Molecular organic analyses: advanced techniques to solve socio-economic, security and health problems

• Grant number: 22/11847-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 04, 2023
• End date: February 23, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Radler de Aquino Neto
• Grantee: Mateus Mello de Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Ministério da Educação (Brasil)

Abstract

The development of analytical techniques fostered the exponential growth in the previous decades of the understanding of chemical processes at the molecular level. The majority of natural systems of interest have enormous complexity and diversity, which have been a challenge to the Analytical Chemistry. Recent advances in chromatographies, mass spectrometries and chemometric and omics methods for the treatment of big data have changed the perception of research on many areas over the possibility to "molecularize" the interpretation of biological, geological, environmental and even behavioural phenomena; and therefore rendering possible to intervene in their development, for the benefit of individuals, natural systems and the production/use of materials of any nature. The present project represents an opportunity to enrol a young scientist on this scenario, enlarging his/her view on the impact of the molecular dimension in the scientific activities. Additionally, one aims to introduce the young scientist and wherever possible give the opportunity to be trained on up-to-date analytical tools. Last, but not least, to follow up and if possible act directly in R,D&I activities, strengthening concepts and understanding ones role in scientific research which is under developed in the "Scientific Initiation" work at the University where the graduation course is ongoing. All this being reinforced by the actual concept of the PAPL to allow to the candidate an experience outside the usual working environment and comfort zone, widening since this beginning of a new career the perception on the academic world, and fostering its understanding on how the interaction with other research groups and possible synergies may enhance the productivity of all parties involved.It will be necessarily wide in its scope, since it could involve any of the Laboratories Associated to LADETEC/IQ - UFRJ (www.ladetec.iq.ufrj).But focusing on chromatographic and mass spectrometric analytical techniques.A sampler of areas of interest and activities would be:Introduction to LADETEC & LA, operating norms, basic lab procedures, quality control and the ISO 17025 standard. Possible hands-on training in the operation of chromatographs and mass spectrometers.Analyses of drugs and biological fluids in Forensic Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry related to the synthesis and test of bioactive substancesMetabolomics applied to the above-mentioned areas. (AU)