Les copolymères séquencés amphiphiles sont très prometteurs pour des applications de technologie de pointe en raison de leur capacité à s'auto-assembler dans des structures bien organisées à l'échelle du micro– et du nanométre, et de leur sensibilité à des stimulations de différentes natures. La formation des nanomotifs bien ordonnés dans les films et/ou en masse fournit un substitut à la nanolithographie et est utile pour le design et l'ingénierie de nanomembranes et de matériaux nanoporeux. L'auto–assemblage dans des solvants sélectifs, en incluant la sensibilité au pH et à la température, peut être ajusté pour correspondre aux besoins de différentes applications biomédicales, telles que l’encapsulation et/ou relargage de médicaments, l'ingénierie de tissus, etc. Dans ce contexte, des copolymères séquencés de type L–lactide (LLA) et méthacrylate 2–diméthylaminoéthyl (DMAEMA) sont d’un grand intérêt. Comme le contrôle sur l'auto–assemblage des copolymères séquencés est permis au niveau moléculaire, il est très important de préparer des copolymères bien définis avec des longueurs de bloc prévisibles et de faible polydispersité. Ainsi, une partie de cette étude a été consacrée au développement de procédures synthétiques optimales et à la caractérisation détaillée de copolymères di– et triblocs de LLA et de PDMAEMA. Un outil simple pour déterminer la présence d'homo–PLLA résiduel a été développée; cela a permis de déterminer et d'expliquer plusieurs voies de synthèse indésirables. La dernière inclut la participation possible de l'amorceur bifonctionnel utilisé, et nous avons alors proposé un système alternatif d'amorceur bifonctionnel/catalyseur. La racémisation du LLA par les unités amine de (P)DMAEMA a été observée pendant la polymérisation, limitant ainsi l'utilisation première du bloc PDMAEMA pour la préparation des copolymères PLLA–b–PDMAEMA. Les études thermiques et de cristallisation, en incluant les copolymères séquencés partiellement quaternisés, ont révélé un retard significatif de la vitesse de cristallisation, en présence du bloc de PDMAEMA. Nous avons constaté que les blocs sont miscibles pour de faibles masses molaires et que la miscibilité partielle est maintenue après quaternisation. Selon la longueur et le taux de quaternisation du bloc PDMAEMA, la cristallisation du PLLA a été étudiée dans un environnement restreint et confiné, faiblement ou fortement. La torsion des lamelles cristallines observée pour certains copolymères biséquencés a été accentuée dans les copolymères triséquencés, où la formation de sphérolites annelés a été observée dans toutes les conditions thermiques utilisées. / Multi–functional amphiphilic block copolymers have much promise for various high technology applications thanks to the controlled stimuli–responsive self–assembly into well–organized structures on the micro– and nanometer scales. The formation of well–ordered nanopatterns in films and/or in bulk provides a competitive substitute to nanolithography and is useful in the design and engineering of nanomembranes and nanoporous materials. Solution self–assembly in selective solvents, including pH and temperature sensitivity, can be tuned to match the needs of different biomedical applications, such as drug encapsulation/delivery, tissue engineering, etc. In this context, block copolymers of L–lactide (LLA) and 2–dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) are of great interest. Since the control over self–assembly of block copolymer systems is enabled on a molecular level, it is of great importance to prepare well–defined block copolymers with predictable block lengths and low polydispersity. Thus, a major part of the research in this study was devoted to developing optimal synthetic procedures with detailed characterization of linear di– and triblock copolymers of LLA and PDMAEMA. A simple tool to determine homo–PLLA impurity was developed, which helped to determine and explain several undesired routes. The latter includes possible involvement of the bifunctional initiator used, and an alternative bifunctional initiator/catalyst system was proposed. Racemization of LLA by (P)DMAEMA moieties was observed during LLA polymerization thus limiting the utilization of PDMAEMA–first approach for the preparation of PLLA–b–PDMAEMA. Thermal and crystallization studies, including on quaternized block copolymers, revealed a significant retardation effect of the PDMAEMA block on the crystallization kinetics. The blocks were found to be miscible in the melt at low molecular weights, and maintained partial miscibility after quaternization. Depending on the length and the quaternization degree of PDMAEMA, PLLA crystallization was studied in a templated, soft or hard confinement environment. Crystalline lamellae twisting observed in certain diblock copolymers was facilitated in triblock copolymers, where the formation of banded spherulites was observed in all thermal conditions used. / Part of the research described in this thesis is conducted in collaboration with Centre d' étude et de Recherche sur les Macromolécules (CERM), Université de Liège, Sart-Tilman, Belgium

Le but de cette thèse est l’investigation des particularités des problèmes d’optimisation et modélisation des réacteurs tubulaires de polymérisation. La partie originale du travail est divisé en deux sections : la première traitant de l'étude théorique de la modélisation et de l’optimisation des réacteurs tubulaires de polymérisation du méthacrylate de méthyle en solution, et la deuxième, une étude expérimentale et théorique de l'extrusion réactive de L-lactide. Dans la première partie, afin de sélectionner un modèle cinétique représentatif, parmi les modèles publiés pour le processus de polymérisation de MMA, des simulations ont été effectuées en conditions identiques de fonctionnement. Deux algorithmes numériques, l’un basé sur le Principe du Minimum de Pontriaguine et l’autre de type Génétique, ont été comparés pour un problème d'optimisation de complexité moyenne. Les résultats ont montré une robustesse supérieure de l’Algorithme Génétique pour cette catégorie de problèmes. La deuxième partie de la thèse est consacrée à la modélisation et à l’optimisation de l'extrusion réactive du Llactide. Nous avons proposé un modèle cinétique et ses paramètres ont été estimés en utilisant des procédures numériques basées sur les données cinétiques expérimentales. Les expériences d'extrusion réactives ont été exécutées dans les conditions de fonctionnement représentatives. L'écoulement de L-lactide/polylactide dans l'extrudeuse a été caractérisé par la simulation en utilisant un logiciel commercial, LUDOVIC®. Les caractéristiques de la distribution des temps de séjour simulées sont utilisées pour modéliser le processus d'extrusion réactive en utilisant deux approches, un modèle à dispersion axiale et un modèle à base de compartiments, dont les caractéristiques sont déduites des simulations effectuées avec LUDOVIC®. Les résultats de la modélisation du processus sont en bon accord avec des données mesurées en mêmes conditions opératoires. / The aim of this thesis is the investigation of modeling and optimization particularities of tubular polymerization reactors. The original work is divided in two sections, the first treating a modeling and optimization study of tubular reactors for methyl methacrylate polymerization in solution, and the second, an experimental and theoretical study of L-lactide reactive extrusion. In the first section, reactor simulations in similar operating conditions were performed in order to select a representative kinetic model among the published kinetic models for MMA solution polymerization. Two widely used numerical algorithms, one based on Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle and the other a Genetic Algorithm, were compared for an average-complexity optimization problem. The results showed a superior robustness of the Genetic Algorithm for this category of problems. The second part of the thesis deals with the modeling and optimization of L-lactide reactive extrusion. A kinetic model is proposed and its parameters estimated using nonlinear estimation numerical procedures based on experimentally measured data. Reactive extrusion experiments were performed in representative operating conditions. The Llactide/ polylactide flow in the extruder was characterized by simulation using the commercial software LUDOVIC®. The simulated residence time distributions characteristics are used to model the reactive extrusion process of two approaches, an axial dispersion model and a compartment model, based on compartments whose characteristics are deduced from the simulations using LUDOVIC®. The modeling results are in good agreement with the measured data in the same operating conditions.

Chemotherapy is one of the most important treatments for cancer. However, systemic toxicity, drug resistance and unstable kinetics of the drug in the blood are serious problems of chemotherapy. The use of biodegradable polymers for controlled release of anticancer drugs has gained popularity in recent years. Controlled release of drugs from polymeric carriers has some advantages such as improvement in the efficiency of treatment, reduction in systemic toxicity and prevention of the drug resistance that is developed by the cancer cells. In this study, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were used as carriers for the controlled release of all-trans-Retinoic acid, tamoxifen, tamoxifen citrate and idarubicin. It was aimed to prepare a drug carrier system for controlled release of hydrophobic anticancer drugs. The empty and drug loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles were prepared by solvent extraction/evaporation technique with single emulsion (oil/water). Optimized microparticles were characterized by using inverted light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to examine their morphology and sizes. Drug content of microparticles and the amount of released drug were determined spectrophotometrically. In vitro toxicity of the microparticles on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was investigated. It was revealed that the microparticles were smooth and spherical in shape. Their sizes differed in the range of 2-20 &micro / m. atRA-loaded microparticles showed approximately 90% encapsulation efficiency and it was confirmed that changing in drug/polymer ratio affected the extend of drug content. Increase in drug content caused a slower release pattern. Moreover, although the empty microparticles caused some toxicity, atRA-loaded PLGA microparticles showed slight cell growth inhibition.

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer seen in woman. Chemotherapy is one of the most important treatments for breast cancer. However, systemic toxicity, drug resistance and unstable kinetics of the drug in the blood are serious problems of chemotherapy. The use of biodegradable polymers for controlled release of anticancer drugs has gained popularity in recent years. Controlled release of anticancer drugs from polymeric carriers has some advantages such as improvement in the efficiency of treatment, reduction in systemic toxicity and prevention of the drug resistance that is developed by the cancer cells. In this study, it was aimed to prepare such a controlled release system for anticancer drugs which are used in breast cancer treatment by using biodegradable copolymer poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and to characterize in terms of morphology, size, drug content and drug release rate. In the first part of this study / empty and drug loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres were prepared. Two sets of empty poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique with single emulsion (oil/water) to determine the effect of stirring rate on size of microspheres. Increase in stirring rate caused decrease in size of microspheres. Drug loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres were prepared for controlled release of anticancer drugs which are used in breast cancer treatment namely / 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate and tamoxifen by using solvent evaporation technique either with double emulsion (water/oil/water) or single emulsion (oil/water). In the second part of this study / empty and drug loaded microspheres were characterized. Inverted light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine morphology and size of microspheres. Drug content of microspheres and amount of released drug were determined and drug release profile was obtained for each anticancer drug separetely.

Polylactide homopolymers with pendent carboxylic acid functional groups have been designed and synthesized to be studied as magnetite nanoparticle dispersion stabilizers. Magnetic nanoparticles are of interest for a variety of biomedical applications including magnetic field-directed drug delivery and magnetic cell separations. Small magnetite nanoparticles are desirable due to their established biocompatibility and superparamagnetic (lack of magnetic hysteresis) behavior. For in-vivo applications, it is important that the magnetic material be coated with biocompatible organic materials to afford dispersion characteristics or to further modify the surfaces of the complexes with biospecific moieties. The acid-functionalized silane endgroup was utilized as the dispersant anchor to adsorb onto magnetite nanoparticle surfaces and allowed the polylactide to extend into various solvents to impart dispersion stability. The homopolymers were complexed with magnetite nanoparticles by electrostatic adsorption of the carboxylates onto the iron oxide surfaces, and these complexes were dispersible in dichloromethane. The polylactide tailblocks extended into the dichloromethane and provided steric repulsion between the magnetite-polymer complexes. The resultant magnetite-polymer complexes were further incorporated into controlled-size nanospheres. The complexes were blended with poly(ethylene oxide-b-D,L-lactide) diblock copolymers to introduce hydrophilicity on the surface of the nanospheres with tailored functionality. Self-assembly of the PEO block to the surface of the nanosphere was established by utilizing an amine terminus on the PEO to react with FITC and noting fluorescence. / Ph. D.

Les nanoparticules polymériques biodégradable (NPs) sont apparues ces dernières années comme des systèmes prometteurs pour le ciblage et la libération contrôlée de médicaments. La première partie de cette étude visait à développer des NPs biodégradables préparées à partir de copolymères fonctionnalisés de l’acide lactique (poly (D,L)lactide ou PLA). Les polymères ont été étudiés comme systèmes de libération de médicaments dans le but d'améliorer les performances des NPs de PLA conventionnelles. L'effet de la fonctionnalisation du PLA par insertion de groupements chimiques dans la chaîne du polymère sur les propriétés physico-chimiques des NPs a été étudié. En outre, l'effet de l'architecture du polymère (mode d'organisation des chaînes de polymère dans le copolymère obtenu) sur divers aspects de l’administration de médicament a également été étudié. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, divers copolymères à base de PLA ont été synthétisés. Plus précisément il s’agit de 1) copolymères du poly (éthylène glycol) (PEG) greffées sur la chaîne de PLA à 2.5% et 7% mol. / mol. de monomères d'acide lactique (PEG2.5%-g-PLA et PEG7%-g-PLA, respectivement), 2) des groupements d’acide palmitique greffés sur le squelette de PLA à une densité de greffage de 2,5% (palmitique acid2.5%-g-PLA), 3) de copolymère « multibloc » de PLA et de PEG, (PLA-PEG-PLA)n. Dans la deuxième partie, l'effet des différentes densités de greffage sur les propriétés des NPs de PEG-g-PLA (propriétés physico-chimiques et biologiques) a été étudié pour déterminer la densité optimale de greffage PEG nécessaire pour développer la furtivité (« long circulating NPs »). Enfin, les copolymères de PLA fonctionnalisé avec du PEG ayant montré les résultats les plus satisfaisants en regard des divers aspects d’administration de médicaments, (tels que taille et de distribution de taille, charge de surface, chargement de drogue, libération contrôlée de médicaments) ont été sélectionnés pour l'encapsulation de l'itraconazole (ITZ). Le but est dans ce cas d’améliorer sa solubilité dans l'eau, sa biodisponibilité et donc son activité antifongique. Les NPs ont d'abord été préparées à partir de copolymères fonctionnalisés de PLA, puis ensuite analysés pour leurs paramètres physico-chimiques majeurs tels que l'efficacité d'encapsulation, la taille et distribution de taille, la charge de surface, les propriétés thermiques, la chimie de surface, le pourcentage de poly (alcool vinylique) (PVA) adsorbé à la surface, et le profil de libération de médicament. L'analyse de la chimie de surface par la spectroscopie de photoélectrons rayon X (XPS) et la microscopie à force atomique (AFM) ont été utilisés pour étudier l'organisation des chaînes de copolymère dans la formulation des NPs. De manière générale, les copolymères de PLA fonctionnalisés avec le PEG ont montré une amélioration du comportement de libération de médicaments en termes de taille et distribution de taille étroite, d’amélioration de l'efficacité de chargement, de diminution de l'adsorption des protéines plasmatiques sur leurs surfaces, de diminution de l’internalisation par les cellules de type macrophages, et enfin une meilleure activité antifongique des NPs chargées avec ITZ. En ce qui concerne l'analyse de la chimie de surface, l'imagerie de phase en AFM et les résultats de l’XPS ont montré la possibilité de la présence de davantage de chaînes de PEG à la surface des NPs faites de PEG-g-PLA que de NPS faites à partie de (PLA-PEG-PLA)n. Nos résultats démontrent que les propriétés des NPs peuvent être modifiées à la fois par le choix approprié de la composition en polymère mais aussi par l'architecture de ceux-ci. Les résultats suggèrent également que les copolymères de PEG-g-PLA pourraient être utilisés efficacement pour préparer des transporteurs nanométriques améliorant les propriétés de certains médicaments,notamment la solubilité, la stabilité et la biodisponibilité. / Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising drug delivery carriers for the controlled drug release and targeting. The first part of this study aimed to develop biodegradable NPs from functionalized copolymers of poly (D,L-Lactide) (PLA). Those copolymers were explored as drug delivery systems in attempt to improve the drug delivery performance of conventional PLA NPs. The effect of PLA functionalization (insertion of chemical substituents onto PLA backbone) on the physicochemical properties of the obtained NPs was investigated. Moreover, the effect of polymer architecture (mode of organization of polymer chains in the resultant copolymer) on various drug delivery aspects was also studied. To reach those goals, various PLA based copolymers namely poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted on PLA backbone at 2.5% & 7% mol/mol of lactic acid monomers (PEG2.5%-g-PLA and PEG7%-g-PLA, respectively), palmitic acid grafted on PLA backbone at 2.5% grafting density (palmitic acid2.5%-g-PLA), and multiblock copolymer of PLA and PEG, (PLA-PEG-PLA)n were synthesized. In the second part, the effect of different PEG grafting densities over PLA backbone on the properties of PEG-g-PLA NPs either physicochemical or biological properties was investigated to reveal the optimal PEG grafting density required to develop stealth particles (long circulating NPs). Finally, functionalized PEG/PLA copolymers that showed the most satisfactory results in terms of various drug delivery aspects, such as size and size distribution, surface charge, drug loading, and controlled drug release were selected for encapsulation of itraconazole (ITZ) to improve its aqueous solubility, bioavailability and hence its antifungal activity. NPs were first prepared from functionalized PLA copolymers then analyzed for their major physicochemical parameters such as encapsulation efficiency, size and size distribution, surface charge, thermal properties, surface chemistry, % poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) adsorbed at the surface of NPs, and drug release pattern. Surface chemistry analysis using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase imaging were used to study the chain organization behavior of each functionalized copolymer during NPs formulation. Generally speaking, functionalized PEG/PLA copolymers showed improved drug delivery behavior in terms of narrow size and size distribution, enhanced loading efficiency, less plasma protein adsorption onto their surfaces and less macrophage uptake, and finally better antifungal activity for ITZ loaded NPs. For the surface chemistry analysis, AFM phase imaging and XPS studies revealed the possibility of existence of more PEG chains at the surface of PEG-g-PLA NPs than (PLA-PEG-PLA)n during NPs formation. Our results demonstrate that properties of PLA-based NPs can be tuned by proper selection of both polymer composition and polymer architecture. Results also suggest that PEG-g-PLA copolymers could be used efficiently as a nanocarrier to improve various drug properties e.g. solubility, stability, and bioavailability.

A administração indiscriminada de antimicrobianos sistêmicos tem como principais efeitos indesejáveis a seleção antimicrobiana, hipersensibilidade, comprometimento gastrointestinal e toxicidade. A busca por uma alternativa à terapêutica antimicrobiana sistêmica em Odontologia através do uso de um material biodegradável de aplicação local pode apresentar inúmeras vantagens. As características estruturais, de citocompatibilidade e facilidade de fabricação do polímero sintético ácido poli-L-lactídeo (PLLA) permitem que este seja um carreador de fármacos como amoxicilina (AM), azitromicina (AZ), clindamicina (CL) ou metronidazol (ME) mantendo concentrações inibitórias constantes e por tempo prolongado, sendo capazes de prevenir a colonização dos principais patógenos orais. Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar o comportamento de filmes ou malhas de PLLA associados aos quatro antimicrobianos mais utilizados em Odontologia como uma alternativa local. Metodologia: 180 (N) discos poliméricos com 15 ou 6 mm de diâmetro foram preparados em associação a 20% do antimicrobiano amoxicilina, azitromicina, clindamicina ou metronidazol sendo classificados como grupo F (filme) e M (malha). Foram confeccionados segundo os métodos de deposição e eletrofiação (fibras) respectivamente. Todos os discos foram armazenados em solução tampão (pH 5 ou 7.4) e alíquotas foram coletadas e analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta performace (HPLC) em 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 e 168 horas. As espécimes foram pesadas após 3 e 6 meses de armazenamento nas soluções tampões para análise de degradação. Para a análise de citotoxicidade, os materiais foram cultivados com fibroblastos humanos por 24h, 48h e 72h e analisados por ensaio de MTT. A capacidade antimicrobiana dos discos foi determinada em cultura de P.gingivalis e S.pyogenes. Para o controle estrutural foram realizadas fotografias digitais e MEV dos espécimes controle, das interfaces (criofratura) e das espécimes degradadas. Resultados: A liberação farmacológica para os antimicrobianos na ordem pH levemente básico (7.4) e ácido (5.0) foi respectivamente: ME 70.03% (F) e 100% (M); 88,01% (F) e 19,4% (M). Para AM 38,73% (F) e 18,63% (M); 61,44% (F) e 47,93% (M). Para AZ 32,53% (F) e 82,85% (M); 46,78% (F) e 73,15% (M). Para CL 68,42% (F) e 81,10% (M); 76,47% (F) e 72,76% (M). A análise antimicrobiana demonstrou capacidade inibitória para S.pyogenes e P.gingivalis para todos os materiais testados, não havendo diferença significativa entre filme e malha dentro de cada grupo (p>0.05). A reação de citotoxicidade por MTT comprovou que os biomateriais testados são compatíveis com fibroblastos humanos e mais citocompatíveis que o controle PLLA, controle de vida e morte (p<0.05). As malhas demonstraram favorecimento do crescimento celular principalmente em 24 e 48 horas. A MEV demonstra um filme com superfície rugosa e malha com fibras e poros mimetizando a matriz extracelular. Após criofratura a MEV da interface comprovou incorporação do fármaco ao filme e malha, exceto para o ME, com cristais externos ao polímero. Após a degradação, os filmes de amoxicilina apresentaram maior degradação que PLLA no pH 5.0 (p=0.007) e pH 7.4 (p=0.046). Já para as malhas a azitromicina apresentou maior degradação que PLLA no pH 7.4 (p=0.031). Conclusão: O PLLA é um polímero cuja associação aos antimicrobianos utilizados mostrou-se segura, citocompatível e promissora na liberação de doses inibitórias contra os microrganismos P.gingivalis e S. pyogenes. A liberação farmacológica foi influenciada pela característica química do fármaco, apresentação do polímero (filme e malha) e pH da solução de armazenamento. Este estudo comprovou ser possível através de uma terapêutica medicamentosa local controlar ou prevenir infecções localizadas, sem que seja necessário o fármaco sistêmico. / Indiscriminate administration of systemic antimicrobial has undesirable effects such as antimicrobial selection, hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal commitment and toxicity. For an alternative to systemic antimicrobial therapy in Dentistry, use a biodegradable material of local application can present numerous advantages. The structural characteristics, cytocompatibility and ease of fabrication of the synthetic polymer poly-L- lactide acid (PLLA) enable this to be a carrier biomaterial. When associated with antimicrobials as amoxicillin (AM), azithromycin (AZ), clindamycin (CL) or metronidazole (ME) it can maintain constant the inhibitory concentrations for a long time, being able to prevent colonization of the main oral pathogens. Objective: To evaluate and compare the behavior of PLLA associated with the most useful antimicrobials in Dentistry as an alternative for prevention and treatment of infections. Methodology: 180 (N) polymer discs with 15 or 6 mm diameter were prepared in association with the antimicrobial concentration of 20% amoxicillin, metronidazole, clindamycin or azithromycin being classified as Group F (film) and M (mesh). They were made using the methods of deposition and electrospinning (nanofibers) respectively. All discs were stored in buffer solutions (pH 5 or 7.4) and aliquots were collected and analyzed by high performance chromatography (HPLC) on 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 , 144 and 168 hours. Cytotoxicity of human fibroblasts was tested after 24h, 48h and 72h by the MTT reaction. The antimicrobial capacity of the disks was determined against P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes cultures. The specimens were weighed after 3 and 6 months of storage for degradation analysis. Specimens were also carried out by digital photos for structural control. SEM was used to control interfaces (freeze-fracture) and degradation description. Results: The drug release for antimicrobials in order slightly basic pH (7.4) and acid ( 5.0 ) was respectively : ME 70.03 % (F ) and 100% (M ) ; 88.01 % (F) and 19.4 % ( F ) . For AM 38.73 % (F) and 18.63% ( F ) ; 61.44 % (F) and 47.93 % ( F ) . To AZ 32.53 % (F) and 82.85 % (F ) ; 46.78 % (F) and 73.15% ( F ) . Cl 68.42 % (F) and 81.10 % ( F ) ; 76.47 % (F) and 72.76 % ( F ) . Antimicrobial analysis showed inhibitory capacity against S. pyogenes and P. gingivalis for all tested polymers. ANOVA showed no difference between film and mesh within each group (p> 0.05). The MTT reaction demonstrated that the biomaterials tested are compatible with human fibroblasts (p < 0.05). The meshes have shown a tendency to cell growth especially in 24 to 48 hours. The SEM images showed a film with a rough surface and mesh of nanofibers and pores mimicking the extracellular matrix and also proved incorporation of the drug to the film and mesh after the freeze-fracture interface, except for ME that was external to the polymer crystals. Degradation showed differences among Amoxicillin-film and PLLA pH 5.0 (p = 0.007) and pH 7.4 (p = 0.046). As for the meshes differences occurred only between azithromycin and the PLLA pH 7.4 (p = 0.031). Conclusion: The PLLA is a polymer biomaterial whose association to antimicrobial is safe, biocompatible and promising. It can inhibit P. gingivalis and S. pyogenes microorganisms. The drug release was influenced by the chemical characteristics of the drug, polymer performance (mesh and film) and the pH of the storage solution. This study proved a local drug system therapy to control or prevent localized infections without systemic doses.

Este trabalho visou a produção de suportes para crescimento celular constituídos de compósitos de poli(L-lactídeo) (PLLA) e diversos tipos de fosfatos de cálcio (CaP). A hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (HAD) e o fosfato octacálcico (OCP) em tamanhos submicrométricos foram sintetizados. Hidroxiapatita (HA) e o &#946;-fosfato tricálcico (&#946;-TCP) foram adquiridos da Sigma-Aldrich. Uma mistura de HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) também foi preparada. Para melhorar a dispersão da fase mineral em uma matriz polimérica de PLLA, utilizou-se cloreto de lauroíla para funcionalizar a superfície dos CaP. Os espectros de infravermelho e a análise termogravimétrica confirmaram a presença de laurato na superfície de partículas de CaP. As partículas de HA pura também foram funcionalizadas com cloreto de lauroíla para fins comparativos. Compósitos de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram fabricados utilizando a técnica de eletrofiação. A funcionalização da superfície do CaP com laurato resultou em uma melhoria significativa na dispersão de partículas de CaP na matriz polimérica, permitindo a inclusão de até 40% da fase mineral sem comprometer as propriedades mecânicas. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) foram utilizadas para investigar a morfologia da fibra. A perda de massa e a liberação de cálcio dos suportes durante a degradação em uma solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) foram medidas. HAD e OCP se mostraram ser mais solúveis do que HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). A bioatividade dos compósitos foi investigada por imersão das fibras em um fluido corporal simulado (SBF) a 37 °C e pH 7.4. Embora todos os suportes de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram capazes de formar uma camada de apatita em sua superfície após a exposição em SBF, os resultados demonstraram um aumento significativo na mineralização quando HAD, OCP e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) são a fase mineral no compósito em vez da HA. Além disso, malhas produzidas a partir das fibras eletrofiadas de PLLA/CaP-laurato, utilizadas como suporte para crescimento celular, favoreceram a adesão e proliferação de células de fibroblastos de camundongo (NIH-3T3) e células tronco mesenquimais de dentes decíduos humanos (SHED). Finalmente, suportes a partir das malhas PLLA/HAD-laurato e PLLA/OCP-laurato apresentaram melhor desempenho para acelerar a calcificação in vitro como resultado da osteoindução de células SHED e de células pré-osteoblásticas derivadas de calvária de rato (MC3T3-E1) se comparados aqueles contendo HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). Esses novos materiais são propostos como biocompósitos de rápida degradação de CaP, para serem utilizados em aplicações de regeneração óssea em ortodontia e ortopedia. / This work aimed at the generation of scaffolds for cellular growth constituted by poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and several types of calcium phosphate (CaP). Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HAD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were synthesized in submicrometer sizes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and &#946;-tricalcium phosphate (&#946;-TCP) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. A mixture of HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) also was prepared. In order to improve the dispersion of the mineral phase in a PLLA polymeric matrix, lauroyl chloride was used to functionalize the surface of CaP. Infrared spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of laurate on the surface of CaP particles. Neat HA particles were also functionalized with lauryl chloride for comparative purposes. Composites of PLLA/CaP-laurate were fabricated by electrospinning method. The functionalization of CaP surfaces resulted in significant improvement of the dispersion of CaP particles into the polymeric matrix, allowing inclusion of up to 40% of mineral phase without compromising its mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of the fibers. The mass loss and calcium release of the scaffolds during degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured. HAD and OCP are more soluble than HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). The bioactivity of the composites was investigated by immersing the fibers in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C and pH 7.4. Although all PLLA/CaP-laurate can form apatite precipitation on their surface after exposition to SBF, the results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the mineralization when HAD, OCP and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) are the mineral phase in the composite instead of HA. Furthermore, mats obtained from PLLA/CaP-laurate electrospun fibers favored the mouse fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) attachment and proliferation. Finally, PLLA/HAD-laurate and PLLA/OCP-laurate meshes showed better performance in accelerate the calcium phosphate mineralization on its surface as a result of the in vitro osteoinduction of SHEDs and calvaria derived mouse preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) if compared of those containing HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). These new materials are proposed as fast degradation CaP biocomposites to be used in bone regeneration applications in orthodontics and orthopedics.

Este trabalho visou a produção de suportes para crescimento celular constituídos de compósitos de poli(L-lactídeo) (PLLA) e diversos tipos de fosfatos de cálcio (CaP). A hidroxiapatita deficiente em cálcio (HAD) e o fosfato octacálcico (OCP) em tamanhos submicrométricos foram sintetizados. Hidroxiapatita (HA) e o &#946;-fosfato tricálcico (&#946;-TCP) foram adquiridos da Sigma-Aldrich. Uma mistura de HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) também foi preparada. Para melhorar a dispersão da fase mineral em uma matriz polimérica de PLLA, utilizou-se cloreto de lauroíla para funcionalizar a superfície dos CaP. Os espectros de infravermelho e a análise termogravimétrica confirmaram a presença de laurato na superfície de partículas de CaP. As partículas de HA pura também foram funcionalizadas com cloreto de lauroíla para fins comparativos. Compósitos de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram fabricados utilizando a técnica de eletrofiação. A funcionalização da superfície do CaP com laurato resultou em uma melhoria significativa na dispersão de partículas de CaP na matriz polimérica, permitindo a inclusão de até 40% da fase mineral sem comprometer as propriedades mecânicas. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM) foram utilizadas para investigar a morfologia da fibra. A perda de massa e a liberação de cálcio dos suportes durante a degradação em uma solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) foram medidas. HAD e OCP se mostraram ser mais solúveis do que HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). A bioatividade dos compósitos foi investigada por imersão das fibras em um fluido corporal simulado (SBF) a 37 °C e pH 7.4. Embora todos os suportes de PLLA/CaP-laurato foram capazes de formar uma camada de apatita em sua superfície após a exposição em SBF, os resultados demonstraram um aumento significativo na mineralização quando HAD, OCP e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) são a fase mineral no compósito em vez da HA. Além disso, malhas produzidas a partir das fibras eletrofiadas de PLLA/CaP-laurato, utilizadas como suporte para crescimento celular, favoreceram a adesão e proliferação de células de fibroblastos de camundongo (NIH-3T3) e células tronco mesenquimais de dentes decíduos humanos (SHED). Finalmente, suportes a partir das malhas PLLA/HAD-laurato e PLLA/OCP-laurato apresentaram melhor desempenho para acelerar a calcificação in vitro como resultado da osteoindução de células SHED e de células pré-osteoblásticas derivadas de calvária de rato (MC3T3-E1) se comparados aqueles contendo HA e HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). Esses novos materiais são propostos como biocompósitos de rápida degradação de CaP, para serem utilizados em aplicações de regeneração óssea em ortodontia e ortopedia. / This work aimed at the generation of scaffolds for cellular growth constituted by poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and several types of calcium phosphate (CaP). Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HAD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were synthesized in submicrometer sizes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and &#946;-tricalcium phosphate (&#946;-TCP) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. A mixture of HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) also was prepared. In order to improve the dispersion of the mineral phase in a PLLA polymeric matrix, lauroyl chloride was used to functionalize the surface of CaP. Infrared spectra and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of laurate on the surface of CaP particles. Neat HA particles were also functionalized with lauryl chloride for comparative purposes. Composites of PLLA/CaP-laurate were fabricated by electrospinning method. The functionalization of CaP surfaces resulted in significant improvement of the dispersion of CaP particles into the polymeric matrix, allowing inclusion of up to 40% of mineral phase without compromising its mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the morphology of the fibers. The mass loss and calcium release of the scaffolds during degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were measured. HAD and OCP are more soluble than HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). The bioactivity of the composites was investigated by immersing the fibers in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C and pH 7.4. Although all PLLA/CaP-laurate can form apatite precipitation on their surface after exposition to SBF, the results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the mineralization when HAD, OCP and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3) are the mineral phase in the composite instead of HA. Furthermore, mats obtained from PLLA/CaP-laurate electrospun fibers favored the mouse fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) attachment and proliferation. Finally, PLLA/HAD-laurate and PLLA/OCP-laurate meshes showed better performance in accelerate the calcium phosphate mineralization on its surface as a result of the in vitro osteoinduction of SHEDs and calvaria derived mouse preosteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) if compared of those containing HA and HAD:&#946;-TCP (7:3). These new materials are proposed as fast degradation CaP biocomposites to be used in bone regeneration applications in orthodontics and orthopedics.

The use of various biodegradable polymers for the improvement of different controlled and long-lasting drug release systems is an active research area in recent years. The application of different metal prostheses, especially titanium based ones, to the human body is also very common. A most important disadvantage of these prostheses is the risk of infection at the application areas that necessitates the removing of the prosthesis with a second surgical operation and reapplication of it after recovery. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to render metal prostheses infection free with controlled and sustainable drug (antibiotic) release systems. The long term sustained release of relevant antibiotics from the various biodegradable polymer coated metal implants is studied in this thesis. Virtual fatigue analysis and drug loading capacities of titanium and stainless steel samples with different surface pattern and modifications were studied. Various biodegradable polymer and drug combinations were examined and used for coating of metal prosthesis. The aim is to design polymer-drug coated metal implants that are capable of releasing a feasible amount of drug up to a period of at least 1 month. Various coating techniques and surface modifications were also employed to improve the adhesional properties of the drug containing polymers. Their adhesion abilities on the metal substrates were tested by Lap-shear and T-peel tests. Polymer degradation kinetics was followed by viscosity studies. Calibration lines for different drugs were obtained and drug releases on different systems were followed by using UV spectroscopy and microbial antibiotic sensitivity tests. Among the techniques applied to prevent fast release of drugs initially, the coatings of Vancomycin absorbed &amp / #946 / -TCP (&amp / #946 / -tricalcium phosphate) homogeneously distributed in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) solution in chloroform followed by an inert coating with poly(L-lactide) system proved to be feasible. By this technique, initial burst release was minimized and drug release from implants lasted nearly 2 months. Multiple coatings on polymer plus drug coating layer also gave promising results. In vivo studies on dorsal muscles of native rabbits with antibiotic loaded implants gave no negative effect on the surrounding tissues with high compatibility free of infection.