Research efforts to determine the causes, effects and locations of mutations within the human genome have been widely pursued due to their role in the development of various diseases. The main cause of mutations in vivo is oxidative damage to DNA via oxidants and free radical species. Numerous studies have been performed in vitro to determine how oxidative damage is induced in DNA. Most of these in vitro studies require photosensitizers to initiate the oxidative damage through various mechanisms. For the purposes of this research, all the photosensitizers that were used initiated oxidative damage in DNA through the electron transfer mechanism. In the charge transport studies, an anthraquinone photosensitizer was covalently linked to the 5 end of DNA by a short carbon tether in order to determine the pattern of damage induced along the length of the DNA. Anthraquinone preferentially damages guanine bases. Our first work sought to determine the effects of charge transport through guanine rich quadruplex DNA dimers. The dimers were formed by the combination of two hairpins with duplex overhangs extending beyond the quadruplex region. This enabled the optimal comparison of the effects of charge transport between duplex and quadruplex DNA structures. Another area of research we pursued in this area was to determine the effects of charge transport in M-DNA (a novel DNA conformation that was reported to form in the presence of zinc ions at a pH above 8). Earlier work on M-DNA suggested that it behaved like a molecular wire. Our research attempted to determine the effects of charge transport on this structure in order to show the behavior of a DNA molecular wire as compared to the standard studies performed in this area on normal B-DNA structures. Lastly, in collaboration with Dr. Ramaiah and colleagues we designed some viologen linked acridine photosensitizers which were tested for any ability to cleave GGG bulges. In preliminary studies, these viologen linked acridine derivatives showed preferential cleavage for guanine bases. They were not covalently bound to DNA, although they could potentially form non covalent interactions with DNA such as intercalation and/or groove binding. Our overall research goal was to determine the extent and overall effect of oxidative damage (using different photosensitizers) on the various DNA structures mentioned above.

Submitted by Vasti Diniz (vastijpa@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-08T13:15:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 5193646 bytes, checksum: 62212dade111b2d7405b6107b2b692aa (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-08T13:15:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 5193646 bytes, checksum: 62212dade111b2d7405b6107b2b692aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-06-17 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by sand flies insects. As recommended treatments are toxic and not very satisfactory, it is necessary to find new drugs more effective against the parasite and that have low toxicity to the host. In this context, this study aimed to synthesize, structurally elucidate and evaluate the anti-Leishmania potential novel hybrids thiophenics-acridines front of promastigotes of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. In this study, we evaluated 23 compounds, of which 14 were derived hybrids. The synthesis of compounds had a yield from 47.7% (ACT06) to 88% (ACT05) to ACT series, and ACS series from 44.8% (ACS05) to 94.9% (ACS02). All compounds of ACS series showed antipromastigote activity (IC50 values from 3.9 to 30.9 μg/mL). Differently, hybrids of ACT series no showed antiparasitic activity. None of the derivatives showed cytotoxicity to erythrocytes of human origin, as compared to reference drug. The compounds with improved activity, ACS01 and ACS02 (IC50 3.9 and 4.6 μg/mL; SI 205.1 and 173.9 respectively) were selected to proceed with the investigation. ACS01 and ACS02 were effective against strains resistant trivalent antimony in the same way as in sensitive strains. Furthermore, the activity of ACS01is not associated with parasite DNA fragmentation, but ACS01 and ACS02 showed a binding constant of 104 M-1, demonstrating their DNA intercalation capacity. Thus, these results suggest that the derivatives of the ACS series are possible drug candidates for the therapy of leishmaniasis. / As leishmanioses são um conjunto de doenças causadas por protozoários do gênero Leishmania, transmitidas por insetos flebotomíneos. Como os tratamentos recomendados são tóxicos e pouco satisfatórios, faz-se necessário encontrar novas drogas, mais eficazes contra o parasito e que tenham baixa toxicidade para o hospedeiro. Neste contexto, este trabalho buscou sintetizar, elucidar estruturalmente, e avaliar o potencial anti-Leishmania de novos derivados híbridos tiofênicos-acridínicos frente às formas promastigotas de Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Neste estudo, foram avaliados 23 compostos, dos quais 14 derivados são híbridos. A síntese dos compostos apresentou rendimento de 47,7% (ACT06) a 88% (ACT05) para série ACT, e na ACS de 44,8% (ACS05) a 94,9% (ACS02). Todos os compostos da série ACS apresentaram atividade antipromastigota (IC50 de 3,9 a 30,9 μg/mL). De modo diferente, os derivados da série ACT não apresentaram atividade antiparasitária. Nenhum dos derivados apresentou citotoxicidade para hemácias de origem humana, comparados às drogas de referência. Os compostos com melhor atividade, ACS01 e ACS02 (IC50 = 3,9 e 4,6 μg/mL; IS = 205,1 e 173,9 respectivamente) foram selecionados para prosseguir com a investigação. ACS01 e ACS02 foram eficazes contra cepas resistentes ao antimonial trivalente da mesma forma que nas culturas sensíveis. Além do mais, a atividade do ACS01 não está associada à fragmentação do DNA do parasito, porém ACS01 e ACS02 apresentaram uma constante de ligação de 104 M-1, demonstrando sua capacidade de intercalação ao DNA. Assim, estes resultados sugerem que os derivados da série ACS são possíveis candidatos a fármacos para a terapêutica das leishmanioses.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:16:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 pre textuais aline franca.pdf: 261338 bytes, checksum: 26489ba3dd2eb948a58b73b531aee0b2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-10-05 / The evaluation of the reproductive capacity of stallions and semen cooled and / or frozen is of fundamental importance in practical breeding of horses. Whereas predicting the fertility of a stallion is still a subjective decision, the present study was conducted to evaluate different staining techniques, as well as tests that assess the viability of semen in horses, studying the effects of the addition of cysteine and glutathione in plasma membrane integrity of sperm DNA, and to evaluate the effects of the addition of these antioxidants in preserving the viability of sperm undergoing incubation and refrigerated for short periods. We used semen from six stallions, wich were split into seven samples, one kept as control (Control Group) and other antioxidants cysteine was added at a ratio of 1.0 mM (Group C1, 0), 1.5 mM (Group C1, 5), 2.5 mM (Group C 2.5) and glutathione also at 1.0 mM (Group G1, 0), 1.5 mM (Group G1, 5) and 2.5 mM (Group G 2.5 ). All tests were performed every six hours. The three treatments were: Treatment I cooled to 12 &#8304;C for 12 hours (zero hour; 6h resf.; 12h resf.) Chilled in boxes; Treatment II incubated in a water bath at 37 &#8304;C for 12 hours (6h 37 ° C, 12h 37 ° C) and Treatment III - cooled and subsequently incubated, according to the treatments I and II. The evaluation of plasma membrane integrity was performed by staining eosine-nigrosin; acrosomal membrane by FITC-PSA and DNA by acridine orange. For each analysis were numbered 200 to 500 cells. The evaluation of the viability of sperm was performed by MTT assay according to Mosmann (1983). The results showed that antioxidants were effective (p <0.05) in keeping the DNA intact chromatin, especially glutathione. In the acrosome of antioxidants were protective, at times 18 and 24 hours, and in other treatments, no significant difference (p> 0.05) between control and treated groups. The MTT test showed that groups treated with antioxidants had absorbance values similar to those of control, showing positive effect (p <0.05) only when cooled by six o'clock in the cysteine group 2.5. In relation to the plasma membrane of spermatozoa stained with eosin-nigrosin, no protective effect of antioxidants in the samples. The values of their averages were close to the control group (p> 0.05). One factor was estimated that cooling per se, independent of the addition of antioxidants used, has been effective in protecting the sperm. And the incubation at 37 &#8304; C causes these cells, and the addition of cysteine and glutathione were efficient, if not protect, but to maintain the integrity of the factors evaluated, not causing more damage to sperm. / A avaliação da eficácia reprodutiva do garanhão e do sêmen resfriado e&#8260;ou congelado é de fundamental importância na prática reprodutiva dos eqüinos. Predizer a fertilidade de um garanhão constitui uma decisão subjetiva. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de testar diferentes técnicas de coloração, assim como testes que avaliem a viabilidade do sêmen de eqüinos, estudando os efeitos da adição de cisteína e glutationa na integridade da membrana plasmática, do DNA espermático, além de avaliar os efeitos da adição desses antioxidantes na preservação da viabilidade dos espermatozóides submetidos à incubação e refrigeração por curtos períodos. Foi utilizado sêmen de seis garanhões, que foram fracionados em sete amostras, sendo uma mantida como controle (Grupo Controle) e às outras foi adicionado os antioxidantes cisteína, na proporção de 1,0mM (Grupo C1,0); 1,5mM (Grupo C1,5); 2,5mM (Grupo C 2,5) e glutationa também na proporção de 1,0mM (Grupo G1,0); 1,5mM (Grupo G1,5) e 2,5mM (Grupo G 2,5). Todas as análises foram realizadas a cada seis horas. Os três tratamentos foram: Tratamento I resfriado a 12 °C, por 12 horas (zero hora; 6h resf.; 12h resf.), em caixas refrigeradas; Tratamento II incubado em banho-maria a 37 °C, por 12 horas (6h 37° C; 12h 37° C) e Tratamento III resfriado e posteriormente incubado, conforme os Tratamentos I e II. A avaliação da integridade da membrana plasmática foi feita pela coloração eosina-nigrosina; da membrana acrossomal pelo FITC-PSA e do DNA pela laranja de acridina. A avaliação da viabilidade do sêmen foi realizada pelo ensaio do MTT, de acordo com Mosmann(1983). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que os antioxidantes foram eficientes (p<0,05) em manter a cromatina do DNA intacta, especialmente a glutationa. Na membrana acrossomal houve proteção dos antioxidantes, nos momentos 18 e 24 horas, sendo que nos demais tratamentos, não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os grupos tratados e o grupo controle. O teste do MTT mostrou que os grupos tratados com antioxidantes tiveram valores de absorbância próximos aos do controle, mostrando efeito positivo (p<0,05) apenas quando resfriados por seis horas, no grupo cisteína 2,5. Em relação à membrana plasmática dos espermatozóides, corados por eosina-nigrosina, não houve efeito protetor dos antioxidantes nas amostras avaliadas. Um fator avaliado foi que o resfriamento, por si só, independente da adição dos antioxidantes utilizados, já foi eficaz em proteger os espermatozóides. E a incubação a 37&#8304; C causa danos a essas células, e a adição de cisteína e glutationa foi eficiente em, senão proteger, mas manter a integridade dos fatores avaliados, não causando mais danos aos espermatozóides.

This work is focused on physical interactions of negatively charged polymers with small ionogenic fluorescent molecules. Trying to verify the presence of these interactions using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and provides a comprehensive view of the problem. The aim of this work is to observe the effect of concentration on the diffusion properties. P/D ratio, where P represents number of polymer binding sites and D number of dye binding sites, was chosen for this issue. Hyaluronate, sodium chondroitin sulfate and sodium polystyrene sulfonace were used as polymers and Acridine Orange, and Rhodamine 6G were chosen as fluorescent probes. The reason why this experiment uses these probes, was the assumption, that the positive charge occuring on the fluorescent probe will lead to the electrostatic interaction with the negatively charged polymer. As a result, the bond between acridine orange and polyelectrolyte was not clearly demonstrated, but the interaction with Rhodamine 6G have been proved.

RNAs have gained significant attention in recent years because they can fold into well-defined secondary or tertiary structures. These three dimensional architectures provide interfaces for specific RNA-RNA or RNA-protein interactions that are essential for biological processes in a living system. These discoveries greatly increased interest in RNA as a potential drug target for the treatment of diseases. Two of the most studied RNA based regulatory systems are HIV-1 trans-activating response element (TAR)/Tat replication pathway and Rev response element (RRE)/Rev export pathway. To efficiently target TAR and RRE RNA, we designed and synthesized three generations of branched peptide libraries that resulted in medium sized molecules. The first generation of BPs were discovered from screening a one-bead one-compound library (4,096 compounds) against HIV-1 TAR RNA. One peptide FL4 displayed a binding affinity of 600 nM to TAR RNA, which is tighter than its native protein counterpart, Tat. Biophysical characterization of these BP demonstrated that "branches" in BPs impart multivalency, and they are cell permeable and non-toxic. The second generation peptides were discovered from an on-bead high-throughput screening of a 3.3.4 branched peptide boronic acids (BPBAs) library that bind selectively to the tertiary structure of RRE IIB. The library comprised of 46,656 unique sequences. We demonstrate that our highest affinity BPBA (BPBA1) selectively binds RRE IIB in the presence of competitor tRNAs as well as against six RRE IIB structural variants. Further, we show that the boronic acid moieties afford a novel binding mode towards RNA that is tunable; their Lewis acidity has critical effects on binding affinity. In addition, biophysical characterizations provide evidence that "branching" in these peptides is a key structural motif for multivalent interactions with the target RNA. Finally, RNA footprinting studies revealed that the BPBA1 binding site encompasses a large surface area that spans both the upper stem as well as the internal loop regions of RRE IIB. BPBA1 is cell permeable and non-toxic. In the next generation of branched peptides, a 3.3.4 branched peptide library composed of 4,096 unique sequences that featured boronic acid and acridine moieties was designed. We chose acridine as the amino acid side chain due to its potential for π-stacking interaction that provides high binding affinity to RNA target. The library was screened against HIV-1 RRE IIB RNA. Fifteen peptides were sequenced and four contained acridine alone and/or in conjunction with boronic acid moieties displayed dissociation constants lower than 100 nM. The ribonuclease protection assays of A7, a sequence that contains both boronic acid and acridine residues, showed a similar protection pattern compared to previous peptide BPBA1, suggesting that the 3.3.4 branched peptides shared similar structural elements and contacted comparable regions of the RRE IIB RNA. The results from this research indicated that "branching" in peptides imparts multivalent interactions to the RNA, and that functional groups such as boronic acid and acridine are key structural features for efficient binding and selectivity for the folded RNA target. We demonstrated that the branched peptides are cell permeable and non-toxic. / Ph. D.

Cette thèse est composée de deux parties distinctes ayant comme thématique commune, la synthèse d’hétérocycles via la catalyse organométallique.Nous nous sommes intéressés, dans un premier temps, à une voie de synthèse permettant un accès rapide au squelette tétrahydrocyclopenta[c]acridine. Ces composés polyfonctionnalisés sont obtenus très efficacement en seulement trois étapes dans des conditions particulièrement douces. L’étape clé de cette synthèse est une réaction de Pauson-Khand intramoléculaire catalysée au cobalt. Certains composés issus de la famille des tétrahydrocyclopenta[c]acridines présentent une activité d’inhibition sélective envers les kinases dépendantes des cyclines (CDKs), et plus particulièrement la CDK2. Un composé chef de file est identifié, puis grâce aux données de co-Cristallisation avec CDK2 et de modélisation moléculaire, suivi de l’étude des relations structure-Activité, la conception rationnelle d’une deuxième génération de molécules est rendue possible. Le composé le plus avancé présente une CI50 de 300 nM envers CDK2/cyclin A et un excellent profil de stabilité métabolique.Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié et développé une réaction tandem d’addition/cyclisation catalysée par l’argent, avec des nucléophiles carbonés sur des substrats ortho-Alcynylbenzaldéhydes. La stratégie de synthèse conduit à des dérivés 1H-Isochromènes par création de deux nouvelles liaisons (C-C et C-O). Une étude approfondie de la réaction tandem nous a permis d’obtenir une large gamme de dérivés d’isochromènes en mettant en évidence l’influence de différents substituants, portés par le groupement alcyne ou le substrat, ainsi que l’utilisation de différents nucléophiles carbonés (alcynes, aromatiques, hétéroaromatiques). Les limitations de la réaction tandem ont également pu être identifiées. / My thesis proJect is organized around two main topics having in common organometallic chemistry and the synthesis of heterocycles.Firstly, we were interested in a methodology for the synthesis of tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]acridines. These compounds are synthesized in three steps from various quinolines. The key step is a cobalt-Catalyzed intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction. Some compounds of this family exhibit selective Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs) inhibition, particulary against CDK2, in the submicromolar range. A hit compound has been identified, and then using data from co-Crystallization with CDK2 and molecular modeling, followed by the study of structure-Activity relationships, the rational design of a second generation of molecules has been investigated. The most advanced compound has an IC50 of 300 nM against CDK2/cyclin A with an excellent metabolic profile. In the second axis of research, we have studied and developed a new silver-Catalyzed tandem addition/cyclization reaction with carbon nucleophiles. The systems studied are (hetero)aromatics compounds having an aldehyde group and in ortho-Position an alkynyl group. The synthetic strategy leads to 1H-Isochromene derivatives by creating two new bonds. A thorough study of the tandem reaction allowed us to obtain a wide range of isochromene derivatives, highlighting the influence of different substituents carried by the alkyne group or on the (hetero)aromatic substrates; and also to investigate the use of different carbon nucleophiles (alkynes, aromatics and heteroaromatics). The limitations of the tandem reaction have also been identified.

Os corantes ciânicos (CC) são compostos orgânicos que possuem uma estrutura facilmente variável, permitindo obter-se as características fotofísicas desejáveis. Devido a sua alta afinidade por estruturas biológicas, baixa citotoxicidade no escuro, alta solubilidade em meio aquoso e fotoatividade os CC são considerados compostos promissores para aplicações no tratamento do câncer por terapia fotodinâmica (TFD). CC possuem uma forte tendência de se agregar em meio aquoso, que modifica suas características fotofísicas, reduzindo os rendimentos quânticos de fluorescência e do estado tripleto, diminuindo assim sua eficiência em suas aplicações como sonda fluorescente e na TFD, todavia, a agregação aumenta a eficiência da conversão da sua energia de excitação em calor, que é importante para sua aplicação na terapia por hipertermia (HT). Sendo introduzido num organismo o CC se encontra no ambiente onde ele vai interagir com sais e estruturas nano-heterogêneas (membrana celular, ácidos nucléicos etc.), interações que podem influenciar na sua agregação. Nesse trabalho investigamos o fenômeno da agregação dos CC em suas interações com sistemas nano-heterogêneos naturais (DNA) e sintéticos (micelas) em função da sua própria estrutura, da estrutura destes sistemas e da composição da solução: as concentrações do corante e do sistema nano-heterogêneo e a força iônica. Entre os CC, escolhemos como modelos a Acridina Laranja (AL) e os corantes com dois cromóforos (BCD) que se diferem pelo ângulo formado entre seus cromóforos. Utilizamos técnicas espectroscópicas estacionárias e com resolução temporal de absorção óptica, fluorescência, espalhamento ressonante e dinâmico da luz e fotólise por pulso relâmpago. Descobrimos que em soluções aquosas homogêneas os sais induzem a agregação dos CC. No caso da AL, os sais suprimem sua fluorescência pelo aumento da agregação da AL e pela formação de um exciplexo entre a AL em seu estado excitado singleto e o ânion do sal. A interação dos CC com estruturas nano-organizadas é complexa. Observamos que na interação do CC com o DNA aparecem várias espécies em equilíbrio, tais como monômeros de CC livres e ligados ao DNA, agregados de CC ligados ao DNA e agregados de DNA ligados com os monômeros de CC. A ligação da AL ao DNA reduz a probabilidade do contato da AL com outras moléculas. Contudo, na presença do DNA os sais reduzem a agregação da AL devido à redução da constante de ligação da AL com o DNA. Na presença do dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS), observamos que em baixas concentrações este estimula a agregação do CC. O aumento da concentração de SDS induz a desagregação do CC. Identificamos que os agregados dos CC com SDS apresentam uma dinâmica que pode perdurar por diversas horas. Durante esse período os agregados trocam suas formas H e J. Investigamos uma possível aplicação prática da agregação numa terapia de HT, identificando que a agregação protege o CC da fotodecomposição e aumenta a eficiência da geração de calor. Os resultados obtidos são importantes para avaliar o potencial de aplicação do CC como fotossensibilizadores em terapia fotodinâmica, fotohipertermia e sondas fluorescentes em diagnóstico por fluorescência. / Cyanine dyes (CD) are organic compounds that have an easily variable structure, thus allowing obtain desirable photophysical characteristics. Due to their high affinity to biological structures, low cytotoxicity in the dark, high solubility in aqueous medium and photoactivity the CD are promising materials for application as photosensitizers in cancer treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT) and as fluorescence probes in fluorescence diagnostics (FD). CD have a strong tendency to aggregate in aqueous media, which modify their photophysical characteristics, reducing its fluorescence and triplet state quantum yields, thus decreasing their efficiency in applications in PDT and FD. At the same time, aggregation increases the probability of excitation energy conversion into heat, which is important for application in hyperthermia (HT) therapy. Being introduced into organism, CD will interact with salts and nano-heterogeneous structures (cell membrane, nucleic acids etc.). These interactions can affect its aggregation. In this work we have investigated the CD aggregation phenomenon at its interactions with natural (DNA) and synthetic (micelles) nano-heterogeneous systems in function of their own structure, structure of the nano-heterogeneous system and the solution characteristics like dye and nano-heterogeneous system concentrations and ionic strength. Among CD, we have chosen as models Acridine Orange (AO) and cyanine dyes with two chromophores (BCD) that differ by the angle between chromophores. Stationary and time-resolved optical absorption, fluorescence, resonant and dynamic light scattering spectroscopies and flash photolysis were used. We have found that in homogeneous aqueous solutions salts induce the CD aggregation. In the case of AO, the salts quench the AO fluorescence by increasing its aggregation and by forming an exciplex between the AO molecule in its singlet excited state and the salt anion. Interaction of CD with nano-organized systems is complex. We observed that at CD interaction with DNA there appear several species in equilibrium, such as CD monomers free and bound to DNA, CD aggregates bound to DNA and DNA aggregates bound to CD monomers. The aggregation of DNA molecules around AO monomers reduces the probability for AO contact with other molecules. In the presence of DNA salts reduce AO aggregation due to reduction of the AO binding constant to DNA. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in low concentrations induces CD aggregation, while higher SDS concentrations stimulate CD disaggregation. The process of CD aggregation in the presence of SDS can continue for several hours. During this period, the form of aggregates may modify from H to J or from J to H depending on the dye structure. The irradiation of dye solutions with visible light increases the solution temperature. Aggregation protected CD from photodecomposition and increased heat generation. The results obtained may help in evaluation the potential of CD as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, photohyperthermia and fluorescent probes in fluorescence diagnostics.

This dissertation describes the advantages and feasibility of newly synthesized near-infrared (NIR) bis-heptamethine cyanine (BHmC) dyes for non-covalent labeling schemes. The NIR BHmCs were synthesized for biomolecule assay. The advantages of NIR BHmCs for biomolecule labeling and the instrumental advantages of the near-infrared region are also demonstrated. Chapter 1 introduces the theory and applications of dye chemistry. For bioanalysis, this chapter presents covalent and non-covalent labeling. The covalent labeling depends on the functionality of amino acids and the non-covalent labeling relies on the binding site of a protein. Due to the complicated binding process in non-covalent labeling, this chapter also discusses the binding equilibria in spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses. Chapter 2 and 3 evaluate the novel BHmCs for non-covalent labeling with human serum albumin (HSA) and report the influence of micro-environment on BHmCs. The interesting character of BHmCs in aqueous solutions is that the dyes exhibit non- or low-fluorescence compared to their monomer counterpart, RK780. It is due to their H-type closed clam-shell form in the solutions. The addition of HSA or organic solvents opens up the clam-shell form and enhances fluorescence. The binding equilibria are also examed. Chapter 4 provides a brief introduction that summaries the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE), and offers a detailed instrumentation that discusses the importance and advantage of a detector in NIR region for CE separation. Chapter 5 focuses on the use of NIR cyanine dyes with capillary electrcophoresis with near-infrared laser induce fluorescence (CE-NIR-LIF) detection. The NIR dyes with different functional groups show that RK780 is a suitable NIR dye for HSA labeling. The use of BHmCs with CE-NIR-LIF reduces signal noises that are commonly caused by the interaction between NIR cyanine dyes and negatively charged capillary wall. In addition, bovine carbonic anhydrase II (BCA II) is applied to study the influence of hydrophobicity on non-covalent labeling. Finally, chapter 6 presents the conformational dependency of BHmCs on the mobility in capillary and evaluates the further possibility of BHmCs for small molecule detection. Acridine orange (AO) is used as a sample and it breaks up the aggregate and enhances fluorescence. The inserted AO into BHmC changes the mobility in capillary, owing to the conformational changes by AO.

Os corantes ciânicos (CC) são compostos orgânicos que possuem uma estrutura facilmente variável, permitindo obter-se as características fotofísicas desejáveis. Devido a sua alta afinidade por estruturas biológicas, baixa citotoxicidade no escuro, alta solubilidade em meio aquoso e fotoatividade os CC são considerados compostos promissores para aplicações no tratamento do câncer por terapia fotodinâmica (TFD). CC possuem uma forte tendência de se agregar em meio aquoso, que modifica suas características fotofísicas, reduzindo os rendimentos quânticos de fluorescência e do estado tripleto, diminuindo assim sua eficiência em suas aplicações como sonda fluorescente e na TFD, todavia, a agregação aumenta a eficiência da conversão da sua energia de excitação em calor, que é importante para sua aplicação na terapia por hipertermia (HT). Sendo introduzido num organismo o CC se encontra no ambiente onde ele vai interagir com sais e estruturas nano-heterogêneas (membrana celular, ácidos nucléicos etc.), interações que podem influenciar na sua agregação. Nesse trabalho investigamos o fenômeno da agregação dos CC em suas interações com sistemas nano-heterogêneos naturais (DNA) e sintéticos (micelas) em função da sua própria estrutura, da estrutura destes sistemas e da composição da solução: as concentrações do corante e do sistema nano-heterogêneo e a força iônica. Entre os CC, escolhemos como modelos a Acridina Laranja (AL) e os corantes com dois cromóforos (BCD) que se diferem pelo ângulo formado entre seus cromóforos. Utilizamos técnicas espectroscópicas estacionárias e com resolução temporal de absorção óptica, fluorescência, espalhamento ressonante e dinâmico da luz e fotólise por pulso relâmpago. Descobrimos que em soluções aquosas homogêneas os sais induzem a agregação dos CC. No caso da AL, os sais suprimem sua fluorescência pelo aumento da agregação da AL e pela formação de um exciplexo entre a AL em seu estado excitado singleto e o ânion do sal. A interação dos CC com estruturas nano-organizadas é complexa. Observamos que na interação do CC com o DNA aparecem várias espécies em equilíbrio, tais como monômeros de CC livres e ligados ao DNA, agregados de CC ligados ao DNA e agregados de DNA ligados com os monômeros de CC. A ligação da AL ao DNA reduz a probabilidade do contato da AL com outras moléculas. Contudo, na presença do DNA os sais reduzem a agregação da AL devido à redução da constante de ligação da AL com o DNA. Na presença do dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS), observamos que em baixas concentrações este estimula a agregação do CC. O aumento da concentração de SDS induz a desagregação do CC. Identificamos que os agregados dos CC com SDS apresentam uma dinâmica que pode perdurar por diversas horas. Durante esse período os agregados trocam suas formas H e J. Investigamos uma possível aplicação prática da agregação numa terapia de HT, identificando que a agregação protege o CC da fotodecomposição e aumenta a eficiência da geração de calor. Os resultados obtidos são importantes para avaliar o potencial de aplicação do CC como fotossensibilizadores em terapia fotodinâmica, fotohipertermia e sondas fluorescentes em diagnóstico por fluorescência. / Cyanine dyes (CD) are organic compounds that have an easily variable structure, thus allowing obtain desirable photophysical characteristics. Due to their high affinity to biological structures, low cytotoxicity in the dark, high solubility in aqueous medium and photoactivity the CD are promising materials for application as photosensitizers in cancer treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT) and as fluorescence probes in fluorescence diagnostics (FD). CD have a strong tendency to aggregate in aqueous media, which modify their photophysical characteristics, reducing its fluorescence and triplet state quantum yields, thus decreasing their efficiency in applications in PDT and FD. At the same time, aggregation increases the probability of excitation energy conversion into heat, which is important for application in hyperthermia (HT) therapy. Being introduced into organism, CD will interact with salts and nano-heterogeneous structures (cell membrane, nucleic acids etc.). These interactions can affect its aggregation. In this work we have investigated the CD aggregation phenomenon at its interactions with natural (DNA) and synthetic (micelles) nano-heterogeneous systems in function of their own structure, structure of the nano-heterogeneous system and the solution characteristics like dye and nano-heterogeneous system concentrations and ionic strength. Among CD, we have chosen as models Acridine Orange (AO) and cyanine dyes with two chromophores (BCD) that differ by the angle between chromophores. Stationary and time-resolved optical absorption, fluorescence, resonant and dynamic light scattering spectroscopies and flash photolysis were used. We have found that in homogeneous aqueous solutions salts induce the CD aggregation. In the case of AO, the salts quench the AO fluorescence by increasing its aggregation and by forming an exciplex between the AO molecule in its singlet excited state and the salt anion. Interaction of CD with nano-organized systems is complex. We observed that at CD interaction with DNA there appear several species in equilibrium, such as CD monomers free and bound to DNA, CD aggregates bound to DNA and DNA aggregates bound to CD monomers. The aggregation of DNA molecules around AO monomers reduces the probability for AO contact with other molecules. In the presence of DNA salts reduce AO aggregation due to reduction of the AO binding constant to DNA. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in low concentrations induces CD aggregation, while higher SDS concentrations stimulate CD disaggregation. The process of CD aggregation in the presence of SDS can continue for several hours. During this period, the form of aggregates may modify from H to J or from J to H depending on the dye structure. The irradiation of dye solutions with visible light increases the solution temperature. Aggregation protected CD from photodecomposition and increased heat generation. The results obtained may help in evaluation the potential of CD as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy, photohyperthermia and fluorescent probes in fluorescence diagnostics.

The interaction of drugs with DNA is a significant feature in pharmacology and plays a vital role in the designing of more efficient and specifically targeted drugs.The concept of hybridization of two bioactive molecules often leads to increased activity due to synergistic effects of anticancer drugs have been studied.Two important pharmacophores: Acridine and thiophene were widely studied as antitumor, antiparasitic and antibacterial agents. We hypothesize that a conjugate comprised two pharmacophores with different mechanisms of antiproliferative action can result in enhanced DNA damage. Electrochemical Studies in aprotic and protic media, electrochemical DNA biosensor at Glassy carbon electrode, electrochemical New Hairpin DNA biosensor at the Gold electrode (SL-DNA/GE), Molecular Modeling and Spectroscopic UV-Vis, were used to determine the damage caused to DNA by six Acridine-thiophene conjugates. In this work, we report the synthesis of six synthetic DNA intercalators based on the acridine linked with thiophene conjugates (7CNAC01, 6CNAC01, 7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN, and ASC5CN). We identified the electrochemical behavior of these active redox drugs is strongly influenced by the nature of solvent (DMF and pH=7.2 phosphate buffer media).We recorded redox properties of 7CNAC01, 6CNAC01, 7ESTAC01, and 6ESTAC01 involve adsorption controlled quasi- reversible process and were investigated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a glassy carbon and Gold electrode. An effective and new electrochemical biosensor based on hairpin DNA (SL-DNA/GE) immobilized and functionalized on the surface of the gold electrode (GE) to detect oxidative Guanine damage was developed. As a result, two kinds of biosensor were tested with reduced acridinethiophene conjugates showing better sensitivity the SL-DNA/GE sensor for the detection of DNA damage using the electrochemical signal of Oxidation of Guanine bases. Also, Molecular docking results showed predominantly hydrophobic interaction, and either high binding constant was recorded for Molecular docking and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy showing an isosbestic point presence with dsDNA, for 7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN, ACS5CN. Our findings indicate that three reduced acridine-thiophene compounds (7CNAC01, 6CNAC01, and ACS5CN) cause direct dsDNA damage and all our six reduced hybrid compounds are causing damage to singled stranded ssDNA. Finally, we proposed for the first time a direct correlation between binding constant (Kb) and half-wave potential (E1/2) for four acridine-thiophene derivates (7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN, and ASC5CN). Our results showed a promise sensitive electrochemical SL-DNA/GE sensor for the detection of DNA damage using the electrochemical signal of Oxidation of Guanine bases, to detect DNA-cancer drug interaction. / A interação de drogas com DNA é uma característica significativa na farmacologia e desempenha um papel vital na concepção de drogas mais eficientes e especificamente direcionadas. O conceito de hibridização de duas moléculas bioativas leva ao aumento da atividade devido aos efeitos sinérgicos de drogas híbridas anticâncer com o uso dos farmacóforos importantes: Acridina e Tiofeno. Estes dois sítios ativos foram amplamente estudados como agentes antitumorais, antiparasitários e antibacterianos. Suspeitamos que um conjugado, composto por dois farmacóforos com diferentes mecanismos de ação antiproliferativa, pode resultar em danos ao DNA. Estudos eletroquímicos em meios prótico e aprótico, biossensor de DNA eletroquímico em eletrodo de carbono vítreo, Hairpin DNA em eletrodo de ouro (SL-DNA/GE), modelagem molecular e Espectroscopia UV-Vis foram usados para determinar os danos causados ao DNA por seis conjugados de Acridina-Tiofeno. Neste trabalho, relatamos o estudo de seis intercaladores de DNA com base na acridina ligada a conjugados de tiofeno (7CNAC01, 6CNAC01, 7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN e ASC5CN). As propriedades redox da 7CNAC01, 6CNAC01, 7ESTAC01 e 6ESTAC01 envolvem processo quase-reversível com corrente controlada por difusão. As propriedades redox desses compostos foram investigadas usando voltametrias cíclica e de pulso diferencial (VPD) em eletrodo de carbono vítreo e eletrodo de ouro. Foi desenvolvido um novo e eficiente biossensor eletroquímico baseado no Hairpin DNA (SL-DNA/GE) imobilizado e funcionalizado na superfície do eletrodo de ouro para detectar danos oxidativos da guanina através da interação com 7ESTAC01. Os biosensores SL-DNA e dsDNA foram testados com conjugados de acridina-tiofeno reduzidos, apresentando melhor sensibilidade o sensor SLDNA na detecção de danos ao DNA. Além disso, os resultados de modelagem molecular mostraram predominantemente interação hidrofóbica e uma alta constante de ligação. Já os resultados de espectroscopia de absorção no UV-Vis mostraram a presença de ponto isosbéstico com dsDNA, para os conjugados 7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN, ACS5CN. Nossos resultados indicaram que três compostos de acridina-tiofeno reduzidos (7CNAC01, 6CNAC01 e ACS5CN) causaram danos direto ao dsDNA, e os seis compostos híbridos reduzidos, causaram danos ao DNA de cadeia simples. Finalmente, propusemos pela primeira vez uma correlação direta entre constante de ligação (Kb) e potencial de meia onda (E1 / 2) para quatro derivados de acridina-tiofeno (7ESTAC01, 6ESTAC01, ACS6CN e ASC5CN). Além disso, o biosensor eletroquímico de SL-DNA/GE mostrou-se bastante sensível para a detecção dos danos causados ao DNA, através da interação entre o DNA e os compostos estudados.