[pt] Os aminoglicosídeos (AMG) pertencem a uma classe de antibióticos eficazes no tratamento de infecções provocadas por micro-organismos Gram-negativos e Gram-positivos. Ototoxidade, nefrotoxidade e alterações musculares são efeitos colaterais provocados pelo uso dessas substâncias, implicando na importância do controle das medicações com uso de métodos analíticos práticos para a rotina, sensíveis e seletivos. As estruturas dos AMG não possuem grupos cromóforos que habilitem a medição de atividade óptica direta, dessa maneira, os métodos descritos na literatura para determinação dos mesmos, normalmente, fazem uso da derivatização química implicando em alta morosidade, elevados custos e toxicidade (dados os reagentes utilizados) em tais métodos. No presente trabalho, propõe-se a utilização de nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs) como sondas analíticas para a determinação espectrofotométrica de AMG, tirando-se proveito do efeito de ressonância plasmônica na superfície de AuNPs. Investigou-se o potencial analítico do uso de dispersões aquosas de AuNPs como sondas para a determinação de tobramicina (TBR), neomina (NEO), gentamicina (GENTA), canamicina (CANA), estreptomicina (EST) e amicacina (AMIC), observando-se resultados promissores para todos os AMG citados, excerto para a EST. No caso da TBR, foi desenvolvido um método analítico para a sua determinação em soluções oftálmicas. As curvas analíticas foram construídas a partir do monitoramento da luz transmitida em 529 nm ou 681 nm. O monitoramento do sinal analítico em 529 nm apresentou uma faixa linear entre 6,5 x 10-9 mol L-1 a 1,6 x 10-7 mol L-1 com boa linearidade (R2=0,9943) e limite de detecção (LD) igual a 6,2 x 10-9 mol L-1. O monitoramento do sinal analítico em 681 nm apresentou uma faixa linear entre 4,4 x 10-9 mol L-1 a 1,6 x 10-7 mol L-1 com boa linearidade (R2=0,9949) e valor de LD igual a 3,8 x 10-9 mol L-1. O método mostrou-se robusto em uma faixa de pH entre 2,6 e 4,5, durante 120 min. O método apresentou precisão satisfatória e demonstrou seletividade com relação a outro AMG, STP, e com relação aos excipientes presentes nas amostras analisadas. Obtiveram-se percentuais de recuperação para as amostras (simuladas e reais de soluções oftálmicas) de 104,0 a 123,1 por cento e de 101,1 a 123,6 por cento, para o monitoramento do sinal analítico em 529 nm e 681 nm, respectivamente. Utilizando-se um método comparativo para validar esses resultados, verificou-se através do teste t-student que os percentuais de recuperação encontrados através das sondas de AuNPs e através do método comparativo foram estatisticamente iguais. Estudos com saliva de pacientes em tratamento com TBR indicam o potencial da sonda para a análise de fluidos biológicos. / [en] Aminoglycosides (AMG) belong to a class of antibiotics effective for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive micro-organisms. Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity and muscle disorders are side effects of using these substances, implying the importance of controlling the use of pharmaceutical formulations based on AMG with practical analytical methods for routine, sensitive and selective. The molecular structures of the AMG does not present any relevant chromophores groups that enable direct measurement of their optical activity, thus, the methods described in the literature for determining it normally to use of chemical derivatization implying high delays, high costs and toxicity (dice reagents used) in such methods. The studies present in this dissertation, it is proposed to use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as analytical probes for spectrophotometric determination of AMG, by exploration of the resonance Plasmon effect on the surface of AuNPs. Was investigated the analytical potential of aqueous dispersions of AuNPs as probes for the determination of tobramycin (TBR) neomina (NEO), gentamicin (GENTA), kanamycin (CANA), streptomycin (EST) and amikacin (AMIC). Promising results were found for all AMG cited excerpt EST. In the case of TBR, an analytical method for its determination in ophthalmic solutions was proposed. The analytical curves were constructed by monitoring the transmitted light at 529 nm or 681 nm. The monitoring of the analytic signal in 529 nm yielding a linear range from 6.5 x 10-9 mol L-1 to 1.6 x 10-7 mol L-1 with good linearity (R2= 0.9943) and the limit of detection (LOD) equal to 6.2 x 10-9 mol L-1. The monitoring of the analytic signal in 681 nm yielding a linear range from 4.4 x 10-9 mol L-1 to 1.6 x 10-7 mol L-1 with good linearity (R2= 0.9949) and the LOD equal to 3.8 x 10-9 mol L-1. The method showed to be robust in a pH range between 2.6 and 4.5, for 120 min. The method showed satisfactory accuracy and demonstrated selectivity with respect to other AMG, EST, and with respect to excipients present in the samples analyzed. Yielded percentage recoveries for samples (simulated and real ophthalmic solutions) from 104.0 to 123.1 percent and from 101.1 to 123.6 percent, for the monitoring of the analytical signal at 529 nm and 681 nm, respectively. Using a comparative method to validate these results, it was found through the t-student test that the percentage recovery found through the AuNPs probes and the comparative method were statistically equal. Studies in saliva from patients under TBR treatment indicated the potential of the probe for the analysis of biological fluids.

The diagnosis of cancer in early stages is an unmet clinical need, especially in view that current treatments for cancer cannot address metastatic disease. Cancer aberration processes are associated to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chemical probes that can specifically detect these species are potentially useful as medical diagnostics and research tools for cancer imaging. One of the aims of my thesis was the design and synthesis of the activatable fluorescent probes based on small molecule fluorophores modified with chemically reactive moieties. The activation of these moieties by defined targets (e.g. ROS) results in the activation of the fluorophore and subsequent emission of a fluorescent signal. Two libraries of fluorescence probes for the detection of ROS have been designed and synthesised: 1) hydrocyanine-based probes as silent fluorophores that can be activated with superoxide ions, 2) coumarin-based hydrogen peroxide probes with red-shifted fluorescent properties and different boronate activatable groups for hydrogen peroxide sensing. We have performed in vitro assays to evaluate the fluorescence response of our probes as well as experiments in relevant live cells to assess their application for detection of ROS in live cells with molecular resolution. Moreover, cancer cells also overexpress Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags that can recognize specifically EGFR receptors in cells are promising tools for the enhanced diagnosis of cancer. Two near-infrared cyanine Raman reporters were synthesized with a carboxylic group that was conjugated to cysteamine for derivatization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This work was performed in the CSIR-NIIST (Kerala, India), where I did a 3-month PhD placement. I conjugated the cyanine reporters to spherical AuNPs of 40 nm diameter, and measured their Raman intensity and stability. The best SERS nanotags were selected for encapsulation with PEG and subsequently derivatization with anti-EGFR-EP22 antibodies. In vitro characterization of the SERS nanotags was performed: SERS and absorbance spectra, electron microscopy images as well as SERS imaging experiments in A549 lung cancer cells.

As nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs), com formatos e distribuição de tamanhos definidos, têm atraído grande atenção devido às suas propriedades óticas e e catalíticas únicas, que dependem de da forma e tamanho de AuNPs e que são importantes para diversos aplicações. O desenvolvimento de métodos simples e ecológicamente seguros para a síntese de AuNPs de tamanho e forma controlados, empregando reagentes de baixo custo e de fácil manuseamento é, portanto, de grande importância. Considerando isto, realizou-se um estudo sistemático para preparar nanoparticlus de ouro (AuNPs) e prata (AgNPs) com um controle de forma e tamanho, empregando exclusivamente glicerol como um agente redutor flexivel, eco-friendly e de baixo custo. Em primeiro lugar, descrevemos um novo one-pot método para a preparação de nanorods ou nanobastões de ouro (AuNRs) monocristalinos com quase 100% de rendimento empragando o glicerol em meio alcalino como agente redutor e Brometo de hexadeciltrimetilamónio (CTAB) como agente controlador da forma de particulas. Podemos conseguir um controle da razões de aspecto (Aspect ratio do inglês, AR = 2 a 6), rendimento de AuNRs (27-99%) bem como da posicao de banda de absorção óticas de AuNRs (de 620 a 1200 nm) simplesmente variando as condições experimentais, principalmente o pH de meio reaccional (variou-se entre 12-13,5) e a concentração do AgNO3. Descobrimos que a formação de AuNRs é mais rápida a pH mais alto (> 11) e a maior temperatura (> 30 ° C), mas o rendimento de AuNRs é menor (< 70%). A análise de HRTEM mostrou que os AuNRs crescem na direcção [001] e têm uma estrutura do tipo fcc monocristalina, isenta de falhas estruturais ou deslocamentos. Em segundo lugar, realizamos com sucesso, pela primeira vez, a formação de nanoparticlulas esféricas de ouro (AuNPs), quase monodispersas de cerca de 8 nm, utilizando o glicerol bruto conhecido localmente como Glicerina Loíra (crude glycerol (CG) do inglê), tal como recebido, da planta de biodiesel pela. Não foi realizado nehum tratamento químico ou físico específico do CG, exceto filtração simples. Utilizaram-se duas amostras diferentes de CG com diferentes teores de glicerol (65% e 73%) e diferentes níveis de impurezas (baixo e alto) e tipos (orgânicos e inorgânicos) para preparar AuNPs, a fim de estudar o efeito de possíveis impurezas na formato e distribuição de tamanho de AuNPs. Para comparação, foram também preparadas AuNPs utilizando glicerol comercial puro (99,5%) em condições experimentais idênticas. Foram obtidos AuNPs com tamanho e formato semelhantes em ambos os casos (glicerol puro comercial e CG) indicando que o glicerol comercial pode ser substituído por CG na síntese de AuNPs e as impurezas orgânicas e inorgânicas não afectam significativamente a distribuição de tamanho de AuNPs preparadas . Este estudo abre novas possibilidades para um eco-friendly preparação de nanopartículas metálicas utilizando o CG com um agente redutor barato, não tóxico e biodegradável como. Em terceiro lugar, desenvolvemos um método de síntese de AuNPs do tipo Ligand-free (sem uso de agente establizante) empregando o glicerol tanto como agente redutor quanto com agente estabilizador. A ideia era evitar o uso de um agente estabilizante externo que muitas vezes diminui a actividade catalítica ou afeta adversamente a biocompatibilidade dos sistemas surfactante/AuNPs. Obtiveram-se AuNPs coloidais estáveis com uma distribuição de tamanho razoavelmente estreita (8 &plusmn; 3 nm) por este método e verificou-se que a estabilidade e distribuição de tamanho das partículas dependiam da razão água/glicerol, temperatura e pH dos meios reaccionais. Tais ligand-free AuNPs preparados utilizando glicerol podem ser utilizadas nas aplicações catáliticas e biomédicas. / Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) especially with a control of size and shape have attracted great attention due to their shape-dependent optical properties that are important for many applications. The development of simpler and greener methods for the synthesis of size- and shape-controlled AuNPs employing low-cost and easily handled reagents is thus of great importance. Thus we have carried out a systematic study to prepare shape- and size-controlled AuNPs and AgNPs employing exclusively glycerol as an eco-friendly, low cost and pH-tunable reducing agent. Firstly, we report a new one-pot seedless method for the preparation of single-crystalline AuNRs in almost 100% yield based on the use of glycerol in alkaline medium as the reducing agent and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the shape-controlling agent. We could achieve a control of the aspect ratio (AR= 2 to 6), AuNRs yield (27-99%) as well the LSPR band of the AuNRs (620 to 1200 nm) by simply varying the experimental conditions, principally the pH of the reaction media (varied between 12-13.5 ) and the concentration of the AgNO3. We found that the formation of AuNRs is faster at higher pH (>11) and higher temperature (>30°C) but the AuNRs yield is smaller (< 70%). HRTEM analysis showed that the AuNRs grow in [001] direction and have a perfect single crystalline fcc structure, free from structural faults or dislocations. Secondly, we successfully carried out the formation of nearly monodisperse spherical AuNPs of around 8 nm using the as-received crude glycerol (CG) from the biodiesel plant for the first time. No special chemical or physical treatment of CG except simple filtration was carried out. Two different crude glycerol samples with different glycerol contents (65% and 73%) and different impurity levels (low and high) and types (organic and inorganic) were employed to prepare AuNPs so as to study the effect of possible impurities on the shape and size distribution of AuNPs. For comparison, AuNPs were also prepared using pure commercial (99.5 %) glycerol under identical experimental conditions. AuNPs with similar size and shape were obtained in both cases (commercial pure glycerol as well as CG) indicating that commercial glycerol can be replaced with CG in the AuNPs synthesis and the organic and inorganic impurities do not significantly affect the particle size distribution of prepared AuNPs. This study opens up new possibilities for the environment-friendly preparation of metallic nanoparticles using the low-cost, non-toxic and biodegradable CG as a reducing agent. Thirdly, we developed a ligand-free one-pot synthesis method of AuNPs employing the eco-friendly glycerol both as reducing agent and stabilizing agent. The idea was to avoid the use of an external stabilizing agent which often hinder the catalytic activity and adversely affect the biocompatibility of the surfactant/AuNP systems. Stable AuNPs with reasonably good size distribution (8 &plusmn; 3 nm) were obtained by this method and the stability and size distribution of the particles was found to be dependent on the water/glycerol ratio, temperature and pH of the reaction media. Such surfactant-free biocompatible AuNPs prepared using the eco-friendly glycerol may find useful applications in catalysis and biomedical applications.

Nanopartículas de ouro são \"blocos de construção\" muito versáteis para a preparação de novos nanomateriais híbridos funcionais. Suas propriedades físico-químicas permitem a criação de sistemas capazes de absorver luz, transportar elétrons ou, ainda, interagir com moléculas e biomoléculas. Nesta tese foram estudados os fatores que influenciam o Espalhamento Raman Intensificado pela Superfície (SERS), visando o aumento da sensibilidade da técnica pela formação de compósitos com nanopartículas magnéticas, além de explorar a estratégia de montagem coordenativa para a preparação de nanomateriais híbridos contendo complexos de rutênio visando o desenvolvimento de sensores para moléculas e/ou íons moleculares. Assim, foi demonstrado como é possível aumentar o sinal de espalhamento Raman obtido em pelo menos 30%, através do controle da relação número de moléculas/ nanopartícula de ouro. Ou seja, verificou-se que a melhor relação sinal ruído foi alcançado com cerca de 16 mil moléculas de fenantrolina por nanopartícula de ~42 nm, gerando espectros mais definidos e sem a presença de bandas indesejáveis, por exemplo associadas aos agentes estabilizantes. Essa propriedade das nanopartículas de ouro foi potencializada por meio da associação com nanopartículas superparamagnéticas de óxido de ferro gerando substratos SERS sensíveis, reprodutíveis, de preparação simples e baratos. A interação entre as nanopartículas de ouro e as nanopartículas superparamagnéticas foram monitoradas por espectroscopia eletrônica no ultravioleta-visível, microscopias eletrônicas de varredura e de transmissão e microscopias de campo escuro e hiperespectral. Verificou-se que as nanopartículas interagem fortemente entre si gerando materiais supramoleculares que podem ser atraídas e concentradas utilizando-se um imã, para a realização de medidas de espectroscopia Raman/SERS. Essa nova metodologia e substrato SERS possibilitaram a quantificação de azul de metileno e de fenantrolina em concentrações na faixa de 5x10-9 a 5x10-11 mol dm-3. De fato, foi observado um aumento do sinal Raman de até 60 vezes, quando comparado ao sinal sem a concentração magnética. Finalmente, a interação das nanopartículas de ouro com três diferentes clusters trigonais de acetato de rutênio (ou, simplesmente, clusters de rutênio) simétricos, com os ligantes 4-cianopiridina, 4,4\'-bispiridina e trans-1,2-bis(4-piridil)etileno como substituintes axiais foi explorado para a preparação de polímeros de coordenação funcionais. Os clusters de rutênios foram caracterizadas por espectroscopia eletrônica no ultravioleta-visível, eletroquímica e espectroeletroquímica. A seguir os clusters de rutênio foram utilizados como \"réguas molecular\", explorando a diferença de tamanho e o fato delas funcionarem como \"moléculas-pontes\", para a realização de estudos de acoplamento plasmônico, acompanhando-se tal fenômeno por espectroscopia eletrônica no ultravioleta-visível. A interação entre as nanopartículas de ouro e os clusters de rutênio puderam ser estudadas por espectroscopia de ressonância plasmônica de superfície (SPR), onde foi investigado o processo de formação de filmes por meio da técnica. Estes foram caracterizados por espectroscopia Raman utilizando lasers de excitação de 532 e 785 nm, onde foram observados as bandas vibracionais dos clusters de rutênio e as contribuições ressonante, eletromagnética e de transferência de cargana intensificação Raman. Esses nanomateriais híbridos foram ainda imobilizados sobre eletrodos de vidro condutor e utilizados como sensores eletroquímicos para detecção de nitrito na faixa de concentrações entre 0,5x10-6 e 1x10-3 mol dm-3. / Gold nanoparticles are \"building blocks\" very versatile for the preparation of new functional hybrid nanomaterials . Their physicochemical properties allow the creation of systems capable of absorbing light, electron transportation, or even interact with molecules and biomolecules. In this thesis we studied the factors that influence the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), in order to increase the sensitivity of the technique by forming composites with magnetic nanoparticles, as well as explore the coordinative assembly strategy for the preparation of hybrid nanomaterials containing complexes ruthenium for the development of sensors for molecules and/or molecular ions . Thus, it was shown how is possible to increase the Raman signal obtained by at least 30 % just controlling the relative number of molecules/gold nanoparticle. That is, it was found that the best signal to noise ratio was achieved with about 16 thousand of molecules per nanoparticle ~ 42 nm, more defined and generating spectra without the presence of undesirable bands, for example, associated with stabilizers. This property of gold nanoparticles was enhanced by association with superparamagnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide generating sensitive SERS substrates, reproducible, with simple preparation methodology and inexpensive. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and superparamagnetic nanoparticles were monitored by electronic spectroscopy in the ultraviolet -visible, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and dark field and hyperspectral microscopy. It was found that the nanoparticles interact strongly which can be attracted and concentrated using a magnet for the realization of Raman spectroscopy measurements / SERS. This new methodology, and SERS substrate, allowing the quantification of methylene blue concentrations and phenantroline in the range of 5x10-9 to 5x10-11 mol dm-3. In fact , we observed an increase in the Raman signal up to 60 times when compared to the signal without the magnetic concentration. Finally, the interaction of gold nanoparticles with three different clusters trigonal ruthenium acetate (or simply ruthenium clusters) symmetrical with the ligand 4- cyanopyridine, 4,4\'-bispiridina and trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene axial been explored as substituents for the preparation of functional coordination polymers. Ruthenium Clusters were characterized by electron spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical. After that, the ruthenium clusters were used as \"molecular rulers\", exploring the size difference and the fact that they can act as \" molecules-bridges \" for studies of plasmon coupling, following up this phenomenon by electronic spectroscopy in the ultraviolet - visible. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and ruthenium clusters could be studied by spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), where it investigated the process of formation of films by the technique. These were characterized by Raman spectroscopy using laser excitation of 532 and 785 nm, which were observed vibrational bands of ruthenium clusters and contributions resonant electromagnetic and transfer cargana Raman enhancement. These hybrid nanomaterials were also immobilized on glass electrodes and conductive used as electrochemical sensors for the detection of nitrite concentrations in the range of 0.5 x10-6 to 1x10-3 mol dm-3.

Ce travail porte sur l'étude in operando des nanoparticules d'or supportées sur TiO2(110) pendant la réaction d'oxydation du CO. Il s'inscrit dans l'objectif de comprendre les propriétés catalytiques de l'or qui apparaissent à l'échelle nanométrique. Les paramètres géométriques et structuraux des nanoparticules d'or ont été mesurés en présence de 20 mbar d'oxygène ou d'argon, de 0.1-0.2 mbar de CO et en conditions réactionnelles (oxygène + CO à 473 K), par GISAXS et par GIXD en suivant simultanément la composition des gaz par spectrométrie de masse. L'exposition au mélange réactionnel déclenche une évolution instantanée des nanoparticules avec une augmentation de leur taille moyenne qui varie de la même manière que l'activité catalytique. Par contre l'oxygène et le CO ne provoquent pas de changement et seule la température a un effet. Ces évolutions démontrent l'importance des mesures in operando pour déterminer le lien qui existe entre la taille et l'activité des nanoparticules. La variation de l'activité catalytique en fonction du diamètre présente un maximum pour des particules de 2 nm de diamètre et de 1.4 nm de hauteur. Au-dessus de ce maximum, elle suit une loi de puissance du diamètre, d-2.4 ± 0,3, comme attendu pour des sites actifs situés sur les atomes de basse coordinence. La diffraction X montre que, pendant la réaction, les nanoparticules conservent la structure CFC du cristal d'or, mais la distance inter-plan se contracte quand la taille des particules décroit ce qui intervient dans la baisse d'activité au dessous de 2 nm. Cependant d'autres paramètres peuvent aussi avoir un effet négatif sur la réactivité comme la forme des particules et le fait que plus elles sont petites plus elles s'agglomèrent sur les bords de marche du substrat. La similitude des tailles obtenues par GISAXS et par GIXD et de leur comportement sous gaz réactifs indique que les particules mesurées par ces deux techniques sont les mêmes. De plus, la forte corrélation entre la variation de l'activité et les évolutions observées par GISAXS montre que ce sont les particules actives qui sont sondés par les rayons x. La comparaison des résultats avec ceux déjà publiés indique que le comportement que nous avons décrit sur la dépendance de l'activité catalytique des nanoparticules d'or sur TiO2, pour l'oxydation du CO, est représentative des propriétés de ce système. Cependant, il est nécessaire de vérifier expérimentalement comment ces résultats obtenus à 473 K peuvent être extrapolés à température ambiante. L'installation dans notre dispositif d'une nouvelle chambre de réaction doit permettre de gagner un ordre de grandeur en sensibilité et rendre envisageable une telle étude. Mots clés : Catalyse, nanoparticules d'or, GISAXS, diffraction X, in operando, oxydation du CO. / This work focuses on the in operando study of gold NPs supported on TiO2(110) during the CO oxidation reaction. Its goal is the understanding of the catalytic properties of gold appearing at the nanometer scale. The geometrical and structural parameters of gold nanoparticles were measured in the presence of 20 mbar of oxygen or argon, of 0.1-0.2 mbar of CO and reaction conditions (oxygen + CO at 473 K), by GISAXS and GIXD, by simultaneously tracking the gas composition by mass spectrometry. Exposure to the reaction mixture triggers an instantaneous evolution of nanoparticles with an increase in their average size which varies in the same way that the catalytic activity. Contrariwise, oxygen and CO don't cause any changes and only the temperature has an effect. These evolutions show the importance of in operando measures to determine the relationship between the size and activity of nanoparticles. The variation of catalytic activity depending on the diameter exhibits a maximum for particles of 2 nm in diameter and 1.4 nm in height. Above this maximum, it follows a power law of the diameter, d-2.4 ± 0.3, as expected for active sites located on the atoms of low coordination number. X-ray diffraction shows that during the reaction, the nanoparticles retain the FCC structure of the gold crystal, but the inter-plane distance contracts when the particle size decreases, which leads to the drop of the activity below 2 nm. However, other parameters may also have a negative effect on reactivity, such as the particle shape and the fact that the smaller the particles, the more they congregate on the edges of the substrate step. The similarity of the sizes obtained by GISAXS and GIXD, and their behavior under reactant gases indicates that the particles measured by both techniques are the same. In addition, the strong correlation between the activity variation and the evolutions observed by GISAXS shows that the active particles are those scanned by the X rays. The comparison of our results with those already published shows that the behavior we have described on the dependence of the catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on TiO2, for CO oxidation reaction, is representative of the properties of this system. However, it is necessary to check experimentally how the results obtained at 473 K can be extrapolated to room temperature. The installation of a new reaction chamber in our setup has to allow us to gain an order of magnitude in sensitivity and make possible such a study. Keywords: Catalysis, gold nanoparticles, GISAXS, X-ray diffraction, in operando, oxidation of CO

Material science is an interdisciplinary area of research, which in part, designs and characterizes new materials. Research is concerned with synthesis, structure, properties, and performance of materials. Discoveries in materials science have significant impact on future technologies, especially in nano-scale applications where the physical properties of nanomaterials are significantly different than their bulk counterparts. The work presented here discusses the use of ferritin, a hollow sphere-like biomolecule, which forms metal oxo-hydride nanoparticles inside its protein shell for uses as a bio-inorganic material.Ferritin is capable of forming and sequestering 8 nm metal-oxide nanoparticles within its 2 nm thick protein shell. A variety of metal-oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized inside ferritin. The work herein focuses on three distinct areas:1) Ferritin's light harvesting properties: namely band gaps. Discrepancies in the band gap energies for ferritin's native ferrihydrite mineral and non-native minerals have been previously reported. Through the use of optical absorption spectroscopy, I resolved the types of band gaps as well as the energy of these band gaps. I show that metal oxides in ferritin are indirect band gap semiconductors which also contain a direct transition. Modifications to the ferrihydrite mineral's band gaps are measured as a result of co-depositing anions into ferritin during iron loading. I demonstrate that these band gaps can be used to photocatalytically reduce gold ions in solution with titanium oxide nanoparticles in ferritin. 2) A new method for manganese mineral synthesis inside ferritin: Comproportionation between permanganate and Mn(II) forms new manganese oxide minerals inside ferritin that are different than traditional manganese oxide mineral synthesis. This reaction creates a MnO2, Mn2O3, or Mn3O4 mineral inside ferritin, depending on the synthesis conditions. 3) Ferritin as an energetic material: Ferritin is capable of sequestering various metals and anions into its interior. Perchlorate, an energetic anion, is sequestered through a co-deposition process during iron loading and is tested with energetic binding materials. Peroxide, which can be used as an oxidant, is also shown to be sequestered within apoferritin and combined with an aluminum based fuel for solid rocket propellants.

Parmi les technologies basées sur H2 comme vecteur d’énergie, les biopiles à combustibles utilisant des enzymes comme biocatalyseurs spécifiques et efficaces au lieu des catalyseurs au platine apparaissent comme des alternatives émergentes. L’objectif de cette thèse est de comprendre les paramètres gouvernant l’immobilisation fonctionnelle sur des interfaces nanostructurées d'enzymes spécifiques de l’oxydation de H2 et de la réduction d’O2 en vue de désigner une biopile H2/O2 performante.Divers nanomatériaux sont caractérisés, nanoparticules d’or (AuNP) et nanotubes de carbone (CNT), présentant différentes tailles et chimie de surface, aptes à développer des ratios importants surface/volume, autorisant une augmentation du nombre de molécules enzymatiques incorporées et donc une augmentation des courants catalytiques. L’immobilisation des enzymes sur AuNP a permis de discriminer entre l’augmentation de surface ou un effet nano sur l’efficacité catalytique. L’étude intégrée sur CNT, avec les charges de l’interface électrochimique, les charges et moments dipolaires des enzymes considérées, a permis de démontrer que les interactions électrostatiques contrôlent le processus de transfert d’électrons. Cette étude montre que les bases moléculaires pour une immobilisation efficace des enzymes, obtenues sur monocouches est applicables aux réseaux 3D.La détermination des nanostructures optimales pour les réactions enzymatiques est étudiée pour un changement d’échelle. Ainsi des feutres de carbone sont fonctionnalisés avec les nanostructures adaptées, pour au final développer la première biopile H2/O2 capable d’alimenter un multicapteur et un système de communication sans fil. / Among the technologies based on H2 as an energy carrier, biofuel cells that use specific and effective enzymes as biocatalysts instead of platinum catalysts appear as emerging alternative. The objective of this thesis is to understand the parameters governing the functional immobilization of specific enzymes for H2 oxidation and O2 reduction reactions on nanostructured interfaces, aimed to design a performant H2 / O2 biofuel cell.Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) having different sizes and surface chemistry are characterized. These nanomaterials develop important ratios surface / volume ratio, allow an increment in the number of enzyme molecules immobilized and therefore an increase catalytic currents. The immobilization of enzymes on AuNP allowed the discrimination between the increase in surface area and a nanomaterial effect on catalytic efficiency. The study on CNT integrates the charge of the electrochemical interface, dipole moments and the surface charge of enzymes. It demonstrated that electrostatic interactions control the electron transfer process. This study shows that the molecular basis for effective immobilization of enzymes, obtained on monolayers is applicable to 3D networks.The determination of the best parameters for enzymatic reactions, allows the development of an optimized 3-D volumetric interface based on carbon felt. We finally design for the first time a H2/O2 biofuel cell able to generate enough electric power to feed a complete wireless communication device.

Cette thèse a exploré comment, en introduisant des interfaces nanostructurées dans des systèmes supramoléculaires pour l'électronique, il est possible de moduler, ajouter et étudier les propriétés des nano-objets. Sur ces applications de fonctionnalisation auto-assemblée des limites, le contrôle thermique sur les propriétés intrinsèques, la modulation lumineuse des structures chimiques et physiques ont été trouvés comme étant des techniques adaptées pour affecter le système supramoléculaire fonctionnalisé nano-structuré pour l'électronique organique. Des nanoparticules d'or ont été utilisées pour générer des interfaces qui ont été fonctionnalisés afin d'étudier l'effet de transport de charge dans un transistor à couche mince organique. Par conséquent, cette approche a été intensifiée en employant des molécules photochromiques et par le contrôle du piégeage de charge par irradiation de lumière. Le même principe a été utilisé pour moduler l'injection de charge dans les transistors à haute performances, par fonctionnalisation des électrodes appropriées avec des diaryléthènes. Enfin, une approche différente pour contrôler le dépôt de flocons de graphène sur surface diélectrique a été employée avec succès pour concevoir de nouveaux éléments de mémoire par ajustement de l'alignement des niveaux énergétiques du graphène après recuit thermique. / This thesis explored how, by introducing nanostructured interfaces in supramolecular system for electronics, is possible to modulate, tune, add and study properties arising from nano-objects. On these purposes self-assembled functionalization of boundaries, thermal control on intrinsic properties, light modulation of chemical and physical structures have been found as tailored techniques to affect nano-structured functionalized supramolecular system for organic electronics. Gold nanoparticles have been used to generate interfaces that have been functionalized in order to study charge transport effect in organic thin film transistor. Therefore this approach has been stepped up employing photochromic molecules and controlling charge trapping with light irradiation. The same principle has been used to modulate charge injection in high performance transistors, by functionalizing electrodes with appropriate diarylethenes. Finally, a different approach of controlling deposition of graphene flakes on dielectric surface has been successfully employed to design new memory elements by tuning energetic level alignment of graphene with thermal annealing.

Le design et l’ingénierie de nanoparticules d’or (AuNPs) polyfonctionnelles suscitent un intérêt considérable en vue d’applications en nanomédecine, reconnaissance moléculaire, dans le domaine des capteurs et en catalyse dans un environnement aqueux. Cette thèse a été dédiée à une variété de fonctionnalisations, en particulier à l’aide de la méthode “click” impliquant la catalyse par le cui vre (I) de lacycloaddition des alcynes terminaux avec les azotures avec le catalyseur [Cu(hexabenzyltren)] Br pour l’introduction de polyéthylène glycol, carborane,ferrocène, coumarine, cyclodextrine, médicaments et molécules fluorescentes sur les AuNPs. Les ligands dits “click”, c’est-à-dire des 1,2,3-triazoles fonctionnalisés en positions 1,4 et formés de cette façon ont été ici largement utilisés afin de stabiliser des AuNPs pour des applications biomédicales et catalytiques en collaboration. / The design and molecular engineering of multi-functional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is of considerable interest towards applications in nanomedicine, molecular recognition, sensing and catalysis in aqueous environments. This thesis has been devoted to a variety of functionnalizations, in particular with the copper(I)-catalyzed Alkyne Azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) using thecatalyst [Cu(I)(hexabenzyltren] Br for the introduction of polyethylene glycol,carborane, ferrocene, coumarin, cyclodextrin, drugs and fluorescent probes. The so called “clicked” ligands, 1,4 -bifunctional triazoles, that were formed in this way have been exensively used to stabilize AuNPs for biomedical and catalytic collaborative applications.

<p>The fascinating optical properties of metallic nanostructures, dominated by collective oscillations of free electrons known as plasmons, open new opportunities for the development of devices fabrication based on noble metal nanoparticle composite materials. This thesis demonstrates a low-cost and versatile technique to produce stimuli-responsive ultrafast plasmonic nanostructures with reversible tunable optical properties. Albeit challenging, further control using thermal external stimuli to tune the local environment of gold nanoparticles embedded in VO2 host matrix would be ideal for the design of responsive functional nanocomposites. We prepared Au-VO2 nanocomposite thin films by the inverted cylindrical reactive magnetron sputtering (ICMS) known as hollow cathode magnetron sputtering for the first time and report the reversible tuning of surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles by only adjusting the external temperature stimuli. The structural, morphological, interfacial analysis and optical properties of the optimized nanostructures have been studied. ICMS has been attracting much attention for its enclosed geometry and its ability to deposit on large area, uniform coating of smart nanocomposites at high deposition rate. Before achieving the aforementioned goals, a systematic study and optimization process of VO2 host matrix has been done by studying the influence of deposition parameters on the structural, morphological and optical switching properties of VO2 thin films. A reversible thermal tunability of the optical/dielectric constants of VO2 thin films by spectroscopic ellipsometry has been intensively also studied in order to bring more insights about the shift of the plasmon of gold nanoparticles imbedded in VO2 host matrix.</p>