Foram isoladas de Piper scutifolium e P. corcovadensis seis amidas, incluindo a piperovatina, piperlonguminina, isopiperlonguminina e corcovadina, duas inéditas (scutifoliamida A e scutifoliamida B), além de duas aristolactamas (piperolactama C e stigmalactama). A partir de P. tuberculatum foram isoladas as amidas piplartina e pelitorina e os ésteres (E)-3,4,5-trimetoxicinamato de etila (11) e 3,4,5- trimetoxidiidrocinamato de etila (12), esse último obtido pela primeira vez de origem natural. Em função da atividade biológica apresentada pelas amidas isoladas, foram sintetizadas 5-fenil-pentadienamidas e 3-cinamamidas com diferentes substituintes nos anéis aromáticos e na porção amídica. Os extratos, produtos naturais isolados e sintéticos foram submetidos a ensaios de atividade antifúngica frente Cladosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum, antimicrobiana frente à Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis e Cryptococcus neoformans, inibidora de acetilcolinesterase, carrapaticida frente à Boophilus microplus e citotóxica frente a linhagens tumorais humanas. Para a atividade antifúngica contra C. cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum foi constatada maior atividade para as N-isobutil e N-pentilamidas sem substituintes no anel aromático. As N-isobutilamidas foram mais ativas como inibidores de acetilcolinesterase; contra B. microplus grande atividade foi apresentada por piperovatina, e os ensaios de citotoxicidade indicaram que o grupo 5,6-dihidropiridin- 2(1H)-ona é fundamental para a atividade. As plântulas de P. corcovadensis apresentaram em sua composição predominantemente piperovatina e assim foram utilizadas para estudos com incorporação de acetato de sódio-[1-14C] e L-fenilalanina - [U-14C] na mesma. As plântulas e calos obtidos para P. scutifolium não apresentaram produção significativa de metabólitos secundários. O estudo do metabolismo fenilpropanoídico de P. regnellii resultou no isolamento parcial da enzima responsável pela conversão de conocarpano em eupomatenóide-6. / Six amides were isolated from Piper scutifolium and P. corcovadensis including piperovatine, piperlonguminine, isopiperlonguminine and corcovadine, the new scutifoliamide A and scutifoliamide B and also two aristolactams (piperolactam C and stigmalactam). From P. tuberculatum the amides piplartine and pellitorine and two esters, ethyl (E)-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (11) and ethyl 3,4,5- trimethoxydihydrocinnamate (12) were isolated, this last one obtained for the first time from natural sources. Due to the biological activity observed for the natural amides, 5- phenyl-pentadienamides and 3-cinnamamides having different substituents in the aromatic ring and amide moietis were synthesized. Extracts, isolated and synthetic compounds were assayed against Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans, inhibitory of acetylcholinesterase, against the tick Boophilus microplus and citotoxic against human cell lines. A higher activity was observed against C. cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum for N-isobutylamides and N-pentylamides having no substituents in the aromatic ring. N-isobutylamides were very active inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase; piperovatin was the most active against B. microplus and 5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one moiety was essential as the citotoxicity is concerned. Plantlets of P. corcovadensis contained piperovatine as major compound and thus were used as model for incorporation of sodium acetate-[1-14C] and L-phenylalanine-[U-14C]. The production of secondary metabolites in plantlets and callus of P. scutifolium was not significant. The studies of phenylpropanoid metabolism in P. regnellii was addressed to partial purification and characterization of the enzyme involved in the conversion of conocarpan to eupomatenoid-6.

Our understanding of the folding of membrane proteins lags behind that of soluble proteins due to the challenges posed by the exposure of hydrophobic regions during in vitro chemical denaturation and refolding experiments. While different folding models are accepted for soluble proteins, only the two-stage model and the long-range interactions model have been proposed so far for helical membrane proteins. To address our knowledge gap on how different membrane proteins traverse their folding landscapes, Chapter 2 investigates the structural features of SDS-denatured states and the kinetics for reversible unfolding of sensory rhodopsin II (pSRII), a retinal-binding photophobic receptor from Natronomonas pharaonis. pSRII is difficult to denature, and only SDS can dislodge the retinal chromophore without rapid aggregation. Even in 30% SDS (0.998 $\mathit{\Chi}_{SDS}$), pSRII retains the equivalent of six out of seven transmembrane helices, while the retinal binding pocket is disrupted, with transmembrane residues becoming more solvent-exposed. Folding of pSRII from an SDS-denatured state harbouring a covalently-bound retinal chromophore shows deviations from an apparent two-state behaviour. SDS denaturation to form the sensory opsin apo-protein is reversible. This chapter establishes pSRII as a new model protein which is suitable for membrane protein folding studies and has a unique folding mechanism that differs from those of bacteriorhodopsin and bovine rhodopsin. In Chapter 3, SDS-denatured pSRII, acid-denatured pSRII and sensory opsin obtained by hydroxylamine-mediated bleaching of pSRII were characterised by solution state NMR. 1D $^1$H and $^{19}$F NMR were first used to characterise global changes in backbone amide protons and tryptophan side-chains. Residue-specific changes in backbone amide chemical shifts and peak intensities in 2D [$^1$H,$^{15}$N]-correlation spectra were analysed. While only small changes in the chemical environment of backbone amides were detected, changes in backbone amide dynamics were identified as an important feature of SDS- and acid-denatured pSRII and sensory opsin. $^{15}$N relaxation experiments were performed to study the backbone amide dynamics of SDS-denatured pSRII, reflecting motions on different timescales, including fast fluctuations of NH bond vectors on the ps-ns timescale and the lack of exchange contributions on the µs timescale. These studies shed insight on differences in the unfolding pathways under different denaturing conditions and the crucial role of the retinal chromophore in governing the structural integrity and dynamics of the pSRII helical bundle. Hydrogen bonds play fundamental roles in stabilising protein secondary and tertiary structure, and regulating protein function. Successful detection of hydrogen bonds in denatured states and during protein folding would contribute towards our understanding on the unfolding and folding pathways of the protein. Previous studies have demonstrated residue-specific detection of stable and transient hydrogen bonds in small globular proteins by measuring $^1{\it J}_{NH}$ scalar coupling constants using NMR. In Chapter 4, different methods for measuring $^1{\it J}_{NH}$ scalar coupling were explored using RalA, a small GTPase with a mixed alpha/beta fold, as proof-of-concept. Detection of hydrogen bonds was then attempted with OmpX, a beta-barrel membrane protein, both in its folded state in DPC micelles and in the urea-denatured state. While $^1{\it J}_{NH}$ measurement holds promise for studying hydrogen bond formation, further optimisation of NMR experiments and utilisation of perdeuterated samples are required to improve the precision of such measurements in large detergent-membrane protein complexes. Naturally occurring split inteins can mediate spontaneous trans-splicing both in vivo and in vitro. Previous studies have demonstrated successful assembly of proteorhodopsin from two separate fragments consisting of helices A-B and helices C-G via a splicing site in the BC loop. To complement the in vitro unfolding/folding studies, pSRII assembly in vivo was attempted by introducing a splicing site in the loop region of the beta-hairpin constituting the BC loop of pSRII. The expression conditions for the N- and C-terminal pSRII-intein segments were optimised, and the two segments co-expressed. However, the native chromophore was not observed. Further optimisation is required for successful in vivo trans-splicing of pSRII and application of this approach towards understanding the roles of helices and loops in the folding of pSRII.

Les RF-amides (RFRPs, NPFF, QRFP, PrRPs, Kisspeptines) sont une famille de peptides caractérisée par une signature Arg-Phe-NH2 à l’extrémité C-terminale très conservée au cours de l’évolution. Ils exercent leurs effets via 5 récepteurs couplés aux protéines G (NPFF1R, NPFF2R, QRFPR, PrRPR, Kiss1R), et plusieurs études soutiennent leur implication dans la modulation de nombreuses fonctions physiologiques telles que la douleur et la nociception, la reproduction, ou encore le métabolisme. Néanmoins, l’étude de ces systèmes est entravée par l’absence d’outils pharmacologiques tels que des antagonistes sélectifs. C’est pourquoi mon travail de thèse a consisté au développement d’outils pharmacologiques permettant de répondre à ces attentes, particulièrement sur les récepteurs NPFF1R, NPFF2R et Kiss1R. Des études de relation structure-activité nous ont amenés à considérer l’importance de la signature Arg-Phe-NH2 dans l’activité des peptides RF-amides sur leurs récepteurs. L’introduction de modifications au niveau N-terminal ou C-terminal du dipeptide Arg-Phe-NH2 nous a conduits à l’identification d’un antagoniste hautement affin et sélectif pour le récepteur NPFF1R in vitro et in vivo. Ce dernier nous a permis d’identifier le rôle du récepteur NPFF1R dans les effets secondaires liés à l’administration d’opiacés, tels que l’hyperalgésie et la tolérance morphinique. La responsabilité du récepteur NPFF1R dans ces phénomènes a été par la suite confirmée chez des souris KO NPFF1R. De plus, des données plus récentes suggèrent l’importance de ce dernier au niveau de l’axe hypothalamo-hypophyso-gonadotropique (HHG) des animaux saisonniers, et en particulier du hamster. Notre antagoniste nous a permis de déterminer le rôle du récepteur NPFF1R dans la libération de LH induite par le RFRP-3. Pour la première fois, nous avons également mis en évidence des molécules hautement affines et sélectives pour le récepteur NPFF2R, pour lequel nous avons révélé une activité agoniste partielle in vitro. Mon travail a également mené à la caractérisation in vitro d’un antagoniste sélectif du récepteur Kiss1R, qui vient compléter l’ensemble des outils disponibles pour l’étude des fonctions physiologiques modulées par ce récepteur et son ligand, la kisspeptine. Dans l’ensemble, mon travail de thèse a permis de caractériser plusieurs ligands affins et sélectifs des récepteurs à peptides RF-amides, et de mettre en lumière le rôle du système RFRP-3/NPFF1R dans les effets à long-terme liés aux opiacés. / RF-amides (RFRPs, NPFF, QRFP, PrRPs, Kisspeptins) belong to a family of peptide characterized by a Arg-Phe-NH2 C-terminus highly conserved throughout the evolution. They target 5 G-protein coupled receptors (NPFF1R, NPFF2R, QRFPR, PrRPR, Kiss1R) and most studies highlight their roles in the modulation of various functions as pain and nociception, reproduction or metabolism. Nonetheless, the study of these systems is severely limited by the absence of pharmacological tools as selective antagonists. Thus, my PhD project consisted in the development of selective ligands to answer these questions, notably on NPFF1R, NPFF2R and Kiss1R receptors. Structure-Activity relationship studies highlighted the importance of Arg-Phe-NH2 signature for the activity of RF-amide peptides on their receptors. Introduction of modifications at N or C-terminus of Arg-Phe-NH2 dipeptide led us to the identification of a compound displaying high affinity, selectivity and antagonist activity for NPFF1R both in vitro and in vivo. This compound allowed us to identify the critical role played by NPFF1R in the secondary effects related to opiates administration, as hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. The involvement of NPFF1R was then confirmed in KO NPFF1R mice. Moreover, recent data suggest the importance of NPFF1R on hypothalamo-pituitary gonadotropic (HPG) axis of seasonal animals, and particularly of hamsters. Our antagonist allowed us to decipher the role of NPFF1R in RFRP-3-induced-LH release. For the first time, we also have characterized high affinity and selective compounds for NPFF2R that display partial agonist activity in vitro. Moreover, our work led to the in vitro characterization of a selective antagonist for Kiss1R, that complete the available tools to study the physiological functions modulated by this receptor and its ligand, the kisspeptine. Overall, my PhD thesis led to the characterization of several selective ligands for RF-amide receptors, and highlight the role of RFRP-3/NPFF1R system in the long-term effects associated to opiates.

The present thesis entitled “Design and Synthesis of Novel Soft Composites from Physical Gels and Nanomaterials” deals with soft materials derived from low molecular weight gels and nanomaterials. Chapter 1 gives a general introduction and overview of the low molecular weight gel (LMOG) which forms the basis of the work. It delves with the history of research in physical gel field, design of different types of gelator molecules, their interesting self-assembly patterns, potential applications of these gelator molecules as well as challenges to design new gelator molecules. It also encompasses the relatively recent area of two component gel system to conveniently bypass the cumbersome synthetic protocol. The aspect of liquid crystallinity in the gel phase is also discussed to throw light on the pattern of assembly and potential uses of these materials. Towards the end there is a comprehensive discussion on the smart nanocomposites derived from LMOGs and nanomaterials. The design, synthesis and numerous applications of inorganic-organic hybrid composites are discussed. Chapter 2A describes the synthesis and characterization of a variety of fatty acid amides of different naturally occurring L-amino acids whose molecular structures are shown in Chart 2A.1. Some of them were found to form gels with various hydrocarbons. The gelation properties of these compounds were studied by a number of physical methods including FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, rheology and it was found that gelation was critically dependent on the fatty acid chain length and nature of the amino acid. Among them, L-alanine based gelators were found to be the most efficient and versatile as they self-assemble into a layered structure to form the gel network. Mechanisms for the assembly and formation of gels from these molecules are discussed. (Structural formula) Chart 2A.1. Molecular structures of various fatty acid amides of different amino acids. Chapter 2B describes efficient gelation of both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents by a fatty acid amide, n-lauroyl-L-alanine (Chapter 2B.1). In addition, this compound was found to gelate the binary solvent mixtures comprised of aromatic hydrocarbon e.g. toluene and aliphatic hydrocarbon e.g. n-heptane. SEM and AFM showed that the fiber thickness of the gel assembly increases progressively in the binary mixture of n-heptane and toluene with increasing percentage of toluene. The self- Chart 2B.1. Molecular structure of the gelator. assembly patterns of the gels in individual solvents, n-heptane and toluene are however, different. The toluene gel consists of predominantly one type of morphological species while n-heptane gel has more than one species leading to polymorphic nature of the gel. The n-heptane gel is thermally more stable than the toluene gel as evident from the measurement using differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal stability of the gels prepared in the binary mixture of n-heptane and toluene is dependent on the composition of solvent mixture. Rheology of the gels shows that they are shear-thinning material and show characteristic behavior of soft viscoelastic solids. For the gels prepared from binary solvent mixture of toluene and n-heptane, with incorporation of more toluene in the binary mixture, the gel becomes a more viscoelastic solid. The time sweep rheology experiment demonstrates that the gel made in n-heptane has faster gel formation kinetics than that prepared in toluene. Chapter 2C describes lyotropic mesophase formation by organogels of different fatty acid amides of L-alanine in aromatic solvents. The helical assembly, characteristic of the cholesteric mesophase was found to exhibit reflection bands in circular dichroism spectra. The reflection bands corresponded to the pitch of the helical arrangement of the gelator molecules in the aromatic solvent. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed presence of twist in the gel fibres. Polarising optical microscopy of the organogel exhibited weak birefringence confirming lyotropic nature of the assembly. Chapter 3 deals with synthesis and characterization of a new class of molecules with molecular structures shown in Chart 3.1. Among a variety of amino acid based molecules only alanine and serine based molecules were found to form translucent gels in aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-heptane. TEM showed presence of fiber like structures for alanine whereas serine based gelator produces unique network like structures. SEM of the dried gels exhibited presence of three dimensional fibrous networks to spongy globular cauliflower like structures depending on the molecular structure of the gelators. Rheological studies of the organogels showed that they behave like typical LMOG gels. The oscillatory rheological studies demonstrated that the L-serine based gelator, 5 formed more viscoelastic solid like gel than that of L-alanine based gelator, 1 in n-heptane. Chart 3.1. Molecular structures of different amino acid derivatives from 3,4,5-tri-dodecyloxybenzoic acid scaffold. Chapter 4A presents design and properties of new nanocomposites from LMOG and metal nanoparticles (Chart 4A.1). The profound influence of nanoparticle (NP) incorporation into physical gels was evident from various microscopic and bulk properties. The interaction of nanoparticles with the gelator assembly was found to depend critically on the capping agent coating the nanoparticles. TEM showed long range Chart 4A.1. Molecular structures of the gelator and various AuNPs synthesized. directional assembly of the certain AuNPs along the gel fibers. SEM of the dried gels and nanocomposites indicated that the morphological transformation in the composite microstructures depended profoundly on the capping agent of the nanoparticle. Differential Scanning Calorimetry showed that gel formation from sol postponed to lower temperature with incorporation of AuNPs having capping agents which were able to interact with the gel fibers. Rheological studies indicated that the gel-nanoparticle composites exhibit greater rigidity as compared to the naked gel only when the capping agents were able to interdigitate into the gelator assembly. Also, very low percentage of the AuNPs incorporation could switch the cholesteric mesophase of gel assembly, as evident from circular dichroism. We have been able to define a relationship between materials and molecular properties via manipulation of the molecular structures of NP capping agents. Chapter 4B discusses the design and preparation of novel organogel-carbon nanotube composites by incorporation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) into physical gels formed by an L-alanine based Low Molecular Mass Organogelator (Chart 4B.1). The gelation process and the properties of the resulting nanocomposites were found to depend on the kind of SWNTs incorporated in the gels. With pristine SWNTs, only a limited amount could be dispersed in the organogels. Attempted incorporation of higher amounts of pristine SWNTs led to precipitation from the gel. To improve their solubility in the gel matrix, a variety of SWNTs functionalized with different aliphatic and aromatic chains were synthesized (Chart 4B.1). Scanning electron microscope images of the nanocomposites showed that the texture and organization of the gel aggregates were altered upon incorporation of SWNTs. The microstructures of nanocomposites were found to depend on the kind of SWNTs used. Incorporation of functionalized SWNTs into the organogels depressed the sol to gel transition temperature, with the n-hexadecyl chain functionalized SWNTs being more effective than the n-dodecyl chain functionalized counterpart. Rheological investigations of pristine SWNT containing gels indicated that the flow of nanocomposites became resistant to applied stress at a very low wt-% of SWNT incorporation. Again, more effective control of flow behavior was achieved with functionalized SWNTs possessing longer hydrocarbon chains. This happens presumably via effective interdigitation of the pendant chains with the fatty acid amides of L-alanine in the gel assembly. Also, the helical cholesteric mesophase formed by the toluene gel could be switched to a layer stacked assembly by doping functional SWNT. Remarkably, by using a near IR laser irradiation at 1064 nm for a short duration (1 min) at room temperature, it was possible to selectively induce a gel-to-sol phase transition of the nanocomposites, while prolonged irradiation (30 min) of the organogel under identical conditions did not cause gel melting. Chart 4B.1. Molecular structures of the gelator and different functionalized SWNT synthesized. Chapter 5A presents design of two component hydrogels and their potential utilization as a template for metal nanoparticle synthesis. Among a variety of acids and amines (Chart 5A.1) only stearic acid or eicosanoic acid when mixed with di- or oligomeric amines in specific molar ratios form stable gels in water. The formation of such hydrogels depends on the hydrophobicity of the fatty acid, and also on the type of amine used. The gelation properties of these two component systems were investigated using electron microscopy, FTIR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and both single crystal and cast film X-ray diffraction. FTIR spectral analysis suggests salt formation during gelation. 1H NMR of the gels indicates that the fatty acid chains are immobilized in the gel state and when the gel is melted, these chains regain their mobility. Analysis of DSC data indicates that increase in spacer length in the di-/oligomeric amine lowers the gel melting temperature. Two of these gelator salts developed into crystals and structural details of such systems could be secured by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural information of the salts thus obtained was compared with the XRD data of the self-supporting films of those gels. Such analyses provided pertinent structural insight on the supramolecular interactions that prevail within these gelator assemblies. From the crystal structure it is confirmed that the multilayered lamellar aggregates exist in the gel and it also showed that only one plane of symmetry is present in the gel state. Finally, the hydrogel was used as a medium for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found to position themselves on the fibers and produce a long ordered assembly of gel-nanoparticle composite (Figure 5A.1). Chart 5A.1. Structures and abbreviations of different acids and amines checked for gelation. Figure 5A.1. TEM images of gel-Ag-NP composite. (a) Ag-NP synthesized in hydrogel of SA-IBPA (1:3.5), (b) Magnified images of Ag-NP preferentially residing on gel fibers. Chapter 5B demonstrates the aptitude of supramolecular hydrogel formation using simple bile acids e.g. lithocholic acid (LCA) in aqueous solution containing di- or oligomeric amines (Chart 5B.1). By variation of the choice of the amines in such mixture the hydrogelation properties could be modulated. However, replacement of LCA by cholic acid or deoxycholic acid resulted in no hydrogelation. FT-IR studies show that the carboxylate and ammonium residues of the two components are primarily involved in salt formation. This promotes further assembly of the components reinforced by continuous Chart 5B.1. Structures and abbreviations of different bile acids and amines checked for gelation. hydrogen bonded network leading to gelation. Electron microscopy shows that the morphology of the gels of two component systems which also depends strongly on the amine part. Variation of amine component from the simple ethanediamine (EDA) to oligomeric amine with lithocholic acid changes the morphology of the assembly from long one dimensional nanotubes to three dimensional complex structures. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with one of the amine-LCA complexes suggested the motif of fiber formation where the amines participate with the carboxylate and hydroxyl moiety through H-bonding and electrostatic forces. The rheological properties of this class of two component system provide clear evidence that this system is a shear-sensitive hydrogel and the flow behavior can be modulated varying the acid-amine ratio. From small angle neutron scattering study, it becomes clear that loose gel from LCA-EDA shows scattering oscillation due to the presence of non interacting nanotubules while for gels of LCA with oligomeric amine the individual fibers come together to form complex three dimensional structures of higher length scale.(For structural formula pl refer the pdf file)

Foram isoladas de Piper scutifolium e P. corcovadensis seis amidas, incluindo a piperovatina, piperlonguminina, isopiperlonguminina e corcovadina, duas inéditas (scutifoliamida A e scutifoliamida B), além de duas aristolactamas (piperolactama C e stigmalactama). A partir de P. tuberculatum foram isoladas as amidas piplartina e pelitorina e os ésteres (E)-3,4,5-trimetoxicinamato de etila (11) e 3,4,5- trimetoxidiidrocinamato de etila (12), esse último obtido pela primeira vez de origem natural. Em função da atividade biológica apresentada pelas amidas isoladas, foram sintetizadas 5-fenil-pentadienamidas e 3-cinamamidas com diferentes substituintes nos anéis aromáticos e na porção amídica. Os extratos, produtos naturais isolados e sintéticos foram submetidos a ensaios de atividade antifúngica frente Cladosporium cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum, antimicrobiana frente à Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis e Cryptococcus neoformans, inibidora de acetilcolinesterase, carrapaticida frente à Boophilus microplus e citotóxica frente a linhagens tumorais humanas. Para a atividade antifúngica contra C. cladosporioides e C. sphaerospermum foi constatada maior atividade para as N-isobutil e N-pentilamidas sem substituintes no anel aromático. As N-isobutilamidas foram mais ativas como inibidores de acetilcolinesterase; contra B. microplus grande atividade foi apresentada por piperovatina, e os ensaios de citotoxicidade indicaram que o grupo 5,6-dihidropiridin- 2(1H)-ona é fundamental para a atividade. As plântulas de P. corcovadensis apresentaram em sua composição predominantemente piperovatina e assim foram utilizadas para estudos com incorporação de acetato de sódio-[1-14C] e L-fenilalanina - [U-14C] na mesma. As plântulas e calos obtidos para P. scutifolium não apresentaram produção significativa de metabólitos secundários. O estudo do metabolismo fenilpropanoídico de P. regnellii resultou no isolamento parcial da enzima responsável pela conversão de conocarpano em eupomatenóide-6. / Six amides were isolated from Piper scutifolium and P. corcovadensis including piperovatine, piperlonguminine, isopiperlonguminine and corcovadine, the new scutifoliamide A and scutifoliamide B and also two aristolactams (piperolactam C and stigmalactam). From P. tuberculatum the amides piplartine and pellitorine and two esters, ethyl (E)-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (11) and ethyl 3,4,5- trimethoxydihydrocinnamate (12) were isolated, this last one obtained for the first time from natural sources. Due to the biological activity observed for the natural amides, 5- phenyl-pentadienamides and 3-cinnamamides having different substituents in the aromatic ring and amide moietis were synthesized. Extracts, isolated and synthetic compounds were assayed against Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. sphaerospermum, Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans, inhibitory of acetylcholinesterase, against the tick Boophilus microplus and citotoxic against human cell lines. A higher activity was observed against C. cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum for N-isobutylamides and N-pentylamides having no substituents in the aromatic ring. N-isobutylamides were very active inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase; piperovatin was the most active against B. microplus and 5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one moiety was essential as the citotoxicity is concerned. Plantlets of P. corcovadensis contained piperovatine as major compound and thus were used as model for incorporation of sodium acetate-[1-14C] and L-phenylalanine-[U-14C]. The production of secondary metabolites in plantlets and callus of P. scutifolium was not significant. The studies of phenylpropanoid metabolism in P. regnellii was addressed to partial purification and characterization of the enzyme involved in the conversion of conocarpan to eupomatenoid-6.

<p>Predviđena istraživanja u ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji su usmerena u<br />pravcu iznalaženja novih, efikasnijih i bržih mikrotalasno-stimulisanih<br />metoda hemijskih transformacija koje ne uključuju prisustvo<br />katalizatora i/ili organskih rastvarača. Primenom specijalnih silicijum-karbidnih reakcionih sudova, brzina i preciznost izvođenja<br />mikrotalasno-stimulisanih transformacija prikazana&nbsp; je kroz stresne<br />studije aktivnih farmaceutskih ingredijenata u SiC&nbsp; ploči, odnosno<br />HPLC/GC vialima kao reakcionim sudovima. Ispitano je postojanje<br />netermičkih mikrotalasnih efekata i njihov značaj za precizno tumačenje<br />rezultata mikrotalasne sinteze.<br />U drugom delu ove doktorske disertacije izvr&scaron;ena jemikrotalasno-stimulisana sinteza potencijalno biolo&scaron;ki aktivnih&nbsp; supstanci iz prirodnih<br />lako dostupnih materijala kao &scaron;to su naftenske kiseline. Sintetizovani su<br />amidi i estri individualnih i prirodnih naftenskih kiselina Velebit.<br />U radu je takođe ispitana biolo&scaron;ka aktivnost sintetizovanih derivata.<br />Proučavan je uticaj prirodnih naftnih kiselina Velebit injenih derivata<br />na rast pet sojeva&nbsp; Pseudomonassp., kao i uticaj odabranih sintetisanih<br />jedinjenja na proliferaciju pet&nbsp; ćelijskih linija humanih tumora pri&nbsp; čemu<br />je kao kontrola služila jedna zdrava humana ćelijska linija.</p> / <p>Scientific research predicted in this PhD thesis isdirected to ascertainment new, efficient and faster microwave-assisted methods of chemical transformations in the absence of catalysts and/or organic solvents. Applaying special silicon-carbide&nbsp; reaction vessels, speed and accuracy of microwave-assisted transformations are ilustrated within stress testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients in HPLC/GC vials placed in SiC plate. Existence of nonthermal microwave effects and their influence on &nbsp;accurate interpretation of microwave synthesis results are also investigated.&nbsp;<br />In the second part of this thesis microwave-assisted synthesis of potentionally biologically active compounds from readily available natural materials, such as &nbsp;naphthenic acid is accomplished. Amides and esters of individual and natural naphthenic acids Velebitare synthetised. The thesis also examined the biological activity ofthe synthesized products. The effect of natural petroleum acids&nbsp; Velebitand its derivatives are examined on the growth of five strains of Pseudomonas&nbsp;sp., and the impact of selected synthesized compounds on the proliferation of five human tumor cell lines in which a healthy human cell line is tused as the control.</p>

<p>U disertaciji je ostvarena sineza amida i oksazolina žučnih kiselina, kao i njihovih alkil i alkilidenskih derivata polazeći od holne kiseline. Ipitano je pona&scaron;anje različitih okso derivata žučnih kiselina u uslovima Grignard-ove i Wittig-ove reakcije. Ispitana je biolo&scaron;ka aktivnost odabranih sintetizovanih jedinjenja</p> / <p>Synhesis of bile acid amide and oxazoline derivatives, and their alkyl and alkylidene derivatives was accomplished starting from cholic acid. Also, chemical behavior of different bile acid oxo derivatives in Grignard and Wittig reaction was investigated. Biological activity&nbsp; of selected synthesized compounds was evaluated.</p>

<p>Predviđena istraživanja u ovoj doktorskoj disertaciji su usmerena u pravcu&nbsp;<br />modifikacije klasičnih metoda i postupaka za transformaciju karboksilne grupe&nbsp;<br />prirodnih i sintetičkih karboksilnih kiselina. Modifikacije su rađene novim,&nbsp;<br />savremenim, ekonomski i ekolo&scaron;ki opravdanim metodama rada u&nbsp;<br />mikrotalasnom reaktoru. Modifikovanim sintetskim postupcima u&nbsp;<br />mikrotalasnom reaktoru urađena je sinteza amida, hidroksamskih&nbsp; derivata,&nbsp;<br />kao i redukcija individualnih naftnih kiselina i&nbsp; sme&scaron;e&nbsp; prirodnih naftnih kiselina&nbsp;<br />&bdquo;Velebit&ldquo; do alkohola. Prirodne naftne kiseline kori&scaron;ćene u ovom radu su prvo&nbsp;<br />izolovane iz gasne frakcije (interval destilacije 168-290 &deg;C) vojvođanske nafte&nbsp;<br />&bdquo;Velebit&ldquo; a potom preči&scaron;ćene i razdvojene na uže frakcije na osnovu različite&nbsp;<br />kiselosti. Nakon toga, izvr&scaron;ena je njihova karakterizacija GC-MS-EI analizom&nbsp;<br />(čime je potvrđeno da dolazi do strukturne diferencijacije kiselina). U radu je&nbsp;<br />takođe ispitana biolo&scaron;ka aktivnost sintetizovanih derivata. Proučavan je uticaj&nbsp;<br />prirodnih naftnih kiselina &bdquo;Velebit&ldquo; i njenih derivata na rast&nbsp; pet sojeva&nbsp;<br />Pseudomonas sp., kao i uticaj odabranih sintetisanih jedinjenja na proliferaciju&nbsp;<br />četiri ćelijske linije humanih tumora pri čemu je kao kontrola služila jedna&nbsp;<br />zdrava humana ćelijska linija.</p> / <p>The investigation of this doctoral dissertation is directed toward the modification of the &nbsp;transformation of the carboxylic group of natural and synthetic carboxylic acids. The dissertation takes into consideration the classical methods and procedures of the reaction and modifies them using microwave reactor. The synthesis of amides, hydroxamic derivatives, as well as the reduction&nbsp; of individual petroleum acids and acid mixtures of natural oil &quot;Velebit&quot; to alcohol were achieved&nbsp; by the modifications made to the synthetic methods in the microwave reactor. The natural oil acids used within this study were first isolated from the gas fraction (distillation interval 168-290 &deg;C) of the Vojvodina&#39;s crude oil &quot;Velebit&quot;, and then purified and separated by the narrow fractions under the different acidity. After that, their characterisation was made by the GC-MS-EI analysis which confirmed that the structural differentiation of&nbsp;&nbsp; acids had been achieved. Also, the biological activity of the synthesized derivatives are analysed. The impact of natural petroleum acids &quot;Velebit&quot; and its derivatives on the growth of five strains of&nbsp; Pseudomonas&nbsp; sp. was studied, as well as the impact of selected synthesized compounds on the proliferation of four human tumor cell lines wherein one healthy human cell lines used as the control.</p>

[ES] En este trabajo de tesis doctoral, la investigación se ha centrado en el desarrollo de diferentes procesos catalíticos heterogéneos empleando materiales híbridos orgánico-inorgánicos porosos (MOFs y sílices funcionalizadas) y materiales orgánicos aromáti-cos (PAFs), que se han estudiado en diversas reacciones orgánicas. Tras la preparación de los MOFs en estudio, se han caracterizado sus propiedades estructurales y se han determinado sus centros activos en los clústeres metálicos (circonio, hafnio o cerio). La reactividad de estos MOFs y de los materiales híbridos sílice-aminas se ha estudia-do teniendo en cuenta sus centros catalíticos; estas reacciones se han optimizado lle-vando a cabo un estudio de los mecanismos de reacción. Finalmente, se han preparado sólidos homoquirales de tipo PAF que presentan el sistema binaftilo, cuya reactividad también ha sido probada. Más específicamente, en el capítulo 3 se ha estudiado la esterificación de amidas, que permite convertirlas en ésteres, grupos funcionales más versátiles. Esta transfor-mación se ha abordado desde la catálisis heterogénea via MOFs basados en circonio, hafnio y cerio de las series MOF-808, UiO-66 y MOF-801. El catalizador más eficien-te para la esterificación de amidas ha sido el MOF-808-Zr. Mediante análisis TGA y la adsorción de una molécula sonda básica (CO) estudiada utilizando espectroscopia FT-IR, se han determinado los centros ácidos de Lewis y Brönsted presentes en ellos. De los MOFs preparados en este trabajo, el MOF 808-Zr posee una menor conectividad de los clústeres metálicos y un mayor tamaño de poro mayor que el UiO-66 y el MOF-801; además, tiene el balance adecuado de centros ácidos y básicos de Brönsted y Lewis para activar los sustratos de la reacción. El alcance de la alcoholisis con n-butanol se ha extendido a un gran número de sustratos (amidas primarias, secundarias y terciarias; aromáticas y alifáticas). La reacción también se ha estudiado en condicio-nes no solvolíticas con alcoholes más complejos. El catalizador es estable durante la reacción y puede ser reutilizado fácilmente. El mecanismo de reacción en la esterifica-ción de benzamida con n butanol catalizada por MOF-808-Zr se ha investigado me-diante el análisis cinético empleando el modelo de LHHW y el estudio in situ de las interacciones moleculares por FT-IR. En el capítulo 4, se ha investigado la deuteración por intercambio isotópico deute-rio/hidrógeno catalizada por aminas soportadas en sílice comerciales empleando D2O como fuente de deuterio. Este procedimiento es aplicable a una gran gama de sustra-tos, como compuestos carbonílicos, sales de organofosfonio, nitrocompuestos e, inclu-so, hormonas esteroideas. La estabilidad del catalizador, SiO2-(CH2)3-NH2, se mantie-ne hasta en 10 usos de reacción sin pérdidas significativas de la actividad. Por último, en el capítulo 5, se afronta la síntesis y aplicación de PAFs homoquira-les donde se ha integrado el esqueleto del BINOL (1,1′-binaftil-2,2′-diol) y del BIN-BAM (1,1' binaftil-2,2'-disulfonimida) generando tres nuevos PAFs activos en catáli-sis asimétrica: PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINOL, PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL y PAF 3,3'-(S)-BINBAM. En concreto, el PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL ha demostrado su actividad catalítica en la reacción de alquilación de aldehídos aromáticos con dietil-zinc y el catalizador PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINBAM es activo en la reacción aldólica de Mukaiyama y la reducción del doble enlace de compuestos carbonílicos a,b-insaturados. / [CA] En aquesta tesi doctoral, la investigació s'ha centrat en el desenvolupament de dife-rents processos catalítics heterogenis emprant materials híbrids orgànic-inorgànics porosos (MOFs i sílices funcionalitzades) i materials orgànics aromàtics (PAFs), que s'han estudiat en diverses reaccions orgàniques. Després de la preparació dels MOFs en estudi, s'han caracteritzat les seues propietats estructurals i s'han determinat els seus centres actius en els clústers metàl·lics (zirconi, hafni o ceri). La reactivitat d'aquests MOFs i dels materials híbrids sílice-amines s'ha estudiat tenint en compte els seus cen-tres catalítics; aquestes reaccions s'han optimitzat duent a termini un estudi dels meca-nismes de reacció. Finalment, s'han preparat sòlids homoquirals de tipus PAF que presenten el sistema binaftilo, la reactivitat del qual també ha sigut provada. Més específicament, en el capítol 3 s'ha estudiat l'esterificació d' amides, que per-met convertir-les en èsters, grups funcionals més versàtils. Aquesta transformació s'ha abordat des de la catàlisi heterogènia via *MOFs basats en zirconi, hafni i ceri de les sèries MOF-808, UiO-66 i MOF-801. El catalitzador més eficient per a l'esterificació d'amides ha sigut el MOF-808-Zr. Mitjançant anàlisi TGA i l'adsorció d'una molècula sonda bàsica (CO) estudiada utilitzant espectroscopia FT-IR, s'han determinat els cen-tres àcids de Lewis i Brönsted presents en ells. Dels MOFs preparats en aquest treball, el MOF 808-Zr posseeix una menor connectivitat dels clústers metàl·lics i una major grandària de porus que el UiO-66 i el MOF-801; a més, té el balanç adequat de centres àcids i bàsics de Brönsted i Lewis per a activar els substrats de la reacció. L'abast de l'alcoholisi amb n-butanol s'ha estés a un gran nombre de substrats (amides primàries, secundàries i terciàries; aromàtiques i alifàtiques). La reacció també s'ha estudiat en condicions no solvolítiques amb alcohols més complexos. El catalitzador és estable durant la reacció i pot ser reutilitzat fàcilment. El mecanisme de reacció en l'esterifica-ció de benzamida amb n-butanol catalitzada per MOF-808-Zr s'ha investigat mitja-nçant l'anàlisi cinètica emprant el model de LHHW i l'estudi in situ de les interaccions moleculars per FT-IR. En el capítol 4, s'ha investigat la deuteració per intercanvi isotòpic deuteri/hidrògen catalitzada per amines suportades en sílices comercials emprant D2O com a font de deuteri. Aquest procediment és aplicable a una gran gamma de substrats, com a com-postos carbonílics, sals d'organofosfoni, nitrocompostos i, inclosa, hormones esteroi-dals. L'estabilitat del catalitzador, SiO2-(CH2)3-NH2, es manté fins a 10 usos de reac-ció sense pèrdues significatives de l'activitat. Finalment, en el capítol 5, s'afronta la síntesi i aplicació de PAFs homoquirals on s'ha integrat l'esquelet del BINOL (1,1′-binaftil-2,2′-diol) i del BINBAM (1,1'-binaftil-2,2'-disulfonimida) generant tres nous PAFs actius en catàlisi asimètrica: PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINOL, PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL i PAF 3,3'-(S)-BINBAM. En concret, el PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL ha demostrat la seua activitat catalítica en la reacció d'alquilació d'aldehids aromàtics amb dietil-zinc i el catalitzador PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINBAM és actiu en la reacció aldólica de Mukaiyama i la reducció del doble enllaç de compostos carbonílics a,b-insaturats. / [EN] In this Doctoral Thesis, the research has been focused on the development of different heterogeneous catalytic processes using hybrid porous organic-inorganic materials (MOFs and functionalized silicas) and organic aromatic materials (PAFs), which have been studied in various organic reactions. After the preparation of the MOFs under study, their structural properties have been characterised and their active centres in the metal clusters (zirconium, hafnium or cerium) have been determined. The reactivity of these MOFs and the hybrid silica-mine materials has been studied considering their catalytic centres; these reactions have been optimised by carrying out a study of the reaction mechanisms. Finally, homochiral PAF-type solids have been prepared with the binafil system, whose reactivity has also been tested. More specifically, the esterification of amides has been studied in Chapter 3. This reaction allows to convert the amides into esters, which are more versatile functional groups. This transformation has been approached from the heterogeneous catalysis via MOFs based on zirconium, hafnium and cerium of the MOF-808, UiO-66 and MOF-801 series. The most efficient catalyst for amide esterification has been MOF-808-Zr. Using TGA analysis and the adsorption of a basic probe molecule (CO) studied using FT-IR spectroscopy, the acid centres of Lewis and Brönsted present in them have been determined. Among the MOFs prepared in this work, MOF 808-Zr has a lower metal cluster connectivity and a larger pore size than UiO-66 and MOF-801; it also has the appropriate balance of acid and basic Brönsted and Lewis centres to activate the reaction substrates. The scope of n-butanol alcoholysis has been extended to a large number of substrates (primary, secondary and tertiary amides; aromatic and aliphatic). The reaction has also been studied in non-solvolitic conditions with more complex alco-hols. The catalyst is stable during the reaction and can be easily reused. The reaction mechanism in the esterification of benzamide with n-butanol catalysed by MOF-808-Zr has been investigated through kinetic analysis using the LHHW model and the in situ study of molecular interactions by FT-IR. In Chapter 4, the deuteration by isotopic deuterium/hydrogen exchange catalysed by commercial silica-supported amines using D2O as a source of deuterium has been investigated. This procedure is applicable to a wide range of substrates, such as carbonylic compounds, organophosphonium salts, nitro compounds and, even, steroid hormones. The stability of the catalyst, SiO2-(CH2)3-NH2, is maintained for up to 10 reaction uses without significant loss of activity. Finally, in Chapter 5, the synthesis and application of homochiral PAFs, in which the structure of BINOL (1,1′-binaftil-2,2′-diol) and BIN-BAM (1,1' binaftil-2,2'-disulfonimide) has been integrated, is discussed. Three new PAFs active in asymmetric catalysis has been generated: PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINOL, PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL and PAF 3,3'-(S)-BINBAM. In particular, PAF-6,6'-(R)-BINOL has demonstrated its catalytic activity in the alkylation reaction of aromatic aldehydes with diethyl zinc and the catalyst PAF-3,3'-(S)-BINBAM is active in the Mukaiyama aldolic reaction and the reduction of the double bond of carbonylic a,b-unsaturated compounds. / Villoria Del Álamo, B. (2021). Síntesis de catalizadores sólidos orgánicos e híbridos orgánicos-inorgánicos y su aplicación [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/163789

Balding causes widespread psychological distress but is poorly controlled. The commonest treatment, minoxidil, was originally an antihypertensive drug that promoted unwanted hair. We hypothesized that another serendipitous discovery, increased eyelash growth side-effects of prostamide F(2alpha)-related eyedrops for glaucoma, may be relevant for scalp alopecias. Eyelash hairs and follicles are highly specialized and remain unaffected by androgens that inhibit scalp follicles and stimulate many others. Therefore, we investigated whether non-eyelash follicles could respond to bimatoprost, a prostamide F(2alpha) analog recently licensed for eyelash hypotrichosis. Bimatoprost, at pharmacologically selective concentrations, increased hair synthesis in scalp follicle organ culture and advanced mouse pelage hair regrowth in vivo compared to vehicle alone. A prostamide receptor antagonist blocked isolated follicle growth, confirming a direct, receptor-mediated mechanism within follicles; RT-PCR analysis identified 3 relevant receptor genes in scalp follicles in vivo. Receptors were located in the key follicle regulator, the dermal papilla, by analyzing individual follicular structures and immunohistochemistry. Thus, bimatoprost stimulates human scalp follicles in culture and rodent pelage follicles in vivo, mirroring eyelash behavior, and scalp follicles contain bimatoprost-sensitive prostamide receptors in vivo. This highlights a new follicular signaling system and confirms that bimatoprost offers a novel, low-risk therapeutic approach for scalp alopecias.