Abstract This Thesis proposes and describes the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a non-contact and non-destructive characterization technique for printed electronics. It is based on and includes the first published results of such an application of the OCT technique. Several different types of structures were studied to evaluate the feasibility of the application. The measurement data was used to define the surface topography, physical dimensions of the specimen features, and to evaluate the ability to characterize multi-layered and multi-material structures. Presented OCT measurements were done for: screen-printed conductive and insulating structures, microfluidic channels, microscopy glass and organic field effect transistors (OFET), both coated with polymer, and inkjet-printed colour filters. A novel approach to encapsulation inspection was presented. The results show that OCT could be used for full volumetric and non-destructive characterization of the 1-to-2-µm-thin protective layers used in organic and printed electronics. The measurements presented in the Thesis were done using OCT devices in time and in spectral domains. Despite the focus on studying the application of the technique, as a result of observations and limitations of the existing equipment, a new type of OCT device has been developed. A high data acquisition rate of the spectrometer-based systems (SD-OCT) was combined with a broadband supercontinuum light source, used so far mainly in the time-domain (TD-OCT), to enable the sub-micron-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SMR SD-OCT). The supercontinuum generation effects with virtually white probing light and enables not only superior resolution, but also, e.g., true-colour OCT imaging. The measurements performed on the inkjet-printed colour filters confirm that despite the absorptive properties of the materials, characterization of the few-microns-thin ink layers is possible using visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and spectral domain OCT. The study shows the potential and versatility of OCT in the printed electronics characterization. In addition, the Thesis discusses further development of the technique, needed to fully match the challenging requirements of the on-line quality inspection. / Tiivistelmä Väitöstyössä sovelletaan optista koherenssitomografiaa (OCT) painetun elektroniikan kontaktittomaan ja kohdetta rikkomattomaan karakterisointiin. Väitöstyö pohjautuu tuloksiin, joissa OCT-tekniikkaa on hyödynnetty ensimmäistä kertaa painettavan elektroniikan rakenteen karakterisoinnissa. Tekniikan soveltuvuutta tutkittiin mittaamalla useita erilaisia näytteitä. Mitattua dataa käytettiin pinnan topografian ja näytteen dimensioiden määritykseen. Lisäksi tutkittiin tekniikan soveltuvuutta monikerrosrakenteiden ja useista eri materiaaleista koostuvien näytteiden mittaukseen. OCT-mittaukset tehtiin seuraaville näytteille; silkkipainetuille johteille ja eristeille, mikrokanaville, polymeerillä päällystetyille mikroskooppilaseille ja orgaanisista aineista valmistettu kanavatransistoreille (OFET) sekä mustesuihkutulostimella valmistetuille värisuodattimille. Orgaaniset materiaalit ja painettava elektroniikka suojataan yleensä koteloinnilla. Tässä väitöstyössä esitellään uusi menetelmä koteloinnin tarkastukseen. Tulokset osoittavat, että OCT-tekniikkaa voidaan hyödyntää 1-2 mikrometrin paksuisen eristekerroksen volumetrisen rakenteen karakterisointiin kohdetta rikkomatta. Tässä väitöstyössä tehdyt mittaukset tehtiin aika- ja spektritason OCT-laitteilla. Huolimatta siitä, että väitöskirjatutkimus keskittyi tekniikan uusiin sovelluksiin, väitöstyössä havaittiin käytettävissä olevien laitteiden puutteellisuudet, jonka vuoksi myös uusi OCT-laite kehitettiin. Spektrometriin pohjautuvan OCT-systeemin (SD-OCT) nopeus yhdistettiin laajakaistaisen supercontinuum valonlähteen kanssa, jota on käytetty aikaisemmin käytännössä vain aikatason OCT-laitteissa (TD-OCT). Laajakaistainen valonlähde mahdollistaa jopa alle mikrometrin syvyyssuuntaisen resoluution. Supercontinuum valonlähde tuottaa käytännöllisesti katsoen valkoista valoa, joka mahdollistaa sekä erinomaisen tarkkuuden, että objektin luonnollisen värin mittaamisen. Mittaustulokset värisuodattimilla osoittavat, että vaikka suodattimissa käytetyt materiaalit absorpoivat spektritason OCT:ssa hyödynnettyä näkyvän aallonpituusalueen spektriä, tekniikalla on mahdollista mitata muutamien mikrojen paksuisia värisuodatinkalvoja. Väitöstutkimus osoittaa OCT-tekniikan monipuolisuuden ja mahdollisuudet painettavan elektroniikan karakterisoinnissa. Lisäksi väitöstyö käsittelee tekniikan jatkokehitystä, jotta se voisi vastata mahdollisimman hyvin reaaliaikaisen laadunvalvonnan tarpeisiin.

La problématique de cette thèse est l’amélioration de la fiabilité des systèmes électroniques encapsulés, concernant l’herméticité et les perturbations causées par les infiltrations d’humidité. Le travail consiste en l’étude d’un capteur pour mesurer in situ le taux d’humidité dans les cavités des systèmes encapsulés. Comparativement aux actuelles techniques d’évaluation de l’herméticité, l’intérêt du dispositif réside dans la généralisation du test à chaque cavité, le contrôle de l’atmosphère de la cavité sur une longue période d’utilisation, et la correction automatique de la dérive occasionnée (packaging intelligent). Deux structures en Si poreux (SP) ont été étudiées pour réaliser des capteurs, et ont d’abord été caractérisées d’un point de vue morphologique. Les deux couches ont la même porosité de 45 %. Les mesures de sorption d’azote appliquées aux théories BET et BJH ont montré que SP1 et SP2 présentaient respectivement des surfaces spécifiques de 330 et 223 m²/g, et des diamètres poreux moyens de 4,3 et 5.5 nm. Une nouvelle méthode de caractérisation basée sur le traitement d’image de surface de Si poreux est présentée. La méthode permet d’estimer les distributions de taille de pore (DTP), porosité, surface spécifique et fraction volumique d’oxyde. Elle est validée par la cohérence des résultats obtenus, comparés à ceux donnés par les théories de sorption. Outre le caractère complet de l’analyse, les avantages de cette méthode sont sa simplicité de mise en œuvre, sa non restriction à une gamme de taille de pores, et l’absence d’hypothèse mathématique sur l’estimation de la DTP. Les tests électriques ont montré que SP1 présentait une résistance supérieure à SP2 et que le capteur basé sur SP1 présentait une plus grande sensibilité vis-à-vis de la prise d’humidité : -90 % entre 0 et 80 % d’humidité relative. La spécificité du transport électrique dans les structures étudiées a été mise en évidence expérimentalement, conduisant à l’hypothèse d’une barrière de potentiels à l’interface Si - Si poreux. La plus grande résistance présentée par SP1 a été explicitée par sa plus grande fraction volumique d’oxyde, ainsi que les effets plus prononcés de confinement quantique et de déplétion de surface. L’utilité d’un capteur d’humidité in situ en Si poreux pour l’herméticité des systems in package a été démontrée par les résultats expérimentaux d’un prototype. / This work deals with the improvement of reliability of packaged electronic devices, concerning the hermeticity and the disturbances caused by moisture infiltration. As an analysis method of sealing quality of Systems in Package (SiP), a study of humidity sensors for in situ moisture level evaluation of SiP microcavities is presented. Compared to others analysis methods, the interest of the present one is its global utility for all manufactured chips, the capability to monitor the cavities atmosphere over a long period, and the possibility of automatic drifts correction. Two porous silicon (PS) based structures have been studied to make sensors. First we performed morphological analyses of PS layers. Both have a porosity of 45 %. Nitrogen sorption measurements applied to BET and BJH theories showed that PS1 and PS2 respectively present specific areas of 330 and 223 m²/g and mean pore diameters of 4.3 and 5.5 nm. A new analysis method based on processing of PS surface images is presented. It allows the estimation of pore size distribution (PSD), porosity, specific area, and volumic oxide ratio. The method has been validated by the closeness between its results and sorption theories results. In addition to the method’s completeness, it presents several advantages such as easy-to-use application, no restriction on PSD range, and no computing hypothesis on PSD evaluation. Electrical measurements showed that PS1 resistance is higher than PS2 resistance, and that sensitivity of PS1 based sensors exposed to moisture variation is superior: -90 % from 0 to 80 % relative humidity. Specificity of carriers transport in PS structures has been experimentally underlined; leading to the hypothesis of a potential barrier between PS and non porous Si. Higher resistance has been explained by the higher volumic oxide ratio of PS1, and the more developed quantum confinement and depletion surface effects. Utility of such in situ PS moisture sensor for SiP hermeticity has been demonstrated by preliminary experimental results.

In this paper a novel stimuli responsive hydrogel material, methacrylated sodium alginate beta-cyclodextrin (Alg-MA-β-CD), was used in combination with a microfluidic device to create microspheres. Currently there is no reliable method for fabricating homogeneous stimuli-responsive microspheres, in-house microfluidic devices are not reliable in manufacture quality or long-term use. Alginate hydrogels have many attractive characteristics for bioengineering applications and are commonly used to mimic the features and properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are of top interest to tissue engineers. hMSCs are widely available and can be harvested and cultured directly out of human bone marrow. hMSCs have the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, muscle cells, and stromal fibroblasts depending on mechanical signals transmitted through surrounding ECM. The biomechanical properties of alginate based stimuli-responsive hydrogels can be tuned to match those of different types of tissues. When trying to transport and control the differentiation of hMSCs into generating new tissues or regenerating damaged tissues, it is highly beneficial to encapsulate the cells inside a microsphere made from these hydrogels. The proposed research objectives are: 1) To optimize fabrication techniques and create functional microfluidic devices; 2) Analyze the effects of flow parameters on microsphere production; and 3) Encapsulate viable hMSCs inside multi-stimuli responsive alginate microspheres using the fabricated microfluidic devices (MFDs). In this study, photolithography microfabrication methods were used to create flow-focusing style MFDs. The hydrogel materials were characterized via rheological methods. Syringe pumps controlled flow rates of fluids through the devices. Active droplets formation was monitored through a camera attached to an inverted microscope, where images were analyzed. Microsphere production was analyzed optically and characterized. Alg-MA-β-CD polymer solutions containing hMSCs were encapsulated, and a live/dead florescence assay was preformed to verify cell viability. Using a modified fabrication process it was possible to manufacture Alg-MA-β-CD microspheres and encapsulate and maintain viable hMSCs inside.

Over the last decade, microfluidics has emerged as a distinct new field with promising applications for diverse research areas. The ability to precisely control fluids at the microscale allows the execution of a variety of programmable semi-automatic operations on the same device, effectively forming a lab-on-a-chip. In particular, droplet-based microfluidic systems – which reliably generate highly uniform microdroplets at a high throughput – enable the controlled compartmentalization of biological material and have the potential to influence mainstream biomedical research. In this thesis, a microfluidic platform is presented that allows the encapsulation of viable cells in agarose microcapsules for applications in cell–based therapy. As an improvement to pre-existing methods of cell encapsulation, the proposed system combines continuous high throughput cell-encapsulation with on-chip microcapsule gelation and purification.

Ce travail de thèse avait pour objectif de mieux comprendre l’influence de l’incorporation d’une molécule active (arôme) et/ou de particules lipides sur la structure et les propriétés physico-chimiques de matrices filmogènes à base d'iota-carraghènane ou d'alginate de sodium. La microstructure, la granulométrie de l'émulsion filmogène, les caractéristiques thermiques et mécaniques des films ont été étudiées en présence ou non de n-hexanal. Les propriétés de transfert de ces films ont été appréhendées grâce aux mesures de perméabilité à l'oxygène, à la vapeur d'eau et à l'eau liquide, au n-hexanal et au D limonène à l'état vapeur et liquide et à 6 autres composés d'aromes (esters d'éthyle, cétone et alcools). L'ajout de n-hexanal dans la matrice d'iota-carraghènane modifie le processus de gélification ce qui induit la formation d'une microstructure plus homogène mais ayant une résistance mécanique moindre, augmente la perméabilité à la vapeur d'eau mais diminue légèrement celle de l'hexanal. Quant aux films d'alginate, ils sont peu sensibles à la présence de n-hexanal. Cette différence de comportement est attribuée aux interactions entre la fonction aldéhyde de l'arôme et les groupes OH et sulfate du carraghènane qui perturbent la formation des hélices lors de la gélification. L'organisation du gel d'alginate en boite à œuf lui confère une plus grande stabilité. L'ajout de lipide permet de diminuer la sorption et la perméabilité à la vapeur d'eau des matrices filmogène. En présence de la matière grasse, l'hexanal se comporte comme un émulsifiant et semble être localisé en surface des globules en augmentant la finesse et la stabilité des émulsions filmogènes. Les paramètres cinétique (diffusivité) et thermodynamique (sorption) ont été mesurés pour mieux caractériser les mécanismes impliqués dans le transfert Enfin, le paradoxe de Schroeder, correspondant à la différence de flux selon l'état physique de la molécule diffusante, a été observé et expliqué pour l'eau dans les films d'alginate et pour l'hexanal dans les films de carraghènanes. / The aim of this work was a better understanding of the effect of the aroma and/or lipid particles incorporation on the structure and physico-chemical properties of film-forming matrices based on iota-carrageenan or sodium alginate. Microstructure, emulsion granulometry, thermal and mechanical properties were assessed as a function of n-hexanal and/or lipid presence. Barrier efficiencies to water, n-hexanal and D-limonene at liquid and vapour states, and to 6 other aroma vapours (ethyl esters, alcohols, keton) have been measured. When n-hexanal is added in the carrageenan matrix, it modifies the gelation process which induces a more homogeneous structure but a lower mechanical resistance, a higher permeability to water and n-hexanal but slightly decreases that to oxygen. On the contrary, the aroma compound introduction does not affect so much the alginate film characteristics. This behaviour difference is due to the interaction between aldehyde group of the aroma compound and OH and sulphate groups of the carrageenans which disturbs the helix formation during gelation. The organisation of the alginate network as an "egg box" makes it more stable which explain it lower sensitivity to the aroma addition. When lipids are added, both sorption and water vapour permeability and the mechanical properties are reduced. The n-hexanal acts as an emulsifier by improving the emulsion droplet size and preventing the aggregation. Indeed, the aroma compound seems to be localised at the lipid particle surface. Kinetic (diffusivity) and thermodynamic (sorption coefficient) were measured or estimated to better characterise the aroma and moisture transfers through the hydrocolloid based films. Finally, discrepancy between liquid and vapour transfer rate measured for the same activity gradient (= Schroeder paradox), was observed for water through alginate films and for n-hexanal through carrageenan films. This was attributed to swelling and partial solubilisation of film components in the diffusing substance.

Orientadores: Eduardo Augusto Caldas Batista, José Vladimir de Oliveira / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T05:44:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dalmolin_IredeAngelaLucini_D.pdf: 9550332 bytes, checksum: 061256cf12d61dd7b97065d987efd625 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A utilização de resíduos e o emprego de tecnologias ambientalmente seguras são tendências gerais de pesquisa da comunidade científica, impulsionadas pelas exigências governamentais e apelo do mercado consumidor, que buscam cada vez mais produtos naturais de alta qualidade. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi obter o extrato de sementes de uva através de extração por fluido supercrítico, caracterizá-lo química e fisicamente, e aplicá-lo ao encapsulamento em poli-(hidroxibutirato-cohidroxivalerato) utilizando tecnologia de antissolvente supercrítico. Para tanto, o estudo do ponto de vista termodinâmico, através de dados de equilíbrio de fases e modelagem, fez-se necessário para obtenção de informações dos sistemas de interesse à extração bem como ao encapsulamento. A caracterização desse extrato aponta uma importante fonte natural de ácido linoléico, como componente majoritário, e também de ácidos oléico, palmítico e esteárico, e de antioxidantes e fitoesteróis. Através de separadores dispostos em série foi possível fracionar por meio de despressurização e obter extratos com diferentes composições desejadas. Na determinação de dados de equilíbrio de fases do sistema Extrato de Sementes de Uva (ESU) + Dióxido de Carbono (CO2) + Etanol, verificou-se que a quantidade de água no extrato, remanescente da matéria-prima, prejudicava a obtenção de dados de equilíbrio com porcentagens de (CO2 + Etanol) inferiores a 70 %. Observaram-se transições bifásicas do tipo Líquido-Vapor Ponto de Bolha (LV-PB), Líquido-Vapor Ponto de Orvalho (LV-PO) e Líquido-Líquido (LL), e trifásicas do tipo Líquido-Líquido-Vapor (LLV). Com a redução de água no ESU foi possível descrever o comportamento do equilíbrio de fases, porém para ambas as temperaturas estudadas ocultaram-se as transições LV-PO. Para o mesmo sistema, a modelagem foi feita utilizando a equação de Peng-Robinson, que foi capaz de correlacionar os dados com a utilização de dois parâmetros de interação binária ajustados. Dados de equilíbrio de fases do sistema ESU + CO2 +Diclorometano (DCM) foram determinados onde transições bifásicas do tipo LV-PB e LVPO foram observadas. Verificou-se que a adição de ESU em solução de DCM, em concentrações de até 15 kg·m-3, não influenciou nas pressões de transição do sistema binário CO2 + DCM. O encapsulamento foi realizado com percentual de encapsulamento de até 72 % de ESU / Abstract: The use of residues and environmentally safe and benign technologies comprise a general research trend of scientific community, stimulated by government requirements and appeal to the consumer market which increasingly seek natural products of high quality. In this context, the aim of this work was to obtain grape seed extract by supercritical fluid extraction, characterize it chemically and physically, and apply it to the encapsulation in polymer poly-(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) using supercritical anti-solvent technology. Thus, the study from the thermodynamic point of view, by phase equilibrium data and modeling, was necessary to obtain information of the interest system for the extraction and for encapsulation. According to the characterization, grape seed extract is an important natural source of linoleic acid, as major component, and also by oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, and antioxidants and phytosterols. Through separators displayed in series was possible to fractionate the depressurization and to obtain extracts with different desired compositions. In the determination of phase equilibrium data of the system Grape Seed Extract (GSE) + Carbon Dioxide (CO2) + Ethanol, it was found that the amount of water in the extract, remaining in the raw materials, limited obtaining equilibrium data with percentages of (CO2 + ethanol) lower than 70 %. Two-phase transitions were observed, Vapor-Liquid Bubble Point (VL-BP), Vapor-Liquid Dew Point (VL-DP), and Liquid-Liquid (LL), and three-phase transitions Vapor-Liquid-Liquid (VLL). With the reduction of water in the GSE was possible to describe phase equilibrium behavior, but for both temperatures studied were put out transitions VL-DP. For the same system, the modeling was performed using Peng-Robinson equation which was able to correlate data with the use of two adjusted binary interaction parameters. Phase equilibrium data of GSE + CO2 +dichloromethane (DCM) system were determined where two-phase transitions VL-BP and VL-DP were observed. It was verified that the addition of GSE to the DCM solution in concentration up to 15 kg·m-3 did not affect the transition pressure of the binary system CO2 + DCM. The encapsulation was realized with percentage of encapsulation up to 72 % of GSE / Doutorado / Engenharia de Alimentos / Doutora em Engenharia de Alimentos

Orientadores: Nelson Eduardo Duran Caballero, Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-14T14:13:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Camargo_ZaineTeixeira_D.pdf: 3911237 bytes, checksum: 891d323a5b01460e5b5c5e924fab41ac (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: Nesse trabalho, foram preparadas nanocápsulas (NC) que consistem em um núcleo oleoso (sistema reservatório) e uma parede polimérica, nas quais se empregou o óleo palmitato de retinila (PR) e o polímero biodegradável poli(D,L-lactídeo) (PLA). Além desse sistema, nanoemulsões (NE, sem a parede polimérica) e nanoesferas (NS, matriz polimérica) foram preparadas para efeito de comparação. Utilizou-se ainda, moléculas modelos solubilizadas no núcleo oleoso do PR, a benzofenona-3 (BZ3) e a baicaleína (BAI). As NC foram caracterizadas quanto à eficiência de encapsulamento, estabilidade física e química, distribuição de tamanhos e potencial zeta. As NC e NE apresentaram tamanhos médios de 200 nm (P.D.I=0,1), potencial zeta de aproximadamente -10 mV (emprego de surfactante não-iônico), sendo estáveis físico-quimicamente por 4 meses a aproximadamente 4 °C e 28 °C. Realizou-se ensaios de citotoxicidade e fototoxicidade das nanoestruturas em queratinócitos (HaCat) e fibroblastos (BALB/c 3T3), observando-se que as NC apresentam citotoxicidade apenas a elevadas concentrações, sendo assim, apresentam-se viáveis para aplicação dérmica. Medidas de calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC) evidenciaram que as nanoestruturas apresentam abaixamento de picos de fusão em comparação às misturas físicas e que devido à baixa proporção, a BZ3 não influencia os eventos térmicos das nanoestruturas, enquanto que o surfactante Span 60 aumenta a largura do pico de fusão do PR, o que sugere sua solubilização no núcleo das NC. A análise morfológica das partículas pela técnica de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) mostrou que as NC apresentam capacidade de deformação. Para melhor investigação desta propriedade, utilizou-se experimento de extrusão em membranas de poros de menores tamanhos. No ensaio, observou-se que as NC permeiam as membranas de policarbonato quando adicionado PEG-8L, um surfactante empregado para aumentar a permeação de lipossomas elásticos devido ao aumento da molhabilidade dos poros da membrana. Preparou-se o derivativo polimérico com o cromóforo azul do Nilo (AN) através da formação de ligação covalente dos ácidos carboxílicos terminais e amina do AN. Tal polímero foi empregado em ensaio de permeação cutânea por célula de difusão vertical de Franz e sua avaliação por microscopia de varredura a laser confocal (CLSM). Os ensaios revelaram que a fluorescência da parede polimérica e a do PR apresentam-se em mesma profundidade na pele, o que evidencia a permeação do carreador ao invés de uma liberação do ativo. Em quantificação das NC na pele, observou-se que, o PR atinge a célula receptora e é encontrado em camadas da epiderme/derme e camada córnea. Desta forma, esse trabalho contribuiu através da obtenção de um sistema de NC bastante promissor para o armazenamento da vitamina A, bem como no carreamento de bioativos a camadas mais profundas da pele. / Abstract: In this work, we have prepared nanocapsules (NC) that are drug-reservoir vesicular systems, in which the shell is polymeric. Retinyl palmitate (RP) was encapsulated for the first time as an oil core with poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) shell. Nanospheres (NS, without oil core), nanoemulsions (NE, without polymer shell) and niosomes (NI, without oil and polymer) were prepared for comparison. Further, NC were used to encapsulate two model molecules, benzophenone-3 (BZ3) and baicalein (BAI). These systems were characterized and tested by a range of techniques, including encapsulation efficiency and stability by HPLC dosage, pH, size distribution and zeta potential measurements. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements on the nanocapsules showed a monomodal peak at 200 nm (polydispersity = 0.10). The zeta potential was -10 mV (by using non-ionic surfactant). The NC system was stable for at least 4 months around 4 °C and 28 °C . Cytotoxicity and phototoxicity assays were performed in keratinocytes (HaCat) and fibroblasts (BALB/c 3T3), showing that the NC are cytotoxic only at high concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a decrease in the fusion temperatures of the nanostructures in comparison to mixed raw materials. BZ3 incorporation did not change thermal events, and also larger fusion peak of RP was observed by incorporating liposoluble surfactant Span 60. In addition, TEM images suggested that the PLA nanocapsules display some elastic characteristic. For a better investigation, permeation through 50 nm pores of two crossed membranes at transepidermal pressure were evaluated and showed that NC are able to cross the membranes when PEG-8L is used, which is a surfactant commonly used in order to increase the pore wettability in assays with elastic liposomes. The PLA were additionally functionalized with Nile blue dye (NB) by a covalent bond formation. This PLA-NB labeled material was used in the nanostructures preparations before permeation studies by Franz diffusion cells. Both fluorescence from the RP and functionalized polymer, were found in the same depth in the skin, showing that the nanocarrier is able to permeate the skin, instead of a release of the active. The quantification by HPLC showed that after 24 h permeation studies the RP is found in the receptor chamber. Overall, these novel and versatile polymeric NC show a huge potential for pharmaceutical applications due to their excellent permeation through the skin which makes this system particularly attractive for drug delivery applications, such as in transcutaneous applications. / Doutorado / Físico-Química / Doutor em Ciências

A microencapsulação tem sido utilizada promissoramente para melhorar a viabilidade de probióticos. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre o impacto desta na manutenção da funcionalidade do probiótico in vivo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar duas cepas de lactobacilos, encapsular essas cepas por um sistema envolvendo partículas lipídicas recobertas por interação eletrostática de polímeros e avaliar o efeito da encapsulação na manutenção da capacidade imunomoduladora das cepas. Na primeira etapa do estudo L. rhamnosus 64 e L. paracasei BGP1 foram avaliados quanto à resistência à lisozima e aos fluidos gastrointestinais simulados, perfil de hidrofobicidade da parede celular, susceptibilidade a antibióticos, atividade antagonista contra patógenos e capacidade de utilização de prebióticos. Em etapa seguinte as cepas foram encapsuladas e as microcápsulas avaliadas quanto à morfologia, tamanho e distribuição de partículas, umidade, atividade de água e efeito do pH e temperatura em sua estabilidade. Para avaliar a susceptibilidade dos microrganismos ao processo de encapsulação e estresse tecnológico, investigou-se o impacto do efeito da homogeneização com Ultra-Turrax, tolerância à temperatura, salinidade, diferentes pH e fluidos gastrointestinais simulados na viabilidade das bactérias. A viabilidade dos microrganismos durante a estocagem também foi estudada. Por fim, avaliou-se a manutenção da capacidade imunomoduladora dos microrganismos microencapsulados por meio da dosagem de citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias e determinação da capacidade protetora contra infecção de Salmonella entérica sorovar Typhimurium em modelo animal. Os microrganismos demonstraram resistência à lisozima, com taxas de sobrevivência superiores a 80%. O perfil de hidrofobicidade da parede celular, foi baixo, entre 8,47 e 19,19%. Demonstraram resistência apenas à vancomicina (35 µg) e eritromicina (15 µg). As duas cepas foram capazes de antagonizar o crescimento de Escherichia coli V517, Salmonella enteritidis OMS-Ca, Staphylococcus aureus 76 e Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. Quanto à capacidade de utilização de prebióticos, os microrganismos apresentaram comportamentos inversos, utilizaram preferencialmente inulina, raftilose 95 e lactulose. Nos testes de resistência aos fluidos gastrointestinais simulados constatou-se declínio significativo de células viáveis, com subtração de até 3,37 log UFC/mL. As cápsulas obtidas apresentaram formato típico e tamanhos médios de 80,12 ± 1,89 e 83,92 ± 1,70 µm. Condições de pH extremos (1,5 e 9,0) e temperatura superior a 50 °C comprometeram a estabilidade das cápsulas. A encapsulação melhorou significativamente a tolerância dos microrganismos à altas concentrações de sal e elevação de temperatura. Além disso, favoreceu a resistência dos microrganismos frente aos fluidos gastrointestinais simulados. A estabilidade dos microrganismos durante o período de estocagem também foi favorecida, após 120 dias de estocagem a 7 e 25 °C a concentração de microrganismos viáveis permaneceu superior a 7,0 log UFC/g. Nos testes in vivo para avaliação da manutenção da capacidade de imunomodulação constatou-se através de dosagem de citocinas (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 e TNF-α) e IgA secretora, que a encapsulação não alterou a resposta imunológica provocada pelas cepas estudas. Concluiu-se que os microrganismos apresentaram comportamento in vitro de acordo com o desejado para candidatos ao uso de probióticos. A microencapsulação foi bem-sucedida, proporcionando as duas cepas maior resistência frente às condições adversas e de estresse tecnológico. / Microencapsulation has been used successfully to improve the viability of probiotics microorganisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate two strains of lactobacilli, to encapsulate these strains by a system involving lipid particles coated by electrostatic interaction of polymers and to evaluate the effect of encapsulation in the maintenance of immunomodulatory capacity of these strains. In the first stage of the study L. rhamnosus 64 and L. paracasei BGP1 were evaluated for resistance to lysozyme and simulated gastrointestinal fluids, cell wall hydrophobicity profile, susceptibility to antibiotics, antagonist activity against pathogens and prebiotic utilization capacity. In the next step, the strains were encapsulated and the microcapsules evaluated regarding morphology, particle size and distribution, moisture, water activity and pH and temperature. The tolerance to temperature, salinity, different pH and simulated gastrointestinal fluids in the viability of the bacteria were also evaluated. The probiotics viability during the storage period was also studied. Finally, the maintenance of the immunomodulatory capacity of the encapsulated microorganisms was evaluated by means of the dosage of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and IgA. L. rhamnosus 64 and L. paracasei BGP1 demonstrated resistance to lysozyme, with survival rates above 80%. The hydrophobicity profiles of the cell wall were from 8.47 to 19.19%. Susceptibility to antibiotics also corroborated the literature, demonstrating resistance only to vancomycin (35 µg) and erythromycin (15 µg). The two strains were able to antagonize the growth of Escherichia coli V517, Salmonella enteritidis OMS-Ca, Staphylococcus aureus 76 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. As far as the capacity of using prebiotics the two strains of lactobacilli presented inverse behaviors, they used preferably inulin, raftilose 95 and lactulose. In the tests of resistance to the simulated gastrointestinal fluids it was verified a significant decline of viable cells, with subtraction of up to 3.37 log CFU / mL, justifying the application of encapsulation technology. In the encapsulation step the capsules were produced with gum arabic, porcine gelatin and vegetable fat. The obtained capsules presented a typical format and average sizes of 80.12 ± 1.89 and 83.92 ± 1.70 µm. Extreme pH conditions (1.5 and 9.0) and temperature above 50 ° C compromised the stability of the capsules. The encapsulation significantly improved the tolerance of microorganisms to high salt concentrations and elevation of temperature. In addition, it favored the resistance of the microorganisms to the simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The stability of the microorganisms during the storage period was also favored, after 120 days of storage at 7 and 25 ° C the concentration of viable microorganisms remained higher than 7.0 log CFU / g. In the in vivo tests for evaluation of the maintenance of the immunomodulation capacity, the cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) and secretory IgA were determined, that encapsulation did not alter the immunological response by the strains of lactobacilli studied. It was concluded that the microorganisms presented in vitro behavior in accordance with the one desired for probiotic candidates. Microencapsulation was successful, giving both strains greater resistance to adverse conditions and technological stress.

abstract: Cellular assays are the backbone of biological studies - be it for tissue modeling, drug discovery, therapeutics, or diagnostics. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture has been deployed for several decades to garner physiologically relevant information and predict data before the cost-intensive animal testing. Although 2D techniques have been valuable for cellular assays, they have a colossal limitation - they do not adequately consider the natural three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of the cells. As a result, they sometimes provide misleading statistics. Therefore, it is important to develop a 3D model that predicts cellular behaviors and their interaction with neighboring cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in a more realistic manner. In recent biomedical research, various platforms have been modeled to generate 3D prototypes of tissues, spheroids, in vitro that could allow the study of cellular responses resembling in vivo environments, such as matrices, scaffolds, and devices. But most of these platforms have drawbacks such as lack of spheroid size control, low yield, or high cost associated with them. On the other hand, Amikagel is a low cost, high-fidelity platform that can facilitate the convenient generation of tumor and stem cell spheroids. Furthermore, Amikabeads are aminoglycoside-derived hydrogel microbeads derived from the same monomers as Amikagel. They are a versatile platform with several chemical groups that can be exploited for encapsulating the spheroids and investigating the delivery of bioactive compounds to the cells. This thesis is focused on engineering novel 3D tumor and stem cell models generated on Amikagel and encapsulated in Amikabeads for proximal delivery of bioactive compounds and applications in regenerative medicine. / Dissertation/Thesis / Z-stacks of confocal images of spheroids encapsulated in Amikabeads (compilations of sections) / Masters Thesis Bioengineering 2020

The primary objectives of this research are: (1) use a hierarchical structure to study electrode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and (2) understand the fundamentals and utility of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with the addition of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) for battery applications. Understanding the fundamental principles of electrode and electrolyte materials allows for the development of high-performance LIBs. The contributions of this dissertation are described below. Encapsulated Si-VACNT Electrodes. Two hurdles prevent Si-based electrodes from mass production. First, bulk Si undergoes volume expansion up to 300%. Second, a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) forms between the interface of the electrolyte and electrode, which consumes battery capacity and creates more resistance at the interface. Si volume changes were overcome by depositing silicon on vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs). Encapsulating the entire Si-VACNT electrode surface with carbon was used to mitigate SEI formation. Although SEI formation was reduced by the encapsulation layer, capacity fade was still observed for encapsulated electrodes, indicating that SEI formation was not the primary factor affecting capacity fade. Additionally, the impact of the encapsulation layer on Li transport was examined. Two different transport directions and length scales were relevant””(1) radial transport of Li in/out of each Si-coated nanotube (~40 nm diameter) and (2) Li transport along the length of the nanotubes (~10 µm height). Experimental results indicated that the height of the Si-VACNT electrodes did not limit Li transport, even though that height was orders of magnitude greater than the diameter of the tubes. Simulation and experimental data indicated that time constant for Li diffusion into silicon was slow, even though the diffusion distance was short relative to the tube height. Other factors such as diffusion-induced stress likely had a significant impact on diffusion through the thin silicon layer. Solid Polymer Electrolytes. A thorough understanding of the relationships between physical, transport, and electrochemical properties was studied. HNT addition to polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolytes not only improved the physical properties, such as reduction of the crystallinity of PEO, but also enhanced transport properties like the salt diffusivity. The processing steps were important for achieving enhanced properties. Moreover, HNTs were found to stabilize the interfacial properties of the SPE films during cycling. Specifically, HNT-containing SPE films were successfully cycled at room temperature, which may have important implications for SPE-based batteries.