La technique du laser femtoseconde (fs) a été précédemment utilisée pour la production de nanoparticules d'or dans un environnement aqueux biologiquement compatible. Au cours de ce travail de maîtrise, cette méthode a été investiguée en vue d'une application pour la fabrication de nanocristaux de médicament en utilisant le paclitaxel comme modèle. Deux procédés distincts de cette technologie à savoir l'ablation et la fragmentation ont été étudiés. L'influence de la puissance du laser, de point de focalisation, et de la durée du traitement sur la distribution de taille des particules obtenues ainsi que leur intégrité chimique a été évaluée. Les paramètres ont ainsi été optimisés pour la fabrication des nanoparticules. L’évaluation morphologique et chimique a été réalisée par microscopie électronique et spectroscopie infrarouge respectivement. L'état cristallin des nanoparticules de paclitaxel a été caractérisé par calorimétrie differentielle et diffraction des rayons X. L'optimisation du procédé de production de nanoparticules par laser fs a permis d'obtenir des nanocristaux de taille moyenne (400 nm, polydispersité ≤ 0,3). Cependant une dégradation non négligeable a été observée. La cristallinité du médicament a été maintenue durant la procédure de réduction de taille, mais le paclitaxel anhydre a été transformé en une forme hydratée. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que le laser fs peut générer des nanocristaux de principe actif. Cependant cette technique peut se révéler problématique pour des médicaments sensibles à la dégradation. Grâce à sa facilité d'utilisation et la possibilité de travailler avec des quantités restreintes de produit, le laser fs pourrait représenter une alternative valable pour la production de nanoparticules de médicaments peu solubles lors des phases initiales de développement préclinique. Mots-clés: paclitaxel, nanocristaux, laser femtoseconde, ablation, fragmentation / Femtosecond (fs) laser ablation and fragmentation, a novel technique based upon the breakdown of material using laser energy was previously used for the production of fine gold nanoparticles in suspension. This technique has been newly investigated for the fabrication of paclitaxel nanocrystals in aqueous solution. In this work, we report the fabrication and characterization of paclitaxel nanocrystals generated by fs laser technology. Two distinct methods of this technology have been explored: ablation and fragmentation. The influence of the laser power, focusing position and treatment time on the particle size, size distribution and chemical integrity of the drug has been studied. Morphology and chemical composition of the finest paclitaxel nanocrystal formulation was studied by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses were employed to evaluate the polymorphic state of the paclitaxel nanocrystals. Optimal laser fabrication parameters have been established for the fabrication of uniformly small sized paclitaxel nanocrystals. Those optimal conditions generated finely-sized paclitaxel nanoparticles (400 nm, PDI ≤ 0.3) with a considerable degradation. The drug remained crystalline upon nanonization at high power, though the anhydrous crystals were converted to a partially hydrated form. These findings suggest that drug nanocrystals could be produced using the fs laser technology; however, this technique may be inappropriate for drugs sensitive to degradation. Moreover, the simple fabrication of drug nanocrystals using the fs laser fragmentation presents a great asset for the intial phases of preclinical development of many poorly soluble drug candidates, which are not as sensitive as paclitaxel. Keywords: paclitaxel, nanocrystals, femtosecond, ablation, fragmentation

Exciting periods of scientific research are often associated with discoveries of novel materials. Such period was brought about by the successful preparation of graphene which is a 2D allotrope of carbon with remarkable electronic, optical and mechanical properties. Functional graphene-based nanocomposites have great promise for applications in various fields such as energy conversion, opteoelectronics, solar cells, sensing, catalysis and biomedicine. Herein, microwave and laser-assisted synthetic approaches were developed for decorating graphene with various semiconductor, metallic or magnetic nanostructures of controlled size and shape. We developed a scalable microwave irradiation method for the synthesis of graphene decorated with CdSe nanocrystals of controlled size, shape and crystalline structure. The efficient quenching of photoluminescence from the CdSe nanocrystals by graphene has been explored. The results provide a new approach for exploring the size-tunable optical properties of CdSe nanocrystals supported on graphene which could have important implications for energy conversion applications. We also extended this approach to the synthesis of Au-ceria-graphene nanocomposites. The synthesis is facilely conducted at mild conditions using ethylenediamine as a solvent. Results reveal significant CO conversion percentages between 60-70% at ambient temperatures. Au nanostructures have received significant attention because of the feasibility to tune their optical properties by changing size or shape. The coupling of the photothermal effects of these Au nanostructures of controlled size and shape with GO nanosheets dispersed in water is demonstrated. Our results indicate that the enhanced photothermal energy conversion of the Au-GO suspensions could to lead to a remarkable increase in the heating efficiency of the laser-induced melting and size reduction of Au nanostructures. The Au-graphene nanocomposites are potential materials for photothermolysis, thermochemical and thermomechanical applications. We developed a facile method for decorating graphene with magnetite nanocrystals of various shapes (namely, spheres, cubes and prisms) by the microwave-assisted-reduction of iron acetylacetonate in benzyl ether. The shape control was achieved by tuning the mole ratio between the oleic acid and the oleyamine. The structural, morphological and physical properties of graphene-based nanocomposites described herein were studied using standard characterization tools such as TEM, SEM, UV-Vis and PL spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, XPS and Raman spectroscopy.

Title: Preparation of magnetic and optical nanoparticles Author: Anton Repko Department: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University of Prague Supervisor: RNDr. Daniel Nižňanský, Ph.D. Supervisor's e-mail address: niznansk@natur.cuni.cz Abstract: In the present work we study methods of preparation of magnetic and optical nanoparticles by hydrothermal method. Specifically, we prepared particles of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF4) doped by Yb3+ a Er3+ from corresponding nitrates in the system of water - ethanol - oleic acid, and in modified systems. By this method, it is possible to prepare particles of narrow size distribution (monodisperse particles). Pre- pared particles of ferrite show superparamagnetism and particles of NaYF4 up-conversion, i.e. conversion of infrared (980 nm) to visible light. Keywords: nanocrystals, superparamagnetism, up-conversion, CoFe2O4, NaYF4, hydrothermal synthesis

Master of Science / Department of Chemistry / Emily McLaurin / Cu-doped ZnSe/CdSe core/shell nanocrystals were synthesized using the growth doping method. Upon shell growth, the nanocrystals exhibit dual emission. The green luminescence peak is assigned as band edge emission and the broad, lower energy red peak is due to Cu dopant. Although, the oxidation state of Cu in the nanocrystals is debated, the emission is explained as recombination of a hole related to Cu²⁺ with an electron from the conduction band. The emission changed in the presence of dodecanethiol. Generally, the band edge emission intensity decreases and the Cu emission intensity increases. One explanation is the thiol acts as a hole trap, preventing hole transfer to the conduction band. Samples were obtained with varying amounts of Cd²⁺. In the presence of larger amounts of Cd²⁺, the nanocrystals had “thicker shells”, and both the band edge and Cu emission were less sensitive to thiol. The sensitivity likely decreased because the shelled, larger nanocrystals have fewer surface defects resulting in more available electrons.

Orientador: José de los Santos Guerra / Resumo: Os materiais vítreos a base de TeO2 têm sido amplamente estudados e suas potencialidades requerem particular atenção para o desenvolvimento de novos sistemas vitrocerâmicos. Neste trabalho, com o objetivo de formar nanocristais de BaTiO3 (na fase tetragonal) através da estequiometria do sistema xBaO–xTiO2–(100–2x)TeO2 (BTT), tratamentos isotérmicos foram realizados sob diferentes condições. Desse modo, foram investigadas as propriedades físicas do sistema BTT para as composições x = 7,5, 10,0 e 12,5 mol%, de nomenclaturas 85BTT, 80BTT e 75BTT, respectivamente. As amostras foram obtidas pelo método convencional de fusão, seguido de um rápido resfriamento (quenching). Particularmente, suas propriedades térmicas, estruturais e óticas foram analisadas a partir de Análise Térmica Diferencial (DTA), Difração de raios-X (DRX), Espectroscopia Raman (ER) e de Absorção Ótica (AO). Os resultados revelaram uma forte influência das concentrações de BaO-TiO2 nas propriedades estudadas, que pode ser associada à quebra de simetria da unidade estrutural elementar (TeO4), devido à variação estrutural TeO4TeO3+1TeO3, ao caráter covalente das ligações TeO, a presença do par de elétrons livres na camada de valência do TeO2 e, consequentemente, à formação de oxigênios não ligantes (NBO’s). As bandas de cortes no UV-Vis apresentaram absorção fundamental na região de 400-450nm, onde a rede mais polimerizada da composição 80BTT proporcionou os valores mais elevados do gap indireto (Ei = 2,87eV) e ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: TeO2-based glassy materials have been extensively studied and their potentialities require particular attention for the development of new ceramic-glass materials. In this work, viewing the formation of tetragonal BaTiO3 nanocrystals by considering the xBaO–xTiO2–(100–2x)TeO2 (BTT) stoichiometry formula, isothermal treatments were performed under different conditions. Thus, the physical properties of the BTT system were investigated for compositions with x = 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mol%, hereafter labeled as 85BTT, 80BTT and 75BTT, respectively. The samples were obtained by the conventional fusion method followed by rapid cooling (known as the quenching method). Particularly, the thermal, structural and optical properties were studied from Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Absorption (OA) analyses. The results showed a strong influence of the BaO-TiO2 concentrations on the studied properties, which could be related to the symmetry breaking of the elemental structural unit (TeO4), due to the TeO4→TeO3+1→TeO3 structural variation, the covalent character of the Te−O bonds, the presence of the lone-pair valence electrons in the TeO2 and, consequently, the formation of non-binding oxygen (NBO's). The UV-Vis cut-off bands revealed the fundamental absorption in the 400-450nm region, where the most polymerized network of the 80BTT samples has provided the highest indirect (Ei = 2.87eV) and direct (Ed = 2.96eV) gap values. The resu... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Hydrothermal method of nanoparticle preparation, involving oleic acid, has received certain attention in the last years. However, the published works lack systematic approach to the subject, and the mechanism was not thoroughly investigated, so as to achieve a predictable outcome of the synthesis. The present work investigated the influence of composition of organic and water phase on the synthesis of cobalt ferrite (cobalt(II)-iron(III) oxide) and magnetite nanoparticles, and the mechanism of nanoparticle formation was proposed. Organic phase was based on pentanol, octanol or toluene, containing the precursor - metal oleate. Besides hydrophobic particles, it was even possible to directly prepare hydrophilic oleate-coated particles by using water phase with sodium oleate. Synthetic procedure was then simplified by a separate preparation of cobalt-iron oleate, which led also to a product of narrower size distribution and better phase purity. Size control in the range of 6-11 nm and a batch yield of ca. 500 mg was achieved. Attention was given also to the surface modification of the particles, thus imparting them hydrophilicity. Small di- or tricarboxylic acids were utilized, as well as carboxylmethyl dextran and titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide required additional protection with...

A nanotecnologia tem sido empregada como plataforma para o desenvolvimento de formas farmacêuticas com maior eficácia e segurança. A redução do tamanho de partículas em escala nanométrica permite conferir ao material propriedades inovadoras que têm sido exploradas em inúmeras aplicações, principalmente na indústria farmacêutica. Essa nova característica permite aumentar a biodisponibilidade oral de fármacos pouco solúveis em água. Os nanocristais apresentam como vantagens o aumento da solubilidade de saturação e da velocidade de dissolução. Tais propriedades são decorrentes da sua maior área superficial. Além disso, os nanocristais apresentam excelente adesão em superfícies biológicas. Essa característica resulta não apenas em uma melhor biodisponibilidade, mas também em redução na variação da biodisponibilidade de fármacos pouco solúveis em água. A malária é uma doença negligenciada prevalente nos países emergentes e afeta mais de 210 milhões de pessoas no mundo. Dentre as terapias medicamentosas para o tratamento da malária, o artemeter, derivado da artemisinina, apresenta potente atividade esquizonticida na fase hepática e na fase eritrocítica. Esse fármaco, amplamente utilizado no tratamento da malária, apresenta baixa solubilidade em água limitando sua biodisponibilidade oral. Tendo em vista a melhoria dessa característica, foram utilizados os métodos de moagem a alta energia, homogeneização a alta pressão e moagem via úmida, em escala reduzida para a obtenção de nanocristais. Esse último método foi aquele que permitiu a redução das partículas em escala nanométrica. O método por moagem a alta energia (MAE) revelou, nas condições experimentais do presente trabalho, 10% (D0,1) da população das partículas com diâmetro menor ou igual a 3,504 ± 0,19 µm, 50% (D0,5) menor ou igual a 14,225 ± 0,34 µm e 90% (D0,9) menor ou igual a 57,306 ± 5,72 µm. O diâmetro hidrodinâmico médio foi 25,01 ± 2,08 µm, sendo que o fator limitante na redução do tamanho da partícula foi a densidade do artemeter. Resultados similares foram obtidos empregando método de homogeneização a alta pressão. Diferentes tensoativos foram avaliados empregando o método selecionado, a moagem via úmida em escala reduzida. O agente estabilizante soluplus® foi aquele que favoreceu a redução do tamanho das partículas. Tal característica foi observada por meio de análise térmica. Essa análise permitiu determinar o grau de amorfização mínima, assim como, a presença de fortes ligações moleculares entre o fármaco e diferentes polímeros. A utilização do método por moagem via úmida em escala reduzida permitiu a obtenção de nanocristais de artemeter (formula R2-MUR), com diâmetro hidrodinâmico médio (DHM) igual a 342 ± 16,3 nm, índice de polidispersão (IP) de 0,23 ± 0,01 e distribuição monomodal de tamanho. Essa preparação otimizada foi obtida por meio de planejamento de experimentos por superfície de resposta tendo como variáreis independentes as concentrações de artemeter e do agente estabilizante (Soluplus®) além do tempo de moagem. As respostas foram o DHM e o IP, determinados utilizando espalhamento de luz dinâmica (DLS). Adicionalmente, as avaliações empregando calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e difração de raio X (DRX) revelaram que não houve alteração na estrutura cristalina do artemeter e interação entre o fármaco e os excipientes. O presente trabalho permitiu a obtenção de nanocristais de artemeter com solubilidade de saturação até 2,0 e 1,8 vezes maior em água e tampão McIlvaine (pH 2,5) respectivamente, comparada ao fármaco micronizado. Além disso, a preparação liofilizada foi estável após armazenamento por três meses a temperatura de 25 e 4 °C. / Nanotechnology has been used as a platform for the development of pharmaceutical forms with greater effectiveness and safety. The reduction of particle size on a nanometric scale enables innovative properties to the material. These properties have been exploited in numerous applications, mainly in the pharmaceutical industry. This novel feature allows increasing the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Nanocrystals have advantages such as increased saturation solubility and dissolution rate. These properties are due to their greater surface area. In addition, nanocrystals exhibit excellent adhesion on biological surfaces. This characteristic results not only in a better bioavailability but also in a reduction in the bioavailability variation of poorly water-soluble drugs. Malaria is a neglected disease prevalent in emerging countries and affects more than 210 million people worldwide. Among the medicinal therapies for the treatment of malaria, artemisinin-derived, artemether has potent schizonticidal activity in the liver and erythrocyte phases. This drug, widely used in the treatment of malaria, presents low solubility in water limiting its oral bioavailability. In order to improve this characteristic, the methods of high energy milling, high-pressure homogenization and wet milling on a reduced scale were used to obtain nanocrystals. This last method was the one that allowed the reduction of the artemether particles in nanoscale. The high energy milling method revealed, in the experimental conditions of the present study, 10% (D0,1) of the population of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 3,504 ± 0,19 µm, 50% (D0,5) less than or equal to 14.225 ± 0.34 µm and 90% (D0.9) less than or equal to 57.306 ± 5.72 µm. The mean hydrodynamic diameter was 25.01 ± 2.08 µm, being the limiting factor in the reduction of particle size the density of the artemether. Similar results were obtained using a high-pressure homogenization method. Different surfactants were evaluated using the selected method, wet milling on a reduced scale. The stabilizing agent soluplus® was the one that favored the reduction of the particle size. This characteristic was observed by thermal analysis. This analysis allowed determining the degree of minimum amorphization, as well as the presence of strong molecular bonds between the drug and some polymers. The wet milling on a reduced scale method allowed obtaining artemether nanocrystals (formula R2-MUR) with a mean hydrodynamic diameter (MHD) of 342 ± 16.3 nm, polydispersity index (PdI) of 0,23 ± 0.01 and monomodal distribution. These preparations were obtained through the response surface methodology (RSM) having as independent variables the concentrations of artemether and stabilizing agent (Soluplus®) and the milling time. MHD and PdI were performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, evaluations using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that there was no change in the crystal structure of the artemether and interaction between the drug and the excipients. The present work allowed obtaining of artemether nanocrystals with saturation solubility up to 2.0 and 1.8 times higher in water medium and McIlvaine buffer (pH 2.5), respectively, compared to the micronized drug. In addition, the lyophilized preparation was stable after storage for three months at 25 and 4 ° C.

De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde, existem atualmente 17 doenças tropicais negligenciadas prevalentes em 149 países, afetando aproximadamente um bilhão de pessoas, a nível global. A leishmaniose, problema de saúde prevalente nos países em desenvolvimento, é endêmica em aproximadamente 98 países e territórios, com 350 milhões de pessoas em risco e 12 milhões de casos de infecção no mundo. A transmissão da doença ocorre pela picada de flebotomíneos fêmeas infectadas. Essa doença apresenta três formas principais: leishmaniose cutânea (LC), leishmaniose mucocutânea (LMC) e leishmaniose visceral (LV). Enquanto a leishmaniose cutânea é a forma mais comum da doença, a leishmaniose visceral é a mais grave e pode ser fatal se não for tratada. Em 2016, o Brasil reportou 3.626 e 12.690 casos de LC e LV, respectivamente. O candidato a fármaco hidroximetilnitrofural (NFOH) mostrou atividade contra o parasita da doença de chagas e da leishmaniose. Embora o NFOH seja promissor para o tratamento da leishmaniose, esse possui baixa solubilidade em água. A nanotecnologia tem sido empregada como plataforma para o desenvolvimento de formas farmacêuticas inovadoras com maior eficácia e segurança. A redução do tamanho de partículas em escala nanométrica permite aumentar a biodisponibilidade oral de fármacos pouco solúveis em água. Os nanocristais apresentam vantagens, tais como, o aumento da solubilidade de saturação e da velocidade de dissolução, decorrentes do aumento da área superficial da partícula. Além disso, esses apresentam maior adesividade às membranas biológicas, membrana celular e superfície do trato gastrointestinal. No presente trabalho utilizou-se a moagem por via úmida em escala reduzida para a obtenção dos nanocristais de NFOH. Diferentes tensoativos foram avaliados empregando o método selecionado, os tensoativos poloxamer 188 e poloxamer 407 foram os que favoreceram a redução do tamanho das partículas. Tal característica foi observada na caracterização físico-química das nanosuspensões de NFOH. A utilização desse método permitiu a obtenção de nanocristais de NFOH, com diâmetro hidrodinâmico médio (DHM) de 184,8 ± 0,5 a 325,9 ± 2,2 nm, índice de polidispersão (IP) de 0,21 ± 0,01 a 0,57 ± 0,01 e DHM de 191,3 ± 2,1 a 326,8 ± 4,6 nm e IP de 0,21 ± 0,01 a 0,50 ± 0,01, respectivamente para o poloxamer 188 e 407. O uso de ambos os tensoativos resultaram em distribuição monomodal de tamanho das partículas. As formulações foram obtidas por meio de planejamento fatorial completo e experimentos por superfície de resposta tendo como variáreis independentes as concentrações de NFOH, dos tensoativos e o tempo de moagem. A resposta, DHM, foi determinada utilizando espalhamento de luz dinâmica (DLS). Adicionalmente, as avaliações empregando calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e difração de raio X (DRX) revelaram que não houve interação entre o fármaco e os excipientes, assim como, não foi observada alteração na estrutura cristalina do NFOH. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura demonstrou a morfologia característica do estado cristalino. Além disso, a preparação liofilizada apresentou instabilidade após armazenamento por três meses a temperatura de 25 e 4 °C. / According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 17 neglected tropical diseases prevalent in 149 countries, affecting approximately one billion people globally. Leishmaniasis, a health problem prevalent in developing countries, is endemic in approximately 98 countries and territories, with 350 million people at risk and 12 million cases of infection worldwide. The transmission of the disease occurs by the bite of infected female sandflies. This disease has three main forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). While cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most usual form of the disease, visceral leishmaniasis is the most serious and can be fatal if left untreated. In 2016, Brazil reported 3.626 and 12.690 cases of LC and LV, respectively. The drug candidate for hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) showed activity against the parasite of chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Although NFOH is promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis, it has low solubility in water. Nanotechnology has been used as a platform for the development of innovative pharmaceutical forms with greater effectiveness and safety. Particle size reduction on the nanoscale enables the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs to be increased. Nanotechnology has been used as a platform for the development of innovative pharmaceutical forms, improving effectiveness and safety. Particle size reduction on the nanoscale enables the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs to be increased. Nanocrystals have advantages such as increased saturation solubility and dissolution rate due to the increase in the surface area of the particle. In addition, this present greater adhesiveness to the biological membranes, cell membrane and surface of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present work, wet scale milling was used to obtain NFOH nanocrystals. Different surfactants were evaluated using the selected method, poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407 surfactants favored the reduction of particle size. This characteristic was observed in the physical-chemical characterization of NFOH nanosuspensions. The use of NFOH nanocrystals with a mean hydrodynamic diameter (DHM) of 184.8 ± 0.5 to 325.9 ± 2.2 nm, polydispersity index (IP) of 0.21 ± 0, 01 to 0.57 ± 0.01 for poloxamer 188 and DHM of 191.3 ± 2.1 at 326.8 ± 4.6 nm and IP of 0.21 ± 0.01 at 0.50 ± 0.01 for poloxamer 407, both with monomodal size distribution. The formulations were obtained by means of complete factorial planning and surface response experiments having as independent variables the concentrations of NFOH, surfactants and milling time. The response, DHM, was determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, evaluations using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (DRX) revealed that there was no change in the crystal structure of NFOH and interaction between the drug and the excipients. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the characteristic morphology of the crystalline state. In addition, the lyophilized preparation was instable after storage for three months at 25 and 4 ° C.

Foram utilizadas proteínas da famÌlia das GFPs e nanocristais fluorescentes de CdSe/ZnS para caracterização da interação e verificação de transferência de energia por ressonância (FRET) entre estes compostos. Formou-se dois pares doador-receptor onde ora uma proteína figurava como doadora, ora um nanocristal ocupava este papel. Verificou-se que, em ambos os casos, o doador sofre supressão da fluorescência após a formação de complexo com o receptor, complexo este motivado por interação eletrostática e dependente de pH. Foi possível comprovar, através da observação de emissão sensitizada e redução da anisotropia, que entre o par formado por nanocristal com emissão no verde e proteína HcRed1 como receptora, de fato ocorre FRET. As distâncias aparentes entre doador e receptor foram determinadas a partir da eficiência da supressão da fluorescência do doador e da distância de Förster. As distâncias assim obtidas são compatíveis com as dimensões das proteínas e dos nanocristais / Proteins belonging to the GFP family were used to characterize their interaction with fluorescent CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals and to verify the occurrence of resonance energy transfer (FRET) among these elements. Two donor-acceptor pairs were established, one having a protein as donor and the other having a nanocrystal as donor. In both cases the donor suffers quenching of its fluorescence after the formation of a complex with the acceptor. The complex formation is dependent on pH and is due to electrostatic interaction. It was possible to prove the occurrence of FRET between CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals emitting green fluorescence as donors and the protein HcRed1 as acceptor, through the detection of sensitized emission and anisotropy reduction. Apparent donor-acceptor distances were determined from efficiency measurements and Förster distances. The obtained distances agreed with the protein and nanocrystal dimensions

Neste trabalho foi estudada a otimização de síntese de nanocristais de KY3F10 pelo método de co-precipitação utilizando óxidos de terras raras (TR2O3) dissolvidos em HCl ou seus cloretos (TRCl3), fluoreto de potássio (KF) e bifluoreto de amônio (NH4HF2) como materiais de partida. A composição inicial dos reagentes precursores nas proporções molares de 1KF:1YCl3:3NH4.HF2 foi estabelecida para a obtenção do material monofásico. Constatou-se também que a diminuição da concentração por evaporação da concentração de amônio contido na solução aquosa do bifluoreto de amônio foi essencial para garantir o sucesso deste método. Nanopós puros e dopados foram caracterizados com relação à sua estrutura cristalina, tamanho e forma dos cristalitos e presença de fases secundárias. Foram obtidos aglomerados de partículas contendo nanocristais aproximadamente esféricos com tamanhos em torno de 10 nm. Os dopantes incorporados foram estudados através de emissão óptica e seus mecanismos de transferência de energia foram comparados àqueles obtidos nos cristais volumétricos. Através deste estudo foi possível determinar a eficiência de emissão de nanocristais de KY3F10:Er, KY3F10:Nd, KY3F10:Eu e KY3F10:Yb:Nd:Tm com relação ao tamanho dos nanocristais e com relação ao efeito da adsorção dos reagentes precursores. A emissão do túlio (Tm3+) na região do azul, através do fenômeno de conversão ascendente, na amostra triplamente dopada (Yb/Nd/Tm), com excitação em 802 nm, foi obtida com sucesso. Um estudo preliminar das propriedades dosimétricas foi feito através da detecção da termoluminescência de pastilhas irradiadas com radiação gama e apresentaram picos termoluminescentes em torno de 180°C e 225ºC, além disso, verificou-se a reprodutibilidade e a linearidade da resposta às doses aplicadas. / In this work, it was studied the optimization of the synthesis of KY3F10 nanocrystals by the coprecipitation method using rare earth oxides ( TR2O3 ) dissolved in HCl or their chlorides (TRCl3), potassium fluoride (KF) and ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) as starting materials. The initial composition of the precursor reagents in molar proportions of 1KF:1YCl3:3NH4.HF2 was established for obtaining single-phase material. It was also established that the concentration reduction by evaporation of the ammonia contained in the ammonium bifluoride aqueous solution was essential to ensure the success of this route. Pure and doped nanopowders were characterized related to crystal structure, size and shape of the crystallites and to the presence of secondary phases. Agglomerates containing approximately spherical nanocrystals with size of around 10 nm were obtained. The incorporated dopants were studied by optical emission and their energy transfer mechanisms were compared to those obtained in volumetric crystals. Through this study, it was possible to determine the emission efficiency of KY3F10:Er, KY3F10:Nd , KY3F10:Eu and KY3F10:Yb:Nd:Tm with respect to the nanocrystals size and to the precursor reagents adsorption effect. The blue emission of Thulium (Tm3+) by upconversion in triply doped samples (Yb/Nd/Tm) was successfully obtained with excitation at 802 nm. A preliminary study was made of the dosimetric properties by detecting the thermoluminescence of irradiated pellets with gamma radiation and the curves showed peaks around 180°C and 225°C, moreover, reproducibility and linearity of the response to the doses applied were checked.