This thesis, which contains fourteen chapters in two parts, presents theoretical and computer simulation studies of dynamics in supercooled liquids and thermotropic liquid crystals. These two apparently diverse physical systems are unified by a startling similarity in their complex slow dynamics. Part I consists of six chapters on supercooled liquids while Part II comprises seven chapters on thermotropic liquid crystals. The fourteenth chapter provides a concluding note. Part I starts with an introduction to supercooled liquids given in chapter 1. This chapter discusses basic features of supercooled liquids and the glass transition and portrays some of the theoretical frameworks and formalisms that are widely recognized to have contributed to our present understanding. Chapter 2 introduces a new model of binary mixture in order to study dynamics across the supercooled regime. The system consists of an equimolar mixture of the Lennard-Jones spheres and the Gay-Berne ellipsoids of revolution, and thus one of its components has orientational degrees of freedom (ODOF). A decoupling between trans-lational diffusion and rotational diffusion is found to occur below a temperature where the second rank orientational correlation time starts showing a steady deviation from the Arrhenius temperature behavior. At low temperatures, the optical Kerr effect (OKE) signal derived from the system shows a short-to-intermediate time power law decay with a very weak dependence on temperature, if at all, of the power law exponent as has been observed experimentally. At the lowest temperature investigated, jump motion is found to occur in both the translational and orientational degrees of freedom. Chapter 3 studies how the binary mixture, introduced in the previous chapter, explores its underlying potential energy landscape. The study reveals correlations between the decoupling phenomena, observed almost universally in supercooled molecular liquids, and the manner of exploration of the energy landscape of the system. A significant deviation from the Debye model of rotational diffusion in the dynamics of ODOF is found to begin at a temperature at which the average inherent structure energy of the system starts falling as the temperature decreases. Further, the coupling between rotational diffusion and translational diffusion breaks down at a still lower temperature, where a change occurs in the temperature dependence of the average inherent structure energy. Chapters 4-6 describe analytical and numerical approaches to solve kinetic models of glassy dynamics for various observables. The β process is modeled as a thermally activated event in a two-level system and the a process is described as a β relaxation mediated cooperative transition in a double-well. The model resembles a landscape picture, conceived by Stillinger [Science 267, 1935 (1995)], where the a process is assumed to involve a concerted series of the β processes, the latter being identified as elementary relaxations involving transitions between contiguous basins. For suitable choice of parameter values, the model could reproduce many of the experimentally observed features of anomalous heat capacity behavior during a temperature cycle through the glass transition as described in chapter 4. The overshoot of the heat capacity during the heating scan that marks the glass transition is found to be caused by a delayed energy relaxation. Chapter 5 shows that the model can also predict a frequency dependent heat capacity that reflects the two-step relaxation behavior. The high-frequency peak in the heat capacity spectra appears with considerably larger amplitude than the low-frequency peak, the latter being due to the a relaxation. The model, when simplified with a modified description of the a process that involves an irreversible escape from a metabasin, can be solved analytically for the relaxation time. This version of the model captures salient features of the structural relaxation in glassy systems as described in chapter 6. In Part II, thermotropic liquid crystals are studied in molecular dynamics simulations using primarily the family of the Gay-Berne model systems. To start with, chapter 7 provides a brief introduction to thermotropic liquid crystals, especially from the perspective of the issues discussed in the following chapters. This chapter ends up with a detail description of the family of the Gay-Berne models. Chapter 8 demonstrates that a model system for calamitic liquid crystal (comprising rod-like molecules) could capture the short-to-intermediate time power law decay in the OKE signal near the isotropic-nematic (I-N) phase transition as observed experimentally. The single-particle second rank orientational time correlation function (OTCF) for the model liquid crystalline system is also found to sustain a power law decay regime in the isotropic phase near the I-N transition. On transit across the I-N phase boundary, two power law decay regimes, separated by a plateau, emerge giving rise to a step-like feature in the single-particle second rank OTCF. When the time evolution of the rotational non-Gaussian parameter is monitored as a diagnostic of spatially heterogeneous dynamics, a dominant peak is found to appear following a shoulder at short times, signaling the growth of pseudonematic domains. These observations are compared with those relevant ones obtained for the supercooled binary mixture, as discussed in chapter 2, in the spirit of the analogy suggested recently by Fayer and coworkers [J. Chem. Phys. 118, 9303 (2003)]. In chapter 9, orientational dynamics across the I-N transition are investigated in a variety of model systems of thermotropic liquid crystals. A model discotic system that consists of disc-like molecules as well as a lattice system have been considered in the quest of a universal short-to-intermediate time power law decay in orientational relaxation, if any. A surprisingly general power law decay at short to intermediate times in orientational relaxation is observed in all these systems. While the power law decay of the OKE signal has been recently observed experimentally in calamitic systems near the I-N phase boundary and in the nematic phase by Fayer and coworkers [J. Chem. Phys. 116, 6339 (2002), J. Phys. Chem. B 109, 6514 (2005)], the prediction for the discotic system can be tested in experiments. Chapter 10 presents the energy landscape view of phase transitions and slow dynamics in thermotropic liquid crystals by determining the inherent structures of a family of one-component Gay-Berne model systems. This study throws light on the interplay between the orientational order and the translational order in the mesophases the systems exhibit. The onset of the growth of the orientational order in the parent phase is found to induce a translational order, resulting in a smectic-like layer in the underlying inherent structures. The inherent structures, surprisingly, never seem to sustain orientational order alone if the parent nematic phase is sandwiched between the high-temperature isotropic phase and the low-temperature smectic phase. The Arrhenius temperature dependence of the orientational relaxation time breaks down near the I-N transition and this breakdown is found to occur at a temperature below which the system explores increasingly deeper potential energy minima. There exists a remarkable similarity in the manner of exploration of the potential energy landscape between the Gay-Berne systems studied here and the well known Kob-Andersen binary mixture reported previously [Nature, 393, 554 (1998)]. In search of a dynamical signature of the coupling between orientational order and translational order, anisotropic translational diffusion in the nematic phase has been investigated in the Gay-Berne model systems as described in chapter 11. The translational diffusion coefficient parallel to the director D// is found to first increase and then decrease as the temperature drops through the nematic phase. This reversal occurs where the smectic order parameter of the underlying inherent structures becomes significant for the first time. The non-monotonic temperature behavior of D// can thus be viewed from an energy landscape analysis as a dynamical signature of the coupling between orientational and translational order at the microscopic level. Such a view is likely to form the foundation of a theoretical framework to explain the anisotropic translation diffusion. Chapter 12 investigates the validity of the Debye model of rotational diffusion near the I-N phase boundary with a molecular dynamics simulation study of a Gay-Berne model system for calamitic liquid crystals. The Debye model is found to break down near the I-N phase transition. The breakdown, unlike the one observed in supercooled molecular liquids where a jump diffusion model is often invoked, is attributed to the growth of orientational pair correlation. A mode-coupling theory analysis is provided in support of the explanation. Chapter 13 presents a molecular dynamics study of a binary mixture of prolate ellipsoids of revolution with different aspect ratios interacting with each other through a generalized Gay-Berne potential. Such a study allows to investigate directly the aspect ratio dependence of the dynamical behavior. In the concluding note, chapter 14 starts with a brief summary of the outcome of the thesis and ends up with suggestion of a few relevant problems that may prove worthwhile to be addressed in future.

Les liquides ioniques à base de sels d’imidazolium sont une classe très importante de composés, compatibles avec de nombreuses réactions organiques et largement employés dans la synthèse organique en tant que solvants, catalyseurs ou ligands. En particulier, les liquides ioniques peuvent être récupérés à la fin de la réaction. Les sels d’imidazolium présentent également des propriétés d’organisation intéressantes, aussi bien en phase solide, liquide et en solution. Cependant, les liquides ioniques traditionnels présentent certains désavantages lorsqu’utilisés comme solvant dans des réactions intramoléculaires, surtout dans le cas où le réactif est apolaire. La faible solubilité de ce dernier dans le milieu ionique conduit à la formation des produits intermoléculaires. Les travaux présentés dans cette thèse portent sur l’utilisation des propriétés d’organisation des sels d’imidazolium, tout d’abord pour le développement des nouveaux cristaux liquides ioniques, comme le milieu réactionnel pour la réaction de Diels-Alder intramoléculaire, et ensuite pour la préparation des nanparticules d’or anisotropes. Dans un premier temps, le développement des sels d’imidazolium dicationiques portant des chaînes alkyles flexibles et un cœur rigide, avec des unités imidazolium attachées directement à un noyau naphthalène est rapporté. Par la suite, leurs propriétés thermiques et mésomorphes ont été étudiées. Ces sels sont stables thermiquement et forment une phase cristal liquide de type Smectique T, sur une plage de températures appropriées pour des réactions organiques. En utilisant le milieu cristal liquide comme milieu réactionnel dans la réaction de Diels-Alder, le réactif a été piégé dans la structure organisée de cette phase, ce qui a empêché l’interaction entre deux molecules de réactifs, limitant la formation du produit intermoléculaire. D’ailleurs, le milieu cristal liquide ionique a pu être récupéré et reutilisé à la fin de la réaction. Dans un deuxième temps, l’influence de la structure de la mésophase sur la réaction de Diels-Alder intramoléculaire a été étudiée. Des sels d’imidazolium tricationiques ayant une symétrie C3 ont ete développés dans le but d’obtenir des phases colonnaires. Ces sels possèdent un cœur rigide formé par trois cations imidazolium liés à un noyau benzène et des chaînes alkyles flexibles. Des études thermiques et mésomorphes sur ces composés ont été ensuite réalisées. Ces composés possèdent une haute stabilité thermique et forment une phase colonnaire rectangulaire, stable sur une large gamme de températures. L’influence de cette phase sur la réaction de Diels-Alder a ete étudiée. L’utilisation de la phase colonnaire favorise également la réaction intramoléculaire. En particulier, elle s’est avèree plus efficace que la phase Smectique T, probablement dû à sa structure plus organisée, indiquée par une enthalpie de tranisition cristal liquide – liquide isotrope plus élevée. Dans un dernier temps, nous nous sommes intéressés à l’utilisation des propriétés d’organisation des sels d’imidazolium dans la préparation des nanoparticules d’or anisotropes. Dans cette optique, différents mélanges binaires, composés d’un sel d’imidazolium et le diméthylformamide (DMF), ont été préparés et utilisés comme solvants et stabilisants, dans la synthèse des nanoparticules d’or à température ambiante. L’utilisation de ces milieux nous a permis d’obtenir des particules d’or avec différentes géométries. La forme des nanoparticules d’or obtenus dépend de la structure des sels d’imidazolium utilisés et de la concentration du mélange binaire, à la fois. / Ionic liquids based on imidazolium salts are an important class of compounds, possessing a very good compatibility with various organic reactions, and are widely used as solvents, catalysts and ligands in organic synthesis. Moreover, imidazolium salts possess interesting supramolecular organization in the solid, liquid and solution state. However, ionic liquids present some disadvantages when used as solvents for intramolecular reactions, especially in the case of apolar reactants. The low solubility of ionic compounds in ionic media promote the formation of intermolecular products. The main goal of the research presented in this thesis is to explore the supramolecular organization of imidazolium salts, first in the development of ionic liquid crystals as reaction media for intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions and secondly for the preparation of anisotropic gold nanoparticles. First, the development of dicationic imidazolium salts having a rigid core and flexible alkyl chains is reported. The rigid core is forned by direct attachment of two imidazoliums on a naphthalene moiety. Their thermal and mesomorphic analyses were then carried out. These dicationic salts show a high thermal stability and form a very ordered smectic T phase, over a wide range of temperatures. This mesophase was subsequently used as reaction medium for intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions. In this phase, reactants are trapped in the highly organized structure of the liquid crystal medium, limiting the formation of intermolecular products. Moreover, the ionic liquid crystal, was recoved at the end of reaction by simple extraction. Secondly, the influence of the mesophase’s structure on the Diels-Alder reaction was explored. Tricationic imidazolium satls having a C3 symmetry were developed in order to obtain columnar phases. The rigid core of these salts is composed of three imidazolium units directly attached to the benzene ring. Their thermal stabilities and mesomorphic properties were investigated. The columnar phase formed by these salts was then used as reaction media for Diels-Alder reactions, and it proved to be more efficient than the previously used smectic T phase, due to their more organized structure, as indicated by the higher enthalpy value of the liquid crystal - isotropic liquid transition. iv Finally, the supramolecular organization in solution of two imidazolium salts was explored with the aim to prepare anisotropic gold nanoparticles. Different binary mixtures composed of an imidazolium salt and dimethylformamide (DMF) were prepared and used both as solvent and capping agent in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, at room temperature. The use of these binary mixture allowed us to synthesize nanoparticles with various geometries. The form of the gold nanoparticles prepared in these binary mixtures was influenced by both, the structre and the concentration of the imidazolium salt used.

The aim of this project was to produce an integrate-able free space optical transceiver for Specks. Specks are tiny computing units that together can form a powerful network called a SpeckNet. The SpeckNet platform is developed by the SpeckNet consortium, which consists of five Scottish Universities and combines computer science, electrical engineering and digital signal processing groups. The principal goal of creating an optical transceiver was achieved by integrating in-house fabricated VCSELs (with lasing thresholds below 400 uA) and custom designed detectors on the SpeckNet platform. The transceiver has a very low power consumption (approximately 100 uW), which removes the need for synchronous communication through the SpeckNet thus making the network more efficient. I describe both static and dynamic beam control techniques. For static control, I used micro-lenses. I fabricated the lenses by greyscale electron beam lithography and integrated them directly on VCSEL arrays. I achieved a steering angle of 10 degrees with this design. I also looked at integrated gratings etched straight into a VCSEL and observed beam steering with an efficiency of 60% For dynamic control, I implemented a liquid crystal (LC) design. I built a LC cell with 30 individually controlled pixels, but I only achieved a steering angle of 1 degree. Furthermore, I investigated two different techniques for achieving beam steering by interference, using coupled VCSELs (a phased array approach). Firstly, using photonic crystals etched into the surface of the VCSEL, I built coupled laser cavities. Secondly, I designed and built bow-tie type VCSELs that were optically coupled but electrically isolated. These designs work by differential current injection causing an interference effect in the VCSELs far field. This technique is the first stepping stone towards realising a phased optical array. Finally, I considered signal detection. Using the same VCSEL material, I built a resonant-cavity detector. This detector had a better background rejection ratio than commercially available silicon devices.

Ce travail est consacré à la préparation de matériaux mésoporeux à partir de cristaux liquides formés avec des tensioactifs fluorés selon le mécanisme transcriptif LCT. Les paramètres de synthèse ont été optimisés pour la préparation de silices mésostructurées à partir de la phase hexagonale du système eau/C8F17C2H4(OCH2CH2)9OH. Les résultats montrent une corrélation entre le diamètre des pores des matériaux et les diamètres hydrophobes mesurés dans les cristaux liquides. L'incorporation de TiO2 dans une matrice silicatée selon la méthode de coprécipitation a été réalisée en utilisant soit des micelles (mécanisme d'auto-assemblage coopératif CTM), soit la phase hexagonale du système C8F17C2H4(OCH2CH2)9OH/eau (mécanisme transcriptif LCT). Dans les deux cas, l'incorporation de titane conduit à une perte de la structure et à une diminution de la surface spécifique. L'utilisation du mécanisme CTM favorise la formation de TiO2 anatase en surface du matériau, tandis que pour le mécanisme LCT, la substitution du silicium par le titane au coeur du matériau a été mise en évidence. Des films minces mésostructurés à base de TiO2 ont été réalisés à partir de la méthode EISA. Les analyses par diffraction des rayons X à incidence rasante couplées à des mesures de réflectivité ont permis de mettre en évidence la structure des films et de déterminer les épaisseurs des couches qui constituent les films. Enfin, une méthode originale de synthèse de matériaux mésoporeux organisés à base de TiO2 a été développée. La précipitation de TiO2 dans la mésophase hybride est déclenchée à l'aide d'un traitement par NH3 (g). La structure des matériaux est conservée après l'étape de calcination laquelle permet de cristalliser TiO2 en phase anatase. L'activité photocatalytique de ces matériaux a ensuite été testée sur la réaction de photodégradation du méthylorange / This work deals with the preparation of mesoporous materials from fluorinated liquid crystals via the LCT mechanism. Synthesis parameters have been optimized for the preparation of ordered mesoporous silica with the hexagonal H1 phase of water/C8F17C2H4(OCH2CH2)9OH system. Results show a correlation between pore diameters of materials and hydrophobic diameters measured in liquid crystals. According to the coprecipitation method, incorporation of TiO2 in a silica matrix, synthesized using micelles (via the cooperative templating mechanism CTM) or the hexagonal phase of C8F17C2H4(OCH2CH2)9OH/water system (via liquid crystal templating mechanism LCT). Both pathways lead to a loss of mesopore ordering and a decrease of the specific surface area when titania content increases. If materials are prepared via CTM mechanism TiO2 is present on the surface whereas TiO2 is in the bulk when LCT mechanism is used. Mesoporous thin films have been prepared via EISA method. Grazing incidence small angle X-Ray scattering and reflectivity analysis have been used to define the structure of films and the thickness of the different layers. Finally an original method has been developed for the preparation of ordered titania mesoporous materials. Precipitation of titania in the hybrid mesophase is activated by a NH3 treatment. The structure is preserved after calcination step which allow the formation of TiO2 anatase. Photocatalytic activity of these materials has been tested on the photodegradation of methylorange

Les sels d’imidazolium ont un rôle important dans certaines protéines et acides nucléiques et ont été utilisés à de nombreuses reprises dans des assemblages supramoléculaires en raison de leurs propriétés uniques. Les sels de diimidazolium dérivés sont toutefois moins connus. Ils ont pour l’instant uniquement été utilisés comme des précurseurs de carbènes N-hétérocycliques. Ils sont donc à la base de plusieurs catalyseurs utilisés pour des réactions de couplage croisés mais leurs propriétés sont toutefois méconnues dans le cadre de la chimie supramoléculaire. Cette classe de composés a nottament attiré notre attention en raison de la facilité de modification de leurs propriétés physico-chimiques par modification de leur structure chimique. L’objectif général des travaux présentés dans cette thèse est l’étude des propriétés supramoléculaires des sels de diimidazolium disubstitués en solution (aqueuse ou organique), ainsi qu’en phase solide ou cristal-liquide. L’influence de l’espaceur entre les deux noyaux imidazolium ainsi que l’influence des substituants latéraux et des contre-ions a été étudiée. Dans un premier temps, les propriétés de complexation des sels de diimidazolium à des macrocycles sont étudiées. Les sels bromure sont étudiés en solution aqueuse avec plusieurs cyclodextrines et le cucurbit[7]uril, et les sels hexafluorophosphate sont étudiés en solution organique pour leur complexation avec l’éther couronne DB24C8 et un calix[4]arène. Cette nouvelle classe de composés a montré de très bonnes propriétés de complexation à ces différents macrocycles en solution et a également permis de contrôler différents assemblages supramoléculaires à l’interface air-eau. Dans un deuxième temps, l’étude des sels de phénylènediimidazolium a permis de modifier les propriétés de complexation en solution pour obtenir la formation de complexes multiples avec le cucurbit[7]util en solution aqueuse. Cette même famille de composés a également permis la formation de cristaux liquides ioniques lorsque les substituants sont des chaînes alkyles plus longues. La résolution de plusieurs structures cristallines de différents sels de diimidazolium a finalement permis de comprendre la nature des interactions intermoléculaires à l’état cristallin. La recherche présentée dans cette thèse a donc permis une étude détaillée des propriétés supramoléculaires des sels de diimidazolium dans tous les états de la matière qui leur sont accessibles. / Imidazolium salts play an important role in different proteins and nucleic acids and have been used many times in supramolecular assemblies due to their unique properties. Diimidazolium salts derived from imidazolium salts are less known. To date, they have only been used as precursors for N-heterocyclic carbenes, which are used to catalyze various cross-coupling reactions. Their properties are not well known in supramolecular chemistry. This class of compounds attracted our attention because of the ease of tuning their properties by modifying their chemical structure. The main goal of the research presented in this thesis was to study the supramolecular properties of disubstituted diimidazolium salts in solution (aqueous or organic solution), in the solid state and in the liquid-crystalline state. The role of the spacer between the two imidazolium moieties, of the sidechains and of the counterions was studied. Firstly, the complexation between diimidazolium salts and various macrocycles was studied. Bromide salts were studied in aqueous solution with cyclodextrins and cucurbit[7]uril, while hexafluorophosphate salts were studied in organic solution with a DB24C8 crown ether and a calix[4]arene. This novel class of compounds showed very promising complexation properties with these macrocycles in solution and also allowed us to control the formation of various supramolecular assemblies at the air-water interface. Secondly, phenylenediimidazolium salts were studied and allowed the modification of the complexation properties in aqueous solution. Multiple complexes can be formed simultaneously with cucurbit[7]uril in aqueous solution. The same class of compounds also has the ability to yield ionic liquid crystals when the alkyl sidechains are long. The resolution of the crystalline structures of some synthesized diimidazolium salts allowed us to understand the nature of the intermolecular interactions in the solid state. The research presented in this thesis is a complete study of the supramolecular properties of diimidazolium salts in every accessible state of matter.

O objetivo desse trabalho é desenvolver métodos numéricos para simular escoamentos de cristais líquidos nemáticos governados pelas equações dinâmicas de Ericksen-Leslie. São apresentados dois métodos numéricos para a simulação de escoamentos de cristais líquidos nemáticos. O primeiro método foi desenvolvido para simular escoamentos tridimensionais de cristais líquidos nemáticos sob efeito de forte campo magnético enquanto que o segundo método foi desenvolvido para a simulação de escoamentos bidimensionais. Utilizando a notação de Einstein, as equações dinâmicas de Ericksen-Leslie são apresentadas. Empregando variáveis primitivas e coordenadas cartesianas, as equações governantes para escoamentos de cristais líquidos nemáticos são derivadas e as formulações matemáticas para a obtenção dos métodos numéricos são apresentadas. As equações descrevendo os métodos numéricos são resolvidas por um método numérico baseado na metodologia GENSMAC3D para o caso tridimensional enquanto que o método bidimensional é baseado na metodologia GENSMAC (GENeralized-Simplified-Marker-And-Cell). Em ambos os métodos, a técnica de diferenças finitas em uma malha deslocada é utilizada. As equações que descrevem as técnicas numéricas desenvolvidas foram incorporadas aos ambientes de simulação Freeflow2D e Freeflow3D. As condições de contorno para cada tipo de contorno são descritas em detalhes. A solução analítica apresentada por Stewart para o escoamento entre duas placas paralelas é utilizada para a validação do método numérico tridimensional. Empregando as hipóteses de escoamento desenvolvido e que o ângulo de orientação do diretor é pequeno, uma solução analítica para o escoamento em um canal bidimensional é encontrada. O método numérico bidimensional é então validado utilizando a solução analítica obtida. Utilizando refinamento de malha, resultados de convergência dos métodos numéricos são apresentados. Os métodos numéricos desenvolvidos nesse trabalho são aplicados para a simulação dos seguintes problemas: escoamento de um cristal líquido nemático em um canal tridimensional; investigação numérica do escoamento em L-canais e escoamento através de uma contração 4:1 e de uma expansão planar 4:1 / The aim of this work is to develop numerical methods capable of simulating nematic liquid crystal flows described by the dynamic Ericksen-Leslie equations. Two numerical techniques have been proposed: a numerical method for solving three-dimensional flows of nematic liquid crystals under strong magnetic fields and a method for simulating flows of nematic liquid crystals in two-dimensional complex geometries. Both methods employ Cartesian coordinates using primitive variables of pressure and velocity. These techniques are based on the GENSMAC (GENeralized-Simplified-Marker-And-Cell) methodology and a detailed description of the equations involved is presented. The resulting governing equations are solved by the finite difference method on a staggered grid. The three-dimensional technique was applied to solve fully developed flow between two paralel plates for which an analytic solution exists. By using this analytic solution, validation and convergence results of the developed numerical technique were obtained. To validate the two-dimensional method developed herein, an analytic solution for steady state flow in a 2D-channel was found which was used to obtain validation and convergence results. The method was then applied to simulate the flow in L-shaped channels, flow through a 4:1 contraction and flow in a 4:1 expansion

This thesis presents a series of studies of quenched random disorder (QRD) on liquid crystals. We have used high-resolution AC-Calorimetry, high-resolution X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Intensity Fluctuation Spectroscopy (XIFS), Turbidity, Integrated Low-Angle Light Scattering (ILALS), as well as Polarizing Microscopy to characterize the effects of a nano-colloidal dispersions of aerosils in the phase transitions of several liquid crystals. The aerosil ($SIL$) is made of 70~AA~ diameter SiO$_{2}$ particles coated with hydroxyl (-OH) groups. The coating allows the $SIL$ particles to hydrogen-bond together, to form a very low density gel in an organic solvent. This provides the quenched random disorder. The liquid crystals of interest are: octyloxycyanobiphenyl ($8OCB$), 4-extit{n}-pentylphenylthiol-4'-extit{n}-octyloxybenzoate (ar{8}$S5), 4'-transbutyl-4-cyano-4-heptyl-bicyclohexane ($CCN47$), and octylcyanobiphenyl ($8CB$). Studies have been carried out as a function of aerosil concentration and temperature spanning the following phase transitions, Isotropic to Nematic (emph{I-N}), nematic to smectic-emph{A} (emph{N-SmA}), smectic-emph{A} to smectic-emph{C} (emph{SmA-SmC}), and crystallization.

Orientador: Maria Virgínia Costa Scarpa / Coorientador: Marlus Chorilli / Banca: Renata Fonsenca Vianna Lopez / Banca: Leila Aparecida Chiavacci / Resumo: Amplamente utilizado no tratamento de vários tipos de câncer e na psoríase, o metotrexato (MTX) é um quimioterápico, estruturalmente análogo do ácido fólico, que apesar de sua eficácia apresenta uma série de efeitos adversos, sendo a hepatotoxicidade o mais grave. Atualmente os sistemas nanoestruturados líquido-cristalinos de fase lamelar estão sendo utilizados como dispositivos para liberação modificada de fármacos, sendo vantajosos na liberação tópica de várias substâncias, conforme suas características de interação com o estrato córneo e as outras camadas da pele, evitando assim efeitos adversos sistêmicos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram desenvolver sistemas nanoestruturados líquido-cristalinos de fase lamelar, acrescidos de MTX, caracteriza-los do ponto de vista físico, realizar a análise estrutural das formulações, através de microscopia de luz polarizada (MLP), espalhamento de raios-X a baixo ângulo (SAXS) e suas propriedades reológicas, executar os testes de estabilidade preliminar (TEP) das formulações, validar o método analítico para a quantificação de MTX por CLAE e executar ensaios de liberação, permeação e retenção in vitro. As formulações preparadas a partir da mistura do poliéter funcional siloxano (Dow Corning® 5329) como tensoativo, com silicone fluido de co-polímero glicol (Dow Corning® 193C) como fase oleosa titulados em fase aquosa, composta por tampão fosfato de potássio monobásico 0,01M pH 7,4, apresentaram fases líquido-cristalinas do tipo lamelar, confirmados pelos ensaios de MLP e SAXS. Os TEPs evidenciaram que as formulações A, B e C mantiveram-se estáveis durante o período do estudo. Os estudos do comportamento reológico das formulações apresentaram-se como fluidos pseudoplásticos não-newtonianos tixotrópicos ... / Abstract: Widely used in the treatment of some types of cancer, the methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic, structurally analog of the folic acid, although its effectiveness, presents a series of adverse effect, being the most serious hepatotoxicity. Currently, the liquid crystal lamellar phase is being used of devices for modified release of drug demonstrated to be advantageous in the release topic of some substances, given to the characteristics of interaction with the stratum corneun and other layers of the skin, avoiding systemic adverse effects. The aims of this research had been to develop and to characterize liquid crystalline nanostructure systems of lamellar phase, increased of MTX of the physical point of view, also carry through the structural analysis of the formulations through by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheological properties. Perform stability studies of the chosen formulations, validate the analytical method of quantification of MTX for High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and carry through release assay, cutaneous permeation and skin retention in vitro for the chosen formulations. The formulations prepared by the mixture of polyether functional siloxane as surfactant, with silicone polyether copolymer as oily phase and phosphate buffer 0,01M pH 7,4 as aqueous phase demonstrating lamellar liquid-crystalline phases, confirmed by assays of PLM and SAXS. The stability studies showed that formulations A, B and C remained stable throughout the period of the study. The study of the rheological behavior of the formulations presented as not Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid and thixotropic ... / Mestre

Ces travaux de thèse sont une contribution au projet de réalisation de matrices actives photoniques dans le cadre de la confection de lunettes à réalité augmentée. Un état de l’art des dispositifs actuels nous a permis de montrer l’encombrement engendré par l’utilisation d’un projecteur situé sur la monture. Pour s’en abstenir, l’utilisation du verre de lunette comme source d’image est limitée par la transparence des matrices actives classiques adressant un signal électrique avec des matériaux métalliques. L’utilisation de la photonique pour adresser chacun des pixels avec un signal optique guidée dans des matériaux diélectriques pourrait permettre d’en optimiser la transmission. Dans ce contexte, nos travaux concernent l’étude et la réalisation expérimentale de dispositifs incluant un guide d’onde et un système d’extraction activable. L'objectif est, d'une part, de sélectionner les matériaux et procédés technologiques adaptés pour former des lignes d'adressage photoniques et, d'autre part, d'associer les composants réalisés avec des éléments actifs permettant d’initier ou non l’extraction d’un guide d’onde. Le dispositif doit être transparent dans le visible afin de respecter les contraintes liées au secteur de l'optique ophtalmique. Dans un premier axe de recherche, des réseaux de diffraction micrométriques sont réalisés grâce au développement d’un procédé de photolithographie sur verre avant d’être imprégnés de cristaux liquides via la formation de cellules. La caractérisation, en transmission, des dispositifs formés permet d’étudier la capacité des molécules de cristal liquide à moduler l'intensité de diffraction pour passer d’un état diffractant à un état non diffractant. Une extinction de la diffraction de 90 à 99,9% selon l'épaisseur des structures est finalement mesurée avec l’application d’un champ électrique dans la cellule. La comparaison de ces résultats avec des calculs numériques permet de confirmer l’alignement des molécules à l’intérieur de la structure ainsi que leurs mobilités sous l’effet d’un champ électrique. Ce principe est, dans un second temps, étudié avec des composants photoniques et la réalisation de GMRF (Guided Mode Resonance Filter), association d'un guide d'onde et d'un réseau de diffraction. Des matériaux issus de la chimie sol-gel sont utilisés pour former des guides d'onde planaires et le développement d’un procédé de lithographie par nano-impression nous a permis d’obtenir les structures nanométriques requises. Divers bancs de caractérisation optique sont alors mis en place pour aboutir à plusieurs méthodes de couplage permettant d’obtenir une onde guidée dans le visible. Finalement, nous avons mesuré une modulation de 90% de l’intensité extraite par le GMRF via l’activation des cristaux liquides. / Ces travaux de thèse sont une contribution au projet de réalisation de matrices actives photoniques dans le cadre de la confection de lunettes à réalité augmentée. Un état de l’art des dispositifs actuels nous a permis de montrer l’encombrement engendré par l’utilisation d’un projecteur situé sur la monture. Pour s’en abstenir, l’utilisation du verre de lunette comme source d’image est limitée par la transparence des matrices actives classiques adressant un signal électrique avec des matériaux métalliques. L’utilisation de la photonique pour adresser chacun des pixels avec un signal optique guidée dans des matériaux diélectriques pourrait permettre d’en optimiser la transmission. Dans ce contexte, nos travaux concernent l’étude et la réalisation expérimentale de dispositifs incluant un guide d’onde et un système d’extraction activable. L'objectif est, d'une part, de sélectionner les matériaux et procédés technologiques adaptés pour former des lignes d'adressage photoniques et, d'autre part, d'associer les composants réalisés avec des éléments actifs permettant d’initier ou non l’extraction d’un guide d’onde. Le dispositif doit être transparent dans le visible afin de respecter les contraintes liées au secteur de l'optique ophtalmique. Dans un premier axe de recherche, des réseaux de diffraction micrométriques sont réalisés grâce au développement d’un procédé de photolithographie sur verre avant d’être imprégnés de cristaux liquides via la formation de cellules. La caractérisation, en transmission, des dispositifs formés permet d’étudier la capacité des molécules de cristal liquide à moduler l'intensité de diffraction pour passer d’un état diffractant à un état non diffractant. Une extinction de la diffraction de 90 à 99,9% selon l'épaisseur des structures est finalement mesurée avec l’application d’un champ électrique dans la cellule. La comparaison de ces résultats avec des calculs numériques permet de confirmer l’alignement des molécules à l’intérieur de la structure ainsi que leurs mobilités sous l’effet d’un champ électrique. Ce principe est, dans un second temps, étudié avec des composants photoniques et la réalisation de GMRF (Guided Mode Resonance Filter), association d'un guide d'onde et d'un réseau de diffraction. Des matériaux issus de la chimie sol-gel sont utilisés pour former des guides d'onde planaires et le développement d’un procédé de lithographie par nano-impression nous a permis d’obtenir les structures nanométriques requises. Divers bancs de caractérisation optique sont alors mis en place pour aboutir à plusieurs méthodes de couplage permettant d’obtenir une onde guidée dans le visible. Finalement, nous avons mesuré une modulation de 90% de l’intensité extraite par le GMRF via l’activation des cristaux liquides.

Les acyl stéryl glycosides (ASGs) appartiennent à une famille de glycolipides qui possèdent un caractère amphiphile particulier dû à la présence de deux parties hydrophobes, un stéroïde et une chaine grasse. Dans le cadre de nos études des propriétés d’auto-organisation des glycoamphiphiles, ce travail est dédié à l’étude de deux ASGs, α-CAG et BbGL 1, composés naturels présents respectivement dans les membranes des bactéries Helicobacter pylori et Borrelia burgdorferi., présentant des structures similaires mais des activités biologiques différentes. Notre travail a consisté à déterminer les paramètres structuraux qui gouvernent leurs propriétés d’auto-assemblage. Deux séries de 6-O-acyl cholestéryl glycosides (glucosides et galactosides) variant dans leur configuration anomérique et la longueur et le niveau d’insaturation de leur chaine grasse ont été synthétisées et leur capacité à former des cristaux liquides et à promouvoir une ségrégation lipidique dans des monocouches de Langmuir modèles de membrane ont été étudiées. Les relations structure-propriétés établies montrent que la longueur de la chaine grasse est le paramètre le plus discriminant dans le comportement d’auto-assemblage dans les deux types d’expériences. Pour les cristaux liquides thermotropes, l’autre facteur discriminant est la configuration anomérique, deux phases colonnaires successives rectangulaires puis hexagonales étant observées pour les séries α alors qu’une seule a été observée en séries β Changer de sucre n’induit pas de différence significative dans le comportement LC. Concernant la formation de domaines lipidiques, les modifications de la configuration (α/β) et du sucre influencent significativement leur temps d’apparition, apportant pour la première fois une définition claire des paramètres structuraux et physicochimiques qui gouvernent le comportement de l’α-CAG et ses analogues, en lien avec les données commues sur l’augmentation de pathogénicité d’Helicobacter pylori. Ce travail de thèse donne une illustration de l’importance de la structure des carbohydrates dans les processus biologiques et du concept de glycoamphiphilie. / Acyl steryl glycosides (ASGs) are a family of glycolipids which exhibit a peculiar amphiphilic character based on the presence of two hydrophobic appendages, one steroid moiety and one fatty alkyl chain, attached on a polar carbohydrate backbone. In the frame of our studies on the self-organisation properties of carbohydrate-based amphiphiles, this thesis is an investigation of the behavior of ASGs, in particular α-CAG and BbGL 1, two natural compounds found in bacterial membranes, Helicobacter pylori, Borrelia burgdorferi repectively, who exhibit close structures but different bioactivity. Our work has aimed at determining the key structural parameters governing their self-organization behavior. Two series of acyl cholesteryl glycosides (glucosides or galactosides) have been synthesized, with variations in the anomeric configuration, the 6-O-acyl chain length and level of unsaturation, and investigated with respect to their ability to form liquid crystalline mesophases, and to drive lipid domain segregation in Langmuir monolayers as model membranes. Structure-properties relationships have been established, indicating that the fatty chain length showed the most remarkable influence on the self-organization behavior, in LC and model membrane experiments. For the LC mesophases, the other important parameter is the anomeric configuration, two successive columnar phases, rectangular then hexagonal, being observed for the α-anomers, whereas only one was found for the β-anomers. No significant changes were observed when comparing glucosides and galactosides. With respect the formation of domains, configuration modifications at both C-1 (α or β) and C-4 (gluco or galacto) influenced significantly the domains appearance time, giving the first, clear physicochemical proof of the structural influential factors in the behavior of α-CAG and analogues, in the context of the known increased pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori. Overall, this thesis provides a nice illustration of the subtlety and the importance of carbohydrate structure in biological processes, and of the concept of glycoamphiphilicity.