Orientador: Helena Coutinho Franco de Oliveira / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-11T11:46:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Raposo_HelenaFonseca_M.pdf: 1257741 bytes, checksum: f53550bd6c88a5cd12f0daf241da3486 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: Os óleos de peixe e de milho são fontes de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (PUFA) n-3 e n-6, respectivamente. Estes ácidos graxos são ligantes naturais dos receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomos (PPARs) e, dessa forma, modificam a expressão de diversos genes envolvidos no metabolismo de lipídios. A proteína de transferência de colesteril-éster (CETP) é uma proteína plasmática sintetizada em vários tecidos, principalmente do fígado. A CETP participa do transporte reverso de colesterol, reduzindo HDL no plasma e aumentando o risco de aterosclerose. Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos dos óleos ricos em PUFA n-3 e n-6 e de fibratos (ligantes sintéticos de PPAR e agentes redutores de triglicérides) sobre a expressão e atividade da CETP. Assim, camundongos transgênicos que expressam a CETP foram tratados por duas semanas com óleo de peixe, óleo de milho ou salina, e camundongos CETP hipertrigliceridêmicos foram tratados com gemfibrozil (GEM), fenofibrato (FENO), bezafibrato (BEZA) ou veículo (control). Após os tratamentos com os PUFA, não foi verificada diferença no peso corporal, na ingestão ou no peso relativo do fígado e tecidos adiposos. Também não houve alteração das concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e triglicerídios. O óleo de peixe reduziu os níveis de ácidos graxos livres (37%) e colesterol (15%), enquanto o óleo de milho aumentou significativamente os níveis de colesterol. Comparado ao grupo salina, os camundongos tratados com óleo de milho apresentaram aumento nos níveis de leptina (30-40%). O tratamento com óleo de peixe elevou os níveis de adiponectina quando comparados com o grupo salina (27%) e com o grupo tratado com óleo de milho (31%). Dois dos três fibratos testados (FENO, GEM) induziram elevação da atividade plasmática (15-30%) e da expressão hepática de RNAm da CETP (53-75%) quando comparados ao grupo controle. FENO também reduziu a concentração plasmática de triglicérides. O óleo de peixe aumentou os níveis plasmáticos de CETP em relação aos grupos salina e óleo de milho (13-14%), efeito verificado apenas nas fêmeas. Entretanto, não foi observada alteração na expressão hepática de RNAm de CETP. Verificou-se que os tratamentos com os óleos PUFA reduziram a expressão hepática de RNAm de PPAR_ (36%) e o óleo de milho induziu aumento da expressão do fator de transcrição SREBP1 (120%) nos machos, mas não nas fêmeas. Os óleos PUFA também induziram aumento da expressão de SREBP2, porém, apenas em fêmeas. As alterações diferenciais de RNAm de PPAR_, SREBP1 e SREBP2 em cada sexo poderiam estar implicadas na resposta gênero-específica da CETP frente aos PUFA. Assim concluímos que o gene da CETP é responsivo aos agonistas sintéticos de PPAR_, e que os ácidos graxos n-3 controlam a expressão da CETP de maneira gênero-dependente e por mecanismo pós-transcricional / Abstract: Fish and corn oils are n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) sources, respectively. They are natural ligands of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), thus capable of modifying the expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism. CETP is a plasma protein synthesized in several tissues, mainly liver, which reduces plasma HDL and increases the risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of PUFA oils and fibrates on the CETP levels. Therefore, CETP transgenic mice were treated during 2 weeks with fish oil (FO), corn oil (CO) or saline, whilst hypertrygliceridemic CETP mice were treated with gemfibrozil (GEM), fenofibrate (FENO), bezafibrate (BEZA) or vehicle (control). There were no differences in body weight, food intake and relative weight of liver and adipose tissue after PUFA or saline treatments. Also, no changes were verified in glucose and triglyceride plasma levels after both PUFA treatments. FO reduced plasma free fatty acid (37%) and cholesterol (15%) levels, whilst CO increased cholesterol mildly. Compared to saline, mice treated with CO showed an increase in leptin levels (30-40%). Treatment with FO enhanced adiponectin plasma levels when compared to saline (27%) and CO (31%). Two out of the three fibrates (FENO, GEM) induced elevation in plasma CETP activity (15- 30%) and liver mRNA expression (53-75%) when compared to control. FENO also reduced triglyceride levels. FO increased CETP plasma levels (13-14%) when compared to CO and saline, an effect verified only in females. However, no changes were observed in liver CETP mRNA expression. FO treatment decreased PPAR_ (36%) and CO increased SREBP1 liver mRNA levels (120%) in males, but not in females. PUFA treatment increased SREBP2 mRNA only in females. These distinct mRNA changes could explain genderspecific CETP response to PUFA treatments. In conclusion, CETP gene is responsive to PPAR_ agonists, and n-3 PUFA (FO) can regulate CETP expression by post-transcriptional mechanisms, in a manner dependent on the female context / Mestrado / Fisiologia / Mestre em Biologia Funcional e Molecular

A celulose é o biopolímero mais abundante da Terra. Ela contempla muitos dos requisitos desejados para substituição de polímeros sintéticos oriundos de petróleo. Entretanto, a insolubilidade da celulose em água e em solventes orgânicos comuns e a sua decomposição antes da fusão impedem seu processamento por extrusão. Uma solução para esse problema é a preparação de derivados de celulose que possam ser processados por extrusão ou regeneração em não solvente. Nesse ponto, os ésteres de celulose, utilizados há décadas, possuem destaque apresentando grande interesse comercial. Contudo, o contínuo estudo dos ésteres de celulose quanto aos métodos de preparação, de suas propriedades e o desenvolvimento de novos compostos se faz necessário para melhorar e ampliar suas aplicações. Sendo assim, essa tese de doutoramento contribuiu para a química dos ésteres de celulose das seguintes formas: (i) estudo de solventes para síntese de ésteres de celulose em condições reacionais homogêneas; e (ii) síntese, caracterização e moldagem de ésteres mistos de celulose com estrutura controlada. Dentro do primeiro tema, soluções binárias de dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO) e líquidos iônicos (ILs) a base de 1-metilimidazol (acetato de 1-(1-butil)-3-metilimidazólio, C4MeImAc; acetato de 1-(2-metóxietil)-3-metilimidazólio, C3OMeImAc) foram avaliadas como solvente para dissolução e acilação (síntese de acetato de celulose e benzoato de celulose) de celulose sob condições reacionais homogêneas. O foco dessa etapa de trabalho foi verificar se a presença de oxigênio etéreo na cadeia lateral do anel imidazólio favorecia a dissolução e acilação da celulose, uma vez que ele é mais básico que o correspondente grupo metilênico. Surpreendemente, o C4MeImAc apresentou melhor capacidade de dissolução de celulose e os ésteres de celulose nele preparados possuem maior grau de substituição. Para compreensão dessa aparente contradição foram utilizadas as técnicas de reologia; de espectroscopia de 1H e 13C NMR de soluções de celobiose em IL/DMSO; e de solvatocromismo (avaliação da acidez e basicidade de Lewis). Todos essesresultados indicam uma menor interação entre a celulose e o IL contendo cadeia alcóxi e corroboram os dados recém-publicados de cálculos teóricos, que indicam a ciclização, via formação de ligações de hidrogênio intramolecular, do cátion C3OMeIm+. Na tentativa de impedir a ciclização do cátion imidazólio e consequentemente melhorar as propriedades do IL contendo cadeia alcóxi, ILs metilados nas posições 1 e 2 do anel imidazólio foram testados. Apesar de a metilação melhorar a capacidade dos ILs para dissolução e acilação da celulose, não foi observado o efeito esperado para a presença do oxigênio etéreo na cadeia lateral do IL. No segundo tema de estudo, ésteres mistos de celulose (CellCarboxy/Ts) contendo grupo tosilato (com grau de substituição fixo, DSTs ≈ 1,0) e grupos carboxilatos (com grau de substituição variável, DSAcyl) com diferentes hidrofobicidades (acetato, butanoato, hexanoato) foram sintetizados em meio homogêneo de cloreto de lítio/N,N-dimetilacetamida (LiCl/DMAc). A dependência no DSAcyl das propriedades de superfície (polaridade empírica, acidez e basicidade de Lewis; ângulo de contato e energia de superfície) desses ésteres de celulose foi determinada e apresentam correlações simples. Os Cell-Carboxy/Ts também foram caracterizados quanto às suas propriedades térmicas verificando-se que o aquecimento dos ésteres leva à saída dos grupos acila antes do grupo tosilato e que a temperatura de decomposição desses ésteres é menor que a de fusão. Portanto, os Cell-Carboxy/Ts só podem ser moldados por regeneração a partir de soluções. Sendo assim, as técnicas de gotejamento de solução de éster de celulose (solvente acetona) em não solvente (água) e de eletrofiação de solução de Cell-Carboxy/Ts (solvente acetona/DMAc) foram otimizadas para preparação de microesferas e microfibras, respectivamente. As estruturas obtidas apresentaram diâmetro médio de 240 ± 35 nm e 230 ± 20 nm, respectivamente. A aplicabilidade da espectroscopia no infravermelho e no UV-VIS foi avaliada para determinação do DSAcyl dos ésteres mistos obtendo-se resultados satisfatórios. Esses métodos são interessantes, pois permitem a economia de amostra (ca. de 1 % da massa necessária no método tradicional de titulação), o que é relevante em estudos exploratórios de ésteres de celulose onde poucos gramas de amostra são preparados. / Cellulose is most abundant biopolymer in the Earth. It complies with many desired requirements for substitution of petroleum-based polymers. However, cellulose is insoluble in water and common organic solvents and decomposes before undergoes melt flow, which prevents its extrusion processing. One possible solution for this problem is the preparation of cellulose derivatives that can be process by extrusion or by regeneration into non-solvents. In this point, cellulose esters, used for decades, stand out showing great commercial interest. In spite of their long use, the continuous research on cellulose ester focused on new synthetic methods, determination of properties and development of new compounds is necessary to improve and expand their commercial application. Therefore, this PhD thesis contributes to the cellulose esters chemistry in the following way: (i) study of solvents for synthesis of cellulose esters in homogenous reaction conditions (HRC); and (ii) synthesis, characterization and shaping of cellulose mixed esters with controlled structure. In the first approach, binary mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ionic liquids (ILs) based on 1-methylimidazole (1-(1-butyl)-3-methylimidazolium acetate, C4MeImAc; 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium acetate, C3OMeImAc) were evaluated as solvent for cellulose dissolution and acylation (synthesis of cellulose acetate and cellulose benzoate) under HRC. This part of project aim was verify if the presence of ether oxygen on side chain of imidazolium ring can favored the cellulose dissolution and acylation, once it is more basic than the corresponding methylene group. Surprisingly, the C4MeImAc shows higher ability to dissolves cellulose and the biopolymer esters prepared in it have higher degree of substitution. In order to understand this apparent contradiction, were employed the following techniques: rheology, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy of celobiose solution in IL/DMSO; and solvatochromism (evaluation of Lewis acidity and basicity). All results indicate a lower interaction between cellulose and the IL with alkoxy side chain and corroborate the recently published data of theoretical calculation which proposed the cyclization of C3OMeIm+ cation, via intramolecular hydrogen bond. In attempt to avoid the imidazolium cation cyclization and consequently improve the properties ofIL containing alkoxy side chain, ILs methylated at positions 1 and 2 of imidazolium cation were tested. Despite methylation improve the IL ability on cellulose dissolution and acylation, the expected effect for the presence of ether oxygen on IL side chain was not observed. In the second part of this study, cellulose mixed esters (CellCarboxy/Ts) containing tosylate unit (fixed degree of substitution, DSTs ≈ 1.0) and carboxylate groups (variable degree of substitution, DSAcyl) with different hydrophobicity (acetate, butanoate, hexanoate) were synthesized in homogeneous medium of lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc). The dependence on DSAcyl of surface properties (empical polarity, Lewis acidity and basicity, contact angle, surface energy) of Cell-Carboxy/Ts was determined and show simple correlation. The thermal properties of Cell-Carboxy/Ts were also evaluated verifying that the heating of these cellulose esters promotes the scisson of acetate group before the tosylate ones. Further Cell-Carboxy/Ts decompose before they undergo melt-flow, so these cellulose esters can be shaped only by regeneration from their solution. In this way, Cell-Carboxy/Ts was shaped into microspheres and microfibers using the techniques of dropping (acetone solution into water) and electrospinning (acetone/DMAc solution), respectively. The structures obtained have average diameter of 240 ± 35 nm e 230 ± 20 nm, respectively. The applicability of infrared and UV-VIS spectroscopies to determine the DSAcyl of cellulose mixed esters was evaluated obtaining satisfactory results. These methods are interesting because they use few amount of sample (about 1 % of weight required by traditional titration method). The sample economy is relevant in exploratory studies of cellulose esters since they are carried out on few grams of sample.

O presente trabalho trata da semissíntese de análogos de importantes compostos líderes (afidicolina, lausona, lapachol e CAPE) utilizando técnicas de química medicinal como bioisosterismo, adição de grupamento funcional e simplificação molecular. Dessa forma foi possível obter uma biblioteca de análogos racionais, visando a manipulação de parâmetros físico-químicos e estruturais, para fins de bioprospecção. Foram desenvolvidos derivados de afidicolina mais lipofílicos, por meio da acilação das hidroxilas presentes na estrutura química deste terpeno. Tentativas de formação de bioisósteros, sais e de ésteres fosfato das hidroxinaftoquinonas naturais - lapachol e lausona, foram realizadas visando avaliar a influência do pKa sobre a atividade deste tipo de moléculas, bem como aumentar hidrossolubilidade. Neste caso, foram observadas reações paralelas, como um rearranjo molecular para a formação de aminonaftoquinonas, no estudo da cicloadição de azida de sódio com grupos cianos. Ademais, foi estudado o efeito da simplificação molecular de CAPE (fenetil éster do ácido cafeico), visando entender os requisitos estruturais de atividade antitumoral desta classe de compostos. Neste trabalho, foram obtidas 14 moléculas e testadas para diferentes atividades biológicas. Derivados naftoquinoidais se mostraram ativos frente à inibição de DHODH em ensaio sobre a enzima e também em ensaio celular. Adicionalmente, análogos simplificados do CAPE apresentaram alta atividade antitumoral, com segurança, em comparação ao controle 5-fluorouracila. / The present study aimed the semi-synthesis of analogues from important lead compounds (aphidicolin, lausone, lapachol and CAPE) by using medicinal chemistry strategies, such as bioisosterism, addition of functional groups and molecular simplification. Thus, we obtained a library of rational analogues, aiming the manipulation of physicochemical and structural parameters with bioprospecting purposes. We developed more lipophilic aphidicolin derivatives by acylation of the hydroxyl groups present in the structure of this terpene. Attempts towards the development of phosphate salts bioisosters from the hydroxinaftoquinones lapachol and lausone in order to evaluate the influence the pKa in the biological activity of these class compounds as well as to increase the water solubility. In this last case, we observed parallel reactions, as a molecular rearrangement for the formation of the aminonaftoquinones during the study of cycloaddition with cyanides and azides. In addition, we studied the effects of molecular simplification of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester), to better understand the structural requirements for antitumoral activity of this class of compounds. In the present work we obtained 14 molecules which were also tested for different biological activities. Naftoquinoidais derivatives showed inhibition activity on enzymatic essay on DHODH and on cellular essay. Moreover, simplified molecules from CAPE showed high antitumoral activity and safety in comparison to the control 5- fluorouracil.

Orientadores: Andrei Carvalho Sposito, Eliana Cotta de Faria / Texto em português e inglês / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T06:33:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Parra_ElianeSoler_D.pdf: 3645332 bytes, checksum: 085ab65e147faa7a1f1684591c22e6d8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: A lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) é um complexo heterogêneo e versátil de partículas com variações funcionais resultantes da integração de uma vasta gama de componentes, como apolipoproteínas, receptores, transportadores, enzimas e fosfolípides, com ações indiretas ou diretas sobre o seu metabolismo. Além disso, as concentrações plasmáticas do colesterol da HDL (HDL-C) e seu tamanho representam importantes fatores inversos ao desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares, particularmente em indivíduos em prevenção primária. A proteína de transferência de colesterol esterificado (CETP) desempenha uma função importante no transporte reverso do colesterol (TRC) que é umas das principais funções antiaterogênicas da HDL. No entanto, a atividade da CETP é inversamente associada às concentrações de HDL-C e ao tamanho da partícula. Adicionalmente, HDL grande demonstra ser mais efetiva no efluxo do colesterol, parte integrante do TRC, comparada à partícula de HDL menor. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar, em indivíduos livres de doença aterosclerótica manisfesta, a associação entre o tamanho da HDL e a redução da atividade da CETP induzida geneticamente com a carga aterosclerótica carotídea. Utilizamos para esse fim dois polimorfismos da CETP, TaqIB e I405V, que foram bem caracterizados funcionalmente e encontrados frequentemente na população. Assim, os objetivos desta tese foram: (i) investigar se a presença dos polimorfismos TaqIB e I405V do gene da CETP está associada às concentrações de HDL-C e à aterosclerose carotídea subclínica (n=207); (ii) pesquisar se, além das concentrações de HDL-C, o tamanho da partícula de HDL está associado à aterosclerose subclínica (n=284). Para estes estudos foram determinados os perfis lipídicos, lipoproteícos e apoproteícos, proteína C-reativa (PCR), anticorpos anti-LDL oxidada, atividades das proteínas CETP e de transferência de fosfolípides (PLTP), HDL2 e HDL3 e o diâmetro da HDL. Os polimorfismos TaqIB e I405V da CETP também foram detectados. A espessura da camada íntima-medial da artéria carótida comum (EIMc) foi mensurada por ultrassonografia. Na presença do menor alelo dos polimorfismos TaqIB e I405V da CETP, EIMc correlacionou-se inversamente com atividade da CETP e positivamente com atividade da PLTP e anticorpos anti-LDL oxidada. Na análise multivariada, a presença do menor alelo do polimorfismo TaqIB, mas não do I405V, foi associado a um aumento de 5,1 vezes de risco de maior EIMc. No entanto, a atividade da CETP não diferiu entre os grupos de presença e ausência do menor alelo do polimorfismo TaqIB. Com relação ao tamanho das partículas, HDL maiores foram associadas a menores EIMc e foram melhores indicadores de risco de aterosclerose carotídea subclínica comparadas às concentrações de HDL-C. Em conclusão, o aumento do tamanho da HDL tem associação independente com a carga aterosclerótica e, embora o polimorfismo TaqIB também se associe, sua interação parece ser independente da atividade da CETP / Abstract: High-density lipoproteins ( HDL ) are a group of heterogeneous and complex particles with versatile functional changes resulting from the integration of a wide range of components, such as apolipoproteins, receptors, transporters, enzymes and phospholipids with indirect or direct actions on your metabolism. In addition, plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol (HDL -C) and its size are inversely related to the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in primary prevention in individuals. The cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which is one of the main functions of HDL. However, CETP activity is inversely related to HDL-C and particle size. Additionally, largest HDL particles have demonstrated a higher cholesterol efflux capacity. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate, in individuals free of manifest atherosclerotic disease, the association between the size of HDL and CETP activity genetically induced with carotid atherosclerosis burden. We used for this purpose, two polymorphisms of CETP TaqIB and I405V, which have been well characterized functionally and often found in the population. The objectives of this thesis were: (i) to investigate whether the presence of polymorphisms I405V and TaqIB of CETP gene is associated with HDL-C and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (n= 207); (ii) to investigate if, in addition to HDL-C, the particle size of HDL is associated with atherosclerosis (n= 284). We determined lipid, lipoprotein profiles and apolipoprotein, C-reactive protein (CRP), antibodies against oxidized LDL, CETP and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activities, HDL2 and HDL3 and HDL size. The TaqIB and I405V CETP polymorphisms were also analyzed. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured using ultrasonography. In the presence of the minor alleles of the TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms of CETP, cIMT was inversely correlated with CETP activity and positively with PLTP activity and antibodies against oxidized LDL. In multivariate analysis, the presence of the minor allele of the TaqIB polymorphism, but not the I405V, was associated with a 5.1 times increased risk of higher cIMT. However, CETP activity did not differ between the presence and absence of minor allele groups of the TaqIB polymorphism. Regarding HDL size, increased HDL size was associated with lower cIMT and was better marker of risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis compared to HDL-C. In conclusion, increased size of HDL is independently associated with atherosclerotic and, although TaqIB polymorphism is also associated, its interaction seems to be independent of CETP activity / Doutorado / Clinica Medica / Doutora em Clínica Médica

This thesis contains investigations in the area of polymers herein propellants binders are modified functionally to meet the requirements of future energetic propellants. Chapter 1 contains a broad introduction to the area of recent advances in solid propellants and the numerous applications of ‘Click Chemistry’. Chapters 2 details the materials, characterization tools and the experimental techniques employed for the studies. This is followed by Chapter 3, 4, and 5 which deals with functional modification of various propellants binders, their characterisation and evaluation in propellant formulations. Chapter 6 details with the thermal decomposition of diazides and its reaction with alkenes. The advent of modern rockets has opened a new era in the history of space exploration as well as defence applications. The driving force of the rocket emanates from the propellant – either solid or liquid. Composite solid propellants find an indispensable place, in today’s rockets and launch vehicles because of the inherent advantages such as high reliability, easy manufacturing, high thrust etc. The composite propellant consisting of inorganic oxidiser like ammonium perchlorate, (AP), ammonium nitrate (AN) etc), metallic fuel (aluminium powder, boron etc) and polymeric fuel binder (hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene-HTPB, polybutadiene-acrylic acid-acrylonitrile PBAN, glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), polyteramethylene oxide (PTMO) etc. is used in igniters, boosters, upper stage motors and special purpose motors in large launch vehicles. Large composite solid propellant grains or rocket motors in particular, demand adequate mechanical properties to enable them to withstand the stresses imposed during operation, handling, transportation and motor firing. They should also have a reasonably long ‘potlife’ to provide sufficient window for processing operations such as mixing and casting which makes the selection of binder with appropriate cure chemistry more challenging. In all composite solid propellants currently in use, polymers perform the role of a binder for the oxidiser, metallic fuel and other additives. It performs the dual role of imparting dimensional stability to the composite, provides structural integrity and good mechanical properties to the propellant besides acting as a fuel to impart the required energetics. Conventionally, the terminal hydroxyl groups in the binders like GAP, PTMO and HTPB are reacted with diisocyanates to form a polyurethane network, to impart the necessary mechanical properties to the propellant. A wide range of diisocyantes such as tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) are used for curing of these binders. However, the incompatability of isocyanates with energetic oxidisers like ammonium dinitramide (ADN), hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF), short ‘potlife’ of the propellant slurry and undesirable side reactions with moisture are limiting factors which adversely affect the mechanical properties of curing binders through this route. The objective of the present study is to evolve an alternate approach of curing these binders is to make use of the 1,3 dipolar addition reactions between azide and alkyne groups which is a part of ‘Click chemistry’. This can be accomplished by the reaction of azide groups of GAP with triple bonds of alkynes and reactions of functionally modified HTPB/PTMO (azide/alkyne) to yield 1,2,3 -triazole based products. This offers an alternate route for processing of solid propellants wherein, the cured resins that have improved mechanical properties, better thermal stability and improved ballistic properties in view of the higher heat of decomposition resulting from the decomposition of the triazole groups. GAP is an azide containing energetic polymer. The azide groups can undergo reaction with alkynes to yield triazoles. In, Chapter 3 the synthesis and characterisation of various alkynyl compounds including bis propargyl succinate (BPS), bis propargyl adipate (BPA), bis propargyl sebacate (BPSc.) and bis propargyl oxy bisphenol A (BPB) for curing of GAP to yield triazoles networks are studied. The mechanism of the curing reaction of GAP with these alkynyl compounds was elucidated using a model compound viz. 2-azidoethoxyethane (AEE). The reaction mechanism has been analysed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. DFT based theoretical calculations implied marginal preference for 1, 5 addition over the 1, 4 addition for the uncatalysed cycloaddition reaction between azide and alkyne group. The detailed characterisation of these systems with respect to the cure kinetics, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical behaviour and thermal decomposition characteristics were done and correlated to the structure of the network. The glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength and modulus of the system increased with crosslink density which in turn is, controlled by the azide to alkyne molar stoichiometry. Thermogravimetic analysis (TGA) showed better thermal stability for the GAP-triazole compared to GAP based urethanes. Though there have been a few reports on curing of GAP with alkynes, it is for the first time that a detailed characterisation of this system with respect to the cure kinetics, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal decomposition mechanism of the polymer is being reported. To extent the concept of curing binders through 1,3 dipolar addition reaction, the binder HTPB as chemically transformed to propargyloxy carbonyl amine terminated polybutadiene (PrTPB) with azidoethoxy carbonyl amine terminated polybutadiene (AzTPB) and propargyloxy polybutadiene (PTPB). Similarly, PTMO was convnerted to propargyloxy polytetramethylene oxide (PTMP). Triazole-triazoline networks were derived by the reaction of the binders with alkyne/azide containing curing agents. The cure characteristics of these polymers (PrTPB with AzTPB, PTPB with GAP and PTMP with GAP) were studied by DSC. The detailed characterisations of the cured polymers for were done with respect to the, mechanical, dynamic mechanical behaviour and thermal decomposition characteristics were done. Propellant level studies were done using the triazoles derived from GAP, PrTPB-AzTPB, PTPB and PTMP as binder, in combination with ammonium perchlorate as oxidiser. The propellants were characterised with respect to rheological, mechanical, safety, as well as ballistic properties. From the studies, propellant formulations with improved energetics, safety characteristics, processability and mechanical properties as well defect free propellants could be developed using novel triazole crosslinked based binders. Chapter 6, is aimed at understanding the mechanism of thermal decomposition of diazido compounds in the first section. For this, synthesis and characterisation of a diazido ester 1,6 –bis (azidoacetoyloxy) hexane (HDBAA) was done. There have been no reports on the thermal decomposition mechanism of diazido compounds, where one azide group may influence the decomposition of the other. The thermal decomposition mechanism of the diazido ester were theoretically predicted by DFT method and corroborated by pyrolysis-GC-MS studies. In the second section of this chapter, the cure reaction of the diazido ester with the double bonds of HTPB has been investigated. The chapter 6B reports the mechanism of Cu (I) catalysed azide-alkene reaction validated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations in isomers of hexene (cis-3-hexene, trans-3-hexene and 2-methy pentene: model compound of HTPB) using HDBAA. This the first report on an isocyanate free curing of HTPB using an azide. Chapter 7 of the thesis summarizes the work carried out, the highlights and important findings of this work. The scope for future work such as development of high performance eco-friendly propellants based on triazoles in conjunction with chlorine-free oxidizer like ADN, synthesis of compatible plasticisers and suitable crosslinkers have been described. This work has given rise to one patent, three international publications and four papers in international conferences in the domain.

The renewed interest in energy for biomass is supported by the need for different energy sources and the need to protect the environment. Recently, because of increases in crude oil prices, limited resources of fossil oil and environmental concerns there has been renewed focus on vegetable oils and animal fats to make a biodiesel fuel. What is known as biodiesel (methyl or ethyl esters) is a vegetable oil or animal fat chemically treated to replace traditional diesel fuel. Performance parameters and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine fuelled with sunflower and beef tallow ethyl esters and a blend of ethyl and methyl esters, subjected to pre-heating at two temperatures ranges, namely T55 (50 to 60ºC) and T75 (70 to 80ºC), in order to lower its viscosities, have been investigated. Tests were carried out at full load conditions in a four cylinders, four-stroke indirect injection diesel engine. Engine tests, short-term, were conducted at a range speed from 1900 to 4400 rpm. The injection timing was retarded from the manufacturer s recommended setting. The tests were carried out using the same engine and test procedures so that comparative assessments may be made. The tests data were used for evaluating the brake power, exhaust gas temperatures, specific fuel consumption and gaseous emissions. The analysis of the results determined that the level of pre-heating have influence on the performance for used esters. The tests performed at T55 showed the best values of torque (N.m), power (kW) and specific fuel consumption (g.kW-1.h-1) that the tests performed at T75. The bests experiments results were obtained with sunflower ethyl ester and the blend containing 50,0% sunflower ethyl ester and 50,0% beef tallow methyl ester, at -2º BTDC and T55 temperature range. The findings showed that, by using biodiesel, harmful emissions (CO, HC and NOx) can be reduced to some extent of B2 by adjusting the injection pump timing properly and pre-heating of fuel. / O renovado interesse por energia da biomassa é apoiado na necessidade de fontes alternativas de energia e de proteção ambiental. Recentemente, devido ao aumento dos preços do óleo cru, a limitação de seus recursos e as questões relacionadas ao ambiente, um renovado foco passou a existir sobre os óleos vegetais e gorduras animais para produção de um biodiesel combustível. O que é conhecido como biodiesel (éster metílico ou etílico) é um óleo vegetal ou gordura animal tratado quimicamente para substituir o combustível diesel tradicional. Parâmetros de desempenho e emissões de exaustão foram investigados para um motor diesel alimentado com ésteres etílicos de óleo de girassol e de sebo bovino e por uma mistura composta pelo éster etílico de óleo de girassol e pelo metílico de sebo bovino numa proporção volumétrica igual (50,0%+50,0%). Os ésteres estavam sujeitos ao pré-aquecimento segundo duas faixas de temperaturas, chamadas de T55 (50 a 60ºC) e T75 (70 a 80ºC), como forma de redução da viscosidade. Os testes foram conduzidos sob condição de carga máxima em um motor diesel de quatro cilindros, quatro tempos e de injeção indireta de combustível. Os ensaios de curta duração foram efetuados em uma faixa de rotações compreendida entre 1900 e 4400 rpm. O ponto de avanço de injeção foi atrasado em relação ao ponto original recomendado pelo fabricante. Os testes foram conduzidos utilizando o mesmo motor e os mesmos procedimentos de testes para permitir a comparação dos valores obtidos. Nos ensaios foram obtidos os valores de potência, torque, consumo específico de combustível e gases de exaustão. A análise dos resultados indica que o nível de pré-aquecimento tem influência sobre o desempenho dos ésteres utilizados. Os ensaios conduzidos à T55 mostraram melhores valores para torque (N.m), potência (kW) e consumo específico de combustível (g.kW-1.h-1) que os testes executados à T75. Os melhores resultados do experimento foram obtidos pelo éster etílico de girassol e pela mistura contendo 50,0% de éster etílico de girassol e 50% de éster metílico de sebo bovino, sob 2º (P2) de atraso no ponto de injeção e aquecidos na faixa de temperaturas de T55. Os resultados indicam que, pelo uso do biodiesel, as emissões prejudiciais (CO, HC e NOx) podem ser reduzidas aos mesmos níveis do B2 através do ajuste apropriado do ponto de avanço da injeção e o pré-aquecimento do combustível.

Au laboratoire, une méthode originale d'encapsulation par transacylation entre l'alginate de propylène-glycol (PGA) et une protéine a été mise au point. Cette méthode est basée sur la création de liaisons amides entre les fonctions amines libres de la protéine et les groupes esters du PGA dans une phase aqueuse émulsionnée (E/H) après alcalinisation. Les microparticules obtenues, stables, biocompatibles et biodégradables, sont potentiellement intéressantes pour la délivrance de substances actives en thérapeutique ou en cosmétique.Le premier objectif de ce travail est d'étudier l'influence des propriétés physicochimiques des deux biopolymères (protéine et PGA) et de leurs solutions, ainsi que l'effet des paramètres de préparation sur la réaction de transacylation et sur les propriétés des microparticules obtenues. Pour cela, la sérumalbumine humaine (HSA) a servi de protéine modèle et les microparticules ont été préparées dans différentes conditions physicochimiques puis caractérisées. Différents liens ont été établis entre les propriétés physicochimiques des solutions initiales des deux polymères et les propriétés fonctionnelles des microparticules obtenues.Le deuxième objectif est de remplacer le PGA, seul polysaccharide utilisable jusqu'à présent pour la microencapsulation par transacylation, par d'autres polysaccharides naturels, dans la préparation de microparticules. Etant donné ses propriétés intrinsèques limitantes, le remplacement du PGA par d'autres esters polysaccharidiques parait avantageux dans le domaine d'application des microparticules.Dans ce travail, le PGA a été remplacé par une série d'esters semi-synthétiques d'alginate puis par d'autres polysaccharides estérifiés naturels (pectines) ou semi-synthétiques (esters polypectiques et esters de l'acide hyaluronique). Les conditions optimales pour l'utilisation de chaque ester ont été alors déterminées. / In our laboratory, an original method of microencapsulation was developed, based on the use of a transacylation reaction, creating covalent bonds between proteins and propylene glycol alginate (PGA). The covalent bonds are created after alkalization of the aqueous phase of a W/O emulsion, without using bifunctional crosslinking reagent.The resulting microparticles, which are stable, biocompatible and biodegradable, have potential applications for the delivery of active compounds for therapeutics or cosmetics.The first aim of this work is to study the influence of the physicochemical properties of the two polymers (protein and PGA) and of their solutions, as well as the effect of the preparation parameters on the transacylation reaction and on microparticle characteristics. For this purpose, human serum albumin (HSA) was picked as a model protein and microparticles were prepared using several physicochemical conditions then characterized. Several relationships were established between the physicochemical properties of the initial solutions of the two polymers and the functional properties of the resulting microparticles.The second purpose is to replace the PGA, only polysaccharide used for microencapsulation by transacylation so far, by other natural polysaccharides in the preparation of microparticles. Given its limiting intrinsic properties, the replacement of PGA by other polysaccharidic esters seems advantageous in the field of microparticle applications.In this work, the PGA was successfully replaced by a series of semisynthetic alginate esters, and then by other polysaccharidic esters, either natural esters (pectin) or semisynthetic esters (polypectate esters and hyaluronate esters). The optimal conditions for the use of each ester were then determined.

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On the chromosomal DNA of the microorganism Achromobacter sp. CCM 4824, which was gained in the Laboratory of enzyme technology MBU AVCR v.v.i., there was identified a gene coding an enzyme capable of hydrolyzation of semi-synthetic β-lactam antibiotics ampicillin and cephalosporin with a D-phenylglycine as a side chain. This enzyme belongs to a group of α-amino acid esterases, which are interesting because of a potential use in kinetically controled synthesis of β-lactam antibiotics. In several aspects α-amino acid esterases might be better than actually used penicillin acylases and that is why these enzymes are subjects of a big interest. The gene for α-amino acid esterase coded by chromosomal DNA was cloned, characterized and heterologously expressed in constructed highly-producing bacterial system Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)JM5. Produced enzyme was purified and its properties important for possible use in the production of semi-synthetic β-lactam antibiotics were determined. Key words: alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase, Achromobacter sp., recombinant expression system, β-lactam antibiotics