A adição de modificadores no ligante asfáltico visando melhorar o seu comportamento é uma prática comum atualmente. Existem vários tipos de modificadores, entre eles o mais utilizado nas rodovias federais brasileiras é o copolímero SBS. Além dos polímeros, o ácido polifosfórico (PPA) é outro tipo de modificador que produz boas características quando adicionado ao ligante asfáltico. Apesar do efeito positivo, sabe-se que este material é importado, o que dificulta sua aquisição e pode tornar o produto final muito caro. Tendo em vista a possibilidade de se trabalhar com um produto de mesma base, mas de origem nacional, o que o tornaria o modificador mais acessível, optou-se por verificar o comportamento da adição de ácido fosfórico (PA85) ao ligante asfáltico. Sendo assim, o propósito desta tese é analisar o efeito da adição de ácidos fosfóricos no comportamento reológico de ligantes asfálticos puros e modificados com o copolímero SBS. Para tanto, realizou-se ensaios empíricos e reológicos com o intuito de verificar o comportamento destes materiais. Na primeira parte da pesquisa, dois ligantes asfálticos de base, CAP50/70 de classificação PG64-XX, (Replan e Lubnor), foram modificados somente com a adição dos dois ácidos (PPA e PA85), enquanto na segunda parte esses ligantes asfálticos de base foram modificados com o copolímero SBS com ou sem a presença dos ácidos. Os ensaios avaliados foram penetração, ponto de amolecimento, viscosidade rotacional, ensaio de fluência e recuperação sob tensão múltipla (MSCR), LAS modificado, e estabilidade à estocagem. De maneira geral, a adição dos modificadores melhora o comportamento dos ligantes asfálticos, tendo em vista que melhoram a recuperação, ficam menos sensíveis à deformação permanente e são mais tolerantes à fadiga. Pode-se constatar que o tipo de ligante asfáltico de base influencia diretamente o comportamento dos materiais, independente dos modificadores adicionados. A adição dos modificadores foi mais expressiva no ligante asfáltico proveniente da Replan. Em relação aos ácidos, conclui-se que a adição do PA85 foi satisfatória, uma vez que apresentou comportamento semelhante ao do ácido PPA, porém com efeito um pouco menos expressivo. A adição dos ácidos melhorou a estabilidade à es tocagem dos ligantes asfálticos modificados, e pode-se constatar que a adição de um destes modificadores permite a redução do teor do copolímero SBS. Quanto à capacidade de suporte de tráfego, a adição de altos teores desses modificadores não é viável, devido ao fato de apresentarem suporte similar a ligantes asfálticos modificados com teores baixos e intermediários. / The addition of modifiers in asphalt binder to improve its behavior is a common practice nowadays. There are many types of modifiers, among them the most used in the Brazilian federal highways is the SBS copolymer. In addition to polymers, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) is another type of modifier that produces good characteristics when added to asphalt binder. Despite the positive effects, it is known that this material is imported, which makes its purchase as well as the final product very expensive. Considering the opportunity to work with a product with the same basic component, but of national origin, which would make it the most affordable modifier, the present study decided to verify the behavior of the addition of phosphoric acid (PA85) to the asphalt binder. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to analyze the effect of the addition of phosphoric acid to the rheological behavior of pure and modified asphalt binders with the SBS copolymer. For both, empirical and rheological tests were conducted in order to verify the behavior of these materials/substances. In the first part of the research, two asphalt binders base CAP50/70 asphalt binder graded PG64-XX (Replan and Lubnor) were modified only with the addition of the two acids (PPA and PA85), while in the second part of these asphalt binders base were modified with SBS copolymer with or without the presence of acids. The tests evaluated penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), LAS modified, and storage stability. In general, the addition of the modifiers enhances the behavior of the asphalt binders, for they improve recovery, are less susceptible to rutting and are more resistant to fatigue. It was found that the type of asphalt binder base directly influences the behavior of materials, regardless of added modifiers. The addition of modifiers was greater in the asphalt binder from the Replan. Compared to acids, it is concluded that the addition of PA85 was satisfactory, since the performance was similar to the PPA acid behavior, but with slightly less significant effect. The addition of acid improved the storage stability of the modified asphalt binders, and it was found that the addition of such modifiers allows reducing the content of the SBS copolymer. Regarding the ability to support traffic, the addition of high levels of these modifiers is not feasible because they show similar support for modified asphalt binders with low and intermediate levels.

Burkholderia sacchari é uma espécie de bactéria capaz de acumular polihidroxialcanoatos em condições de limitação de um nutriente essencial e excesso de fonte de carbono. A partir do substrato sacarose, acumula o polímero poli-3-hidroxibutirato (P3HB), poliéster biodegradável de propriedades semelhantes às dos plásticos de origem petroquímica. A partir de sacarose e propionato como fontes de carbono, ela é capaz de acumular o copolímero poli-3-hidroxibutirato-co-3-hidroxivalerato (P3HB-co-3HV), que é mais maleável que o polímero P3HB. No entanto, apenas uma pequena porcentagem do propionato fornecido é convertida em 3HV. Isto se deve à presença de outras vias de catabolismo muito eficientes que transformam o propionato em biomassa, reduzindo a eficiência na produção do copolímero. Estudos em mutantes UV prp-, indicaram que duas vias de catabolismo de propionato podem atuar em B. sacchari: α-oxidação e o ciclo de 2-metilcitrato (2MCC). Esta última teve sua comprovação molecular comprovada, já a outra ainda está sendo estudada, mutantes afetados no consumo de intermediários da α-oxidação foram complementados fragmentos de DNA, obtidos de uma biblioteca genômica de B. sacchari os quais, após sequenciamento e comparação do banco de dados, verificou-se codificarem um regulador transcricional LysR. A análise dos genes adjacentes ao regulador sugeriu que poderiam compor um operon de uma via de α-oxidação. Diante disso, este trabalho busca a comprovação molecular da via da α-oxidação para o catabolismo de propionato em B. sacchari. / Burkholderia sacchari is a species of bacteria capable of accumulating polyhydroxyalkanoates under limiting conditions of an essential nutrient and excess carbon source. From the sucrose substrate, it accumulates polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB), biodegradable polyester with properties similar to those of petrochemical plastics. From sucrose and propionate as carbon sources, it is able to accumulate the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (P3HB-co-3HV) copolymer, which is more malleable than the polymer P3HB. However, only a small percentage of the supplied propionate is converted into 3HV. This is due to the presence of other very efficient catabolic pathways that transform the propionate into biomass, reducing the production efficiency of the copolymer. Studies on prp- UV mutants have indicated that two pathways of propionate catabolism may act on B. sacchari: the α-oxidation and the 2-methylcitrate cycle (2MCC). The latter had its molecular proof proven, while the other is still being studied, mutants affected in the consumption of α-oxidation intermediates were complemented DNA fragments obtained from a genomic library of B. sacchari which, after sequencing and comparison of the bank Coding for a LysR transcriptional regulator. Analysis of the genes adjacent to the regulator suggested that they could compose an operon of an α-oxidation pathway. In view of this, this work seeks the molecular proof of the α-oxidation pathway for the propionate catabolism in B. sacchari.

A utilização de polímeros biocompatíveis na formulação de partículas carreadoras de fármacos visando a redução da toxicidade, o controle da taxa de liberação ou o aumento da biodisponibilidade do princípio ativo, vem sendo amplamente estudada. Neste caso, para que o resultado desejado seja efetivo, em geral, é necessário agregar propriedades distintas de dois ou mais polímeros. Assim sendo, neste trabalho, duas rotas sintéticas foram estudadas para a síntese de copolímeros em blocos, do tipo poli(N-vinilcaprolactama)-b-poli(etileno glicol) (PNVCL-b-PEG). Inicialmente, estudou-se a síntese destes copolímeros via reações de acoplamento, entre a PNVCL-COOH, com terminação carboxila, e o mPEG-OH, com uma hidroxila terminal. Em seguida, avaliou-se a síntese dos copolímeros pelo mecanismo de Polimerização por Transferência Reversível de Cadeias via Adição-Fragmentação (RAFT), partindo-se da síntese de um macroagente de transferência de cadeia à base de PEG (mPEG-oEX), seguido da reação de extensão de cadeia utilizando a NVCL como monômero. Com base nos resultados de massa molar, distribuição de massa molar (PDI) e rendimento de reação, foi escolhida a rota sintética de esterificação para a síntese dos copolímeros em bloco. Os copolímeros obtidos foram empregados na formulação de partículas utilizando a técnica de secagem por atomização. Verificou-se que o tipo de solvente e a concentração dos solutos nas formulações são fatores importantes que afetam diretamente a morfologia das partículas finais. A eficiência de encapsulação do cetoprofeno foi superior a 80% e a eficiência de recuperação das partículas por atomização foi inferior a 60%. A encapsulação de cetoprofeno na matriz polimérica via atomização, resultou na redução da cristalinidade da droga, o que favoreceu o aumento na velocidade de liberação do fármaco. / The use of biocompatible polymers in formulations of carrier particles for drugs aiming to reduce toxicity, to control the release rate or to increase the bioavailability has been widely studied. In this case, for the targeted result to be effective, normally, it is necessary the combinations of different proprieties of two or more polymers. Therefore, in this work, two synthetic routes were studied for the synthesis of block copolymers based on poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-bpoly(ethylene glycol) (PNVCL-b-PEG). Initially, it was studied the synthesis of this copolymer by coupling reaction, between the PNVCL-COOH, with carboxylic endgroup, and the mPEG-OH, with a hydroxyl end-group. Then, it was evaluated the synthesis of this copolymer by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain-Transfer (RAFT) polymerization, started with the synthesis of a PEG-based macrochaintransfer agent (mPEG-oEX), followed by chain extension reactions, using NVCL as monomer. Based on the results of molar masses and molar masses distribution index (PDI), and the reaction yield, esterification was the synthetic route chosen for the synthesis of the block copolymers. The copolymers obtained were used in particles formulation via the spray drying technique. It was verified that the type of solvent and the solids content of formulation are important factors that affect directly the morphology of the final particles. The encapsulation efficiency of ketoprofen was higher than 80% and the particle recovery efficiency by spray drying was less than 60%. The ketoprofen encapsulation into polymeric matrix by atomization, resulted in the decrease of drug crystallinity, which favored the increase on drug release rate.

O poli(ácido láctico) (PLA) é um polímero biodegradável, biocompatível e bioabsorvível proveniente de fontes renováveis. Constitui uma excelente alternativa sustentável para substituição dos polímeros provenientes de petróleo, atualmente dominantes no mercado industrial. Apesar das vantagens, o PLA tem baixa tenacidade e reduzida elongação na ruptura a temperatura ambiente, o que torna a sua utilização limitada em usos que necessitem de alta deformação plástica em níveis de exigência mecânicos elevados. Misturas mecânicas de PLA com polímeros altamente flexíveis, como é o caso da poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL), podem resultar em novos materiais com propriedades mecânicas adequadas para diferentes aplicações. Blendas PLA/PCL são completamente imiscíveis, sendo seu comportamento mecânico altamente dependente da interação interfacial entre os componentes da blenda. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar o efeito compatibilizante de um copolímero em bloco de baixa massa molar (2000 g mol-1) derivado de ε-caprolactona e policarbonato (C2) e, disponível comercialmente em blendas imiscíveis PLA/PCL. Blendas binárias e ternárias foram preparadas por mistura mecânica no estado fundido via processo de extrusão em rosca simples. O teor de PLA nas blendas foi de 75, 50 e 25% (em massa) e a concentração do copolímero de 0, 1, 3, 5 e 7% (em massa). O comportamento térmico, morfológico e mecânico das blendas compatibilizadas e não compatibilizadas foi avaliado por Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Análise Termodinâmico-Mecânica (DMTA), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e ensaios de tração, flexão e impacto Izod. Os resultados de DSC e DMTA indicaram que o copolímero provocou pequena redução na temperatura de transição vítrea (Tg) do PLA, sugerindo que o C2 é solúvel no PLA. Entretanto, nas micrografias das superfícies de fraturas do PLA foi nítida a presença de pequenas micelas formadas pelo copolímero em bloco, indicando que há um limite de solubilidade do compatibilizante na fase de PLA. Os resultados obtidos em tração mostraram que com o aumento do teor de compatibilizante, a tensão no escoamento, a tensão na ruptura e o módulo elástico das blendas sofrem alterações. A propriedade de tenacidade, avaliada no ensaio de impacto Izod, mostrou que as blendas tiveram um ganho na resistência quando comparadas com o PLA puro. Os resultados mostraram que o copolímero em bloco derivado de ε-caprolactona e policarbonato alifático pode atuar como compatibilizante para blendas PLA/PCL / Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer from renewable sources. It is an excellent sustainable alternative for replacing petroleum polymers, currently dominant in the industrial market. Despite the advantages, PLA has low toughness and reduced elongation at room temperature, which makes its use limited in uses that require high plastic deformation under high mechanical stress levels. Mechanical mixtures of PLA with highly flexible polymers, such as poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), may result in new materials with mechanical properties suitable for different applications. PLA/PCL blends are completely immiscible, and their mechanical behavior is highly dependent on the interfacial interaction between the components of the blend. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the compatibilizing effect of a low molar mass block copolymer (2000 g mol-1) derived from ε-caprolactone and polycarbonate (C2) and commercially available in PLA/PCL immiscible blends. Binary and ternary blends were prepared by mechanical mixing in the melted state via single-screw extrusion process. The content of PLA in the blends was 75, 50 and 25% (% by mass) and the copolymer concentration was 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7% (% by mass). The thermal, mechanical and morphological behavior of compatibilized and non-compatibilized blends was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermodynamic-mechanical analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test, flexion test, and Izod impact. The results of DSC and DMTA indicated that the copolymer caused a small reduction in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA, suggesting that C2 is soluble in PLA. However, in the micrographies of the fracture surfaces of the PLA the presence of small micelles formed by the block copolymer is clear, indicating that there is a limit of solubility of the compatibilizer in the PLA phase. The results obtained in a tensile test showed that with the increase of the compatibilizing content, the tension in the flow, the tension at rupture and the elastic modulus of the blends undergo changes. The tenacity property, evaluated in the Izod impact test, showed that the blends had a gain in resistance when compared to pure PLA. The results showed that block copolymer derived from ε-caprolactone and aliphatic polycarbonate can act as a compatibilizer for PLA/PCL blends.

Ce travail de thèse de doctorat vise à l’élaboration de surfaces poreuses hiérarchiquement structurées à partir de copolymères aux structures bien définies ainsi qu’à l’étude de leurs propriétés. La chimie des polymères, en constante évolution, a permis dans ce travail de thèse la synthèse de copolymères diblocs de natures diverses par des techniques de polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée tout aussi variées. En effet, la polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée par les nitroxydes (NMP), par transfert d’atome (ATRP), par transfert réversible d’addition/fragmentation (RAFT) et par le Cu(0) ont été utilisées pour la synthèse de copolymères diblocs associant un bloc de poly(styrène) à divers blocs d’acrylates ou de 4-vinylpyridine. Intimement associée à un procédé d’élaboration basé sur l’évaporation de solvant, nommé figure de souffle (trad. Breath Figure), la synthèse de ces copolymères a permis l’élaboration de surfaces poreuses hiérarchiquement structurées aux échelles du micro et nanomètre. Les différentes phases ont conféré à ces matériaux des propriétés particulières d’adhésion, de mouillabilité ou encore de bioactivité. Ces recherches doctorales ont bénéficié de la double compétence du laboratoire en chimie et en physico-chimie des polymères. En effet, des techniques de microscopie (optique, à force atomique ou électronique), de diffusion de rayonnement (neutrons et rayon-X aux petits angles) ainsi que des tests de pégosité et de mouillabilité ont permis l’étude de la structuration des films ainsi que l’étude de leurs propriétés de surface. / The present studies aim at designing hierarchically structured porous surface from copolymers with well defined structures. As a science in constant evolution, polymer chemistry, enable the synthesis of diblock copolymers with different natures by the mean of various radical controlled polymerization techniques. Indeed, radical controlled polymerization with nitroxyde (NMP), by atom transfer (ATRP), by reversible addition/fragmentation transfer (RAFT) or by Cu(0) were used for the synthesis of diblock copolymers based on polystyrene and different acrylates or 4-vinylpyridine blocks. The intimately association between a fast solvent evaporation process named the Breath Figure and the synthesis of the copolymers enable the production of hierarchically structured materials from micro to nanoscale. The nature of the different blocks confers adhesion, wettability or bioactivity properties to these materials. These researches benefit from the chemistry and physico-chemistry laboratory competences. Indeed, microscopy techniques (optical, atomic force and electronic), scattering (small angle neutron or X-ray) as well as tack or wettability measurements enable the complete characterization of films structuration and point up their properties.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a family of biodegradable polyesters naturally synthesised by some bacteria and archaea. PHA have high industrial value as bioplastics for packaging and biomedical applications. However, their broader use is hindered by high production costs and uncontrolled variation of polymer properties. The extreme halophile Haloferax mediterranei shows bioprocess advantages that can be exploited for the low cost production of the PHA copolymer Poly(3-hydroxbutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalterate) (PHBV). The focus of this thesis is to identify process variables responsible for the uncontrolled variation of PHA properties in order to progress towards the robust production of PHBV using H. mediterranei. The outcome of the investigation is a novel cultivation strategy for the reliable synthesis of PHBV copolymers with controlled composition and microstructure showing minor differences in material characteristics. Initially, growth kinetics and PHBV synthesis were characterised under nitrogen-excess and nitrogen-limiting conditions in ammonium and for the first time, nitrate. The nitrogen source and concentration influenced PHBV accumulation and variations in polymer composition were observed with ammonium, highlighting the importance of the control of cultivation conditions. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) were found to be a more direct approach to determine PHBV composition and for the first time were used as substrates in H. mediterranei cultures. When the cells were grown in C4:0/C5:0 mixtures, the 3HV fraction in the PHBV was proportional to the percentage of C5:0 in the feed mixture, allowing the synthesis of copolymers with a predefined composition ranging from pure PHB to pure PHV. The cultivation strategy proved effective for the synthesis of HV rich PHBV, which is not easily obtained due to the 3HV precursor toxicity. The polymer microstructure was controlled using different feeding strategies: co-feeding generated random copolymers, while sequential feeding created block and blend copolymers. The synthesis of block copolymers is of interest because the materials show enhanced yield strength and mechanical strength, making such materials more suitable for commodity uses. Bespoke random, block, and blend copolymers with 0−100 mol% 3HV were synthesized and their thermal and mechanical properties studied. Lastly, high temperature cultivation and several surfactants were tested to enhance the production of bespoke PHBV from VFA. PHBV productivity and accumulation was greatly improved in a fed-batch bioreactor fermentation at 37°C with Tween-80 and the maximum PHBV content 58.9% was obtained. The polymers from shake-flasks and from bioreactors showed minor variations in their material properties, demonstrating the scalability and the robustness of the process developed. Further understanding of the different process variables affecting polymer synthesis and composition was gained in this thesis. It is now possible to produce PHBV with controllable composition, microstructure and minor differences in material characteristics. The novel and robust production strategy developed address the bioprocess challenge of minimising the uncontrolled variation of polymer characteristics that is currently hindering the wider use of PHA hence allowing the production of high quality polymers for commodity goods, packaging and biomedical applications.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Microesferas poliméricas magnéticas à base de estireno (STY), divinilbenzeno (DVB), acetato de vinila (VAc) e ferro foram preparadas via polimerização em suspensão e semissuspensão. Foram estudadas as influências da concentração de VAc adicionado na polimerização e a presença de ferro sobre as características das partículas poliméricas obtidas. Estas partículas foram caracterizadas por espectrometria de absorção na região do infravermelho (FT-IR), análise térmica (TGA/DTA), microscopia óptica (MO), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e magnetometria de amostra vibrante (VSM). Foram obtidas com sucesso microesferas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas à base de estireno, divinilbenzeno e acetato de vinila. Estes materiais apresentaram bom controle morfológico, com maior rendimento na faixa de 120 a 75 m. Apresentaram também boas propriedades magnéticas (22,62 a 73,75 emu/g) com comportamento próximo de materiais superparamagnéticos e boa estabilidade térmica (444 C) / Magnetic polymeric microspheres based on styrene (STY), divinylbenzene (DVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (VAc) and iron were prepared via suspension and half suspension polymerization. The influence of the concentration of VAc and iron added to the polymerization on the characteristics of polymeric particles obtained were studied. These particles were characterized by infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), thermal analysis (TGA / DTA), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Polymeric microspheres with magnetic properties based on styrene, divinylbenzene and vinyl acetate were obtained. These materials showed good morphological control and large yield range from 120 to 75 micrometers. They also showed comparable magnetic properties (from 22.62 to 73.75 emu/g) to superparamagnetic materials and good thermal stability (444 C)

A adição de modificadores no ligante asfáltico visando melhorar o seu comportamento é uma prática comum atualmente. Existem vários tipos de modificadores, entre eles o mais utilizado nas rodovias federais brasileiras é o copolímero SBS. Além dos polímeros, o ácido polifosfórico (PPA) é outro tipo de modificador que produz boas características quando adicionado ao ligante asfáltico. Apesar do efeito positivo, sabe-se que este material é importado, o que dificulta sua aquisição e pode tornar o produto final muito caro. Tendo em vista a possibilidade de se trabalhar com um produto de mesma base, mas de origem nacional, o que o tornaria o modificador mais acessível, optou-se por verificar o comportamento da adição de ácido fosfórico (PA85) ao ligante asfáltico. Sendo assim, o propósito desta tese é analisar o efeito da adição de ácidos fosfóricos no comportamento reológico de ligantes asfálticos puros e modificados com o copolímero SBS. Para tanto, realizou-se ensaios empíricos e reológicos com o intuito de verificar o comportamento destes materiais. Na primeira parte da pesquisa, dois ligantes asfálticos de base, CAP50/70 de classificação PG64-XX, (Replan e Lubnor), foram modificados somente com a adição dos dois ácidos (PPA e PA85), enquanto na segunda parte esses ligantes asfálticos de base foram modificados com o copolímero SBS com ou sem a presença dos ácidos. Os ensaios avaliados foram penetração, ponto de amolecimento, viscosidade rotacional, ensaio de fluência e recuperação sob tensão múltipla (MSCR), LAS modificado, e estabilidade à estocagem. De maneira geral, a adição dos modificadores melhora o comportamento dos ligantes asfálticos, tendo em vista que melhoram a recuperação, ficam menos sensíveis à deformação permanente e são mais tolerantes à fadiga. Pode-se constatar que o tipo de ligante asfáltico de base influencia diretamente o comportamento dos materiais, independente dos modificadores adicionados. A adição dos modificadores foi mais expressiva no ligante asfáltico proveniente da Replan. Em relação aos ácidos, conclui-se que a adição do PA85 foi satisfatória, uma vez que apresentou comportamento semelhante ao do ácido PPA, porém com efeito um pouco menos expressivo. A adição dos ácidos melhorou a estabilidade à es tocagem dos ligantes asfálticos modificados, e pode-se constatar que a adição de um destes modificadores permite a redução do teor do copolímero SBS. Quanto à capacidade de suporte de tráfego, a adição de altos teores desses modificadores não é viável, devido ao fato de apresentarem suporte similar a ligantes asfálticos modificados com teores baixos e intermediários. / The addition of modifiers in asphalt binder to improve its behavior is a common practice nowadays. There are many types of modifiers, among them the most used in the Brazilian federal highways is the SBS copolymer. In addition to polymers, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) is another type of modifier that produces good characteristics when added to asphalt binder. Despite the positive effects, it is known that this material is imported, which makes its purchase as well as the final product very expensive. Considering the opportunity to work with a product with the same basic component, but of national origin, which would make it the most affordable modifier, the present study decided to verify the behavior of the addition of phosphoric acid (PA85) to the asphalt binder. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to analyze the effect of the addition of phosphoric acid to the rheological behavior of pure and modified asphalt binders with the SBS copolymer. For both, empirical and rheological tests were conducted in order to verify the behavior of these materials/substances. In the first part of the research, two asphalt binders base CAP50/70 asphalt binder graded PG64-XX (Replan and Lubnor) were modified only with the addition of the two acids (PPA and PA85), while in the second part of these asphalt binders base were modified with SBS copolymer with or without the presence of acids. The tests evaluated penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), LAS modified, and storage stability. In general, the addition of the modifiers enhances the behavior of the asphalt binders, for they improve recovery, are less susceptible to rutting and are more resistant to fatigue. It was found that the type of asphalt binder base directly influences the behavior of materials, regardless of added modifiers. The addition of modifiers was greater in the asphalt binder from the Replan. Compared to acids, it is concluded that the addition of PA85 was satisfactory, since the performance was similar to the PPA acid behavior, but with slightly less significant effect. The addition of acid improved the storage stability of the modified asphalt binders, and it was found that the addition of such modifiers allows reducing the content of the SBS copolymer. Regarding the ability to support traffic, the addition of high levels of these modifiers is not feasible because they show similar support for modified asphalt binders with low and intermediate levels.

Les nanotopographies de surface présentant des dimensions comparables à celles des éléments de la matrice extracellulaire offrent la possibilité de réguler le comportement cellulaire. L’étude de l’impact de la nanotopographie sur la réponse cellulaire a été toujours limitée compte tenu des précisions limitées sur les géométries produites, en particulier sur les plus grandes surfaces. Des matériaux base silicium présentant des nanopiliers avec des géométries parfaitement contrôlées ont été fabriqués et leur impact sur la différentiation ostéogénique de cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines (hMCSs) a été étudié. Des matériaux avec des nanopiliers de dimensions critiques comprises entre 40 et 200 nm et des écarts types inférieurs à 15% sur un wafer de silicium, ont été réalisés en profitant de la capacité d’auto-assemblage des copolymères à blocs. Pour mettre en évidence si des modifications de la chimie de la surface des nanopiliers pourraient favoriser la différenciation des MSCs, des peptides mimétiques ont été greffés sur les matériaux fabriqués. Un peptide connu pour sa capacité d’améliorer l'adhésion cellulaire (peptide RGD), un peptide synthétique capable d'améliorer l'ostéogenèse (peptide mimétique BMP-2) et une combinaison de ces deux peptides ont été immobilisés de manière covalente sur les matériaux silicium présentant des nanopiliers de différentes géométries (diamètre, espacement et hauteur).Les essais d'immunofluorescence et de réaction en chaîne de la polymérase quantitative (RT-qPCR) révèlent un impact des nanotopographies sur la différenciation ostéogénique des hMSCs. De plus, il a été constaté que la différenciation des cellules dépendait de l'âge du donneur. La fonctionnalisation de surface a permis une augmentation supplémentaire de l'expression des marqueurs ostéogéniques, en particulier lorsque le peptide RGD et le peptide mimétique BMP-2 sont co-immobilisés en surface. Cette étude met clairement en évidence l’impact de nanostructures avec différentes bioactivités sur la différentiation de MSCs. Ces matériaux pourront trouver leur place dans des cultures in vitro, dans l’élaboration de nouveaux biomatériaux osseux et dans de nouveaux produits d’ingénierie tissulaire. / Nanotopography with length scales of the order of extracellular matrix elements offers the possibility of regulating cell behavior. Investigation of the impact of nanotopography on cell response has been limited by inability to precisely control geometries, especially at high spatial resolutions, and across practically large areas. This work allowed the fabrication of well-controlled and periodic nanopillar arrays of silicon to investigate their impact on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Silicon nanopillar arrays with critical dimensions in the range of 40-200 nm, exhibiting standard deviations below 15% across full wafers were realized using self-assembly of block copolymer colloids. To investigate if modifications of surface chemistry could further improve the modulation of hMSC differentiation, mimetic peptides were grafted on the fabricated nanoarrays. A peptide known for its ability to ameliorate cell adhesion (RGD peptide), a synthetic peptide able to enhance osteogenesis (BMP-2 mimetic peptide), and a combination or both molecules were covalently grafted on the nanostructures.Immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) measurements reveal clear dependence of osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs on the diameter and periodicity of the arrays. Moreover, the differentiation of hMSCs was found to be dependent on the age of the donor. Surface functionalization allowed additional enhancement of the expression of osteogenic markers, in particular when RGD peptide and BMP-2 mimetic peptide were co-immobilized. These findings can contribute for the development of personalized treatments of bone diseases, namely novel implant nanostructuring depending on patient age.

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Synthese und den Eigenschaften von linearen und verzweigten amphiphilen Polypeptid-Blockcopolymeren. Die Frage nach dem Einfluss der Topologie und Konformation der Blockcopolymere auf die supramolekularen und kolloidalen Eigenschaften bildete einen wichtigen Aspekt bei den Untersuchungen. Die Blockcopolymere wurden nach einem mehrstufigen Reaktionsschema durch Kombination von anionischer und ringöffnender Polymerisation von Aminosäuren-N-Carboxyanhydriden (NCA) synthetisiert. Die Untersuchung der Polypeptid-Blockcopolymere hinsichtlich ihres Aggregationsverhaltens in fester Phase sowie in verdünnter wässriger Lösung erfolgte mittels Streumethoden (SAXS, WAXS, DLS) sowie abbildender Methoden (TEM). Durch Einsatz der Blockcopolymere als polymere Stabilisatoren in der Emulsionspolymerisation wurden Oberflächen funktionalisierte Latizes erhalten. Als Beispiel für eine pharmazeutische Anwendung wurden bioverträgliche Polypeptid-Blockcopolymere als Wirkstoff-Trägersysteme in der Krebstherapie eingesetzt. / This work describes the synthesis and characterization of linear and branched polypeptide block copolymers having amphiphilic character. The studies focused on the impact of the block copolymers' conformation and architecture on the supramolecular and colloidal properties. The polypeptide block copolymers were prepared in a multi-step process involving the anionic synthesis of (poly)amino-functional polymers (polystyrene and polybutadiene) which where used as macroinitiators for the ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) of protected a-aminoacids. Supramolecular structures of the block copolymers in the solid state as well as in diluted aqueous solution were investigated using scattering (SAXS, WAXS, DLS) and microscopic (TEM) methods. Both linear and branched polypeptide block copolymers were used as polymeric stabilizers in the emulsion polymerization of styrene to yield polypeptide-decorated latexes. Biocompatible block copolymers were used as drug-delivery systems in lymphatic cancer therapy.