The state of the art of modeling fluid flow in shale gas reservoirs is dominated by dual porosity models that divide the reservoirs into matrix blocks that significantly contribute to fluid storage and fracture networks which principally control flow capacity. However, recent extensive microscopic studies reveal that there exist massive micro- and nano- pore systems in shale matrices. Because of this, the actual flow mechanisms in shale reservoirs are considerably more complex than can be simulated by the conventional dual porosity models and Darcy’s Law. Therefore, a model capturing multiple pore scales and flow can provide a better understanding of complex flow mechanisms occurring in these reservoirs. Through the use of a unique simulator, this research work establishes a micro-scale multiple-porosity model for fluid flow in shale reservoirs by capturing the dynamics occurring in three separate porosity systems: organic matter (mainly kerogen); inorganic matter; and natural fractures. Inorganic and organic portions of shale matrix are treated as sub-blocks with different attributes, such as wettability and pore structures. In the organic matter or kerogen, gas desorption and diffusion are the dominant physics. Since the flow regimes are sensitive to pore size, the effects of smaller pores (mainly nanopores and picopores) and larger pores (mainly micropores and nanopores) in kerogen are incorporated in the simulator. The separate inorganic sub-blocks mainly contribute to the ability to better model dynamic water behavior. The multiple porosity model is built upon a unique tool for simulating general multiple porosity systems in which several porosity systems may be tied to each other through arbitrary transfer functions and connectivities. This new model will allow us to better understand complex flow mechanisms and in turn to extend simulation to the reservoir scale including hydraulic fractures through upscaling techniques

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the plant matrix and the structure of the flavonoid (i.e. whether aglycone or glycoside) may have on the gastrointestinal uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives from Artemisia afra traditional plant medicine. Specifically, how these two factors influenced the intestinal uptake and disposition of luteolin derivatives in pure and in Artemisia afra plant extract forms were to be assessed by investigating the uptake and metabolism of the luteolin derivatives in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and the perfused rat intestinal loop. To realize this aim, the following were determined: (1) identification and characterization of major luteolin derivatives found in Artemisia afra, (2) the effect of the plant matrix on the uptake of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, (3) the effect of the plant matrix on the absorption and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms in the perfused rat small intestine, (4) the effect of gut contents on the uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in intestinal loop and (5) the metabolic profiles of luteolin derivatives obtained for the pure solutions versus plant aqueous extract solutions in Caco-2 cells and the rat intestine. / Philosophiae Doctor - PhD

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the plant matrix and the structure of the flavonoid (i.e. whether aglycone or glycoside) may have on the gastrointestinal uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives from Artemisia afra traditional plant medicine. Specifically, how these two factors influenced the intestinal uptake and disposition of luteolin derivatives in pure and in Artemisia afra plant extract forms were to be assessed by investigating the uptake and metabolism of the luteolin derivatives in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and the perfused rat intestinal loop. To realize this aim, the following were determined: (1) identification and characterization of major luteolin derivatives found in Artemisia afra, (2) the effect of the plant matrix on the uptake of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, (3) the effect of the plant matrix on the absorption and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms in the perfused rat small intestine, (4) the effect of gut contents on the uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in intestinal loop and (5) the metabolic profiles of luteolin derivatives obtained for the pure solutions versus plant aqueous extract solutions in Caco-2 cells and the rat intestine.</p>

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the plant matrix and the structure of the flavonoid (i.e. whether aglycone or glycoside) may have on the gastrointestinal uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives from Artemisia afra traditional plant medicine. Specifically, how these two factors influenced the intestinal uptake and disposition of luteolin derivatives in pure and in Artemisia afra plant extract forms were to be assessed by investigating the uptake and metabolism of the luteolin derivatives in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and the perfused rat intestinal loop. To realize this aim, the following were determined: (1) identification and characterization of major luteolin derivatives found in Artemisia afra, (2) the effect of the plant matrix on the uptake of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, (3) the effect of the plant matrix on the absorption and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in Artemisia afra aqueous-extract forms in the perfused rat small intestine, (4) the effect of gut contents on the uptake and metabolism of luteolin derivatives in intestinal loop and (5) the metabolic profiles of luteolin derivatives obtained for the pure solutions versus plant aqueous extract solutions in Caco-2 cells and the rat intestine.</p>

Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2015-03-27T14:27:58Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Laís Cristina da Silva - 2014.pdf: 4002977 bytes, checksum: c54a0aa96c3be46a95b8df8e9a407c1d (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-03-27T15:49:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Laís Cristina da Silva - 2014.pdf: 4002977 bytes, checksum: c54a0aa96c3be46a95b8df8e9a407c1d (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-27T15:49:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Laís Cristina da Silva - 2014.pdf: 4002977 bytes, checksum: c54a0aa96c3be46a95b8df8e9a407c1d (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-09-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The main predictive models of absorption of potential new drugs in preclinical stage are focused on the gastrointestinal mucosa, given the predominance of this pathway in drug administration. Often, the fraction absorbed (Fa) can be predicted in ex vivo models (p.e. Ussing chambers), in vitro (p.e. Caco-2 cells monolayers), intestinal perfusion studies in situ and in vivo absorption. In the present study, from an adaptation of Snapwell ™ inserts, a new ex vivo model to evaluate the permeability of substances passively absorbed is proposed. High permeable drugs (metoprolol, caffeine and theophylline) and low permeable drugs (atenolol, ranitidine and cimetidine) were maintained in an incubator at 37 ° C under constant stirring (60 rpm) and carbogenic atmosphere (5% CO2). The viability of the jejunal membrane (52 Ω.cm2 ± 8.0) was observed remaining above 20 Ω.cm2 for 120 min incubation, under all conditions evaluated, including the addition of co-solvents (1% DMSO and 1% EtOH). Values of apparent permeability coefficients obtained (Papp) were characteristic of ex vivo permeation studies (3.8 to 12.6 x10-6 cm / s). Strong correlation was observed between the data obtained here versus data intestinal perfusion in vivo (r = 0.89), as well as the fraction absorbed in humans (r = 0.85), reported in the literature. Additionally, the model features high sensitivity and accuracy compared to other commonly used models in classification permeability of substances. In line, we can infer that the MTSSNAPWELL model demonstrates, yet, potential application in studies of screening for selection of low molecular weight, such as potential phytochemicals, as well as their synthetic analogues evaluated with low amount of sample (ca 10 mg). / Os principais modelos preditivos da absorção de potenciais novos fármacos na etapa pré-clinica são focados na mucosa gastrointestinal, haja vista a predominância desta via na administração medicamentosa. Frequentemente, a fração absorvida (Fa) pode ser predita em modelos ex vivo em câmaras de Ussing, in vitro em monocamadas de células Caco-2, perfusão intestinal in situ e estudos de absorção in vivo. No presente estudo, a partir de uma adaptação do aparato Snapwell™, um novo modelo ex vivo de avaliação da permeabilidade para substâncias absorvidas por difusão passiva é proposto. Substâncias de alta (metoprolol, cafeína e teofilina) e baixa (atenolol, ranitidina e cimetidina) permeabilidade, foram mantidos em incubadora à 37OC, sob agitação constante (60 rpm) e atmosfera carbogênica (5% CO2). A viabilidade da membrana jejunal (52 ± 8,0 Ω.cm2) foi observada mantendose acima de 20 Ω.cm2 por até 120 min de incubação, sob todas condições avaliadas incluindo a adição de co-solventes (DMSO 1% e EtOH 1%). Os valores de coeficientes de permeabilidade aparente obtidos (Papp) mostraram-se característicos de estudos ex vivo de permeação (3,8 – 12,6 x10-6 cm/s). Forte correlação foi observada entre os dados aqui obtidos versus dados de perfusão intestinal in vivo (r = 0,89), assim como da fração absorvida em humanos (r = 0,85), relatados na literatura. Adicionalmente, o modelo apresenta elevada sensibilidade e precisão frente aos demais modelos comumente utilizados na classificação da permeabilidade de substâncias. Em consonância, pode-se inferir que o modelo MTSSNAPWELL demonstra, até o momento, potencial aplicação em estudos de screening para seleção de moléculas de baixo peso molecular, tais como potenciais fitofármacos, assim como seus análogos sintéticos avaliados com baixa quantidade de amostra (c.a. 10 mg).

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La perméabilité est l'un de paramètres importants pour tous les procédés faisant intervenir des transferts couplés de chaleur et de masse. Sa valeur est directement liée à la morphologie du réseau de pores, clairement double échelle dans le cas du bois. Il existe plusieurs outils d’investigation 3-D par exemple la micro-tomographie voire nano-tomographie pour décrire la morphologie des pores. Néanmoins, ces investigations 3-D échouent pour les plus petits pores dans le bois, qui peuvent avoir une taille largement inférieure au micromètre. Ce travail de thèse utilise l'effet du libre parcours moyen du gaz sur la perméabilité apparente pour identifier la taille des pores utilisés par le cheminement du fluide.Une approche équilibrée entre expérimentation et modélisation est proposée. Dans la première partie du travail, nous avons développé un dispositif original destiné à mesurer la perméabilité apparente sur une large plage de niveau de pression moyenne. Ce dispositif ne comporte pas de débitmètre : le flux massique est simplement obtenu par la relaxation de la différence de pression entre deux réservoirs de volume connu.Ce dispositif a permis de mesurer la perméabilité apparente en fonction de la pression moyenne pour différents matériaux. Les valeurs obtenues de perméabilité intrinsèque sont en bon accord avec les publications précédentes.L'effet de la pression moyenne sur la perméabilité apparente a été analysé pour identifier des paramètres structuraux des milieux poreux. Partant d'un agencement série/parallèle de pores, les paramètres structuraux sont identifiés par méthode inverse en tirant profit du changement de régime d’écoulement avec le nombre de Knudsen (du régime de Darcy vers le régime de glissement moléculaire lorsque le nombre de Knudsen passe de zéro à l’infini).Cette approche a été validée avec des membranes à pore monodisperse grâce à une observation en microscopie électronique à balayage. Les paramètres ont ensuite été identifiés sur des échantillons de bois, selon différentes directions et sur des matériaux à base de bois. Ils confirment certaines données de la littérature, et apportent un éclairage nouveau, notamment sur les chemins de migration transverse chez le hêtre. / Permeability is one of the important parameters for all processes involving coupled heat and mass transfer. Its value is directly related to the morphology of the pore network, clearly a dual scale organisation in the case of wood. Nowadays, several 3D investigative tools exist, such as micro-tomography or nano-tomography. However, these 3-D investigations fail for the smallest pores active in fluid flow in wood, due to their submicron size. The present work takes advantage of the effect of the mean free path on the apparent gaseous permeability to identify the pore size of the pore network.A balanced approach between experimentation and modelling is proposed. In the first part of the work we have developed an original device for measuring the apparent permeability over a wide range of average pressure. This device was conceived to work without flowmeter: the mass flow is obtained by the relaxation of the pressure difference between two tanks. This device was used to measure the apparent permeability as a function of the average pressure for different materials.The intrinsic permeability values obtained are in good agreement with literature data.The effect of the average pressure on the apparent permeability was analysed to identify structural parameters of the porous media. Starting from a serial / parallel arrangement, the structural parameters are identified by inverse method taking advantage of the dependence of the flow regime with Knudsen's number (from Darcy's regime to pure molecular slip regime when Knudsen's number shifts from zero to infinity).This approach was validated with a monodisperse membrane, whose pore size was determined using a scanning electron microscopy. Structural parameters were then identified on wood samples, measured along different directions and on wood-based materials. They confirm literature data and bring new outcomes, namely regarding the fluid pathway in beech in radial and tangential directions.

O trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a influencia da concentração de monoestearato de sorbitano, componente do núcleo oleoso das nanocápsulas, na cinética de liberação do éster etílico de indometacina a partir de nanocápsulas de poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL). Com este propósito o éster etílico de indometacina foi associado a cada sistema e sua hidrólise alcalina foi realizada para simular uma condição sink. A velocidade de consumo do éster etílico de indometacina foi menor conforme o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. O tempo de meia-vida do consumo do éster etílico de indometacina associado as nanocápsulas foi relacionado com a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano, sendo maior, enquanto maior a concentração do monoestearato. O mecanismo de liberação foi determinado como sendo transporte anômalo. Foi observada uma relação linear direta entre o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a concentração de partículas nas suspensões de nanocápsulas (R2=0,9711). Mistura de outras nanopartículas que não as nanocápsulas, foram observadas e caracterizadas. O fluxo difusional do éster a partir das nanocápsulas foi determinado e diminuiu significativamente com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato, devido a mudanças na viscosidade do núcleo das nanocápsulas com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. Por fim, os resultados demonstraram que o principal fator que contribui para o retardo no tempo para o consumo do éster etílico de indometacina é a relação direta entre a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a permeabilidade das nanocápsulas (R=0,9894). / The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the sorbitan monoestearate concentration, one of the components of the oil core of the nanocapsules, in the release kinetic of the indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded poli(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules. In this way, the indomethacin ethyl ester was entrapped within each system and its alkaline hydrolysis was carried out to simulate a sink condition. The rate for the indomethacin ethyl ester consumption decreased with the increase in sorbitan monostearate concentrations. The indomethacin ethyl ester half-live was related to the sorbitan monostearate concentration, increasing as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. The drug release mechanism was determined as anomalous transport. Linear correlations were obtained between the increase in the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the particles concentration in the suspensions (R2 = 0.9711). Mixture of different nanoparticles that are not nanocapsules were observed by density gradient and characterized. The indomethacin ethyl ester fluxes from the nanocapsules were determined and presented a decrease of the flux as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. This result was related to changes in the oil core viscosity caused by the variation of the sorbitan monostearate concentration. Finally, the results demonstrated that the main factor that contributes for the delaying in the time for the indometahcin ethyl ester consumption was the direct relation between the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the apparent permeability of the nanocapsules (R2 = 0.9894).

O trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a influencia da concentração de monoestearato de sorbitano, componente do núcleo oleoso das nanocápsulas, na cinética de liberação do éster etílico de indometacina a partir de nanocápsulas de poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL). Com este propósito o éster etílico de indometacina foi associado a cada sistema e sua hidrólise alcalina foi realizada para simular uma condição sink. A velocidade de consumo do éster etílico de indometacina foi menor conforme o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. O tempo de meia-vida do consumo do éster etílico de indometacina associado as nanocápsulas foi relacionado com a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano, sendo maior, enquanto maior a concentração do monoestearato. O mecanismo de liberação foi determinado como sendo transporte anômalo. Foi observada uma relação linear direta entre o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a concentração de partículas nas suspensões de nanocápsulas (R2=0,9711). Mistura de outras nanopartículas que não as nanocápsulas, foram observadas e caracterizadas. O fluxo difusional do éster a partir das nanocápsulas foi determinado e diminuiu significativamente com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato, devido a mudanças na viscosidade do núcleo das nanocápsulas com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. Por fim, os resultados demonstraram que o principal fator que contribui para o retardo no tempo para o consumo do éster etílico de indometacina é a relação direta entre a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a permeabilidade das nanocápsulas (R=0,9894). / The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the sorbitan monoestearate concentration, one of the components of the oil core of the nanocapsules, in the release kinetic of the indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded poli(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules. In this way, the indomethacin ethyl ester was entrapped within each system and its alkaline hydrolysis was carried out to simulate a sink condition. The rate for the indomethacin ethyl ester consumption decreased with the increase in sorbitan monostearate concentrations. The indomethacin ethyl ester half-live was related to the sorbitan monostearate concentration, increasing as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. The drug release mechanism was determined as anomalous transport. Linear correlations were obtained between the increase in the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the particles concentration in the suspensions (R2 = 0.9711). Mixture of different nanoparticles that are not nanocapsules were observed by density gradient and characterized. The indomethacin ethyl ester fluxes from the nanocapsules were determined and presented a decrease of the flux as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. This result was related to changes in the oil core viscosity caused by the variation of the sorbitan monostearate concentration. Finally, the results demonstrated that the main factor that contributes for the delaying in the time for the indometahcin ethyl ester consumption was the direct relation between the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the apparent permeability of the nanocapsules (R2 = 0.9894).

O trabalho tem como objetivo determinar a influencia da concentração de monoestearato de sorbitano, componente do núcleo oleoso das nanocápsulas, na cinética de liberação do éster etílico de indometacina a partir de nanocápsulas de poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL). Com este propósito o éster etílico de indometacina foi associado a cada sistema e sua hidrólise alcalina foi realizada para simular uma condição sink. A velocidade de consumo do éster etílico de indometacina foi menor conforme o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. O tempo de meia-vida do consumo do éster etílico de indometacina associado as nanocápsulas foi relacionado com a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano, sendo maior, enquanto maior a concentração do monoestearato. O mecanismo de liberação foi determinado como sendo transporte anômalo. Foi observada uma relação linear direta entre o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a concentração de partículas nas suspensões de nanocápsulas (R2=0,9711). Mistura de outras nanopartículas que não as nanocápsulas, foram observadas e caracterizadas. O fluxo difusional do éster a partir das nanocápsulas foi determinado e diminuiu significativamente com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato, devido a mudanças na viscosidade do núcleo das nanocápsulas com o aumento da concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano. Por fim, os resultados demonstraram que o principal fator que contribui para o retardo no tempo para o consumo do éster etílico de indometacina é a relação direta entre a concentração do monoestearato de sorbitano e a permeabilidade das nanocápsulas (R=0,9894). / The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the sorbitan monoestearate concentration, one of the components of the oil core of the nanocapsules, in the release kinetic of the indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded poli(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules. In this way, the indomethacin ethyl ester was entrapped within each system and its alkaline hydrolysis was carried out to simulate a sink condition. The rate for the indomethacin ethyl ester consumption decreased with the increase in sorbitan monostearate concentrations. The indomethacin ethyl ester half-live was related to the sorbitan monostearate concentration, increasing as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. The drug release mechanism was determined as anomalous transport. Linear correlations were obtained between the increase in the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the particles concentration in the suspensions (R2 = 0.9711). Mixture of different nanoparticles that are not nanocapsules were observed by density gradient and characterized. The indomethacin ethyl ester fluxes from the nanocapsules were determined and presented a decrease of the flux as the sorbitan monostearate concentration increased. This result was related to changes in the oil core viscosity caused by the variation of the sorbitan monostearate concentration. Finally, the results demonstrated that the main factor that contributes for the delaying in the time for the indometahcin ethyl ester consumption was the direct relation between the sorbitan monostearate concentration and the apparent permeability of the nanocapsules (R2 = 0.9894).