Raman imaging spectroscopy is a relatively new technique that has raised interest in several areas of knowledge due to the possibility of evaluating the spatial distribution of compounds based on their spectra. This paper presents a brief history of the development of this important technique, a theoretical description of the Raman effect and the preprocessing and processing (both univariate and multivariate) tools for Raman data. We also describe the current state of applications for major areas such as agriculture/biomass, environment, biology, medicine, pharmaceutical, geology, foodstuff, artwork, archaeology, material characterization and forensic.

The quality control of pellets homogeneity cannot be assessed by conventional techniques and near infrared-chemical imaging combined with multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares is an attractive alternative. In this study, composition and spatial distribution of pellets components were determined after assessment of experimental parameters. The use of a 25 μm intermediate pixel size, an initial estimation matrix with instrumental signals for pure substances and individual matrices provided a model with explained variance of more than 99% and a value of 0.00263 for percentage of lack of fit. In addition, the similarity between the pure substances spectra and those recovered by the model were 0.9501 for sucrose, 0.9480 for starch, 0.9910 for ketoprofen and 0.5941 for SiO2. Chemical images were generated and show that the pellet is composed of an inert nucleus of starch and cellulose, surrounded by a ketoprofen layer. All this information was obtained quickly, in minutes, being an excellent alternative for pellets analysis.

Phenolic compounds are important environmental contaminants due to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. The use of enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors is a simple, sensitive and low-cost alternative for the determination of these pollutants in contaminated waters. However, in most cases, it is impossible to detect specific compounds in a mixture of phenols due to signal-overlap, as the instruments operate at very close potentials, given that the system is based on a single enzyme to detect similar structures. In order to overcome this problem, in the present work we have successfully used multivariate calibration with partial least squares (PLS) for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and guaiacol by a tyrosinase-based biosensor that was assembled using an enzyme extract from yam. The use of PLS allowed us to work with a large number of voltammograms, leading to a single mathematical model for the simultaneous determination of phenols of similar structure in real samples with concentration values of mmol L-1.

Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling-partial least squares (CARS-PLS) and negative-ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI(-) FT-ICR MS) data were adopted to assess the total acid number (TAN) of crude oil distillation cuts. Two crude oil samples and 24 derivatives with TAN ranging from 0.20 to 0.39 mg of KOH g-1 were investigated. The multivariate calibration PLS model was built with 18 calibration samples and tested with 8 validation samples. CARS-PLS reduced the number of variables from 1610 to only 4, allowing the identification of molecular formulas that are truly related to the TAN. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) obtained was 0.01 mg of KOH g-1, which is lower than the error when using all variables (0.03 mg of KOH g-1). Finally, it was observed that the N and O2 compound classes are the most important classes for providing a better correlation between ESI(-) FT-ICR mass spectra and TAN values.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) was used in this work in order to reveal and identify minor compounds of several raw materials in biodiesel samples, which are not detected by conventional GC analysis. Multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) of the chromatographic profile allowed to identify compounds as C15:1n-3, C18:2n-6, C20:1n-6, C20:3n-3, C20:3n-6, C20:4n-6 C20:5n-3, C21:1n-6, C22:1n-9, C23:1n-9, C24:1n-9 multi-unsaturated which were useful tracers to discriminate between biodiesel samples. In this way, the separation power of GC×GC combined with the MPCA algorithm proved to be a valuable strategy for biodiesel samples classification, allowing identification and providing additional compounds of the commonly known as chemical profile of biodiesel samples.

Cocaine is usually seized mixed with a wide variety of adulterants such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these street drug mixtures is normally performed using colorimetric testing kits, but these tests may suffer from interferences, producing false-positive results. Here, we describe the use of analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopies to distinguish between cocaine and other adulterants (lidocaine, promethazine, powdered milk and yeast) that yield positive results on the Scott test using the thiocyanate cobalt reagent. A further 13 substances were also analyzed using the Scott test.

Neste trabalho, um método para a diferenciação de gasolinas de acordo com a sua origem geográfica é proposto. Cromatografia gasosa bidimensional abrangente com detecção por ionização em chama (GC×GC-FID) em conjunto com a análise multivariada foi utilizada para diferenciar amostras de gasolina brasileira de amostras oriundas da Venezuela. A análise de fatores paralelos (PARAFAC) foi utilizada no reconhecimento de padrões dos cromatogramas GC×GC-FID e foi aplicada com êxito na diferenciação das amostras de gasolina. Através da análise dos gráficos de escores e pesos gerados pela análise PARAFAC, foi possível determinar que eluatos de média a alta volatilidade, tanto alifáticos quanto aromáticos, foram responsáveis por essa diferenciação.

In this work, a method for differentiation of gasoline according to its geographical origin is presented. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC×GC-FID) combined with multivariate analysis was used to differentiate Brazilian and Venezuelan gasoline samples. Pattern recognition of the GC×GC-FID chromatograms was performed by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and it was successfully applied for the differentiation of these gasoline samples. Eluates with medium to high volatility, both aliphatic and aromatic, were responsible for this differentiation, based on the inspection of the score and loading graphs generated by PARAFAC.

Neste trabalho, a espectroscopia de imagens no infravermelho próximo (NIR) foi empregada no estudo da distribuição do princípio ativo (API) espironolactona e seus excipientes em comprimidos. As análises foram realizadas utilizando resolução espacial de 50 µm, analisando 16 mm² de cada comprimido padrão. Modelos de mínimos quadrados parciais por intervalo (iPLS) foram utilizados para quantificação dos excipientes e API em cada pixel afim de obter mapas de concentração para cada composto. Foram obtidos erros de quantificação entre 0,49 e 1,26% quando realizada a validação cruzada utilizando a média espectral de cada comprimido. Esses modelos de calibração foram utilizados para prever a concentração individual de cada componente em cada pixel. A concentração média de todos os pixels, para cada composto, produziu erros entre 0,05 e 1,06%. Estes resultados indicaram que os modelos estavam aptos a quantificar todos os compostos em cada pixel, individualmente. Esta aproximação necessita ser realizada uma vez que não é possível conhecer a composição real em cada pixel.

In this work, near infrared (NIR) imaging spectroscopy was employed in the study of the distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) spironolactone and its excipients in tablets. Analyses were performed using 50 µm spatial resolution to analyze 16 mm² of each standard tablet. Interval partial least squares models were used for API and excipients quantification in every pixel in order to obtain concentration maps for each compound. It was obtained errors of quantification between 0.49 and 1.26% when performed the cross-validation using spectral average of each tablet. These calibration models were used to predict individual concentration of each compound in the tablet, in every pixel. The average concentration of all pixels, for each compound yield errors, was between 0.05 and 1.06%. These results indicate that the models were able to quantify all compounds in each pixel. This approach is necessary since it is not possible to know the real concentration of each compound in the pixels.

Arrabidaea chica (crajiru) é uma importante planta da Amazônia. Seus extratos são usados como pigmento, agentes antimicrobianos e adstringentes. Três variedades diferentes desta espécie são cultivadas na região Amazônica. Neste trabalho, infusões diretas de extratos de A. chica destas três variedade foram analisadas por impressão digital via espectrometria de massas com ionização por eletrospray (ESI(+)-MS). Dados derivados destes espectros foram classificados utilizando um método de análise multivariada (PLS-DA, análise discriminante com calibração multivariada por mínimos quadrados parciais). O método direto aqui apresentado baseia-se na extração de folhas secas e em pó com uma solução de metanol/água acidificada sem manipulação adicional da amostra. A solução sobrenadante foi analisada através de infusão direta por ESI(+)-MS, o que resultou em perfis de composição para cada variedade. 3-Desoxiantocianidinas são importantes substâncias presentes na A. chica, seus íons foram usados como marcadores no tratamento de dados utilizando PLS-DA, o que possibilitou a separação das três variedades. Impressão digital por ESI(+)-MS funciona como um método simples e rápido para diferenciação de variedades de A. chica.

Arrabidaea chica (crajiru) is an important Amazonian plant. Its extracts are used as red pigments, antimicrobial agents and astringents. Three different varieties of this species are cultivated in the Amazon region. In this work, direct infusions of A. chica extracts from these three varieties were analyzed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI(+)-MS) fingerprinting. Derived data from the spectra were classified by using a multivariate method (PLS-DA, partial least squares-discriminant analysis). The direct method that is herein presented relies on extraction of dry, powdered leaves with acidified methanol/water solution with no further sample preparation. The resulting supernatants were analyzed by direct infusion ESI(+)-MS, which provides characteristic fingerprints of the sample composition. 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins are important substances in A. chica, their ions were used as markers in the PLS-DA data treatment. PLS-DA was able to differentiate the three varieties. ESI(+)-MS fingerprinting works as a simple and fast method to differentiate varieties of A. chica.

Sendo o solo um dos principais pilares de sustentabilidade de todo sistema de produção, a análise integrada dos atributos edafobiológicos pode constituir-se em ferramenta importante para avaliar a qualidade do mesmo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade do solo em função das práticas agrícolas adotadas, mediante a análise integrada de atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos. A pesquisa foi realizada em 2006 e 2007 nas microrregiões de Ibiúna e Socorro, no estado de São Paulo, em pequenas propriedades familiares orgânicas e convencionais. Foram avaliados os atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos, mediante coletas de amostras de solos sob cultivo de hortaliças e em solos de mata ou pastagem. O levantamento de dados sobre as práticas agrícolas foi realizado em cada sistema de produção. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de componentes principais (ACP). A ACP identificou maior grau de similaridade entre os solos sob cultivo em Socorro e suas respectivas testemunhas que os solos de Ibiúna, nitidamente separados em função do seu uso (mata ou cultivo) e indicando melhor manejo dos mesmos em Socorro. De maneira geral, concluiu-se que as práticas agrícolas utilizadas na maioria das propriedades orgânicas e convencionais favoreceram a degradação do solo, devida principalmente ao revolvimento intensivo e à ausência de cobertura do solo. Estes fatores provocaram redução dos teores de matéria orgânica do solo, da biomassa microbiana, da emergência de plântulas e da estabilidade de agregados nas áreas de cultivo em relação às áreas testemunhas.

The soil is one of the most important sustainability columns of the production system. The integrated analysis of the edaphobiological attributes can be an important tool for soil quality evaluation. We evaluated the soil quality regarding the adopted agriculture practices, using the integrated analysis of physical, chemical and biological attributes. The research was carried out in Ibiúna and Socorro, São Paulo state, Brazil, in organic and conventional production, on small and family farms. Physical, chemical and biochemical parameters were evaluated during 2006 and 2007 in soils under vegetable cultivation, native forest or fallow, taken as reference of natural soil. Agricultural practices data were collected in each production system. The obtained data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA). There was no pronounced grouping trend according to the production system, organic or conventional, but there was a grouping according to the soil use (forest/fallow land or cultivation). The PCA identified greater degree of similarity between Socorro's cultivation soil and its respective controls compared to Ibiuna's soil, clearly separated according to its use (forest or cropping), indicating better soil management in Socorro. In general, the results allow to conclude that agricultural practices in most of both organic and conventional production systems, caused soil degradation, due to, mainly, intensive soil tillage and no soil mulching, as indicated by the reduction of soil organic matter, microbial biomass, plant emergence and aggregate stability in cultivated areas relative to control ones.

This works describes the use of experimental design and surface response methodology for optimization of saponin extraction from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus. For this purpose, a method employing extraction based on maceration assisted by ultrasound technique was utilized. The following factors were studied: extraction length of time and solvent composition. The total saponin was determined by using a gravimetric method and the results expressed by their relative proportion to total crude extract. For the specific condition, 60% hydro-alcoholic solution and 18 minutes extraction length of time has shown the best results. This method can be useful for extraction of substances with biological importance

Este trabalho apresenta o emprego da espectroscopia no infravermelho combinada com ferramentas quimiométricas para o controle de qualidade de adesivos. A partir de 105 espectros no infravermelho de amostras de adesivos de diferentes tipos de formulação empregou-se análise de componentes principais (PCA), sendo possível a separação das amostras em quatro diferentes grupos. A regressão por mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS) foi utilizada na quantificação do teor de sólidos a partir de um conjunto de 28 amostras de adesivos com base aquosa. O PLS por intervalos (iPLS) foi usado na determinação de viscosidade a partir de um conjunto de 73 amostras de adesivos com base solvente, obtendo-se erros menores que 7% em ambos os casos. Dessa forma, os resultados indicam que o emprego de ATR-FTIR, aliada a quimiometria, é uma excelente alternativa para o controle de qualidade de uma indústria de adesivos.

This paper presents the application of infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometric methods for quality control in adhesive manufacturing. From 105 infrared spectra of pressure-sensitive adhesive samples of different formulations, employing principal component analysis (PCA), it was possible the separation in four groups. By using partial least squares regression (PLS), the solid contents of 28 samples of water-based adhesive were determined. The interval-PLS (iPLS) was used for the determination of the viscosity of 73 solvent-based adhesive samples, with errors less than 7% in both cases. These results indicate the feasibility of employing ATR- FTIR and chemometrics as an attractive alternative for quality control in adhesive manufacturing.

The validation of an analytical procedure must be certified through the determination of parameters known as figures of merit. For first order data, the acuracy, precision, robustness and bias is similar to the methods of univariate calibration. Linearity, sensitivity, signal to noise ratio, adjustment, selectivity and confidence intervals need different approaches, specific for multivariate data. Selectivity and signal to noise ratio are more critical and they only can be estimated by means of the calculation of the net analyte signal. In second order calibration, some differentes approaches are necessary due to data structure.

Diffuse reflectance near-infrared (DR-NIR) spectroscopy associated with partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration is proposed for a direct, non-destructive, determination of total nitrogen in wheat leaves. The procedure was developed for an Analytical Instrumental Analysis course, carried out at the Institute of Chemistry of the State University of Campinas. The DR-NIR results are in good agreement with those obtained by the Kjeldhal standard procedure, with a relative error of less than ± 3% and the method may be used for teaching purposes as well as for routine analysis.

Foi desenvolvida uma metodologia para quantificar compostos dialquilmercúricos usando Microextração em Fase Sólida em Headspace (HS-SPME) e Cromatografia Gasosa com Detecção por Emissão Atômica (GC-AED). Os parâmetros para detecção de Hg foram otimizados usando planejamento fatorial e superfícies de resposta. Experimentos univariados foram empregados para determinar as condições de HS-SPME; as melhores fibras foram 75 μm de Carboxen / PDMS e 65 μm de PDMS / DVB. Porém, as primeiras foram descartadas pela extensa degradação térmica dos analitos na dessorção. O procedimento otimizado permite detectar os analitos em amostras aquosas com limite de detecção de 1,7 e 0,2 ng L-1 para dimetil- and dietilmercúrio, respectivamente. As curvas analíticas são lineares nas faixas de 36 a 180 ng L-1 (Me2Hg) e 38 a 190 ng L-1 (Et2Hg), com limite de quantificação de 38 ng L-1 (Me2Hg) e 29 ng L-1 (Et2Hg) e coeficientes de correlação de 0,998 para Me2Hg e 0,999 para Et2Hg.

A methodology to quantify dialkylmercury compounds using Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and Gas Chromatography with Atomic Emission Detection (GC-AED) was developed. The parameters for Hg detection were optimized by factorial design and response surfaces. Univariate experiments were employed to determine the HS-SPME conditions; 75 μm Carboxen / PDMS and 65 μm PDMS / DVB were the best fibers. However, the former was excluded from further experiments due to extensive thermal degradation of analytes during desorption. The optimized procedure allowed detection of the analytes from aqueous samples with LOD of 1.7 ng L-1 and 0.2 ng L-1 for dimethyl- and diethylmercury, respectively. The analytical curves are linear in the range from 36 to 180 ng L-1 (Me2Hg) and 38 to 190 ng L-1 (Et2Hg), with LOQ of 38 ng L-1 (Me2Hg) and 29 ng L-1 (Et2Hg) and correlation coefficients of 0.998 for Me2Hg and 0.999 for Et2Hg.