Cell-surface engineering has been attracting increased interest in the field of biotechnology, tissue engineering, cell therapy, or biosensors/bioelectronics. Thin nanocoatings or sometimes referred as nanoshells allow for modifying and controlling variety of cell properties, specifically retardation of cell division or growth, masking immunological properties, providing chemical and mechanical resistance to external stressors, and ability to further functionalize shells in order to guide cells attachment, their proliferation and function in artificial environment. Bottom-up approach, utilizing layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of wide variety of different components (synthetic and natural polyelectrolytes, nanoparticles, and other nano-structures) has been introduced and elaborated to modify cell surfaces. Despite successful examples of the LbL-based cell encapsulation with polyelectrolytes, cytotoxicity of their polycation components possesses severe limitations for this approach. Additionally, by constructing rigid non-permeable shells can suppress the essential properties of cells. In this view, the goal of this research is to explore the formation of cyto-compatible ultrathin coatings from synthetic and natural polymers through utilization of non-cationic counterparts, with possibility to actively control cell division, provide protection from external environment, and temper shell properties in order to elicit or change specific cell response.

Emulsions are widely used as topical formulations in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. They are thermodynamically unstable and require emulsifiers to stabilize them physically. A literature survey has revealed that emulsifiers could have an effect on topical delivery. Therefore, the overall aim of this research project was to investigate and to understand the various effects of biopolymers, chosen for this study as emulsifiers, on the release and the topical delivery of an active ingredient from emulsion-based delivery systems. Emulsions were stabilized by either whey protein alone or in combination with chitosan or carrageenan. Salicylic acid was chosen as a model drug. Furthermore, the emulsions were prepared at three different pH values (pH 4, 5 and 6) in order to introduce different charges to the polymeric emulsifiers and subsequently determine the effect of pH on release as well as on dermal and transdermal delivery. Emulsion characteristics, such as droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity and stability against creaming and coalescence were ascertained. In addition, turbidity was determined to evaluate the degree of insoluble complex formation in the aqueous phase of the emulsions. A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was validated for the quantitative determination of salicylic acid in the release, skin and transdermal perfusate samples. Nine emulsions were formulated, utilizing the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique, from which the release of salicylic acid was determined. These release studies were conducted, utilizing nitrocellulose membranes (0.2 μm pore size) with the use of Franz-type diffusion cells in four replicates per formulation over a time period of 8 hours. Based on the emulsion characterization and release data, six formulations, including the oil solution, were chosen to determine dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid. During the diffusion studies, the effect of different pH (whey protein pH 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00), different polymers and different polymer combinations were investigated. These diffusion studies were conducted with the use of dermatomed (thickness ~400 μm), human abdominal skin and Franz-type diffusion cells over a period of 24 hours. The characterization of the emulsions revealed no significant differences in the droplet size and viscosity between the various formulations. All emulsions showed stability towards coalescence over a time period of 7 days; however, not all the emulsions showed stability towards creaming and flocculation. The results of the release studies indicated that an increase in emulsion droplet charge could have a negative effect on the release of salicylic acid from these formulations. In contrast, positively charged emulsion droplets could enhance the dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid from emulsions. It was hypothesized that electrostatic complex formation between the emulsifier and salicylic acid could affect the release, whereas electrostatic interaction between emulsion droplets and skin could influence dermal/transdermal delivery of the active. Furthermore, the degree of ionization of salicylic acid played an important role in the dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid from the various emulsions. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Emulsions are widely used as topical formulations in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. They are thermodynamically unstable and require emulsifiers to stabilize them physically. A literature survey has revealed that emulsifiers could have an effect on topical delivery. Therefore, the overall aim of this research project was to investigate and to understand the various effects of biopolymers, chosen for this study as emulsifiers, on the release and the topical delivery of an active ingredient from emulsion-based delivery systems. Emulsions were stabilized by either whey protein alone or in combination with chitosan or carrageenan. Salicylic acid was chosen as a model drug. Furthermore, the emulsions were prepared at three different pH values (pH 4, 5 and 6) in order to introduce different charges to the polymeric emulsifiers and subsequently determine the effect of pH on release as well as on dermal and transdermal delivery. Emulsion characteristics, such as droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity and stability against creaming and coalescence were ascertained. In addition, turbidity was determined to evaluate the degree of insoluble complex formation in the aqueous phase of the emulsions. A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was validated for the quantitative determination of salicylic acid in the release, skin and transdermal perfusate samples. Nine emulsions were formulated, utilizing the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique, from which the release of salicylic acid was determined. These release studies were conducted, utilizing nitrocellulose membranes (0.2 μm pore size) with the use of Franz-type diffusion cells in four replicates per formulation over a time period of 8 hours. Based on the emulsion characterization and release data, six formulations, including the oil solution, were chosen to determine dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid. During the diffusion studies, the effect of different pH (whey protein pH 4.00, 5.00 and 6.00), different polymers and different polymer combinations were investigated. These diffusion studies were conducted with the use of dermatomed (thickness ~400 μm), human abdominal skin and Franz-type diffusion cells over a period of 24 hours. The characterization of the emulsions revealed no significant differences in the droplet size and viscosity between the various formulations. All emulsions showed stability towards coalescence over a time period of 7 days; however, not all the emulsions showed stability towards creaming and flocculation. The results of the release studies indicated that an increase in emulsion droplet charge could have a negative effect on the release of salicylic acid from these formulations. In contrast, positively charged emulsion droplets could enhance the dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid from emulsions. It was hypothesized that electrostatic complex formation between the emulsifier and salicylic acid could affect the release, whereas electrostatic interaction between emulsion droplets and skin could influence dermal/transdermal delivery of the active. Furthermore, the degree of ionization of salicylic acid played an important role in the dermal and transdermal delivery of salicylic acid from the various emulsions. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissFTS.pdf: 2833638 bytes, checksum: 674f7848802feac6027a9471c4dcc7e0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-05-19 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / In this work, the electrochemical characterization of a self-assembled film containing two conductive polymers, poly(o-methoxyanilina)(POMA) and poly(3- thiophene acetic acid)(PTAA), is presented. The technique that allows to obtain these films is known as layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition. It consists in a spontaneous adsorption of species with opposite charges. The technique used for the electrochemical characterization was cyclic voltammetry coupled with mass variation using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), which allows the characterization of the LBL film mass/charge transport during the redox process. Electroacoustic impedance experiments of the LBL films with different number of bilayers show that the viscoelastic and mechanic tension properties do not change significantly in the potential range studied. Therefore, allowing the use of the Sauerbrey equation for converting the frequency values in mass values. The charge compensation mechanism was determined using the species flux (ions+solvent molecules) compared with POMA those casting films. The POMA-PTAA LBL film presents a charge compensation mechanism due to simultaneous intercalation of cations and anions. This behavior suggests the existence of a pseudo-self-doping mechanism related to carboxilic lateral groups interactions through the alternating layers structure of POMA-PTAA. The charge in the deprotonated carboxilic groups neutralize the charge generation of the imina groups present in the POMA backbone, which gives a decrease of the total mass change of the film. In this sense, the LBL technique could be an alternative method to prepare conducting polymer films modifying their electrochemistry properties. / Este trabalho tem como objetivo a caracterização dos processos eletroquímicos em filmes automontados contendo dois polímeros condutores, a poli (o-metoxianilina)(POMA) e o poli(ácido-3-tiofeno acético)(PTAA). A técnica que permite a obtenção destes filme é conhecida como layer by layer (LBL) e consiste na adsorção espontânea de espécies carregadas com cargas espaciais opostas. A caracterização eletroquímica foi realizada utilizando a técnica de voltametria cíclica acoplada à microbalança de cristal de quartzo eletroquímica (MCQE). Através dela foi possível analisar os processos de transferência de massa e carga que ocorrem nos filmes LBL durante o processo redox. Além disso, medidas de impedância eletroacústica revelaram que os filmes LBL com diferente número de multicamadas não apresentam variações consideráveis em suas propriedades viscoelásticas e mecânicas, justificando o uso da Equação de Sauerbrey. As espécies que participam do mecanismo de compensação de carga puderam ser determinadas com o auxílio das curvas de fluxo de espécies (íons+moléculas do solvente), permitindo a comparação com filmes de poli(o-metoxianilina) obtidos por evaporação do solvente. O filme LBL de POMA-PTAA apresentou um mecanismo de compensação de carga diferente do observado em filme de POMA obtido por evaporação do solvente. Neste caso, o mecanismo de compensação de carga no filme LBL apresentou uma participação simultânea de espécies catiônicas e aniônicas durante o processo redox. Este comportamento sugere a presença de uma pseudo-autodopagem relacionada com as interações dos grupos carboxílcos laterais através da estrutura das multicamadas alternadas de POMA-PTAA. A carga presente nos grupos carboxilatos auxiliam na compensação de cargas geradas nos grupos imina da POMA, proporcionando uma diminuição da massa transportada da solução para manter a condição de eletroneutralidade. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a técnica de automontagem pode ser um método alternativo na fabricação de filmes de polímeros condutores com modificações em suas propriedades eletroquímicas.

Filmes ultrafinos de polímeros que contém azocromóforos são importantes para muitas aplicações como armazenamento óptico, formação de grades de relevo superficiais, alinhamento de camadas de cristal líquido e dispositivos ópticos com propriedades não-lineares. Dentre as muitas técnicas de fabricação de filmes orgânicos ultrafinos, a técnica de Automontagem eletrostática camada a camada (Layer-by-Layer, LBL) é muito atrativa devido a sua simplicidade e versatilidade, permitindo o controle na espessura e na composição dos filmes em escalas nanométricas. Contudo, a completa caracterização estrutural de tais filmes enfrenta dificuldades devido à falta de técnicas experimentais apropriadas. Utilizamos a Geração de Segundo Harmônico (SHG) para estudar a orientação molecular de filmes automontados de um polieletrólito catiônico (PAH - Poli(alilamina hidroclorada)) e um polieletrólito aniônico contendo azocromóforos como grupos laterais (Ma-co-DR13) sobre substrato de vidro. O sinal de SHG é proporcional à susceptibilidade não-linear de segunda ordem do filme, que por sua vez depende da distribuição orientacional dos azocromóforos nesse filme. Os resultados indicam que existem uma orientação preferencial dos azocromóforos, que leva a uma não-linearidade óptica significativa. Entretanto, a intensidade do sinal e a anisotropia não são homogêneas por toda a amostra, indicando a presença de domínios orientacionais, que é verificado por meio da Microscopia a Ângulo de Brewster (BAM). O sinal médio de SHG não aumenta com a espessura do filme, indicando que a ordem orientacional das sucessivas bicamadas são independentes. Analisando o sinal de SHG em função das polarizações de saída e entrada, alguns parâmetros da distribuição orientacional dos azocromóforos podem ser deduzidos. Ajustando as medidas de SHG a uma distribuição modelo concluímos que os cromóforos possuem uma certa distribuição angular com um ângulo médio em relação à superfície do plano de aproximadamente 40° e uma pequena anisotropia ao longo do plano do filme. Utilizamos também o Método da Máxima Entropia (MEM) para determinar a distribuição mais larga possível compatível com nossos dados experimentais e comparar então com a distribuição modelo obtida através dos procedimentos de ajuste. / Ultrathin films of polymers containing azochromophores are important for many applications such as optical data storage, formation of surface relief gratings, liquid crystal alignment layers and non-linear optical devices. Among several techniques for fabricating organic thin films, the Layer-By-Layer electrostatic self-assembly (LBL) is very attractive due to its simplicity and versatility, allowing one to control film thickness and composition in the nanometer scale. However, thorough structural characterization of such films is often difficult due to lack of appropriate experimental techniques. We have used optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) to study the molecular orientation of Layer-by-Layer films of a cationic polyelectrolyte ((PAH - Poly(allylamine hydrochloride)) and a anionic polyelectrolyte containing azochromophores with azo side groups (PAH/Ma-co-DR13) on a glass substrate. The SHG signal is proportional to the second-order nonlinear susceptibility of the film, which in turn depends on the orientational distribution of the azo chromophores in the film. The results indicate that there is a preferential orientation of the azo chromophores in the film, leading to a significant optical nonlinearity. However, both the signal strength and its anisotropy are not homogeneous throughout the sample, indicating the presence of orientational domains. This is verified through Brewster Angle Microscopy (BAM). The average SHG signal does not increase with film thickness, indicating that the orientational order of successive bilayers are independent. Analyzing the SHG signal as a function of the input and output polarizations, a few parameters of the azochromophore orientational distribution can be deduced. Fitting the SHG signal to a simple model distribution, we have concluded that the chromophores have an angular distribution with a mean tilt from the surface plane of approximately 41° and a slight in-plane anisotropy. We have also used the Maximum-Entropy Method (MEM) to determine the widest orientational distribution compatible with our data and compared it to the model distribution obtained by the fitting procedure.

We investigate several aspects of the numerical solution of the radiative transfer equation in the context of coal combustion: the parallel efficiency of two commonly used opacity models, the sensitivity of turbulent radiation interaction (TRI) effects to the presence of coal particulate, and an improvement of the order of temporal convergence using the coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) method. There are four opacity models commonly employed to evaluate the radiative transfer equation in combustion applications; line-by-line (LBL), multigroup, band, and global. Most of these models have been rigorously evaluated for serial computations of a spectrum of problem types [1]. Studies of these models for parallel computations [2] are limited. We assessed the performance of the Spectral-Line- Based weighted sum of gray gasses (SLW) model, a global method related to K-distribution methods [1], and the LBL model. The LBL model directly interpolates opacity information from large data tables. The LBL model outperforms the SLW model in almost all cases, as suggested by Wang et al. [3]. The SLW model, however, shows superior parallel scaling performance and a decreased sensitivity to load imbalancing, suggesting that for some problems, global methods such as the SLW model, could outperform the LBL model. Turbulent radiation interaction (TRI) effects are associated with the differences in the time scales of the fluid dynamic equations and the radiative transfer equations. Solving on the fluid dynamic time step size produces large changes in the radiation field over the time step. We have modifed the statistically homogeneous, non-premixed flame problem of Deshmukh et al. [4] to include coal-type particulate. The addition of low mass loadings of particulate minimally impacts the TRI effects. Observed differences in the TRI effects from variations in the packing fractions and Stokes numbers are difficult to analyze because of the significant effect of variations in problem initialization. The TRI effects are very sensitive to the initialization of the turbulence in the system. The TRI parameters are somewhat sensitive to the treatment of particulate temperature and the particulate optical thickness, and this effect are amplified by increased particulate loading. Monte Carlo radiative heat transfer simulations of time-dependent combustion processes generally involve an explicit evaluation of emission source because of the expense of the transport solver. Recently, Park et al. [5] have applied quasidiffusion with Monte Carlo in high energy density radiative transfer applications. We employ a Crank-Nicholson temporal integration scheme in conjunction with the coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) method, in an effort to improve the temporal accuracy of the Monte Carlo solver. Our results show that this CMFD-CN method is an improvement over Monte Carlo with CMFD time-differenced via Backward Euler, and Implicit Monte Carlo [6] (IMC). The increase in accuracy involves very little increase in computational cost, and the figure of merit for the CMFD-CN scheme is greater than IMC. / Graduation date: 2012

Des couches fonctionnelles hybrides organiques/inorganiques ont été générées à une interface solide/liquide à l’aide d’une nouvelle technique de fabrication ascendante (bottomup) dénommée Croissance de Couche à partir d’une Surface (Surface Grown Layers - SgL)grâce à une modulation très fine de l’interaction électrostatique entre nano-objets decharges opposés en fonction de la force ionique de la dispersion aqueuse. Différents nanoparticules/tubes à la fois cationiques et anioniques et très stables vis-à-vis d’un environnement fortement salin ont été développés. La complexation électrostatique entre ces nanomatériaux a été étudiée en solution et près d’une interface au travers du concept de “transition de dessalage”. Dans un deuxième temps la croissance de couches hybrides à partird’un substrat a été étudiée en comparant l’approche SgL et la méthode classique d’adsorption séquentielle couche par couche (Layer by layer - LbL). Des expériences préliminaires ont montré le potentiel de cette approche dans le développement de substrats fonctionnels. / In this manuscript, one-step bottom-up fabrication of “smart organic-inorganic hybridfunctional layers” at a liquid/solid interface were fabricated via a novel surfacefunctionalization pathway termed as “Surface Grown Hybrid Functional Layers” or SgLthrough fine tuning of electrostatic interaction between “highly stable” and oppositelycharged nanomaterials as a function of ionic strength of the dispersion. Cationic and anionicnanomaterials based on different hybrid nanoparticles/nanotubes that are very stable towardshigh saline environment have been formulated. The electrostatic complexation between theseoppositely charged nanomaterials has been studied in bulk and at an interface through theconcept of “desalting transition” pathway. In a second step, the growth of functional hybridlayers directly from a substrate via the novel SgL approach was then compared with theconventional Layer-by-Layer approach (LbL). Finally the preliminary experiments haveshown the potential applications of generated functional surfaces.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-24T19:37:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 VagnerSantos.pdf: 4155066 bytes, checksum: ae50f41570dc02ffdf10ee8ee6a584a7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-20 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / This work describes the preparation of platinum nanoparticles using the inorganic polymer 3-n-propylpyridine sylsesquioxane chloride (SiPy+Cl-) as nanoreator and stabilizer. The system comprising the metallic nanoparticle and the SiPy+Cl- (called hybrid Pt-SiPy+Cl-) was obtained by chemical reduction of H2PtCl6 in the presence of SiPy+Cl-, using formic acid as reducing agent. The formation of platinum nanoparticles was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy by measuring the decrease in the intensity of the band in ca. 375 nm attributed to the electronic absorption of PtCl6 -2 ions. The average size of the nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and is between 3 and 40 nm. The hybrid Pt-SiPy+Cl- was used as a polycation in the preparation of layer-by-layer (LbL) films on FTO substrate (tin oxide doped with fluorine), alone, or being alternated with polyanion polyvinylsulphonic acid (PVS). Measurements of cyclic voltammetry obtained from prepared films confirmed the incorporation of metallic platinum in the polymer SiPy+Cl-, as can be seen by the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen in potential regions characteristics for platinum. The electrodes containing LbL films of Pt-SiPy+Cl-/PVS and PVS/Pt-SiPy+Cl- were tested as catalyst for dopamine (DA) oxidation at different concentrations (1.0x10-6 mol L-1 to 2.17x10-3 mol L-1). The film containing 12 LbL bilayers of PVS/Pt-SiPy+Clpresented the greater homogeneity in the distribution of material on substrate, as determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The former also has the better response for the electrochemical determination of DA in concentrations lower than 1.0x10-5 mol L-1 (greater sensitivity) when compared to electrodes made of: a LbL film containing only the hybrid, a platinum plate and a FTO plate. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) for DA using the LbL film containing 12 bilayers of PVS/Pt-SiPy+Cl- was in the order of 1.0x10-5 mol L-1, while the other electrodes showed higher values. These results indicate that the application of this electrode formed by LbL films illustrate a new material for DA electrochemical detection, generating the possibility of replacing the conventional platinum electrodes. Moreover, in the future, there is the possibility of the application of this LbL film electrode as a sensor for in vivo DA detection. / Este trabalho descreve a preparação de nanopartículas de platina utilizando o polímero inorgânico cloreto de 3-n-propilpiridínio silsesquioxano (SiPy+Cl-) como nanoreator e estabilizante. O sistema composto pela nanopartícula metálica e o SiPy+Cl- (chamado de híbrido Pt-SiPy+Cl-) foi obtido via redução química do H2PtCl6 na presença de SiPy+Cl-, usando ácido fórmico como agente redutor. A formação das nanopartículas de platina foi monitorada por espectroscopia de UVvis medindo-se o decréscimo da intensidade da banda de 375 nm atribuída à absorção eletrônica dos íons PtCl6 -2. O tamanho médio das nanopartículas foi determinado por medidas de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e estão entre 3 e 40 nm. O híbrido Pt-SiPy+Cl- foi utilizado como um policátion na preparação de filmes automontados sobre substrato FTO (óxido de estanho dopado com flúor) por meio da técnica Layer-by-Layer (LbL), sozinho, ou sendo alternado com o poliânion ácido polivinilsulfônico (PVS). Medidas de voltametria cíclica obtidas a partir dos filmes preparados confirmaram a incorporação de platina metálica no interior do polímero SiPy+Cl-, já que se pode observar o processo de adsorção e dessorção do hidrogênio em regiões de potencial características da platina. Os eletrodos formados com filmes automontados de Pt-SiPy+Cl-/PVS e PVS/Pt-SiPy+Cl- foram testados como catalisador para a oxidação da dopamina (DA) em diferentes concentrações (1,0x10-6 mol.L-1 a 2,17x10-3 mol.L-1). O filme LbL contendo 12 bicamadas de PVS/Pt-SiPy+Cl- foi o que apresentou uma melhor homogeneidade na distribuição do material sobre o substrato, conforme determinado por medidas de microscopia de força atômica (AFM). Este último, também foi o que apresentou uma melhor reposta eletroquímica na eterminação de DA em concentrações abaixo de 1,0x10-5 molL-1 (maior sensibilidade) em relação aos eletrodos constituídos por: um filme LbL formado apenas com o híbrido, uma placa de platina e uma placa de FTO. Além disso, o limite de detecção (LOD) para a DA utilizando o filme LbL contendo 12 bicamadas de PVS/Pt-SiPy+Cl- foi da ordem de 1,0x10-5 mol L-1, enquanto que os demais eletrodos apresentaram valores maiores. Estes resultados indicam que a aplicação desse eletrodo, formado por filmes LbL, mostram um novo material para detecção eletroquímica da DA criando a possibilidade de substituir os eletrodos convencionais de platina. Além da possibilidade, no futuro, da aplicação dos eletrodos LbL nas detecções de dopamina in vivo.

Within the emerging methods of controlled free radical polymerization, the Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) process has been recently established as a powerful technique to synthesize standard polymers with controlled characteristics (narrow polydispersity and predictable molar masses). This method is now employed to synthesize well-defined, reactive precursor polymers that are subsequently converted into speciality polymers such as fluorescent-labeled polycations. Those are suitable for Electrostatic Self-Assembly (ESA). The observation of the Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) in such films is established, contributing to the understanding of the self-organization during thin film growth. The RAFT process using Benzyl Dithiobenzoate (BDTB) is shown to enable the control of the free radical polymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC). The high tolerance of the method to functional groups allows the preparation of such reactive polymers with narrow polydispersities and predictable molar masses. The well-defined precursors are easily converted, for instance, to polycations. Also they are easily functionalized by fluorophores, here derived from coumarin and perylene. The fluorophores, as pendent side chains, served as label to investigate the alternating deposition process, while the influence of molecular variations on the self-assembly can be systematized. Furthermore, when using complementary fluorophores, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) studies in organized media become possible. The alternating deposition cycles are followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and X-Ray reflectivity. Regular growth is observed for three complementarily labeled polycations. Noteworthy, fluorescence and UV-Vis studies reveal the formation of large fluorescent dye aggregates for one coumarin and for the perylene derivative in the ESA multilayers. When these polycations are used in mixed thin films, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between fluorophores is observed. The non-radiative nature of the different energy transfer was confirmed by fluorescence decay time measurements/ Parmi les récentes méthodes pour contrôler la polymérisation radicalaire, le procédé RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) a été récemment établi et s'impose comme une méthode performante pour la synthèse de polymères standards possédant des caractéristiques contrôlées (faibles polydispersités et masses molaires prédictibles). Cette méthode est désormais utilisée pour la synthèse de précurseurs réactifs bien définis qui sont par la suite convertis en polymères spécialisés, par exemple en polycations marqués a l'aide de sondes fluorescentes. Ces polycations peuvent être ensuite auto-assemblés électrostatiquement afin d'élaborer des films minces. Le phénomène de transfert de fluorescence (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer –FRET-) dans de tels films a été établi, contribuant par là-même à une meilleure compréhension du phénomène d'auto-organisation durant la croissance des films. Le procédé RAFT, utilisant le dithiobenzoate de benzyle (BDTB), a démontré sa capacité à contrôler la polymérisation radicalaire du chlorométhlstyrène (VBC). La tolérance de cette méthode vis à vis des groupes fonctionnels permet la synthèse de polymères réactifs possédant de faibles polydispersités et des masses molaires prédictibles. Les précurseurs ainsi définis sont facilement convertis, en polycations par exemple. Ils sont tout aussi facilement fonctionnalisés par des fluorophores dérivés de la coumarine ou du pérylène. Les fluorophores en tant que chaînes pendantes servent de marqueurs pour étudier le processus de dépôts alternés, alors que l'influence des variations au niveau moléculaire peut être systématisée. De plus, en utilisant des fluorophores complémentaires, il devient possible de mener des études sur le transfert de fluorescence (FRET) au sein de milieux organisés. Les cycles de dépôts alternés ont été suivis par spectroscopie UV-Vis, éllipsométrie et reflexion des rayons X. Une croissance régulière est observée dans le cas des trois polycations marqués. Il convient de noter que les études UV-Vis et de fluorescence révèlent la formation de larges aggrégats de fluorophores au sein des multicouches, dans le cas d'une coumarine et du dérivé de pérylène. Lorsque les polycations complémentaires sont utilisés dans des films minces mixtes, le FRET est observé. La nature radiative ou non-radiative du processus de transfert d'énergie a été confirmée par des mesures de déclin de fluorescence.

Depuis plusieurs années, une nouvelle génération de matériaux appelés “matériaux intelligents” et définis par leur capacité d’adaptation à leur environnement, est intensément développée. Des systèmes sensibles à différents stimuli tels que le pH, la lumière, ou encore une force mécanique, impliquée dans un grand nombre de processus naturels, comme l’adhésion et la prolifération cellulaire, ont été rapportés. Ce travail de thèse a ainsi été dédié au développement de matériaux mécano-sensibles. Plus précisément de matériaux transformant une contrainte mécanique en un signal chimique, en mimant le processus physique utilisé par la nature, à savoir des changements conformationnels de protéines. Nous avons donc cherché à atteindre ce but en greffant covalemment des protéines ou des enzymes sur un substrat élastomère. Etirer le substrat devant induire des modifications de structure des protéines, conduisant ainsi à des modulations de leurs propriétés. / Since many years, a new generation of materials called « smart materials » and defined by their capacity to adapt to their environment is intensively developed. Systems sensitive to different stimuli such as pH, light or ionic strength have been reported. One of these stimuli can also be a mechanical force which is involved in many reactions in nature such as, cells adhesion and proliferation, tissues growing or even plants developments. The aim of my thesis was dedicated to the elaboration of mechano-responsive materials. More precisely, materials that transform a stretching constraint into a chemical signal by mimicking the physical processes used by nature, namely protein conformational changes. We planned to achieve this goal by covalently grafting proteins or enzymes onto a stretchable substrate or incorporating them into cross-linked polymer networks. Stretching these materials should induce protein conformational changes leading to modifications of their properties.