This thesis describes the development of microfluidic (MF) platforms for the study of biological and chemical processes. In particular the thesis is divided into two distinct parts: (i) development of a MF methodology to generate tunable cell-laden microenvironments for detailed studies of cell behavior, and (ii) the design and fabrication of MF reactors for studies of chemical reactions. First, this thesis presented the generation of biopolymer microenvironments for cell studies. In the first project we demonstrated a high-throughput MF system for generating cell-laden agarose microgels with a controllable ratio of two different types of cells. The MF co-encapsulation system was shown to be a robust method for identifying autocrine and/or paracrine dependence of specific cell subpopulations. In the second project we studied the effect of the mechanical properties on the behavior of acute myeloid leukemia (AML2) cancer cells. Cell-laden macroscopic agarose gels were prepared at varying agarose concentrations. A modest range of the elastic modulus of the agarose gels were achieved, ranging from 0.62 kPa to 20.21 kPa at room temperature. We observed a pronounced decrease in cell proliferation in stiffer gels when compared to the gels with lower elastic moduli. The second part of the thesis focuses on the development of MF platforms for studying chemical reactions. In the third project presented in this thesis, we exploited the temperature dependent solubility of CO2 in order to: (i) study the temperature mediated CO2 transfer between the gas and the various liquid phases on short time scales, and (ii) to generate bubbles with a dense layer of colloid particles (armoured bubbles). The fourth project involved the fabrication of a multi-modal MF device with integrated analytical probes. The MF device comprised a pH, temperature, and ATR-FTIR probes for in-situ analysis of chemical reactions in real-time. Furthermore, the MF reactor featured a temperature controlled feedback system capable of maintaining on-chip temperatures at flow rates up to 50 mL/hr.

Thesis (M.E.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). "31st May 2006." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-133). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Biopolymers and bio-degradable polymers are of utmost importance to ensure a sustainable economy. Industry depends on raw material, which in many cases are derived from fossil fuels, but in light of looming energy crises and green revolutions attention is being directed at cellulose and starch biopolymers. This study was therefore set forth to investigate novel genetic key elements of cell wall metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana and starch synthesis in an under-utilized southern African crop plant, Tylosema esculentum. In the first section of the study a cDNA library of good quality was constructed from regenerating A. thaliana protoplasts as it was expected to be enriching for genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis. Small scale EST sequencing of the library confirmed that a few sequences were similar to genes identified to be highly expressed during protoplast regeneration. The library was to be screened by expression in a microalgae as it is anticipated that cell wall metabolising genes would change the wall structure and visibly alter the colony morphology. An attempt was made at establishing a high-throughput transformation system in the unicellular algae Chlorella protothecoides in which the library was proposed to be screened. Conventional microalgal transformation techniques do not appear to be effective in this strain as the study produced no transgenic algae. Alternative studies into a screening system within another species could still lead to the identification of cell wall biosynthetic genes, which was the first objective in the study. The second objective in the study was to investigate the potential of the orphan crop T. esculentum as starch-producing cash-crop in developing southern African countries. In this section of the study a cDNA library of good quality was produced form the tuber of T. esculentum. The library was transferred to an expression vector and screened functionally in E. coli for the presence of sequences with starch synthase activity. No sequences have been identified yet and screening procedures are still on-going. The starch content in the tuber has also been determined for the first time. The relatively high starch content in combination with low agricultural inputs indicate the potential of the plant as an industrial starch source. Further investigations into the nature of the starch are proposed to identify prospective buyers within the industry. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Biopolimere en bio-afbreekbare polimere is van kardinale belang om ‘n volhoubare ekonomie te ontwikkel. Industriële toepassings maak op die oomblik hoofsaaklik staat op fossielbrandstof verwante bronne, maar met die oog op ‘n groen revolusie en energie krissise wat dreig word meer belangstelling getoon in sellulose en stysel biopolimere. Hierdie studie is daarom onderneem om genetiese elemente te identifiseer wat betrokke is by die sintese van die selwand in Arabidopsis thaliana en stysel sintese in die suider Afrikaanse gewas Tylosema esculentum wat grotendeels onderbenut is. In die eerste deel van die studie is ‘n cDNA biblioteek, van goeie kwaliteit, geskep vanuit A. thaliana protoplaste wat besig was om hulle selwande te herbou. Dit word verwag dat die protoplaste gedurende die tydperk aktief besig sal wees om gene uit te druk wat betrokke is by selwandsintese. DNA volgordebepaling het bevestig dat ‘n klein aantal volgordes ooreengestem het met gene wat voorheen gevind was om in ‘n oormaat uitgedruk te word tydens die herbou van protoplas-selwande. Daar was beoog om die biblioteek in ‘n mikroalge uit te druk en sodoende die morfologie op kolonievlak waar te neem vir verandering wat in die selwand meegebring is. Om hierdie rede was die doel om ‘n hoë opbrengs transformasie sisteem te ontwikkel in die mikroalge Chlorella protothecoides. Algemene mikroalge transformasie tegnieke blyk om nie effektief in die spesie te wees nie aangesien geen transgeniese alge waargeneem is nie. Die ontwikkeling van ‘n soortgelyke proses in ‘n ander spesie kan steeds lei na die ontdekking van gene betrokke by selwandsintese in A. thaliana wat die eerste uitkoms van die projek as geheel was. Die tweede uitkoms van die projek was om te ondersoek wat die waarskynlikheid was om T. esculentum te kommersialiseer as ‘n stysel gewas en sodoende ‘n inkomste te skep vir arm boere in ontwikkelende lande in suider Afrika. In hierdie gedeelte van die projek was daar ‘n goeie cDNA biblioteek geskep uit die knol van T. esculentum. Die biblioteek is oorgedra na ‘n plasmied waarop dit aktief uitgedruk kon word in Escherischia coli G6MD2 en daar is gesoek na volgordes wat lei na die sintese van stysel in hierdie bakterieë. Tot op hede is geen sulke volgordes gevind nie, maar die ondersoek gaan steeds voort. Die styselinhoud van die knol is ook vir die eerste keer bepaal in hierdie ondersoek. ‘n Styselinhoud wat relatief hoog is en die lae moeite wat geverg word om die gewas te verbou toon dat die plant potensieel het as ‘n kommersiële bron van stysel. Verdere ondersoeke in die aard van die stysel word ook voorgestel om toekomstige industriële kopers te identifiseer.

A pesquisa e o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias na área de materiais e de processos químicos tem sido objeto de muitos trabalhos científicos que buscam inovações. O uso de materiais poliméricos para aplicação na área biomédica está em constante ascensão, e possuem importantes aplicações como sistema controlado de liberação de drogas, encapsulamento de células, regeneração de tecidos musculares e blendas para uso tópico. Os polímeros podem ser sintéticos como os álcool poli (vinílico)(PVA) e naturais também chamados de biopolímeros como a sericina (SER) formada pelo Bombyx mori. Para a utilização de biopolímeros é extremamente importante à avaliação de algumas características como dos agentes plastificantes e/ou reticulantes, a fim de, produzir blendas com melhores propriedades ao fim destinado. Dentro desse contexto, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do gluconato de cálcio (GLU) em blendas poliméricas SER/PVA visando uma possível aplicação em materiais com liberação controlada de fármacos, elaborar filmes poliméricos da blenda SER/PVA com glicerol (GLI) e gluconato de cálcio e composições e caracterizar sistemas esses filmes quanto ao teor de umidade, espectroscopia no infravermelho em módulo de refletância total atenuada com transformada de Fourier, análises termogravimétrica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, ensaios de tração e monitorar o teor de cálcio em solução proveniente da liberação do gluconato de cálcio presente nos filmes da blenda SER/PVA por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. Observou-se maior estabilidade térmica nos filmes com GLU como aditivo devido ao seu possível efeito reticulante relacionado aos íons Ca2+ presentes na blenda, com teor de umidade maior quando a GLY é utilizada, Nos estudos de FTIR-ATR pode ser observado que o GLU causa alteração do perfil espectroscópico do filme entre 50% e 60% do teor de SER diferentemente do que ocorre com a GLY (40% - 50%) Nos estudos de morfologia observou-se uma separação de fase em ambos os filmes com GLY e GLU, nos resultados de tração o GLY apresentou a plasticidade esperada já o GLU elimina a plasticidade do filme SER/PVA porém aumento significativamente a resistência do material, consequência clara de interações mais intensas no interior do material. Apresentou também um perfil de liberação positivo que pode ser modulado em composições de SER/PVA, esses resultados demonstram a viabilidade do filme como um material de liberação. Assim o GLU possui uma função múltipla na blenda polimérica proposta além de atuar como reticulante também pode atuar como fármaco. / The research and development of new technologies in the field of chemical materials and processes has been the subject of many scientific works that seek innovations. The use of polymer materials for application in the biomedical area is constantly increasing, and they have important applications as controlled system of drug release, cell encapsulation, regeneration of muscle tissues and blends for topical use. The polymers may be synthetic such as poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and natural also called biopolymers such as sericin (SER) formed by Bombyx mori. For the use of biopolymers it is extremely important to evaluate some characteristics such as plasticizers and / or crosslinking agents in order to produce blends with better properties to the intended purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium gluconate (GLU) on SER / PVA polymer blends aiming at a possible application in materials with controlled release of drugs, to prepare SER / PVA polymer blends with glycerol (GLI) And calcium gluconate and compositions and characterize systems such films for moisture content, infrared spectroscopy in Fourier transform attenuated total reflectance module, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, tensile tests and monitor calcium content in solution Resulting from the release of the calcium gluconate present in the SER / PVA blends films by atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was observed higher thermal stability in GLU films as an additive due to its possible crosslinking effect related to the Ca2+ ions present in the blends, with a higher moisture content when GLY is used. In the FTIR-ATR studies it can be observed that GLU causes Alteration of the spectroscopic profile of the film between 50% and 60% of the SER content differently than occurs with GLY (40% - 50%) In the morphology studies a phase separation was observed in both GLY and GLU films, In the traction results the GLY presented the expected plasticity since the GLU eliminates the plasticity of the SER / PVA film but significantly increases the resistance of the material, a clear consequence of more intense interactions inside the material. It also showed a positive release profile that can be modulated in SER / PVA compositions, these results demonstrating the viability of the film as a release material. Thus, GLU has a multiple function in the proposed polymer blend as well as acting as a crosslinker can also act as a drug.

Avec une mortalité après pancréatectomie de l'ordre de 5 % et une morbidité aux alentours de 50 %, la chirurgie pancréatique est l'une des plus délicates des interventions digestives. L'une des complications les plus graves est l'apparition de fistules pancréatiques (FP), c'est-à-dire un défaut d'imperméabilisation au niveau des sutures, impliquant une fuite enzymatique dans le milieu péritonéal qui peut engager le pronostic vital du patient. A ce jour, aucun dispositif médical n'est indiqué dans la prévention de ces FPs. Ainsi, ce projet a pour ambition de concevoir et de valider un biomatériau constitué d'une matrice absorbante qui assurera la double fonction d'éponge et de réservoir d'agent antibactérien, sur laquelle un greffage chimique devrait conférer des propriétés bioadhésives thermorégulées. La première partie de ce travail est consacrée à l'optimisation de la matrice absorbante, à base d'alginate et de chitosane, déjà développée lors d'une précédente thèse. Trois types de procédés de séchages ont été comparés : le séchage par évaporation, la lyophilisation et le séchage en milieu CO2 supercritique. Ces différents procédés conduisent à des matériaux de structures internes et de porosités différentes. L'impact de ces différences de structure a été évalué en termes de capacité de gonflement dans différents milieux, dont un milieu pancréatique simulé, mais aussi en termes de résistance enzymatique et de libération de principe actif. En tenant compte des résultats obtenus, le séchage par évaporation a été identifié comme le plus approprié pour la suite de l'étude. Dans une deuxième partie, du poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) a été synthétisé par polymérisation contrôlée (RAFT) afin d'être greffé sur la matrice absorbante. Le PNIPAM est un polymère thermosensible dont les propriétés bioadhésives sont directement dépendantes de la température. Ce polymère est généralement bioadhésif au-dessus de sa " lower critical solution température " (LCST), située aux alentours de 32 °C. Dans cette étude la masse molaire et la densité de greffage du PNIPAM sont les deux principaux paramètres étudiés pour son greffage sur les matrices. Enfin, les propriétés de surface des matrices greffées ont été caractérisées. Les matériaux ont montré, in vitro, des propriétés bioadhésives thermosensibles, avec une bioadhésion cellulaire observée principalement au-delà de la LCST. Les essais ex vivo ont cependant montré une bioadhésion sur organe plus importante en dessous de celle-ci. Cette étude a permis de mettre au point des biomatériaux absorbants aux propriétés de surface thermorégulées. Une compréhension plus fine des relations propriétés de surface/propriétés d'usage permettrait d'optimiser les propriétés de bioadhésion thermorégulée. / Pancreatic surgery, which leads to 5 % of mortality and around 50 % of morbidity, is one of the most critical digestive operations. The most serious complication is the appearance of pancreatic fistulas (PFs), i.e. enzymatic leaks from the surgical sutures to the peritoneal environment that can lead to the life threatening of the patient. To date, no medical device is indicated for the prevention of these FPs. The aim of this project is to design and validate a biomaterial constituted of a matrix that will ensure the dual function of absorbent and antibacterial agent reservoir, on which a chemical grafting should confer thermoregulated bioadhesive properties. The first part of this work is devoted to the optimisation of the absorbent matrix, based on alginate and chitosan, already developed during a previous thesis. Three types of drying processes were compared: drying by evaporation, lyophilisation and drying in supercritical CO2 medium. These different processes led to materials with different internal structures and porosities. The impact of these structures was evaluated in terms of swelling capacity in various media, including a simulated pancreatic environment, but also in terms of enzymatic resistance and release of an active molecule. Taking into account the obtained results, drying by evaporation was identified as the most appropriate process. In a second part, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was synthesised by controlled polymerisation (RAFT) in order to be grafted onto the absorbent matrix surfaces. PNIPAM is a thermosensitive polymer with bioadhesive properties which depend on the temperature. This polymer is usually bioadhesive above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST), around 32 ° C. In this study, the molar mass and the grafting density of PNIPAM are the two main parameters studied for the surface modifications. Finally, the surface properties of the grafted matrices were characterised. In vitro, the materials showed thermosensitive bioadhesive properties, with a cellular bioadhesion mainly observed above the LCST. However, ex vivo tests exhibited higher bioadhesion on porcine organs at lower temperatures. This study led to the development of absorbent biomaterials with thermoregulated surface properties. Further understanding of the relationship between surface properties and in vivo bioadhesion would allow the optimisation of the thermoregulated surface properties.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-07-12Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:43:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 castellane_tcl_dr_jabo.pdf: 1115288 bytes, checksum: c46d10396d02bdc45c92887415f5fd8f (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Rhizobium tropici e outras bactérias pertencentes à ordem Rhizobiales são produtores de polissacarídeos extracelulares (EPS), que possuem a função de molécula receptora do micro simbionte, fazendo uma interação célula/célula e desencadeando o processo de nodulação. A diversidade de estruturas e composição química apresentadas pelas moléculas de EPS é refletida pela diversidade de enzimas responsáveis pela sua síntese. Neste trabalho, buscou-se a inativação através da mutagênese insercional por transposição in vitro dos genes exoZ da estirpe selvagem Rhizobium tropici SEMIA 4080 envolvidas na síntese das subunidades repetitivas do EPS e no tanden phbAB, responsáveis pela síntese do PHB, com o intuito de obter microrganismos com aspecto altamente mucoso, produtor superior de EPS em relação a estirpe selvagem. Os mutantes obtidos apresentaram colônias mucosas quando cultivados nos meios de culturas PSYA, demonstrando que estirpes de rizóbio mutantes nos genes exoZ e phbAB são capazes de formar biofilme “in vitro” e, ao avaliar a eficiência relativa na produção de EPS, o mutante 4080 Z03 apresentou o melhor resultado. Para as três amostras de EPS foi possível observar um comportamento de fluxo de líquidos pseudoplástico e, também, a influência da concentração de EPS sobre a viscosidade aparente das soluções aquosas. A estirpe selvagem e todos os mutantes induziram a formação de nódulos em feijoeiro (fenótipo Fix+), sugerindo que os genes exoZ e phbAB não estão envolvidos nos processos de infecção e formação nodular mas, sendo necessários para a fixação biológica de nitrogênio / Rhizobium tropici and other bacteria belonging to the order Rhizobiales are extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) producers, which possess the function of the receptor molecule to function as micro-symbiont, making an interaction cell / cell and triggering the nodulation process. The diversity of structures and chemical composition of EPS presented by molecules is reflected by the diversity of enzymes responsible for its synthesis. In this study, we sought to inactivation by insertional mutagenesis by “in vitro” transposition of genes from wild type exoZ Rhizobium tropici SEMIA 4080 involved in the synthesis of the EPS repeating subunits and phbAB tanden, responsible for synthesis of PHB, in order to obtain microrganisms with high mucosal aspect producer of EPS compared to wild type. The mutants showed mucous colonies when grown in culture media PsyA, demonstrating that mutant strains in genes exoZ and phbAB from rhizobia are able to form biofilm “in vitro”, and to evaluate the relative efficiency in the production of EPS, the mutant 4080 Z03 showed the best result. For the three samples of EPS was possible to observe a flow behavior of pseudoplastic fluids, and also the influence of EPS concentration on the apparent viscosity of aqueous solutions. The wild type and mutants induced the formation of nodules in common bean (Fix+ phenotype), suggesting that genes exoZ and phbAB are not involved in the processes of infection and nodule formation, but are necessary for nitrogen fixation

Les nanoparticules d'argile sont des ressources naturelles largement disponibles et peu coûteuses présentant de nombreuses caractéristiques telles qu'une grande surface spécifique, une imperméabilité aux gaz, ainsi que des propriétés mécaniques et thermiques élevées. Elles ont donc attiré depuis plus de trois décennies une attention particulière, notamment pour le renforcement des matériaux à base de polymères. Cependant, les nanoparticules d'argile à l'état natif souffrent d'une incompatibilité, donc de faibles interactions interfaciales et de d'une mauvaise dispersion avec/dans la plupart des matériaux polymères organiques à cause de leur hydrophilie intrinsèque et des fortes interactions entre les feuillets constitutifs. Ainsi, l'un des principaux défis dans le développement de nanocomposites polymères à base d'argile (NAPs) avec des propriétés mécaniques avancées repose sur le contrôle au niveau à l'échelle moléculaire des propriétés interfaciales entre l'argile et la matrice polymère. En tenant compte des critères du développement durable, du génie civil et de l'économie verte, nous avons développé, dans la première partie de cette thèse, des nano-renforts réactifs et pré-exfoliés qui peuvent être incorporés dans une grande série de matrices (bio)polymères en donnant lieu à de fortes interactions avec les dites matrices et conduisant pour un à des comportements mécaniques améliorés. Afin de mieux répondre à ces spécificités, nous avons mis en oeuvre des approches vertes pour la préparation de ces nano-renforts génériques, à savoir la photopolymérisation a été utilisée comme faible consommateur d'énergie et une méthode rapide et peu énergivore pour la fonctionnalisation de surface des argiles, un protocole sans solvant a été utilisé pour préparer des nanocomposites ternaires, tandis que des biopolymères (amidon, cellulose) ou des précurseurs d'origine biologique (huiles végétales époxydées) ont servi de milieux de dispersion. Les résultats principaux issus de cette première partie peuvent être résumés comme suit : - La morphologie et la réactivité des nano-renforts d'argile sont aisément contrôlées en ajustant le temps de photo-polymérisation et en choisissant un monomère vinylique approprié. - Les méthodes de préparation permettent la préparation d'échantillons de à l'échelle des grammes. - La chimie surface des nano-renforts réactifs et pré-exfoliés peut être ajustée afin d'assurer la compatibilité avec les des biopolymères préformés thermoplastiques et des résines thermodurcissables, tels que l'amidon et les résines époxyde biosourcées, respectivement. - Les propriétés mécaniques des nanocomposites ternaires ainsi obtenus sont fortement améliorées comparés aux en comparaison des matrices polymères pures grâce à la dispersion homogène et fine des feuillets du nano-renfort dans la matrice polymère et aux fortes interactions interfaciales entre ces deux constituants / Clay nanoparticles (CNP) are abundantly available low-cost natural resources with numerous positive attributes such as large surface area, impermeability to gas, superior mechanical and thermal properties so that they have attracted over the last three decades significant attention, notably for the reinforcement of polymer-based materials. However, CNP suffer from incompatibility, hence weak interfacial interactions and poor dispersion with/in most of organic polymeric materials because of their intrinsic hydrophilicity and strong interlayer interactions. This limitation is one of the major reasons why polymer nanocomposites have to date remained mainly in laboratories. Thus, one of the key challenges in developing clay-based polymer nanocomposites (PCNs) with advanced thermo-mechanical, gas barrier...properties relies on the control at the molecular level of the interface properties of clay nanoplatelets-filled polymer resins. Taking into account the criteria for sustainable development, civil engineering and green economy, we have developed, in the first part of this thesis, reactive and pre-exfoliated clay nanofillers that may be further incorporated in a diverse set of biopolymer matrices and giving rise to strong energy interactions with the said matrices for improved mechanical behavior. To ensure a closer fit of these specifications we have implemented green approaches for the preparation of these generic nanofillers, namely photopolymerisation was used as a low energy consumption and fast method for the surface functionalization of native clays, solvent-free protocols were applied to prepare polymer nanocomposites, while biopolymers (starch, cellulose) or bio-based precursors (epoxidized vegetal oils) served as dispersion media. By controlling the preparation conditions, reactive clay nanofillers with adjustable interlayer spacing and chemical surface reactivity were prepared. Of particular interest is that the layered-like structure of the clay nano ller is preserved while the d-interlayer spacing can be increased though increasing the photopolymerization time, i.e. amount of polymer within the clay nanosheets. Our major results from the the first part can be summarized as follows: Morphology and reactivity of clay nanofillers are easily controlled though adjusting the photopolymerization time and selecting adequate vinyl monomer. - The newly preparation methods allow preparation of samples beyond the gram-scale. - Reactive and surface chemistry of pre-exfoliated clay nanofillers can be tuned to provide compatibility with both conventional preformed biopolymers and bio-based epoxy resins. - The mechanical properties of the resulting polymer nanocomposites are improved as compared to the neat polymeric matrices owing to the strong interface interaction between fillers and dispersion matrices

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Resumo: Rhizobium tropici e outras bactérias pertencentes à ordem Rhizobiales são produtores de polissacarídeos extracelulares (EPS), que possuem a função de molécula receptora do micro simbionte, fazendo uma interação célula/célula e desencadeando o processo de nodulação. A diversidade de estruturas e composição química apresentadas pelas moléculas de EPS é refletida pela diversidade de enzimas responsáveis pela sua síntese. Neste trabalho, buscou-se a inativação através da mutagênese insercional por transposição in vitro dos genes exoZ da estirpe selvagem Rhizobium tropici SEMIA 4080 envolvidas na síntese das subunidades repetitivas do EPS e no tanden phbAB, responsáveis pela síntese do PHB, com o intuito de obter microrganismos com aspecto altamente mucoso, produtor superior de EPS em relação a estirpe selvagem. Os mutantes obtidos apresentaram colônias mucosas quando cultivados nos meios de culturas PSYA, demonstrando que estirpes de rizóbio mutantes nos genes exoZ e phbAB são capazes de formar biofilme "in vitro" e, ao avaliar a eficiência relativa na produção de EPS, o mutante 4080 Z03 apresentou o melhor resultado. Para as três amostras de EPS foi possível observar um comportamento de fluxo de líquidos pseudoplástico e, também, a influência da concentração de EPS sobre a viscosidade aparente das soluções aquosas. A estirpe selvagem e todos os mutantes induziram a formação de nódulos em feijoeiro (fenótipo Fix+), sugerindo que os genes exoZ e phbAB não estão envolvidos nos processos de infecção e formação nodular mas, sendo necessários para a fixação biológica de nitrogênio / Abstract: Rhizobium tropici and other bacteria belonging to the order Rhizobiales are extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) producers, which possess the function of the receptor molecule to function as micro-symbiont, making an interaction cell / cell and triggering the nodulation process. The diversity of structures and chemical composition of EPS presented by molecules is reflected by the diversity of enzymes responsible for its synthesis. In this study, we sought to inactivation by insertional mutagenesis by "in vitro" transposition of genes from wild type exoZ Rhizobium tropici SEMIA 4080 involved in the synthesis of the EPS repeating subunits and phbAB tanden, responsible for synthesis of PHB, in order to obtain microrganisms with high mucosal aspect producer of EPS compared to wild type. The mutants showed mucous colonies when grown in culture media PsyA, demonstrating that mutant strains in genes exoZ and phbAB from rhizobia are able to form biofilm "in vitro", and to evaluate the relative efficiency in the production of EPS, the mutant 4080 Z03 showed the best result. For the three samples of EPS was possible to observe a flow behavior of pseudoplastic fluids, and also the influence of EPS concentration on the apparent viscosity of aqueous solutions. The wild type and mutants induced the formation of nodules in common bean (Fix+ phenotype), suggesting that genes exoZ and phbAB are not involved in the processes of infection and nodule formation, but are necessary for nitrogen fixation / Orientador: Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo Lemos / Coorientador: Manoel Victor Franco Lemos / Banca: Regiane de Fátima Travensolo Sacomano / Banca: Simone Cristina Picchi / Banca: Jackson Antônio Marcondes de Souza / Banca: Eliamar Aparecida Nascimbem Pedrinho / Doutor

CAPES / A utilização de biopolímeros que auxiliem na fixação de produtos fitossanitários com eficiência e se degradem com facilidade sem agredir o meio ambiente, e ainda, melhorem o comportamento fisiológico das sementes de soja em campo, podem trazer contribuições para a produtividade da cultura da soja. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito dos polímeros amido de mandioca (AM), alginato de sódio (ALG) e álcool polivinílico (PVOH), nas concentrações 2, 4 e 6 g/100 mL de solução, sobre os atributos fisiológicos das sementes de soja, na velocidade de embebição das sementes e nos atributos fisiológicos das sementes de soja após três meses de armazenamento. A variedade de soja utilizada foi a NK 7059 RR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi um fatorial com 48 unidades experimentais: 3 polímeros (AM, ALG e PVOH), 4 concentrações diferentes (0%, 2%, 4% e 6%), com 4 repetições, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Verificou-se o nível de significância dos fatores e das suas interações, aplicando-se o teste F. Os polímeros foram avaliados pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade, e as concentrações foram avaliadas mediante regressão polinomial. A testemunha obteve melhores resultados para a maioria das variáveis analisadas. Dentre os polímeros, o melhor revestimento observado foi o PVOH, pois foi o polímero menos viscoso e visualmente não serviu de substrato para microorganismos. Porém, também, foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios para os polímeros AM e ALG na concentração de 2%. Não houve interferência dos polímeros estudados com relação à redução da velocidade de embebição das sementes de soja. A hidrofilidade dos polímeros, principalmente do AM e ALG, acelerou a embebição das sementes prejudicando a germinação, nas concentrações 4% e 6%. De maneira geral, quanto maior a concentração dos polímeros, as variáveis analisadas tenderam para piores resultados. / The use of biopolymers that help to fix pesticides efficiently and degrade easily without harming the environment, and still improve the physiological performance of field soybean seed may bring contributions to the soybean yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cassava starch polymers (AM), sodium alginate (ALG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), in the concentrations 2, 4 and 6 g / 100 ml of solution, in the physiological attributes of seeds soy, seed speed soaking and performance of soybean seeds after three months of storage. The soybean variety used was the NK 7059 RR. The experimental design used for the three studies was a factorial with 48 experimental units: 3 polymers (AM, ALG and PVOH), 4 different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%), with four replications, in a completely randomized design. It was observed the level of significance of the factors and their interactions, applying the test F. The polymers were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% probability, and the concentrations were evaluated by polynomial regression. The witness obtained better results for most variables studied. Among the polymers, the best coating was observed PVOH because it was the less viscous polymer and visually not served as a substrate for microorganisms. However, also, satisfactory results were obtained for the AM and ALG polymers at a concentration of 2%. There was not interference of the polymers studied with regard to reduction of imbibition rate of soybean seeds. The hydrophilicity of polymers, mainly the AM and ALG accelerated soaking seeds harming germination at concentrations 4% and 6%. In general, the higher the concentration of polymers tended to worse results.