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The synthesis of pyridinium cationic lipids, their counter-ion exchange, and the transfection of lipoplexes consisting of these lipids with firefly luciferase plasmid DNA (6.7 KDa), into lung, prostate and breast cancer cell lines was investigated. The transfection ability of these newly synthesized compounds was found to be twice as high as DOTAP/cholesterol and LipofectamineTM (two commercially available successful transfection agents). The compaction of the DNA onto silica (SiO2) nanoparticles was also investigated. For this purpose, it was necessary to study the stability and fusion studies of colloidal systems composed of DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a zwitterionic lipid, and mixtures of DMPC with cationic DMTAP (1,2-dimyristoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane). / Chemistry

Interfaces are ubiquitous in our daily life. A good understanding of the interfacial properties between different materials, or a single material in different physical states is of critical importance for us to explore the current world and bring benefits to mankind. In this work, interfacial behavior was investigated with the help of surface analysis techniques, such as quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), in order to gain better understanding on biofuel conversion, gene/drug delivery, and chemical fixation of CO2. Biomimetic chelator-mediated Fenton (CMF) non-enzymatic degradations on cellulose and chitin thin films was studied by liquid-phase QCM-D and AFM. QCM-D is a powerful tool to monitor the kinetics of hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose and chitin model surfaces. Results from QCM-D and AFM showed that the majority of the biomass of the two model surfaces can be hydrolyzed by the CMF system. The initial degradation rates for both model surfaces by the CMF system are faster than that of the corresponding enzyme systems. The CMF system, which is a good non-enzymatic pretreatment agent for cellulose and chitin, may work on a wide variety of polysaccharide systems. Adsorption of cationic cellulose derivatives onto self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces was investigated using liquid-phase SPR. Results from SPR showed that depending upon the cellulose derivative structure, irreversible adsorption ranging from a monolayer to ~1.6 layers of cellulose derivative were formed on the SAM-COOH surface based upon a charge neutralization mechanism. At low salt concentrations, the long-range electrostatic attraction between the cationic cellulose derivatives (6-PyrCA and 6-MeIMCA) and the SAM surfaces facilitates the formation of a 2-dimensional monolayer. While, for TMACE, the energy gained through the hydrophobic interaction between adjacent long polyelectrolyte branches may afford the electrostatic repulsion and chain entropy penalties, resulting in the formation of 3-dimensional adsorbed polyelectrolyte layers. Adsorption of 1,2-epoxybutane gas molecules onto/into VPI-100 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was studied by gas-phase QCM-D experiments. Results from QCM-D demonstrated that VPI-100 (Ni) MOFs have higher irreversible adsorption per unit cell (θ) and faster diffusion coefficients (D) than VPI-100 (Cu) MOFs. The presence of bound counter-balancing ions on the metallo-cyclam core was attributed as the cause of the higher θ and faster D through the Ni analogue, which suggests the MOF-epoxide interaction occurs at the metallo-cyclam. This study shed light upon tuning MOF structures for better CO2 sorption and epoxide activation to gain higher catalytic efficiency. Finally, in operando high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) was used to monitor the phase transition of the NaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode material during the sintering process. The first charge/discharge cycle of the NaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials in different phases were also studied by in operando HEXRD. It was found that the intergrowth P2/O1/O3 cathode (NCM-Q cathode) can inhibit the irreversible P2–O2 phase transition and simultaneously improve the structural stability of the O3 and O1 phases during cycling. The NCM-Q cathode with triple-phase integration demonstrates highly reversible phase evolution during high voltage cycling, possibly leading to a highly reversible capacity and good cycle stability. / Doctor of Philosophy / Interfaces and surfaces are everywhere. Many critical processes, such as molecular recognition, catalysis, and charge transfer, take place at interfaces. The surfaces of plants and animals provide barriers from pathogens, prevent damage from mechanical impacts, detect external stimuli, etc. Inside the human body, nutrition and oxygen are adsorbed through interactions between substances and cell surfaces. Investigations of interfacial behaviors may help us understand our current world better and bring benefits to mankind. In this dissertation, the interface between bio-renewable natural polymers and biomimetic chelators, the interface between a self-assembled monolayer and cationic cellulose derivatives, and the interface between metal–organic frameworks (MOF) and 1,2-epoxybutane gas molecules, were studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), to gain insights into biofuel conversion, gene/drug delivery and chemical fixation of CO2, respectively. Additionally, thermally and electrochemically induced phase transitions in sodium-ion battery (SIB) cathode materials were probed via in operando high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD). Biomimetic chelator-mediated Fenton (CMF) non-enzymatic degradations of cellulose and chitin thin films were studied by liquid-phase QCM-D and AFM. It was found that the majority of the biomass of the two model surfaces can be degraded by the CMF system. Adsorption of cationic cellulose derivatives onto self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces was investigated using liquid-phase SPR. It was found that both the absorbed layer conformation and the absorbed amount depend upon the interplay between long-range electrostatic interactions and short-range interactions. Adsorption of 1,2-epoxybutane gas molecules onto/into VPI-100 MOFs was studied by gas-phase QCM-D experiments. Data from QCM-D revealed the irreversible gas molecule absorption onto/into MOFs and shed light upon tuning MOF structures for better CO2 sorption and epoxide activation to gain higher catalytic efficiency. Finally, the in operando high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) was used to probe thermally and electrochemically induced phase transitions in sodium-ion battery (SIB) cathode materials. It was found that the NCM-Q cathode with triple-phase integration demonstrates highly reversible phase evolution during high voltage cycling, possibly leading to a highly reversible capacity and good cycle stability.

In an effort to produce new derivatives of cellulose for drug delivery applications, methods were developed to regioselectively modify C-6 halo cellulose esters to produce cationic derivatives via nucleophilic substitution. Reaction of C-6 substituted bromo and iodo cellulose with trialkylated amines and phosphines produced new cationic ammonium and phosphonium cellulose derivatives which can be explored as delivery agents for nucleic acids, proteins and other anionic drug molecules. It was anticipated that these new derivatives would not only be capable of complexing anionic drug molecules but would have greatly improved aqueous solubility compared to their precursors. The phosphonium derivatives described in this work are an obvious example of such improved solubility properties. Given the importance of cellulose derivatives in making amorphous dispersions with critical drugs, it has also been important to analyze commercially available polymers for the potential impact in oral drug delivery formulations. To do so pairwise blends of cellulosics and synthetic polymers commonly used as excipients were tested for miscibility using techniques such as DSC, mDSC, FTIR and film clarity. Miscible combinations highlight the potential to use combinations of polymers currently available commercially to provide drug delivery solutions for specific drug formulations. The use of melt extrusion in processing some of these drug/polymer dispersions provides a means of highlighting the capability for the use of these cellulosics in melt extruded amorphous dispersions. This solvent free, high pressure method significantly reduces cost and time and can be applied on a large scale. The analysis of long chain cellulose esters and ultimately the novel omega carboxy esters for melt processability significantly impacts the possibilities available for use of those excellent drug delivery agents on a much larger scale. / Ph. D.

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine an intermittent aeration strategy that could be used to conserve nitrogen (N) via nitrification in dairy manure, (2) determine the effect of recycled flush water on the bio-availability of N during nitrification, and (3) determine effective and economical dosages of chemicals to remove phosphorus (P) from liquid dairy manure. Intermittent aeration strategies, defined in terms of time the aerator is on and off (ON h:OFF h), could be used to conserve N in dairy manure. Testing of four treatments (continuous aeration [100%], 1h:0.33h [75%], 1h:0.67h [60%], and 1h:1h [50%]) showed that only treatments using air provided for 100% and 75% of the time could support nitrification. The 100% and 75% aeration treatments conserved an average of 38% and 25% of influent total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) as nitrite-N+nitrate-N, respectively. Less than 2% of influent TAN was conserved using 60% and 50% treatments. The effect of manure handling technique on N bioavailability and nitrification was tested using flushed and scraped dairy manure. Nitrification was inhibited in scraped manure. Four aluminum- and iron-based salts and five cationic polyacrylamide polymers were evaluated for P removal using jar tests. Ferric chloride (FeCl3·6H2O), aluminum sulfate (Al2[SO4]3·13H2O, alum), and Superfloc 4512 were selected for further study. Polymer addition enhanced floc size and improved P removal. Treatment of manure (0.89% total solids) from Tank 2 at Virginia Tech's dairy using either FeCl3 or alum in combination with polymer resulted in more than 90% P removal. Chemical treatment and transport of P-rich sludge from a 2,270 cubic meter storage tank would result in an estimated 40% cost savings over transport of the entire manure volume offsite for land application elsewhere. The manure treatment strategies tested provide some solutions to dairy farmers regarding adjustment of N:P ratios so that manure can be applied to meet nutrient needs of crops while adhering to regulations set forth by nutrient management plans. / Master of Science

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) are structurally complex natural products with promising biological activities. These compounds have interesting anticancer and anti-HIV properties as well as other biological activities making them highly attractive synthetic targets. We report a stereodivergent, asymmetric total synthesis of (−)-clusianone in six steps from commercial materials. We have implemented a challenging cationic cyclization forging a bond between two sterically encumbered quaternary carbon atoms. Mechanistic studies point to the unique ability of formic acid to mediate the cyclization forming the clusianone framework. We also present a biosynthesis-inspired, diversity-oriented synthesis approach for rapid construction of PPAP analogs via palladium-catalyzed dearomative conjunctive allylic alkylation (DCAA). These efficient palladium-catalyzed protocols construct the [3.3.1]-bicyclic PPAP core in a single step from their stable aromatic precursors. The first syntheses of 13,14-didehydroxyisogarcinol and garcimultiflorone A stereoisomers are reported in six steps from a commercially available phloroglucinol. Lewis acid-controlled, diastereoselective cationic oxycyclizations enabled asymmetric syntheses of (−)-6-epi-13,14-didehydroxyisogarcinol and (+)-30-epi-13,14-didehydroxyisogarcinol. A similar strategy enabled production of the meso-derived isomers (±)-6,30-epi-13,14-didehydroxyisogarcinol and (±)-6,30-epi-garcmultiflorone A. A convenient strategy for gram scale synthesis of these stereoisomers was developed utilizing diastereomer separation at a later stage in the synthesis that minimized the number of necessary synthetic operations to access all possible stereoisomers. Finally, we report cationic rearrangements of dearomatized acylphloroglucinols leading to the formation of unprecedented PPAP scaffolds. A novel type A [3.3.1]-bicyclic PPAP was produced as a major product and the structure confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. A novel [3.3.1]-bicyclolactone was also produced utilizing an alternative substrate. Efforts will be described to determine the scope of these rearrangements and type A-selective cyclizations. / 2018-08-09T00:00:00Z