Development and validation of an analytical method by HPLC-DAD for determination of caffeine in products based on guarana extracts (Paullinia cupana)

Abstract Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a native plant from the Amazon whose seeds contain a high concentration of caffeine. Aqueous extract of guarana is widely used in the world. In this study, the objective was to develop and validate a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method for the determination of caffeine in extracts and commercial beverages based on guarana. A sensitive, simple, and viable high performance liquid chromatographic method without the need of an analyte extraction procedure was developed and validated according to Brazilian and international requirements. The method presented high performance, fulfilling Brazilian and international requirements, in addition to allowing product compliance tests. Results confirmed high selectivity and linearity (>0.999) between 5 to 135 ug/mL, with no significant matrix effect. Detection and quantification limits were 0.02 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL, respectively. Precision was less than 4 %, and accuracy varied from 99.9-120 %. Applicability of the method was demonstrated by conducting a limited evaluation in products containing caffeine. Commercial extracts showed quite different caffeine levels, while carbonated drinks follow Brazilian and American recommendations. Our results indicate that the developed method can be used to evaluate the quality of the guarana extract and of products containing caffeine

Use of chlorine solutions as disinfectant agents in health units to contain the spread of COVID-19 / Uso de soluções de cloro ativo como agente desinfetante em unidades de saúde para conter a propagação do COVID-19

Objective: This study aimed to gather information available in different disinfection protocols for establishments that provide care to suspected or confirmed patients with COVID-19, to contain the spread of the virus, besides proposing different ways of preparing the bleach solution for the most varied purposes within a Health Unit. Methods: It was realized bibliographic research about disinfection protocols to contain COVID-19, as well as disinfectant agents used to inactivate the virus. Results: Many hospitals and basic health units perform disinfection in many hospitals based on disinfection protocols that are not suitable due to the insufficient amount of daily cleaning recommended, as well as the use of ineffective agents or in inadequate concentrations. Among the most used disinfectant agents chlorine solutions have been described as the most efficient and most applicable, thus, we recommend the use of solutions containing chlorine in its composition, such as commercial bleach, as well as highlight its finalities, correct way of use and application at environments that take care of patients with disease COVID-19 or suspected. Conclusion: the use of solutions containing chlorine in its composition, such as commercial bleach, is a viable alternative for disinfecting hospitals and health basic units, due to its efficiency against the coronavirus, low cost, accessibility, and greater applicability when detected by other widespread disinfectant agents.(AU)

Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo reunir informações disponíveis em diferentes protocolos de desinfecção para estabelecimentos que prestam atendimento a pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados com COVID-19, para conter a disseminação do vírus, além de propor diferentes formas de preparo da solução de água sanitária para as mais variadas finalidades dentro de uma Unidade de saúde. Métodos: foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre protocolos de desinfecção para conter o COVID-19, bem como os agentes desinfetantes empregados para inativar o vírus. Resultados: Muitos hospitais e unidades básicas de saúde realizam a desinfecção baseada em protocolos que não são adequados devida a quantidade insuficiente de limpeza diária recomendada, bem como o uso de agentes ineficazes ou em concentrações inadequadas. Dentre os agentes desinfetantes mais utilizados, soluções de cloro ativo têm sido descritas como as mais eficientes e aplicáveis, portanto, recomendamos o uso de soluções contendo cloro ativo em sua composição, como água sanitária, bem como enfatizamos suas finalidades, correta forma de uso e apliações em ambientes que prestam cuidados a pacientes suspeitos ou confirmados com COVID-19. Conclusão: o uso de soluções contendo cloro ativo em sua composição, como água sanitária, é uma alternativa viável para desinfecção de hospitais e unidades básicas de saúde devido a sua eficácia contra o coronavírus, baixo custo, fácil acesso, e maior aplicabilidade quando comparados com outros agentes desinfetantes.(AU)