Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / J.M. Faubion / The market for frozen goods is expanding and the frozen dough goods sector still has potential to expand its market. It is well known that deterioration in bread quality occurs during frozen dough/bread production. In addition, it is known that dough rheology influences bread quality. To prevent deterioration of bread quality, many additives have been used and researched. Combinations of oxidants (potassium bromate and ascorbic acid) are widely used worldwide. However, potassium bromate may be carcinogenic to humans, and it has been detected in bread after baking. Since it has been prohibited or strictly limited in many countries, many researchers have tried to find a replacement. Ascorbic acid is safe for human intake, and does not persist in bread. However, it is not as effective as potassium bromate. Possible replacements in frozen doughs include oxidant (ascorbic acid)-enzyme combinations. This study evaluated the effects of ascorbic acid-specific enzyme combinations as a replacement for the potassium bromate in frozen dough and related the effects to dough behavior (gluten network strength) as evaluated by dynamic oscillation rheometry. Bread quality was evaluated by test baking. Based on the results from fresh baking studies, potassium bromate can be replaced by an optimum level combination of ascorbic acid and hemicellulase/endo-xylanase. This combination clearly improved loaf volume, and crumb grain over both control and potassium bromate containing doughs. For frozen dough/bread production, the addition of all additives improved bread quality, but ascorbic acid and endo-xylanase containing dough resulted in higher volume, and better crumb structure than did dough containing potassium bromate. Dough rheology experiments show that rheology was affected by both the process and additives. Strain sweeps gave the information about dough stability. Both the additives and proofing improved dough stability. Dough behavior (gluten network strength) was assessed by frequency sweeps. Dough containing ascorbic acid and endoxylanase was most stable during frozen dough processing.

Master of Science / Food Science / Sajid Alavi / Pulp/paste candy is popular in Mexico and is gaining popularity around the world. Pulp/paste candy is characterized as a soft, semi-fluid candy with particles in a colloidal suspension, typically squeezed out of the package for consumption. It is made by hydrating gums in water and mixing them with corn syrup, acid, powdered/pulverized sugar, and other minor ingredients yielding a product around 80°Brix and pH between 2-3. Over time the sucrose in the candy tends to invert, causing two types of failure: package leakage and solidification in package. Based on the findings of previous work from Molina-Rubio et al. (2010), a modified semi-liquid syrup model system was created with corn syrup, sugar, gums, and water. The model system was used to identify the influence these ingredients had on viscosity and texture since these factors are linked to the typical modes of failure in pulp/paste candy. An oscillatory sweep was used on a controlled force rheometer to identify the linear viscoelastic range. Oneway ANOVA with Tukey HSD was used to compare % total solids levels with complex viscosity at 0.1 rad/sec (there was a significant difference between all levels) and minimum tan (delta) (mid and high level were similar). Using a stepwise method, ANOVA models were generated that showed statistically significant effects on complex viscosity for gum level and sugar level as well as interactions (p < 0.05) between invert syrup-water, gum-water, and sugar type-water. The type of gum and the amount of corn syrup used didn’t significantly impact on the viscosity of the system. Using probe tests helped to analyze samples that were too thick for the rheometer. Analysis showed an inflection point for exponentially increased hardness (85-93%TS) that should be further investigated. The stepwise regression model generated for stickiness showed that the invert syrup-water interaction was significant along with gum type. These results are applicable to the confectionery industry and can help companies test and create a candy that meets the packaging and shelf life constraints that they desire. Targeting invert syrup-water levels and the hydration of the gum will have the most impact on the final product’s viscosity and stickiness, which are important for primary package filling and storage. To create an easy to eat candy, no invert syrup should be used in formulation and gellan gum would be better to use than xanthan. Higher solids (> 85%) should also be avoided since it would create a candy that is harder to squeeze out of the package due to higher viscosity and textural hardness.

The flow behaviour of liquid metals (Sn, Pb and Sn-Pb eutectic) under different shearing conditions is investigated. Experiments were performed with two designs of concentric cylinder viscometers: rotating the inner cylinder (Searle) and rotating the outer cylinder (Couette). The latter technique is uncommon and the equipment was optimised with standard oils. The flow behaviour for the metals differs in the two systems. The curves of 'apparent' viscosity versus shear rate may be divided into two regimes: I. At lower shear rates (<200 s-1): a reduction of 'apparent' viscosity with shear was observed with both viscometers. It is suggested that the high density and high surface tension of the metals and eccentricity between the cylinders at low shear rates, leads to instabilities. Results at low shear rates were therefore discarded and further detailed analysis would be required for a fuller understanding of this behaviour. II. At higher shear rates: a steady, shear-independent behaviour of 'apparent' viscosity with shear rate is observed in the Couette system (upto 600 s-1) whereas in the Searle system the 'apparent' viscosity increases with shear rate (upto 2600 s-1). From hydrodynamic theory about Newtonian fluids, it is suggested that in the Searle type viscometer, the fluid is unstable and Taylor vortices are expected at low shear rates (~80 s-1). This gives rise to an increase in the 'apparent' viscosity with shear rate. Whereas, in the Couette type, the flow is more stable, resulting in a steady 'apparent' viscosity. This interpretation is consistent with liquid metals behaving as Newtonian fluids, but further research is required to confirm this. The author suggests further experiments, with the prime one being the investigation of the fluid with counter and co-rotation of the cylinders in order to observe more complex flows. The results are expected to have implications in the modelling of flow for liquid metal processes, especially the initiation of Taylor vortices under the unstable flow conditions produced by rotating the inner cylinder.

[pt] Um dos principais problemas no funcionamento de oleodutos submarinos que transportam óleos parafínicos é o reinício do escoamento depois de longas paradas na produção. Durante o percurso desde o reservatório até a plataforma, o óleo (que sai a elevadas temperaturas), é submetido a uma queda brusca de temperatura em função da troca de calor com o leito do mar. Este fenômeno é acelerado em paradas de produção. O resfriamento faz com que as moléculas de parafina se precipitem, formando um gel que pode bloquear totalmente a linha. Nestas condições, para o reinício do escoamento pode ser necessária uma pressão bem maior do que a pressão de funcionamento normal do duto. Assim, é fundamental o conhecimento da pressão mínima necessária ao reinício do escoamento, para permitir a determinação da potência das bombas do oleoduto. Sabe-se da literatura que o comportamento viscoplástico é a principal característica reológica do óleo parafínico a baixa temperatura. Neste trabalho estudamos o reinício de escoamento utilizando um material viscoplástico ideal, a saber, soluções aquosas de Carbopol. As soluções de Carbopol foram caracterizadas reologicamente, e as curvas de escoamento medidas foram ajustadas utilizando a função viscosidade de Herschel-Bulkley. Testes preliminares de validação acusaram a presença de deslizamento na parede do tubo (inicialmente de aço inox), o que levouà troca para um tubo de resina poliester com a parede interna roscada. Testes de validação com um óleo newtoniano mostraram excelente concordância com a solução analítica (Hagen-Poiseuille). Resultados numéricos foram obtidos usando as funções viscosidade determinadas nos testes de reometria, e confrontados com os resultados experimentais obtidos com as soluções de Carbopol. / [en] On of the main problems in the operation of subsea pipelines that convey paraffin oils is the flow startup after long stoppages. Along the path from the reservoir to the platform, the oil experiences significant heat losses, especially to the low-temperature water at the sea bottom. When there is no flow, the oil may reach very low temperatures. Cooling induces wax precipitation and hence gelification of the oil, which may cause blockage of the pipeline. Under these circumstances, pressures much higher than the usual ones may be needed to cause the flow to restart. The knowledge of the minimum pressure level that causes flow after prolonged stoppages is an important piece of information that is needed in the specification of the pipeline pumps. It is known from the literature that the viscoplastic behavior is the main rheological characteristic of gelled oils. In this work we analyzed the flow startup using an ideal viscoplastic material, namely, aqueous Carbopol solutions. These solutions were rheologically characterized, and the measured flow curves were fitted to the Herschel-Bulkley rheological function. Preliminary validation tests unveiled the presence of wall slip at the stainless steel tube wall. For this reason, a different tube was employed, whose material was a polyester resin and whose inner tube wall was roughened. Validation test results for a Newtonian oil were in excellent agreement with the analytical solution (Hagen-Poiseuille). Numerical results were obtained using the viscosity functions determined from the rheological measurements, and confronted with the experimental results for the Carbopol solutions.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering 25 May 2017 / Two of the main contributors to high voltage insulation failure are thermal and electrical stresses. The failures may be mitigated by using nanodielectrics. The enhanced effect of nanoparticles in nanodielectrics is attributed to an interaction zone/interphase around each individual nanoparticle between the nanoparticle and host polymer. However, particle clumping or agglomerates are a major challenge in nanodielectric technology. In this work mitigation of the clumping challenges was explored through Rheology in determining optimal particle loading levels. The nanodielectrics studies were Boron Nitride and Carbon Nanospheres in Araldite Epoxy. The rheology results indicated an optimal loading level of 1.09 vol % to 1.35 vol% for Boron Nitride in Epoxy and 0.33 vol% for Carbon Nanospheres in Epoxy. Microscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, electrical tree characterisation, thermal expansion and laser flash analysis were used to validate the efficacy of the rheology results. The results indicated improved properties of the resultant dielectric such as; increased mechanical stiffness, increased electrical resistance and the percolation threshold, partial discharge suppression and increased thermal conductivity at the glass transition temperature. This study has established a rheology-based technique incorporated in the manufacturing process to determine the optimal filler loading of C/Epoxy and BN/Epoxy nanodielectrics. Future work is recommended as investigating either new particle types such as Sulphur hexafluoride in Carbon Nanospheres or mixtures of Carbon Nanospheres and Boron Nitiride. / MT 2017

Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar as propriedades reológicas dos iogurtes probióticos suplementados com leite em pó desnatado (SMP), concentrado proteico de soro (WPC) e caseinato de sódio (Na-Cn), usando desenho experimental tipo simplex centroide, para modelagem de misturas. O estudo das interações entre os ingredientes (proteína concentrada de soro, caseinato de sódio e leite em pó) incluiu sete experimentos sendo três com os ingredientes puros, dois correspondentes a misturas binárias e um para a uma mistura ternária. Em paralelo aos sete experimentos delineados, foi realizado ensaio controle com leite não suplementado. Os leites foram fermentados a 42 °C até pH 4,5 empregando-se as culturas Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus e Bifidus lactis. A cinética de acidificação foi determinada bem como as análises físico-químicas, contagem de bactérias viáveis e características reológicas dos iogurtes. Modelos foram ajustados para os resultados (respostas cinética, contagem de bactérias viáveis e parâmetros reológicos) através de três métodos de regressão (linear, quadrático e cúbico especial) e aplicados às misturas. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a fortificação da base de leite com proteína concentrada de soro, caseinato de sódio e leite em pó desnatado, para o mesmo nível de teor de proteína, afetou o perfil de acidificação, a contagem de bactérias viáveis e reologia de iogurtes probióticos. Além disso, foi possível estimar o perfil de acidificação e a contagem de bactérias no leite suplementado com proteínas do leite em pó, concentrado proteico de soro e caseinato de sódio por metodologia de superfície de resposta, bem como calcular aproximadamente as propriedades viscoelásticas dos iogurtes probióticos. Pode-se ressaltar que a otimização das propriedades reológicas dos iogurtes probióticos suplementados com proteínas do leite depende da fonte de proteína utilizada. Por fim, a substituição parcial de 55% de leite em pó desnatado por concentrado proteico de soro e caseinato de sódio simultaneamente poderá reforçar as propriedades reológicas dos iogurtes probióticos, considerando a cinética de acidificação e a contagem de bactérias viáveis. Os resultados foram validados ao longo da vida de prateleira dos produtos, confirmando os valores estimados pelos modelos para a cinética de acidificação, a contagem de bactérias viáveis e as propriedades viscoelásticas, além da avaliação sensorial e da análise de microestrutura. / This study aimed to optimize the rheological properties of probiotic yoghurts supplemented with skim milk powder, whey protein concentrate and sodium caseinate throughout an experimental design type centroid simplex for mixture modeling. It included seven trials: three with the pure ingredients, three corresponding to the binary mixtures and one to the ternary one. A control experiment was accomplished with non supplemented milk. Milk was fermented at 42°C until pH 4.5 by Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Bifidus animalis subsp. lactis. The kinetics of acidification was followed as well as physicochemical analyses, enumeration of viable bacteria and rheological characterization of the yoghurts. Models were adjusted to the results (kinetic responses, counts of viable bacteria and rheological parameters) through three regression models (linear, quadratic and cubic special) applied to mixtures. The results showed that the addition of milk proteins affected acidification profile and counts, and enhanced rheological properties of probiotic yoghurt. The estimated results were validated during shelf-life and were confirmed by for the kinetics of acidification, bacterial counts of viable and viscoelastic properties in addition to sensory evaluation and analysis of microstructure.

Aujourd’hui, les pathologies respiratoires chroniques constituent un fardeau sanitaire mondial. Beaucoup sont associées à une modification rhéologique du mucus. Le rôle de clairance du mucus tapissant les voies respiratoires est de capturer des particules étrangères afin qu’enzymes et anticorps le nettoient, puis d’être transporté vers le pharynx pour être digéré ou expectoré. Dans des conditions pathologiques (e.g. mucoviscidose), les propriétés physiques assurant cette fonction vitale sont entravées par des modifications de la composition du mucus. L’objectif ici est de caractériser en profondeur les propriétés mécaniques du mucus vis-à-vis du développement d’appareils d’aide à la clairance. Ceci est réalisé par des moyens expérimentaux et de la modélisation depuis la base de données qui en découle. Le mucus réel implique de sérieuses problématiques de collecte, c’est pourquoi le choix a été fait de préparer des simulants à partir de glycoprotéines à différentes concentrations reproduisant la variété naturelle du mucus. Cela a permis de tester chacune des variétés vastement, palliant ainsi les problèmes de cohérence intrinsèque. La microscopie optique et la MEB ont donné un aperçu visuel du réseau 3D des simulants et confirmé sa similarité avec des mucus réels. La tension de surface, liée à la mouillabilité et l’adhésivité du mucus sur la surface épithéliale a été mesurée. Cela a montré une bonne concordance avec des mucus pathologiques, en particulier les concentrations élevées, en cohérence avec les observations cliniques. Le mucus est sujet aux changements de température in-vivo et peut varier de 20°C près de la bouche à 40°C en cas d... / Today, chronic respiratory pathologies constitute a worldwide health burden. Most of them are associated to a modification of the mucus rheology. The clearance role of mucus is first to trap foreign particles, so that enzymes and antibodies can start the cleaning and then to transport them towards the pharynx, to be digested or expectorated. Under disease conditions (e.g. Cystic Fibrosis), the physical properties ensuring this vital function are hindered by modifications of the mucus composition. The purpose of this thesis is then to characterize thoroughly the physical (essentially rheological) properties of mucus to improve the development of clearance helping devices using both experiments and modeling based on the subsequent database. Real mucus implies strong issues related to sample collection, hence the choice made in this work was to use mucus simulants prepared from glycoproteins at various concentrations to mimic the real mucus variety. It allowed to widely test each unique sample thus palliating the issue of intrinsic consistency. Optical microscopy and SEM were used to give a complementary insight into the 3D network of samples and confirmed the similarity with former observations made on real mucus. The surface tension (closely related to the wettability and adhesiveness of the bronchial mucus on the epithelium surface) was also measured for each concentration. It showed a good agreement with pathological mucus, especially for the high polymer concentrations. Mucus is prone to temperature variations in-vivo 20°C close to the mouth to 40°C under fever conditions. Hence thermal diffusivity, conductivity, and heat capacity were measured in this tem...

Dada a considerável parcela de responsabilidade da indústria de produção de cimento no total de emissão mundial de CO2, um dos desafios atuais mais importantes é a adoção de estratégias que reduzam a utilização do cimento, sem prejuízo ao desempenho mecânico e a durabilidade dos materiais cimentícios. Dentre essas estratégias, uma das usualmente empregadas em alguns segmentos industriais é a reutilização de ligante pré-hidratado na produção. O entendimento de como a pré-hidratação altera as propriedades de pastas cimentícias tem também importante implicação científicas, quanto à cinética de reação do cimento Portland, mas sobretudo devido aos impactos nas propriedades reológicas da pasta, tanto após a mistura quanto ao decorrer da hidratação. Sabe-se que a pré-hidratação altera a cinética de hidratação do cimento, impactando as suas propriedades no estado endurecido. Além disso, a pré-hidratação modifica as propriedades físicas do cimento, influenciando diretamente no modo como as partículas se aglomeram. No entanto, boa parte da literatura refere-se à pré-hidratação que ocorre após má estocagem, diferentemente deste trabalho que trata da pré-hidratação em suspensão, mais comum em processos industriais. Assim, neste trabalho foi avaliada a cinética de reação por calorimetria isotérmica enquanto as propriedades reológicas foram avaliadas por reometria rotacional e oscilatória. Para a identificação e quantificação dos hidratos formados, a hidratação foi paralisada e foram realizados testes de TG e DRX. Os resultados mostraram que a adição do pré-hidratado altera a cinética de dissolução/precipitação do cimento anidro. Assim, quanto maior o teor de pré-hidratado e o período de pré-hidratação, menor o tempo de indução, antecipando a formação dos hidratos (silicatos e aluminatos), embora a taxa de reação no período de aceleração não tenha sido afetada de forma significativa. Quanto às propriedades físicas das partículas, forma realizados teste de granulometria, ASE (Área Superficial Específica) e densidade real. A pré-hidratação aumenta a sua ASE, o que acarreta no incremento da tensão de escoamento e da viscosidade das pastas. Inclusive, se esse aumento de ASE for incorporado em determinados modelos (YODEL e Interferência) é possível a predição dessas propriedades reológicas. O aumento de ASE também é responsável pelo maior enrijecimento e menor tempo de pega das suspensões pré-hidratadas. Correlacionando a reação química com a consolidação da pasta, ficou demonstrado que o maior enrijecimento da pasta pré-hidratada tem relação com a maior aproximação entre as partículas, a ASE inicial das pastas e a reatividade do pré-hidratado, otimizando assim a formação da microestrutura pela hidratação. / Given the considerable share of cement industry on overall share of CO2 emissions, one of the most important current challenges is the adoption of strategies that reduce the use of cement without compromising the mechanical performance and durability of cementitious materials. Among these strategies, one of the commonly employed in some industrial segments is the reuse of pre-hydrated binder in production. The understanding of as pre-hydration changes the properties of cementitious pastes also has important scientific implication regarding the reaction kinetics of Portland cement, but mainly due to the impacts on the rheological properties of the paste, both after mixing and along hydration. It is known that pre-hydration alters the hydration kinetics of the cement, impacting its properties in the hardened state. In addition, pre-hydration modifies the physical properties of the cement, directly influencing the way as the particles agglomerates. However, much of the literature refers to the pre-hydration that occurs after bad storage, unlike this work that works with pre-hydration in suspension, more common in industrial applications. Thus, in this work the kinetics of reaction by isothermal calorimetry was evaluated while the rheological properties were evaluated by rotational and oscillatory rheometry. For the identification and quantification of the hydrates formed, the hydration was paralyzed and TG and XRD tests were performed. The results showed that the inclusion of the pre-hydrate alters the dissolution/precipitation kinetics of the anhydrous cement. Thus, the higher the pre-hydration content and the pre-hydration period, the shorter the induction time, anticipating the formation of the hydrates (silicates and aluminates), although the reaction rate in the acceleration period was not significantly affected. As for the physical properties of the particles, there were realized tests of particle size distribution, SSA (Specific Surface Area) and real density. The pre-hydration increases its SSA, which leads to an increase in the yield stress and viscosity of the pastes. Even if this increase of SSA is incorporated in certain models (YODEL and Interference) it is possible to predict these rheological properties. The increase in ASE is also responsible for the greater hardening and quickly setting time of the pre-hydrated suspensions. Correlating the chemical reaction with paste consolidation, it was demonstrated that the higher hardening of the pre-hydrated paste is related to the greater approximation between the particles, the initial ASE of the pastes and the reactivity of the pre-hydrate, optimizing then the formation of the microstructure by hydration.

Os policarboxilatos são macromoléculas utilizadas como dispersantes de alta eficiência em composições cimentícias reduzindo a viscosidade das suspensões e minimizando a quantidade de água utilizada para o processamento. Estes aditivos são muito eficientes por promover estabilização eletroestérica devido a grupos funcionais que geram cargas e se adsorvem na superfície das partículas e suas cadeias poliméricas laterais apolares (side chains). Por isto, esses aditivos têm sido amplamente empregados em composições de concretos. No entanto, além de alterar as características reológicas dos materiais cimentícios, a utilização de policarboxilatos afeta também o potencial de superfície, as reações de hidratação dos cimentos, e as propriedades viscoelásticas dos materiais. Desta forma, neste trabalho foram avaliados os efeitos da variação do teor de policarboxilato éter - Glenium 51 - em suspensões de cimento Portland (CPIIE) a partir de ensaios de reometria rotacional e oscilatória, calorimetria de condução isotérmica e medidas de potencial zeta por ESA. Os resultados demonstram que para teores de 0.05 a 1.50 % de aditivo ocorre a diminuição da viscosidade e da tensão de escoamento e aumento do tempo de pega dos cimentos. Estes comportamentos foram atribuídos à adsorção do aditivo na superfície das partículas de cimento em que o desempenho varia em função do tempo. Nos primeiros momentos da adsorção o efeito espacial é majoritário e se tornando também eletrostático após 15 h devido à reação do cálcio iônico com as moléculas de policarboxilato. O consumo dos íons cálcio faz com que a velocidade da reação de hidratação seja reduzida retardando o início e o final de pega. Para teores de aditivo superiores a 3,00 % o sistema passa a apresentar um comportamento viscoelástico que não é adequado para o uso em materiais cimentícios. / The polycarboxylates are macromolecules used as high efficiency dispersants in cement compositions reducing the suspensions viscosity and the volume of water used in the processing. These additives are very efficient in promoting electrosteric stabilization due to functional groups that create charges and are absorbed by the particles\' surface and their side chains. That\'s the reason why these additives have been used in concrete compositions. However, besides the change polycarboxylates cause to the rheologic characteristics of cementitious materials, the use of polycarboxylates affects also the surface potential, the cement hydratation reactions, and the materials\' viscoelastic proprieties. In this work, the effects of ester polycarboxylate glenium 51 levels of variation were rated in Portland cement suspension (CP II-E) using rotational rheometry and oscillatory, isothermal conduction calorimetry and zeta potential measurement by ESA. The results show that for 0,05 to 1,50% levels of additives there was a reduction in viscosity and yield stress and an increase in the cement\'s setting time. These behaviors were attributed to the adsorption of the additive by the surface of the cements\' particles whose performance alters because of the time function. In the adsorption\'s first steps the spatial effects are the majority, while after 15 hours they also become electrostatic due to the reaction of the ionic calcium with the polycarboxylate molecules. The calcium ions waste leads to a reduction of the velocity of the hydratation reaction, slowing down the beginning and the end of setting time. For higher than 3,00% additive content, the system shows a viscoelastic behavior that is not fit for the use of cementitious materials.

Esse é um trabalho teórico e experimental em que princípios básicos de mecânica estatística são utilizados para entender a dinâmica de micro e nano esferas acopladas direta e indiretamente a células aderentes vivas, objetivando a caracterização mecânica das mesmas. Dentre esses princípios básicos estão inclusos, principalmente, conceitos relacionados à difusão. Na difusão clássica, tem-se uma dependência linear do deslocamento quadrático médio com o tempo. Caso contrário, quando o expoente é diferente de um, tem-se o que se chama de difusão anômala. Caso seja maior que um, o processo é superdifusivo, e se menor que um, subdifusivo. Para se estudar o comportamento mecânico de sistemas complexos pode-se usar micro e nanoesferas como elementos de análise. Essas esferas são dispostas no material a ser estudado, e observando a sua dinâmica é possível caracterizar o processo que conduziu essa dinâmica e consequentemente inferir propriedades físicas do material. Nesse trabalho aplicam-se técnicas de rastreamento de partículas, microscópicas e nanoscópicas, para estudar propriedades dinâmica de células, especialmente difusibilidade, remodelação da estrutura celular e campos de força. Para isso foram utilizadas duas técnicas experimentais de rastreamento de micro e nanoesferas e modelos fenomenológicos e de mecânica estatística. Essas propriedades dinâmicas tem uma grande semelhança com materiais vítreos moles. Nesse contexto, certas funções celulares, como divisão, contração, difusão, requerem que as células apresentem fluidez similarmente a um líquido, enquanto que para outras funções, como manter a sua estrutura celular, elas devam ter uma aparência mais rígida. Essas características assemelham-se a um material vítreo, onde desordem e metastabilidade são características subjacentes de suas funções mecânicas. Os resultados experimentais apresentados aqui evidenciam essa metaestabilidade na forma de anomalias e correlações temporais dos vários dados coletados. Também explicamos os dados experimentais encontrados em termos das atividades metabólicas e a remodelação ativa do citoesqueleto. Mostra-se também os dados obtidos para músculo cardíaco em plena atividade pulsátil. Os resultados aqui obtidos têm aplicações diretas em pesquisa básica e clínica. / This is a theoretical and experimental work in which basic principles of statistical mechanics are used to understand the dynamics of micro and nano spheres attached directly or indirectly to living adherent cells, with the aim of the mechanical characterization of them. Among these basic principles, mainly concepts related to diffusion are included. In classical diffusion, there is a linear dependence of the mean squared displacement in time. Otherwise, when the exponent is diferent than one , there is what is called anomalous diffusion. If it is bigger than one, the process is superdiffusive, and if it is smaller than one, subdiffusive. To study the mechanical behavior of complex systems,micro and nanospheres can be used as analysis elements. These spheres are arranged in the material to be studied, and from observation of the dynamics is possible to characterize the leading process of this dynamic and therefore infer physical properties of the material. In this work, particle tracking techniques, for microscopic and nanoscopic spheres, are applied to study dynamic properties of cells, especially diffusivity, remodeling of the cell structure and force fields. For that we used two experimental techniques of tracking of micro and nanospheres, and phenomenological and statistical mechanics models. These dynamic properties have a great similarity to soft glassy materials. In this context, certain cellular functions such as division, contraction, diffusion, require that cells present fluidity similarly to a liquid, while for other functions, such as keeping the cellular structure, they should have a stiffer appearance. These characteristics resemble a glassy material, where disorder and metastability are underlying characteristics of their mechanical functions. The experimental results presented here show this metastability as anomalies and temporal correlations of the various data collected. We also explain the experimental data found in terms of metabolic activity and the active remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Also data obtained for heart muscle in full pulsatile activity is showed. The results obtained have direct applications in basic and clinical research.