Tabernaemontana, have attracted the attention of the scientific community for new alkaloids derivatives and bioactivities. This review covers relevant references about Tabernaemontana species found in Brazil, its geographical distribution, occurrence of monoterpene alkaloids and phytochemical activities. Additional information about the South American species activities are also reported in this review.

Synthesis of 2-acyl-benzo[1,3-d]selenazoles via domino oxidative cyclization of methyl ketones with bis(2-aminophenyl) diselenide

A general, practical and simple one-pot synthesis of 2-acyl-benzo[1,3-d]selenazoles was developed by reacting a wide range of 2-arylethane-1,2-diones, generated in situ from commercially available aryl methyl ketones, with bis(2-aminophenyl) diselenide, promoted by Na2S2O5 in DMSO at 100 °C. Comparatively, the reactions were conducted under conventional heating and microwave irradiation. The use of focused microwave irradiation drastically decreased the reaction time from 48 to 2 h with a gain in the reaction yield for most cases. Still, 2-phenylacyl-benzo[1,3-d]selenazole was elected to react with sodium borohydride and butylmagnesium bromide, giving the respective secondary and tertiary alcohols under mild reaction conditions.

Chemical composition, immunostimulatory, cytotoxic and antiparasitic activities of the essential oil from Brazilian red propolis

Most studies of Brazilian red propolis have explored the composition and biological properties of its ethanolic extracts. In this work, we chemically extracted and characterized the essential oil of Brazilian red propolis (EOP) and assessed its adjuvant, antiparasitic and cytotoxic activities. The chemical composition of EOP was analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). EOP was tested for in vitro activity against Trichomonas vaginalis (ATCC 30236 isolate); trophozoites were treated with different concentrations of EOP (ranging from 25 to 500 μg/mL) in order to establish the MIC and IC50 values. A cytotoxicity assay was performed in CHO-K1 cells submitted to different EOP concentrations. BALB/c mice were used to test the adjuvant effect of EOP. The animals were divided in 3 groups and inoculated as follows: 0.4 ng/kg BW EOP (G1); 50 μg of rCP40 protein (G2); or a combination of 0.4 ng/kg BW EOP and 50 μg of rCP40 (G3). Total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a levels were assessed by ELISA. The major constituent compounds of EOP were methyl eugenol (13.1%), (E)-β-farnesene (2.50%), and δ-amorphene (2.3%). Exposure to EOP inhibited the growth of T. vaginalis, with an IC50 value of 100 μg/mL of EOP. An EOP concentration of 500 μg/mL was able to kill 100% of the T. vaginalis trophozoites. The EOP kinetic growth curve showed a 36% decrease in trophozoite growth after a 12 h exposure to 500 μg/mL of EOP, while complete parasite death was induced at 24 h. With regard to CHO-K1 cells, the CC50 was 266 μg/mL, and 92% cytotoxicity was observed after exposure to 500 μg/mL of EOP. Otherwise, a concentration of 200 μg/mL of EOP was able to reduce parasite proliferation by 70% and was not cytotoxic to CHO-K1 cells. As an adjuvant, a synergistic effect was observed when EOP was combined with the rCP40 protein (G3) in comparison to the administration of each component alone (G1 and G2), resulting in higher concentrations of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a. EOP is constituted by biologically active components with promising antiparasitic and immunostimulatory activities and can be investigated for the formulation of new vaccines or trichomonacidal drugs.

Synthesis of Terminal Ethynyl Aryl Selenides and Sulfides Based on the Retro‐Favorskii Reaction of Hydroxypropargyl Precursors

The retro-Favorskii reaction is an excellent way to achieve terminal alkynes. Methodologies that connect the synthesis of terminal alkynes and organochalcogen motifs are important for the construction of novel compounds. Fourteen new terminal alkynes containing either Csp -S or Csp -Se bonds were selectively prepared through the retro-Favorskii reaction from the respective carbinol precursors. It was discovered that terminal chalcogen alkynes were stable for weeks if stored as a solution in hexanes.

Chemical Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of Blueberry Extracts (cv. Misty) Cultivated in Brazil.

Vaccinium corymbosum (L.) varieties cultivation is relatively recent in Brazil, but its production has been intensified given its good adaptability to the Southern Brazil climate. Blueberries are a rich source of phenolic compounds and contain significant levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, chlorogenic acids, and procyanidins, which lead to different biological activities. Chemical identification of skin and whole hydroalcoholic blueberry extracts (ExtSB and ExtWB) revealed the presence of anthocyanins concentrated in the skin and others chemicals compounds as quercetin glycosides, proanthocyanins dimers, citric, and chlorogenic acid in the pulp. Selectivity for tumor cell lines (Hep-2, HeLa, HT-29) using ExtSB and ExtWB extracts was observed through MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after 24 h of treatment when compared to nontumor cells (MRC-5). Morphological changes and late stages of apoptotic and necrosis process were seen in HT-29 cell line after ExtWB treatment, compared to nontumor cell line MRC-5. These results are in agreement with other studies that indicate the activity of compounds such as anthocyanins and other molecules found in Southern Highbush blueberry variety, attributed to promote beneficial effects on health that may respond as cytotoxic natural agent and contribute to cancer treatment.

Selenium dioxide-promoted selective synthesis of mono- and bis-sulfenylindoles

A selective method for the preparation of mono- and bis-sulfenylindoles was developed using an oxidizing agent and the I2/SeO2 system as an efficient catalyst. The selectivity was controlled by varying the amount of SeO2. This represents the first example of the application of SeO2 in this type of selective chemistry.

Synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical tellurides via silver catalysis

We describe here a simple and efficient methodology for the cross-coupling reaction of diaryl ditellurides with aryl boronic acids catalyzed by AgNO3. The general applicability and wide substrate scope make this an interesting method for the synthesis of a series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical diaryl tellurides. This silver-catalyzed protocol tolerates a variety of diaryl ditellurides as well as aryl boronic acids by using only 10 mol% of AgNO3 to provide the desired products in high yields. The reaction mechanism was proposed after high resolution mass spectrometry analysis and the active (PhTe)2AgIII intermediate could be detected.