La première partie de ces travaux de thèse concerne la synthèse d’acides aminés phosphole par formation d’une liaison P-C. Les propriétés de fluorescence (absorption, émission et rendement quantique) sont modulées à la fois par les différents substituants présents sur le phosphore (BH3, O, S…) ainsi que par le squelette aromatique du phosphole. Des couplages peptidiques modèles réalisés en solution et sur support solide démontrent la possibilité d’intégrer ces acides aminés dans des peptides d’intérêts. La deuxième partie concerne la synthèse de nouveaux phospholes fonctionnalisés ainsi que d’une nouvelle méthode d’accrochage pour les introduire sur différents groupes pendants (SH, NH2, OH) d’acide aminés et peptides via la formation de liaisons P-S, P-N ou P-O. La troisième partie de ce travail a consisté en la synthèse d’une nouvelle classe d’acides aminés tétraphénylsilole fluorescents qui présentent des propriétés d’AIE (aggregation-induced emission) et pourront être utilisés pour le marquage de peptides d’intérêts. / The first part of this work is focused on phospholyl amino acids synthesis by formation of a P-C bond. The fluorescent properties (absorption, emission and quantum yield) are modulated either by the substituent on the phosphorus atom (BH3, O, S, …) or by the aromatic skeleton of the phosphole. Peptide coupling in solution or on solid support were performed and showed the possibility to introduce such amino acids into peptide of interest. The second part of this work is dedicated to the synthesis of new functionalized phospholes for a chemoselective grafting on amino acid and peptides pendant groups (SH, NH2, OH) via PS, P-N or P-O bonds. The third part consists into the synthesis of a new class of tetraphenylsilole amino acids which exhibit AIE (aggregation-induced emission) fluorescent properties. Those compounds were successfully incorporated into di- an tri- peptides in solution and on solid support.

Copper is an essential trace element for living organisms and has both known and additional suspected roles in human health and disease. The current understanding of copper metabolism is substantial but incomplete, particularly in regard to storage and exchange at the subcellular level, although available evidence indicates exchangeable intracellular copper is in the monovalent oxidation state. Selective fluorescent probes with sufficient sensitivity to detect Cu(I) availability at physiologically relevant levels and at subcellular resolution would be valuable tools for studying copper metabolism. As a contribution toward this goal, this work describes the development of Cu(I)-selective fluorescent probes with greatly improved aqueous solubility, contrast ratio, and fluorescence quantum yield. This work also describes the development of water-soluble, 1:1-binding chelators that form colorless, air-stable copper(I)-complexes. By acting as copper(I) buffering agents and affinity standards, these compounds can serve a complementary role to fluorescent probes in the study of copper biochemistry.

[Truncated abstract] The scientific endeavours described within this thesis attempt to create novel solutions to current scientific, commercial and industrial downfalls, and contribute to the advancement of technologies in these areas. This has been achieved through the application of theoretical and experimental principles, entrenched in the domains of chemistry and physics, which have been harnessed to assist in the transformation from nanoscience to nanotechnology. These solutions range from unique supramolecular systems capable of selective-diameter enrichment of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), to the fabrication of low-cost, potentially remote deployable carbon nanotube-based gas and vapour sensors, and expand right through to the development of water-soluble fluoroionophoric sensors and manipulations of a molecular form of carbon in constructing all-carbon nano-architectures. For the advancement and successful integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into commercial processes, the advent of scalable separation protocols based on their electronic properties is required. SWCNTs have been successfully solubilised using water-soluble p-phosphonated calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) and 'extended arm' upper rim functionalised (benzyl, phenyl) p-sulfonated calix[8]arenes. Selective SWCNT diameter solubilisation has been demonstrated and subsequent preferential enrichment of SWCNTs with semiconducting or metallic electronic properties has been achieved. In addition, semiconducting nanotube-enriched supernatants (liquid) have been utilised to fabricate on/off field effect transistors (FET). These water-soluble supramolecular systems can be incorporated into post-growth purification protocols, with direct implications in areas such as carbon nano-electronics and device fabrication. In the current global environment there is a heightened level of public and governmental disquiet due to the reality of impending terrorist attacks. This is compounded by the inherent ease of manufacture and effectiveness of specific chemical warfare agents (CWAs) used in small-scale terrorist operations. ... Additional all-carbon structures are described with the formation of rings of helical SWCNT bundles through post-growth SWCNT modifications, and a variety of fibrous all-carbon structures, most notably novel square-geometry carbon nano-fibres (CNFs), through catalytic-chemical vapour deposition (C-CVD) synthesis strategies. The current requirement for entirely water-soluble fluorescent sensors is routinely documented in the literature. The autofluorescence properties of p-phenyl-sulfonated calix[8]arene are characterised and this water-soluble cavitand is surveyed as a metal cation sensor candidate. This particular system was found to exhibit a change in fluorescence response when exposed to divalent metal cations, and interactions with [UO2]2+, Pb2+, Co2+, and Cu2+ ions are discussed in detail. The system is characterised through a variety of analytical techniques to yield sensor calibration data, degradation characteristics, pH sensitivity and suitability as a 'small molecule' drug-carrier.

Neste trabalho é apresentada a síntese e a caracterização de compostos do tipo 2-(2’- hidroxifenil)benzazóis derivados da 1,3,5-triazina, fluorescentes devido a um mecanismo de transferência protônica intramolecular no estado excitado (TPIEE). Foram preparados quatro novos corantes diclorotriazinil-(hidroxifenil)benzazólicos, que apresentam emissão de fluorescência na região azul-verde do espectro visível e deslocamentos de Stokes compatíveis com substâncias que sofrem o fenômeno da TPIEE. Estas substâncias foram caracterizadas por diversas técnicas espectroscópicas (IR, RMN e HR-MS), enquanto que as análises fotofísicas (absorção no ultravioleta-visível e emissão de fluorescência) foram realizadas em solução e no estado sólido. Os ensaios preliminares realizados indicam a possibilidade de emprego desses corantes como sondas fluorescentes de material celulósico. / The synthesis and characterization of new 2-(2’-hydroxyphenyl)benzazoles derivatives from 1,3,5-triazine, fluorescent due to an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, were presented in this work. The four new dichlorotriazinylbenzazole derivatives synthesized present fluorescence emission in the blue-green region of the spectra and Stokes shift compatible with ESIPT compounds. The characterization of the new fluorescent reactive dyes by means of spectroscopic (IR, RMN, UV-Vis and fluorescence) and spectrometric (HRMS) techniques, and the study of the possibilities to dye cellulose fibers were carried out. Fluorescent cellulose fibers were prepared using the dyes and a methodology used in the industry and show no color change when observed in the visible light (white cellulose) and a blue-green fluorescence when irradiated with UV light.

Neste trabalho é apresentada a síntese e a caracterização de compostos do tipo 2-(2’- hidroxifenil)benzazóis derivados da 1,3,5-triazina, fluorescentes devido a um mecanismo de transferência protônica intramolecular no estado excitado (TPIEE). Foram preparados quatro novos corantes diclorotriazinil-(hidroxifenil)benzazólicos, que apresentam emissão de fluorescência na região azul-verde do espectro visível e deslocamentos de Stokes compatíveis com substâncias que sofrem o fenômeno da TPIEE. Estas substâncias foram caracterizadas por diversas técnicas espectroscópicas (IR, RMN e HR-MS), enquanto que as análises fotofísicas (absorção no ultravioleta-visível e emissão de fluorescência) foram realizadas em solução e no estado sólido. Os ensaios preliminares realizados indicam a possibilidade de emprego desses corantes como sondas fluorescentes de material celulósico. / The synthesis and characterization of new 2-(2’-hydroxyphenyl)benzazoles derivatives from 1,3,5-triazine, fluorescent due to an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, were presented in this work. The four new dichlorotriazinylbenzazole derivatives synthesized present fluorescence emission in the blue-green region of the spectra and Stokes shift compatible with ESIPT compounds. The characterization of the new fluorescent reactive dyes by means of spectroscopic (IR, RMN, UV-Vis and fluorescence) and spectrometric (HRMS) techniques, and the study of the possibilities to dye cellulose fibers were carried out. Fluorescent cellulose fibers were prepared using the dyes and a methodology used in the industry and show no color change when observed in the visible light (white cellulose) and a blue-green fluorescence when irradiated with UV light.

Resumo: Algumas avaliações da capacidade de fecundação como a produção in vitro de embriões (PIV) e a coloração vital indicam que a sexagem de espermatozóides por centrifugação em gradiente de densidade pode causar diminuição nas taxas de desenvolvimento embrionário, entretanto, não são conclusivas quanto à avaliação da integridade das membranas espermáticas. Com o intuito de obter dados mais precisos em relação à viabilidade espermática pós-sexagem, foram descongeladas doses de sêmen de 6 touros diferentes, e avaliadas quanto aos danos espermáticos causados pela centrifugação em gradiente descontínuo de Percoll (com densidade variando de 1,111g/mL a 1,123g/mL). Antes e após a centrifugação dos espermatozóides, além das avaliações de concentração, motilidade e morfologia, o sêmen foi ainda avaliado quanto à integridade das membranas plasmáticas, acrossomal e mitocondrial pela associação das sondas fluorescentes: Iodeto de Propídio (PI), aglutinina de Pisum Sativum conjugado a Isotiocianato de flurosceína (FITC-PSA) e Iodeto de 5,5',6,6'-tetracloro- 1,1,3,3'-tetraetilbenzimidazolilcarbocianina (JC-1). Os resultados demonstraram que o processo de separação de espermatozóides X e Y por centrifugação em gradiente de densidade promoveu uma melhora nas características associadas à motilidade progressiva, além de uma significativa diminuição na incidência de defeitos maiores. Ainda nas amostras pós-centrifugação, foi observado um aumento no percentual de células com Membrana Plasmática Intacta e com Alto Potencial Mitocondrial. No entanto, o percentual de células com Membrana Acrossomal Intacta foi sensivelmente diminuída provavelmente devido ao fenômeno de reação acrossomal desencadeado pela centrifugação. / Abstract: Some fecundity evaluations as the in vitro embryo production (IVP) and the vital stains have indicating that the density gradients centrifugation techniques can reduce the embryo development rates. However they are not conclusive for the integrity of spermatic membranes. Wit the purpose of obtain more precise sperm viability data after the sexing procedure, frozen semen samples from six different bulls were thawed and assessed for spermatic damage caused by centrifugation in discontinuous Percoll gradient (with density varying from 1,111g/mL to 1,123g/mL). Before and after the separation of X-bearing bovine sperm, were evaluated the sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Moreover the semen samples were assessed for integrity of plasma, acrosome and mitochondrial membranes by fluorescent probes association: propidium iodide (PI), fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) and 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1). The results demonstrated that the X-bearing sperm separation process by density gradient centrifugation caused an increase in the progressive motility parameters and a decrease in the major defects incidence. In addition, it was observed an increase in the cells categories with Intact Plasma Membrane and High Mitochondrial Membrane potential in the post-centrifugation samples. Nevertheless, the percentage of cells with Intact Acrossome Membrane was reduced probably due to the acrosome reaction phenomenon induced by centrifugation. / Orientadora: Vera Fernanda Martins Hossepian de Lima / Coorientador: Rubens Paes de Arruda / Banca: Gisele Zoccal Mingoti / Banca: Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini / Mestre

Abstract Heart muscle has to work constantly throughout the life and its energy metabolism is heavily dependent on a continuous supply of oxygen. Energy metabolism must be effectively regulated to meet the demands of changing workloads in different circumstances. If the oxygen supply is interrupted, the function of the heart is easily disturbed and cells injured. Calcium metabolism is of great importance in these pathological conditions. In this thesis respiratory regulation was studied by non-destructive optical methods in mouse heart. The myoglobin-deficient mouse was used as an experimental model to avoid the artefact caused by intracellular myoglobin. Results show that increased consumption of energy and oxygen lead to concomitant reduction of cytochrome aa3 and oxidation of flavoproteins. This finding supports the view that cell respiration in intact myocardium is dominantly regulated at the level of the respiratory chain. The intracellular Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia is one of the major causes of irreversible ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been shown to protect the heart muscle significantly from ischemic damage. In this thesis Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia and reperfusion was studied in perfused rat heart using Fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. As there is a significant decrease in intracellular pH during prolonged ischemia, the pH-dependency of Fura-2 signal was taken into account. It was found that IPC attenuates Ca2+accumulation during ischemia and this was connected to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Both IPC and the pharmacologically induced preconditioning with the mitoKATP opener diaxozide were shown to be associated with increased production of superoxide monitored by means of lucigenin chemiluminescence. The superoxide production correlated with the oxidation-reduction state of flavoproteins. We also describe here a method for measuring of intracellular free Ca2+ in mouse heart during ischemia by simultaneous monitoring of Fura-2 and the pH probe BCECF fluorescence by means of dual wavelength excitation of both probes. The paradoxical decrease of Fura-2 fluorescence during ischemia indicating decreasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration was due to the pH effect on the dissociation constant of the Fura-2-Ca2+ complex. When the pH-dependency of Fura-2 was compensated, an extensive Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia was detected. Much of the previous literature on this subject must be re-evaluated because the pH-dependency of intracellular Ca2+ probes has been largely overlooked.

Les récepteurs de l’ocytocine (OTR) et de la vasopressine (AVPR) sont connus pour être impliqués dans la modulation d’effets centraux complexes. Récemment l’OTR a été proposé comme une cible thérapeutique pour le traitement des troubles du spectre autistique (TSA).Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle de l’OTR et des AVPR dans les TSA, d’éclaircir des nouveaux traits de sa pharmacologie et d’établir des méthodes du criblage sur les récepteurs sauvages, nous avons développé des traceurs pour la tomographie par émission des positons ainsi que des sondes fluorescentes pour la famille OT/AVP des RCPG. Les ligands fluorescents ont été utilisés pour établir un test de liaison TR-FRET pour l’OTR et pour initier le développement du test alternatif sur les récepteurs sauvages. Les radiotraceurs TEP seront bientôt testés chez la souris et chez le singe pour évaluer leurs performances pour la détection des récepteurs de l’ocytocine centraux avant d’envisager des études chez l’Homme. / In order to better understand the role of OTR and AVPR in ASD, to reveal new features in its pharmacology and signaling and to establish high-throughput screening method on wild-type G protein-coupled receptors, we developed imaging probes for the oxytocin-vasopressin receptors family, namely radiotracers for positron emission tomography and optical probes for fluorescence detection and imaging. The fluorescent ligands have been used to establish TR-FRET binding assay for OTR and to initiate the development the screening assay for the wild-type oxytocin receptor. The PET radiotracers will be shortly tested in mice and monkeys to evaluate their potency in detecting the central oxytocin receptors.

Aminoclay belongs to a large group of organic modified materials based on clays. These materials could find many potential practical applications and, in particular, may be used as a matrix with the ability of the organisation and stabilisation of incorporated substances. The utilisation of aminoclay in the field of medical applications seems highly prospective, but there is the need to visualise the clay system and the processes within it. This essay deals with the issue of aminoclay visualisation by means of fluorescent spectroscopy. Through fluorescent spectroscopy, aminoclay was discovered to be autofluorescent. The autofluorescence of aminoclay is not usable in practical applications because of the low fluorescence intensity. This is the reason for the research into other possibilities for modifications of the internal structure of aminoclay by europium ions. These ions in chelated form are able to be fluorescent and modifications of the external structure are possible by electrostatic implementation of fluorescent dyes. Characterisation of the prepared complexes was provided by spectrofluorimetry and fluorescent microscopy for the purpose of evaluation of the practical application of aminoclay.

Alzheimer’s Disease, also called AD, is a horrible, degenerative brain disease that more than 35 million people over the world have. Today, there is no cure for this disease, only treatments that are temporarily relieving the symptoms. The two proteins that is thought to be the main cause of AD is amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. Previously, people have tried studying Aβ in vivo using green fluorescent protein fusion together with Aβ. However, this is difficult since the aggregation of Aβ will lead to loss of fluorescence. This study aimed to crystallize the fusion protein mNG-A β1-42 and to investigate its properties as a molecular fluorescent Aβ-amyloid specific probe. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to confirm that the majority of the protein was not in the form of soluble aggregates. The DLS experiments were followed by several rounds of crystallization trials. Initial screening and the subsequent narrowing down of potential conditions where mNG-Aβ1-42 could form crystals. Several staining experiments were conducted as well, including staining brain tissue from mouse with both Swedish and Arctic mutation, from human patients with sporadic AD and from human patients with AD with the Arctic mutation. The DLS experiments showed that the protein used in the crystallization experiments mostly consisted of molecular particles of the same radius. However, there was clear evidence of some larger species present that could have been a potential problem for crystallization. Crystallization experiments suggested that PEG 8000 was the most promising precipitant amongst other conditions identified for crystallization of mNG-Aβ1-42. However, the study was ultimately unsuccessful in developing crystals of sufficient high quality for diffraction studies to commence. The staining experiments demonstrated that mNG-Aβ1-42 could bind both by itself and with another amyloid probe, Congo red, and with antibodies in brain tissue from mouse with both Swedish and Arctic mutation, from human patients with sporadic AD and from human patients with AD with the Arctic mutation. In conclusion, several characteristics of mNG-Aβ1-42 were revealed in this study.