Neste trabalho foram investigadas a atividade antialérgica de extratos, ou substâncias isoladas, obtidos de fontes naturais. Para isso foi utilizado o sistema biossensor baseado em mastócitos os quais liberam a enzima beta-hexosaminidase usada como marcador da degranulação. Para algumas substâncias naturais da classe dos flavonóides (quercetina-Qc e rutina-Rt) e ácidos polifenólicos (ácido dimetoxicinâmico-Dm e ácido cafeico-Cf), os ensaios biológicos foram conduzidos na presença de beta-ciclodextrina (beta-CD) a fim de estudar a eficiência do ensaio biológico e o efeito de complexação na atividade antialérgica. Inicialmente, foram investigadas, as propriedades espectroscópicas destes flavonóides e ácidos polifenólicos, na ausência, e presença de beta-CD. As mudanças nos espectros de absorção e fluorescência, em presença de beta-CD, mostraram que ocorre a associação dos fármacos com a beta-CD. Assim, as constantes de incorporação (Kc) foram determinadas pelo método de Higuchi e Connors e os resultados mostraram maior incorporação da Qc (Kc = 172 /M) na cavidade da beta-CD quando comparada a Rt (Kc = 139 /M). No caso dos polifenóis, Dm mostrou incorporação maior em relação ao Cf, com valores de Kc iguais a 718 e 278 /M, respectivamente. Os valores de Kc foram considerados apropriados para a aplicação de compostos de inclusão como agentes terapêuticos. Assim, os complexos de inclusão sólidos, foram preparados por uma adaptação do método da co-evaporação e caracterizados por Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA), Análise Térmica Diferencial (DTA), Calorimetria Diferencial de Varredura (DSC), espectroscopia na região do Infravermelho (FTIR) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Prótons (1H-RMN). O parâmetro físico-químico para interação hidrofóbica (log P) foi determinado para os flavonóides e acidos polifenólicos e os resultados indicaram que a hidrofobicidade seguiu a seguinte ordem: Dm > Cf > Qc > Rt. Os complexos de inclusão foram mais eficazes para inibir a liberação da beta-hexosaminidase do que os fármacos na forma livre. A atividade anti-alérgica da Qc livre (IC50= 5,1 µM) mostrou um aumento de oito vêzes quando complexada com a beta-CD (IC50= 0,62 µM). Um aumento da atividade foi observado, também, para os complexos Rt/CD, Cf/CD e Dm/CD. Este efeito foi mais forte para os compostos com maior hidrofobicidade. A atividade antialérgica das substâncais naturais livres provenientes de várias classes de plantas tais como flavonóides, ácidos polifenólicos, terpenos, alcalóides e iridóides foi, também, investigada. Os flavonóides tais como quercetina (IC50= 5,1 µM), 7-metil quercetina (IC50= 6,2 µM), caempferol-3-glicosideo (IC50= 6,7 µM) and 4-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroil)--D-glicopyranosil okanina (IC50= 5,8 µM) mostraram a maior atividade antialérgica comparados ao fumarato de cetotifeno (IC50= 15,1 µM). Os extratos provenientes de diversas espécies de plantas tais como Bidens sulphurea, Bidens gardneri, Bidens graveolens, Mikania parodii Cabrera e Mikania pilosa Baker foram, também, investigados. Os resultados mostraram maior atividade para o extrato de Bidens obtido de acetato de etila. Este extrato é rico em derivados metilados de quercetina os quais exibiram forte atividade antialérgica quando utilizados no ensaio biológico como substância isolada. / Anti-allergic activity of extracts and isolated compounds obtained from natural sources was investigated using the mast-cell based biosensor system. Mast cells release beta-hexosaminidase enzyme which is used as a marker of degranulation. Flavonoids (quercetin-Qc and rutin-Rt) and polyphenolic acids (caffeic acid-Cf and dimethoxy cinnamic acid-Dm) were used as inclusion compounds with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) in order to compare the efficiency of the biological assay and the anti-allergic activity of the drugs free or associated with beta-CD. Spectroscopic properties of the flavonoids and polyphenolic acids were monitored in the absence or presence of beta-CD. The absorbance and fluorescence spectra showed drug association with beta-CD; subsequently the stability constants (kc) of the drugs were obtained in accordance with the method of the Higuchi-Connors. The results showed higher association of Qc with beta-CD (Kc= 172 /M) compared to Rt (Kc= 139 /M). For the polyphenolic acids, Dm exhibited the higher association with beta-CD compared to Cf (718 and 278 /M respectively). The Kc values felt within the range considered adequate for the formation of inclusion complex, and they can be used to improve the bioavailability of the flavonoids and polyphenolic acids. The solid inclusion compounds were obtained by an adaptation of the co-evaporation method and characterized by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TG), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H NMR). Physico-chemical parameter for hydrophobic interaction (log P) was determined for the flavonoids and polyphenolic acids and the results indicated that the hydrophobicity followed the order: Dm > Cf > Qc > Rt. The inclusion complexes were more effective at inhibiting beta-hexosaminidase release than plain drugs. The anti-allergic activity of plain Qc (IC50= 5.05 M) showed eightfold improvement when included inside the beta-CD cavity (IC50= 0.62 M). Higher biological activity on the part of the complex was also observed for the complexes Rt/CD, Cf/CD and Dm/CD. This effect was stronger for the compounds with higher hydrophobicity. The anti-allergic activity of plain natural compounds from several classes of plants such as flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, terpenes, alkaloids and iridoids was investigated. Flavonoids such as quercetin (IC50= 5.1 µM), 7-methyl quercetin (IC50= 6.2 µM), kaempferol-3-glycoside (IC50= 6.7 µM) and 4-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroil)--D-glucopyranosyl okanin (IC50= 5.8 µM) showed the stronger anti-allergic activity compared with ketotifen fumarate, a reference drug (IC50= 15.1 µM). Extracts proceeding from different species of plants such as Bidens sulphurea, Bidens gardneri, Bidens graveolens, Mikania parodii Cabrera and Mikania pilosa Baker were also investigated. The results showed stronger anti-allergic activity for ethyl acetate extracts obtained from Bidens specie. This extracts are rich in methylated quercetin derivatives which showed strong anti-allergic activity when assayed as isolated substances

Neste trabalho de Mestrado, foram feitos estudos do comportamento fotofísico da fisetina em diversos solventes através de medidas de absorção de luz UV-Visível, fluorescência estática e resolvida no tempo e da interação entre fisetina (3,3\',4\',7-tetrahidroxiflavona) e 7-hidroxiflavona com ciclodextrinas ( beta e gama) (CDs) através de experimentos de absorção de luz UV-Visível, sinal induzido de dicroísmo circular, fluorescência estática e resolvida no tempo, anisotropia de estado estacionário e RMN de 1H, focando a dependência destas medidas em função da temperatura e do pH. Os resultados experimentais foram comparados com estudos mecânico-quânticos baseados no modelo semi-empírico SAM1 (AMPAC), e nos funcionais B3LYP e MPW1PW91, da Teoria do Funcional de Densidade, empregando os conjuntos de funções de base 6-311G* e 3-21G**. Os estudos da fisetina em diferentes solventes próticos e apróticos mostraram que a fluorescência da sonda é fortemente dependente do solvente. Resultados experimentais indicam a formação de complexos de inclusão entre as CDs e os flavonóides acima. A fisetina com ?-CD forma complexo de estequiometria 1:1 nos meios neutro/ácido e básico, cujos valores de constante de complexação são 900 +- 100 +_ 240 +_ 90 (L/mol), respectivamente. Os dados teóricos evidenciaram que a inclusão da fisetina na beta-CD ocorre preferencialmente pelo anel fenila. O complexo com a gama-CD apresenta estequiometria de 1:1 em meio ácido/neutro e de 1:2 em meio básico, com constantes de complexação de 94 +- 30 e 130 +- 10 (L/mol), respectivamente. Os estudos com a 7-hidroxiflavona revelaram que somente ocorre a formação de complexos com a beta-CD de estequiometria 1:1 e não há dependência do pH. As constantes de complexação obtidas nos meios ácido/neutro e básico são similares, 1430 +-- 510 e 1220 +- 165 L/mol, respectivamente. / In this work, the photophysics of fisetin (3,3\',4\',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) in several solvents was studied through UV-vis absorption spectra, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The interaction between fisetin and 7-hydroxyflavone and cyclodextrins (b- e g-) (CDs) was also investigated by UV-vis absorption spectra, induced signal of circular dichroism, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, steady-state anisotropy, and 1H NMR, with dependence on pH and temperature. Some experimental data were compared with quantum-mechanics studies based on the SAM1 (AMPAC) semi-empirical model, as well as with the B3LYP and MPW1PW91 functional models from the Density Functional Theory using the 6-311G* and 3-21G* basis sets. The study of the photophysics of fisetin in protic and aprotic solvents showed a complex behavior and a strong dependence on the solvent. The occurrence of many equilibria between the possible structures of fisetin, e.g. the normal, a few deprotonated ones, and the tautomer due to the excited state intramolecular proton transfer can be responsible for the complex analyses of these experimental data. The spectroscopic measurements show that, at pH 4.0 and 6.5, the complex fisetin - b-CD is formed in a Fis:b-CD 1:1 stoichiometry and an equilibrium constant (K) of 900 ± 100 L/mol. In basic medium (pH 11.5), K decreases to 240 ± 90 L/mol. Molecular modeling points out that the inclusion complex is formed preferentially via entry of the fisetin phenyl group into b-CD. On the other hand, the fisetin - g-CD has a stoichiometry of 1:1 in acid/neutral solutions and of 1:2 in basic conditions. The K values are 94 ± 30 e 130 ± 10 (L/mol), respectively. The 7-hydroxyflavone can only form inclusion complexes with b-CD. The stoichiometry is 1:1 and there is no dependence on pH. Both equilibrium constants determined either in acid or basic medium is very similar to each other, 1430 ± 510, and 1220 ± 165 L/mol, respectively. For this reason, we suppose that the inclusion of this compound into b-CD is also through the phenyl ring of the flavonoid.

Le jus d'orange frais est largement apprécié par les consommateurs en raison de son goût agréable et sa haute valeur nutritionnelle. La qualité du jus d'orange frais est rapidement altérée, notamment par les microorganismes. L'addition des antimicrobiens d'origine végétale au jus d'orange pourrait augmenter la durée de vie de ce jus durant le stockage à 4 °C. Parmi ces antimicrobiens naturels, plusieurs sont sensibles aux facteurs environnementaux qui diminuent leur efficacité dans les produits alimentaires, ce qui nécessite leur incorporation dans des systèmes d'encapsulation. Bien que ce domaine soit promettant, l'évaluation de l'activité des molécules antimicrobiennes encapsulées dans des jus de fruits reste limitée. Nous avons recherché une molécule naturelle active contre Lactobacillus fermentum, une bactérie impliquée dans la détérioration du jus 'orange, dans le milieu de culture. Le nérolidol (Ner), un sesquiterpène alcool, a été sélectionné parmi 28 molécules naturelles (terpènes et phénols) criblées et a montré une puissante activité contre L. fermentum (concentration minimale inhibitrice (CMI) = 25 μM et concentration minimale bactéricide (CMB)= 50 μM) dans le milieu de culture à 37 °C. Dans la suite du travail, le Ner a été incorporé dans le complexe d'inclusion hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)/Ner, les liposomes conventionnels (LCs), les liposomes contenant le complexe d'inclusion (DCL) et les bicelles. Les analyses HPLC ont montré que les complexes d'inclusion, les LCs et le système DCL contenaient 40, 30 et 15 μg Ner/mg poudre, respectivement. En outre, les systèmes ont été caractérisés en termes de morphologie, de taille, d'homogénéité et de potentiel zêta. Le Ner a été incorporé dans les bicelles à un rapport molaire phospholipides:Ner de 100:1 sans altération de la structure du système (taille, homogénéité, potentiel zêta, morphologie). Cette formulation a montré une efficacité d'encapsulation du Ner et un taux d'incorporation des phospholipides élevés et un pourcentage de Ner dans les bicelles de 0,86%. A des concentrations plus élevées, le Ner a altéré les caractéristiques physiques (taille, homogénéité, morphologie) et thermodynamiques de la membrane des bicelles et a augmenté le désordre au niveau membranaire. Le complexe d'inclusion HP-β-CD/Ner (CMI = 100 μM et CMB= 200 μM) a montré une bonne efficacité contre L. fermentum dans le milieu de culture à 37 °C. L'efficacité du Ner libre et du complexe d'inclusion HP-β-CD/Ner a énormément diminué dans le jus d'orange réfrigéré, vu qu'un effet bactéricide total a été obtenu après 8 et 17 jours d'incubation, respectivement, à 2000 μM en Ner. Alors que les liposomes ont bloqué cette activité pour au moins 20 jours et ont altéré l'aspect du jus. A 4000 μM en Ner libre ou incorporé dans le complexe d'inclusion, une mort bactérienne totale a été observée après 5 et 6 jours, respectivement. En outre, la présence du complexe d'inclusion n'a pas modifié le pH et l'acidité titrable du jus, alors qu'une faible augmentation du degré de Brix a été observée. Des études ultérieures sur l'activité antibactérienne des bicelles incorporant le Ner peuvent être envisagées pour déterminer l'efficacité du système préparé. Ce système pourrait être aussi caractérisé en termes de cinétique de libération, de protection du Ner / Fresh orange juice is widely appreciated by consumers due to its pleasant taste and high nutritional value. Fresh orange juice is rapidly altered during storage, especially by microorganisms. The addition of plant-derived antimicrobials to orange juice may increase its shelf life during storage at 4 °C. Many of these natural antimicrobials are sensitive to environmental factors which reduce their effectiveness in food products. Therefore, their incorporation into encapsulation systems is required. Although this strategy is promising, the evaluation of the activity of encapsulated antimicrobials in fruit juices remains limited. In this study, we searched for a natural molecule active against Lactobacillus fermentum, a bacterium involved in the deterioration of orange juice, in the culture medium. Nerolidol (Ner), a sesquiterpene alcohol, was selected among 28 natural molecules (terpenes and phenols) and showed a potent activity against L. fermentum (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 25 μM and minimal bactericidal concentration (CMB) = 50 μM) in culture medium at 37 °C. Ner was incorporated into hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex, conventional liposomes (CLs), dug-in-cyclodextrin-in liposome (DCL) and bicelles. HPLC analysis showed a Ner content of 40, 30 and 15 μg per mg powder of HP-β-CD/Ner inclusion complex, LCs, and DCL system, respectively. In addition, the systems were characterized in terms of morphology, size, homogeneity, and zeta potential. Ner was incorporated in bicelles at a phospholipids to Ner molar ratio of 100:1 without altering the structural characteristics of the system (size, homogeneity, zeta potential, morphology). This formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency of Ner, a high phospholipid incorporation rate, and a molar percentage of Ner in bicelles of 0.86%. At higher concentrations, Ner altered the physical (size, homogeneity, morphology) and the thermodynamic parameters of the bicelles membrane in addition to the increase in membrane fluidity. The HP-β-CD/Ner inclusion complex (MIC = 100 μM and CMB = 200 μM) showed good efficacy against L. fermentum in the culture medium at 37 C. The efficacy of free Ner and HP-β-CD/Ner inclusion complex was greatly reduced in refrigerated orange juice, as a total bactericidal activity was observed after 8 and 17 days of incubation, respectively, at a Ner concentration of 2000 μM. Whereas, liposomes blocked this activity for at least 20 days and altered the appearance of the juice. At 4000 μMof free Ner or Ner incorporated into the inclusion complex, a total bacterial death was observed after 5 and 6 days, respectively. In addition, the presence of the inclusion complex did not alter the pH and the titratable acidity of the juice, while a slight increase in the Brix degree value was observed. Subsequent studies on the antibacterial activity of bicelles incorporating Ner may be considered to determine the effectiveness of the prepared system. This system could also be characterized in terms of release rate and Ner stability

A ciclodextrina glicosiltransferase [E.C. 2.4.1.19; CGTase] é uma enzima industrialmente importante, usada para produzir ciclodextrinas. Neste trabalho foi utilizado o planejamento experimental e a metodologia de superfície de resposta a fim de identificar as melhores condições para a produção de CGTase pela bactéria alcalófila Bacillus circulans. As melhores condições de temperatura e pH, para a produção de CGTase foram, respectivamente, 36 ºC e 9,7. Em seguida, utilizando estes parâmetros otimizados, a produção de CGTase foi avaliada em cultivos submersos, batelada e batelada alimentada, e em cultivo semi-sólido (CSS), usando um resíduo fibroso de soja (SIFR) como substrato. Nos cultivos em batelada, a atividade máxima de CGTase obtida foi de 1155 U.mL-1, em aerobiose. A produção de CGTase foi bastante influenciada pelo fluxo de ar e pela agitação, sendo que uma alta produtividade enzimática (155 U.(mLh)-1) foi obtida em condições de aeração moderada (400 rpm para a velocidade de agitação e 1,7 vvm para o fluxo de ar). Com estes parâmetros otimizados, a produtividade de CGTase obtida em cultivo em batelada alimentada foi de 137 U.(mLh)-1, com uma taxa de alimentação de 0,17 g.(Lh)-1. O crescimento celular e a síntese de CGTase, usando o resíduo fibroso de soja como substrato apresentou um rendimento de 32.776 U.g(SIFR) -1. As diferentes abordagens utilizadas neste trabalho poderão ser aplicadas para a produção de outras enzimas amilolíticas e também para a produção de CGTase com outros substratos. / Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase [E.C. 2.4.1.19; CGTase] is an industrially important enzyme, which is used to produce cyclodextrins. In this study we report the use of experimental factorial design and response surface methodology to find the best conditions for CGTase production by alkaliphilic Bacillus circulans. The optimized calculated values for the tested variables were pH 9.7 and temperature 36oC. The CGTase production was further studied with the optimized process parameters on submerged cultivations (SC), batch or fedbatch, and solid-state cultivations (SSC) using soybean industrial fibrous residue (SIFR). The maximum CGTase activity obtained on batch cultivation was 1,155 U.mL-1 under aerobic conditions. The CGTase production was strongly affected by air flow rate and agitation speed, showing high enzyme productivity (155 U.mL-1h-1) under moderate conditions of aeration (400 rpm for speed agitation and 1.7 vvm for air flow rate). With these optimized process parameters, CGTase productivity obtained on fed-batch cultivations was 137 U.mL-1h-1, with feeding rate at 0.17 g.L-1h-1. Cell growth and CGTase synthesis in SSC using soybean industrial fibrous residue as substrate was excellent, with CGTase yield of 32,776 U.g(SIFR) -1. The different approaches used in this study may also find applications for the production of other starch-converting enzymes and also for other CGTase-producing substrates.

A furosemida é um fármaco de ação diurética e amplamente utilizado em tratamentos de doenças renais, cardíacas e pulmonares. Sua absorção é problemática e de alta variabilidade inter e intraindividual. Este fármaco tem sido classificado como pertencente às classes II (baixa solubilidade e alta permeabilidade) ou IV (baixa permeabilidade e baixa solubilidade) do Sistema de Classificação de Biofarmacêutica (SCB). Em estudos anteriores da equipe de pesquisa, SPRICIGO e colaboradores (2008) e SILVA (2014) desenvolveram complexos de furosemida com hidroxipropil-&#946;-ciclodextrina que permitiram a otimização da solubilidade deste fármaco. Entretanto, dados sobre a sua permeabilidade intestinal, quando complexado, não foram determinados. Somando-se a isto, a literatura apresenta informações distintas em relação a este parâmetro, o que corrobora a importância de se avaliar a permeabilidade deste fármaco. Diversas técnicas têm sido empregadas para a avaliação da permeabilidade intestinal dos fármacos. No presente trabalho empregou-se o modelo de perfusão in situ de passagem tripla, cuja técnica possibilita avaliar a permeabilidade em três segmentos diferentes em um mesmo animal e ainda, apresenta características interessantes, pois trata-se de um método que proporciona, durante todo o experimento, condições mais próximas daquelas encontradas durante o processo in vivo de absorção de fármacos no intestino tais como: suprimento sanguíneo, inervação intacta, preservação das proteínas transportadoras de membranas e presença da camada de muco. O presente trabalho foi dividido nas seguintes etapas: (i) obtenção da furosemida complexada com hidroxipropil-&#946;-ciclodextrina, (ii) caracterização dos fármacos utilizando técnicas de análises térmicas, (iii) estudo de perfusão in situ de passagem tripla nos três segmentos intestinais (duodeno, jejuno e íleo) de ratos machos Wistar na ausência e na presença de inibidores da glicoproteína P e de enzimas metabolizadoras CYP3A4 com posterior análise estatística do impacto da ciclodextrina e inibidores na permeabilidade da furosemida e; (iv) análise histológica das microvilosidades intestinais após o ensaio de perfusão in situ nos três segmentos intestinais. Os valores encontrados em cada segmento para furosemida complexada foram: 8,58 ± 0,002 x 10-5 cm.s-1; 9,15 ± 0,003 x10-5 cm.s-1 e; 8,06 ± 0,002 x 10-5 cm.s-1, respectivamente para duodeno, jejuno e íleo enquanto que para furosemida pura encontraram-se os seguintes: 3,42 ± 0,08 x 10-5 cm.s-1 para duodeno; 3,87 ± 0,11 x 10-5 cm.s-1 para jejuno e 3,08 ± 0,001 x 10-5 cm.s-1 para íleo. Assim sendo, os valores obtidos para a permeabilidade da furosemida complexada foram significativamente superiores (p < 0,05) aos da furosemida pura, sugerindo que, a ciclodextrina pode ter influência no mecanismo de transporte da furosemida, que é via passiva paracelular. Quanto aos mecanismos envolvidos na permeabilidade da furosemida através dos enterócitos, pode-se sugerir que observou-se pouca influência dos inibidores da glicoproteína P (P-gp) e da enzima CYP3A4, sugerindo que não há uma participação importante destes mecanismos em sua absorção intestinal. / Furosemide, which is a diuretic drug, is widely used in heart, kidney and pulmonary disease treatments. The absorption is problematic with high variability inter and intra individuals. This drug has been classified as belonging to class II (low solubility and high permeability) or IV (low permeability and low solubility) of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS). In previous studies of the research team, Spricigo and colleagues (2008) and Silva (2014) developed complex of furosemide with hydroxypropyl-&#946;-cyclodextrin which allowed the optimization of the solubility of this drug. However, datas concerning it\'s intestinal permeability, when complexed, have not been determined. Addicted to this, the literature shows many information regarding to this parameter, which confirms the importance of the evaluation of the permeability of this drug. Some techniques have been employed in order to evaluate the intestinal permeability of drugs. In the present work, a triple single-pass intestinal perfusion technique was used for three different segments. This technique enables the evaluation of the permeability of different segments in the same animal and also has interesting features such as: it provides during all the experiment conditions closer to those found in in vivo process of a drug absorption in the gut; blood supply; intact innervations; preservation of membrane transporter proteins and presence of mucus layer. This study was divided into the following steps: (i) obtaining furosemide complexed with hydroxypropyl-&#946;-cyclodextrin, (ii) characterization of drugs using techniques of thermal analysis, (iii) perfusion study in situ triple passage in three segments (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) from male Wistar rats in the absence and presence of inhibitors of P-glycoprotein and metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 and subsequential statistical analysis of the impact of the cyclodextrin and the inhibitors in the permeability of furosemide and (iv) histological analysis of intestinal microvilli after in situ perfusion assay in three segments. The values found in each segment for complexed furosemide were: 8,58 ± 0,002 x 10-5 cm.s-1; 9,15 ± 0,003 x 10-5 cm.s-1; 8,06 ± 0,002 x 10-5 cm.s-1, respectively for duodenum, jejunum and ileum while for pure furosemide, the values were: 3,42 ± 0,08 x 10-5 cm.s-1 to duodenum; 3,87 ± 0,11 x 10-5 cm.s-1 to jejunum and 3,08 ± 0,001 x 10-5 cm.s-1 to ileum. Thus, the values obtained for the permeability of the complexed furosemide were significantly higher (p < 0,05) than those found for pure furosemide, suggesting that the cyclodextrin might have an influence on the transport mechanism of furosemide, which is passive paracellular route. About the mechanisms involved in the permeability of furosemide through the enterocytes, it can be suggested that there was little effect of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors and CYP3A4 enzyme, suggesting that there is an important role of these mechanisms in the furosemide intestinal absorption.

D. Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / In the present era of water resources scarcity, efficient treatment of wastewater is a major prerequisite especially for growing economy. Numerous approaches have been studied for the development of cheaper and more effective adsorbents for removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants from wastewater. The present study seeks to harness the potential of biosorption and nanotechnology by producing more efficient, selective, mechanically stable and effective adsorbents for removal of organic and inorganic pollutants. The biosorbent-magnetic nanomaterial was synthesized by coating magnetite nanoparticles with sodium hydroxide treated pine cone by co-precipitation method. Magnetite coated pine bio-composite was then modified by cross-linking with hexamethylene diisocyanate and epichlorohydrin to the molecular recognition compound “cyclodextrin”. These novel biosorbent-magnetic nanoparticle materials were explored in overcoming the drawbacks of the biosorbent alone and selectively remove inorganic and organic pollutants from complex matrices. The synthesized materials were characterized by several analytical techniques including, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM–EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer, Emmett and Teller Isotherm (BET) surface area analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc). Sodium hydroxide treated pine cone and magnetite coated pine cone were applied for both chromium(VI) and arsenic(III) adsorption while the magnetite coated pine cone, magnetite coated pine cone crosslinked to cyclodextrin using both epichlorohydrin and hexamethylene diisocyanate were applied for 4-nitrophenol removal from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption studies were performed to optimize operating parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and initial concentration. Pseudo first, pseudo second, intraparticle diffusion, pore and film diffusion kinetic models were determined to investigate the mechanism of adsorption process. Coefficient of correlation, r2, and variable error, methods were also applied in the determination of the best fit of the kinetic method. Structural characterization of magnetite coated pine cone and the magnetite coated pine crosslinked to cyclodextrin using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and epichlorohydrin were confirmed by characterization techniques applied. The adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol was found to be dependent on the solution pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, temperature and ionic strength. Kinetic modelling revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol is controlled by pseudo second order kinetic model suggesting surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion model. Intraparticle, pore and film diffusion models gave further insight into the controlling diffusion mechanism involved in the adsorption process for all pollutants investigated. Equilibrium studies indicated that the adsorption of all pollutants followed Langmuir isotherm indicating that adsorption sites are homogeneous in nature. The obtained thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III) and 4-nitrophenol were spontaneous, favourable and endothermic in nature. Anionic effect positively affected Cr(VI) and As(III) removal but had a negative effect on the 4-nitrophenol adsorption. Adsorption of 4-nitrophenol onto the nanocomposite adsorbents was attributed to multiple adsorbent-adsorbate interactions such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic attraction and guest host interaction. Magnetite coated pine better removed Cr(VI) and As(III) from aqueous solution than NaOH treated pine cone biomaterial while the magnetite coated pine crosslinked to cyclodextrin using 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate exhibited better adsorption performance for 4-nitrophenol removal than the nanocomposite crosslinked using epichlorohydrin and the magnetite coated pine cone.

L’objectif de cette thèse était de réaliser des désodorisants, obtenus à partir de différentes essences naturelles. Ceux-ci doivent être efficaces dans l’amélioration du microclimat des atmosphères de travail. Une étude fondamentale sur l'optimisation de l'extraction des essences naturelles et l'identification des composants de ces essences a été réalisée par GC/MS. Nous avons étudié également les processus de reconnaissance moléculaire entre les composants majoritaires de ces essences et des CDs natives ou modifiées. La stabilité de ces complexes a été mesurée par trois méthodes différentes : l’headspace statique, la spectrophotométrie UV-visible et la microcalorimétrie de titration isotherme. La réalisation d’adsorbants à base de cyclodextrines a été effectuée en utilisant des polymères de cyclodextrine synthétisés à partir de l’épichlorhydrine ainsi que des matériaux hybrides de type CM-β-CD/LDH. L’efficacité des désodorisants obtenus a été évaluée en mesurant la durée de libération des composés odorants. / The objective of this thesis was to develop air fresheners from various natural essences. Those must be efficient in the improvement of working atmosphere microclimate. A fundamental study on the optimization of extraction of natural essences andidentification of components of these essences was performed by GC/MS. We have also studied the process of molecular recognition between the major components of these essences and native or modified CDs. The stability of these complexes was measured by three different methods: static headspace, UV-visible spectrophotometry and isothermal titration microcalorimetry.The realization of adsorbents supports based on cyclodextrins was carried out by using cyclodextrin polymers synthesized from epichlorohydrin and hybrid materials of CM-β-CD/LDH type. The efficiency of air fresheners was evaluated by measuring the release time of odorous compounds.

The investigation and control of the properties of carbon based materials such as fullerenes and nanotubes is a highly dynamic research field. Due to its unique properties, e.g. an almost nano-dimensional size, three-dimensional cage topology, hydrophobicity, rich redox- and photochemistry, large absorption cross section, C60 has a high potential as building block for molecular devices and biological applications. It can be functionalized, anchored to a surface and self-assembled into larger supramolecular entities, such as monolayers. Mass spectrometry and related techniques such as ion-molecule reactions, action spectroscopy and ion mobility have been used throughout this work to study fullerene based systems, ranging from hydrides, derivatives, non-covalent complexes and coordinated metal complexes. Simulations predicting structural, electronic and mechanical properties have been combined with the experimental results to assist in their analysis and interpretation. Using ion molecule reactions, the reactivity of gas phase C60 anions with methanol has been studied. Hydride formation by simple collisions in the gas phase with methanol as well as reversible dehydrogenation by infrared multiphoton activation has been demonstrated. C60 functionalization by 3-azido-3-deoxythymidine (AZT) has been performed and the charged product characterized both by collisional activation and action spectroscopy. Deprotonation has been shown to lead to rearrangements of the nucleoside analogue and to a subsequent charge transfer to the fullerene. To prevent unwanted rearrangements and side reactions, encapsulation of C60 is suggested, the host molecule acting as a steric barrier. C60 complexation by γ-cyclodextrins has been performed and the ions of the complexes characterized both by collisional activation and ion mobility. It has been demonstrated that, compared to deprotonated species, the sodiated C60:(γ-cyclodextrin)2 ions were highly compact structures. With only two small polar caps accessible to reagents, sodiated C60: (γ-cyclodextrin)2 complexes sterically protect the C60 core from unwanted side reactions. Finally, explorative work on C60 immobilization on silver colloids using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and on the characterization of C60 complexes with iron and manganese porphyrin is presented.

Résumé : A ce jour, lutilité des cyclodextrines comme adjuvant pharmaceutique nest plus à démontrer. En biologie cellulaire, la méthyl-b-cyclodextrine est un outil couramment utilisé par les expérimentateurs. La déstructuration quelle induit au niveau des microdomaines membranaires que sont les radeaux lipidiques ou les cavéoles est mise à profit pour létude des fonctions cellulaires qui y sont associées. Le but de notre recherche est détudier les interactions de différentes cyclodextrines couramment utilisées dans le domaine pharmaceutique avec les constituants des membranes liposomales ou biologiques afin de mieux comprendre les conséquences de ces interactions au niveau cellulaire. Lhypothèse dune interaction des cyclodextrines avec les constituants lipophiles des membranes cellulaires a souvent été énoncée pour expliquer la cytotoxicité de certains dérivés. Nous avons pu montrer à laide de liposomes unilamellaires utilisés comme modèles membranaires, que linteraction des cyclodextrines avec leurs constituants, en particulier le cholestérol, est en relation avec une perte de lintégrité de la membrane. Ces premières études nous ont permis de prédire quels seraient les dérivés qui induiraient la cytotoxicité la plus importante. La cytotoxicité importante de certains dérivés méthylés (D.S. proche de 2) a été corrélée avec une capacité dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire relativement élevée. A linverse, nous avons montré que les dérivés faiblement substitués extraient peu le cholestérol, ce qui permet dexpliquer la meilleure tolérance observée au niveau biologique avec la Crysmeb et lHP-b-CD. Nous nous sommes ensuite intéressés à leffet de la b-CD et de ses dérivés méthylés sur la déstructuration des microdomaines membranaires. Nous avons étudié la relation entre leur capacité de déstructuration des cavéoles et dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire. Une extraction relativement élevée du lipide induit un effet important au niveau des microdomaines voire très important dans le cas de la Dimeb, le dérivé ayant leffet le plus délétère sur lintégrité des membranes artificielles et biologiques. Un effet moins marqué a également pu être corrélé avec une extraction plus faible du cholestérol par certains dérivés (Crysmeb, Trimeb). Les taux dextraction du cholestérol cellulaire mesurés sont en bonne corrélation, mis à part pour la Trimeb et la b-CD, avec les résultats des diagrammes de solubilité. La capacité de solubilisation du cholestérol par les cyclodextrines est en accord avec les interactions plus ou moins importantes observées en RMN. Les résultats de mesure de lintégrité des membranes artificielles correspondent à ceux obtenus avec les membranes biologiques excepté pour la b-CD, cette dernière nayant pu être testée dans les mêmes conditions que les autres cyclodextrines sur les liposomes. Il est maintenant admis que les cyclodextrines pourraient avoir un intérêt thérapeutique potentiel. En effet, la modulation des taux de cholestérol par lutilisation de cyclodextrines pourrait être mise à profit pour traiter des maladies ou infections impliquant ces microdomaines membranaires. Summary : Nowadays, the usefulness of cyclodextrins as pharmaceutical adjuvants is obvious. In cell biology, methyl-b-CD is a tool commonly used by scientists. The disruption of membrane microdomains (such as lipid rafts and caveolae) caused by cyclodextrins is used to study cellular functions. The aim of this research is to study the interactions of various cyclodextrins currently used in pharmaceutical development with the components of liposomal and biological membranes for a better understanding of the consequences of these interactions at the cell level. The hypothesis of an interaction between cyclodextrins and lipophilic components of cell membranes has often been suggested to explain the cytotoxicity of some cyclodextrin derivatives. Using unilamellar liposomes as model membranes, this research has shown that the interaction between cyclodextrins and their components, especially cholesterol, is linked with a loss of membrane integrity. This preliminary study has allowed predicting which derivatives will be the most cytotoxic. The high cytotoxicity of some methylated derivatives (D.S. close to 2) has been correlated with a relatively strong extraction capacity of cell cholesterol. On the other hand, it has been shown that low substituted derivatives do not extract much cholesterol, which is in agreement with the better biological compatibility observed with Crysmeb and HP-b-CD. The research has then focused on the effect of b-CD and its methylated derivatives on membrane microdomains disruption. The relation between caveolae disruption and cell cholesterol extraction capacities has been studied. A relatively strong extraction of the lipid highly disturbs the microdomains and this effect is even more important for Dimeb, the derivative showing the highest loss of integrity of artificial and biological membranes. A less marked effect has also been correlated with the lowest cholesterol extraction capacities of some derivatives (Crysmeb, Trimeb). The measured cell cholesterol extraction rates are in good correlation, except for Trimeb and b-CD, with the results of the solubility diagrams. The cholesterol solubilisation capacity of cyclodextrins is in accordance with the intensity of the interactions observed by NMR. The effects on the integrity of artificial membranes correspond to those obtained with biological membranes except for b-CD, which was not tested on liposomes in the same conditions as those used for the other cyclodextrins. It is now agreed that cyclodextrins could have a therapeutical potential. Indeed, the modulation of cholesterol levels could be applied for treating raft-related infections and diseases.

There are 209 PCB congeners, 136 of which have been found in technical PCB mixtures and hence may be found in the environment as a result of either intentional or unintentional release. The identification and quantification of the congeners are difficult due to analytical bias from coeluting PCBs and other persistent organic pollutants. Among the 209 possible PCB congeners, 19 tri- and tetra-ortho chlorinated congeners exist in stable atropisomeric conformations. The racemization barrier were determined for twelve of the nineteen atropisomers and was found to be between 176-185 kJ × mol-1 and ca. 250 kJ × mol-1 for tri- and tetra-ortho PCB, respectively. Further, a buttressing effect of 6.4 kJ × mol-1 was observed for congeners with vicinal ortho-meta chlorines. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) was used to analyze the atropisomers and other PCBs. A Longitudinally Modulated Cryogenic System (LMCS) was used with liquid CO2 as cryogen. The LMCS was optimized for semi-volatile organic substances, primarily PCBs. The trap temperature was shown to be an important factor for the trapping and desorption efficiency, as was the thermal mass of the column used in the modulator region. A number of column sets were tested and the separation efficiency, congener resolution and analysis time was evaluated. Good separation of non- and mono-ortho PCBs and “bulk” PCBs (in a technical PCB) was obtained within 8 min using a smectic liquid crystal column (LC50) as the first and a nonpolar column as the second dimension column. Using a second column, an efficient nonpolar (DB-XLB) column, which separates many PCB congeners, were combined with a polar (cyanopropyl) or shape selective (LC50) second dimension column. As a maximum, 181 of the 209 congeners and 126 of the 136 Aroclor PCBs were resolved. The seven frequently measured PCBs (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) and all WHO-PCBs were separated from all other Aroclor PCBs. Chiral PCBs are released into the environment as racemic mixtures. However, organisms have been shown to enantiomerically enrich many of the atropisomers, suggesting that enantioselective biotransformations occur. Non-racemic PCB enrichment has also been seen in mammalians including humans, which is of particular concern because of the potential health risk. An analytical procedure were therefore developed and used to determine the levels of atropisomeric PCBs, planar-PCBs (WHO-PCBs) and total PCBs in seals with different health status. GC×GC was used to separate the target PCBs from other PCBs and potential interferences. A chiral column (permethylated â-cyclodextrin) was used in combination with a polar or shape selective column and enantiomeric fractions (EFs) were determined for five atropisomeric PCBs, i.e. CBs 91, 95, 132, 149 and 174. Some atropisomers had EF that deviated largely from racemic. The deviation was larger in liver than blubber, indicating enantioselective metabolism. However, there was no selective passage of the studied atropisomeric PCBs across placenta and no selective blood-brain barrier. Similarly, no correlation between EFs and health status was observed, although there was a correlation between total PCBs and health status.