Le point clé des polymérisations radicalaires et/ou cationiques réside dans la génération des radicaux et/ou des cations qui amorcent la réaction. Ces derniers sont formés par transformation, via absorption de lumière, d’un composé photosensible. Puisque la majorité des réactions de polymérisation se produisent en système ouvert, on conçoit l’importance de trouver des solutions aux inconvénients liés à la présence de l’air lors de la réticulation. Durant ce travail, de nouvelles séries de molécules de type silanes, germanes, complexes boranes ... ont été examinées. On va s’intéresser aussi aux systèmes d’amorçage de type I et II. Nous nous intéresserons aussi à la polymérisation induite par la lumière visible ou solaire. Notre objectif consiste à développer des systèmes dont la sensibilité spectrale s’étend vers de grandes longueurs d’onde. Les molécules étudiées au cours de ce travail semblent être très favorables en tant que photoamorceurs ou co-amorceurs pour la polymérisation radicalaire ainsi que pour la polymérisation cationique. La plupart de ces structures se sont montrées plus efficaces que les références utilisées. Le travail de cette thèse s’articule autour de deux grandes parties : La première partie relative à la polymérisation radicalaire contient également une étude bibliographique et se divise en trois chapitres. La deuxième partie relative à la polymérisation cationique se divise en sept chapitres. Une annexe sera donnée à la fin de ce manuscrit et regroupe les différentes techniques expérimentales. / The key point of radical and/or cationic polymerization is the generation of radicals and/or cations that initiate the reaction. These are formed by transformation via light absorption of a photosensitive compound. Since the majority of polymerization reactions occur in an open system, we can understand the importance of finding solutions to the disadvantages associated with the presence of air during the crosslinking. During this work, new series of molecules of silanes, germanes, boranes ... were examined. Were also interested by the polymerization induced by visible light. Our objective is to develop systems whose spectral sensitivity extends to longer wavelengths. This work consists in two main parts: The first part on the radical polymerization also contains a literature review and is divided into three chapters. The second part on the cationic polymerization is divided into seven chapters. An appendix will be given at the end of this manuscript and includes the various experimental techniques.

La biocontamination des surfaces et les risques associés sont des enjeux majeurs économiques et de santé publique. Afin de limiter ou empêcher l’adhésion bactérienne, une des solutions possible consiste en la modification des propriétés des surfaces, afin de leur conférer les fonctions voulues. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif de cette étude est de modifier des surfaces de types métallique (acier) ou polymère : poly(téréphtalate d’éthylène) par des glycomonomères ou des monomères bioactifs. La stratégie de modification des surfaces s’effectue en plusieurs étapes.La première étape permet d’incorporer des fonctions réactives sur les surfaces par traitement acide puis réaction avec la dopamine, ou par traitement plasma ammoniaque. Des fonctions hydroxyle et amine sont introduites. Par la suite un amorceur de polymérisation par transfert d’atome est greffé sur les surfaces. Les monomères sont synthétisés et leur polymérisation étudiée en solution, dans un premier temps dans les conditions de polymérisation radicalaire classique, puis par polymérisation par transfert d’atome. Les conditions optimales sont déterminées, puis les polymérisations sur surfaces effectuées. La dernière étape concerne l’étude des propriétés microbiologiques des surfaces synthétisées.Les glycopolymères protégés et déprotégés de galactose ainsi que les polymères de méthacrylate de gaïacyle et de méthacrylate de thymyle ont été synthétisés. Les monomères ont été polymérisés par polymérisation par transfert d’atome à partir de la surface, sur les surfaces d’acier et de poly(téréphtalate d’éthylène). Après chaque étape de modification de surface, les matériaux ont été systématiquement caractérisés par goniométrie et spectroscopie à photoélectrons X. Les surfaces d’acier fonctionnalisées par le glycopolymère présentent des propriétés anti-adhésives vis-à-vis de Bacillus subtilis, un effet plus marqué est observé après greffage du glycopolymère déprotégé. Les surfaces de poly(téréphtalate d’éthylène) quant à elles, possèdent des propriétés anti-adhésives leur du greffage du poly(méthacrylate de thymyle) vis-à-vis de Listeria monocytogenes, Staphilococcus aureus et Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Un effet anti-biofilm a également été mis en évidence vis-à-vis de Staphilococcus aureus.En parallèle des homopolymères d’ammonium quaternaire et des copolymères obtenus en incorporant les monomères bioactifs ont été synthétisés. Les propriétés antibactériennes sont testées en milieu planctonique vis-à-vis de Bacillus subtilis. Un degré de polymérisation égal à 78 et les groupements halogénoalcane : iodométhane ou bromoéthane permettent l’obtention de la concentration minimale inhibitrice la plus faible. La présence des monomères bioactifs permettent la diminution de la concentration minimale inhibitrice. Le résultat le plus intéressant est obtenu lors de l’incorporation d’un pourcent de N-(4-hydroxy-3-méthoxy-benzyl)-acrylamide. / Bio-contamination of surfaces and related risks are very important economically and for public health. To prevent this phenomenon, one solution is to modify the properties of the surfaces, in order to give them the wanted functionalities. The goal of this study is the modification of metallic surfaces (steel) or polymer surfaces: poly(ethylene terephtalate) with glycomonomers or bioactives monomers. To reach this objective, a multi-step strategy is applied.The first step enabled the incorporation of reactive species on the surfaces by an acid treatment followed by a reaction with dopamine, or by ammonia plasma treatment. Hydroxyl or amine functional groups are added. Then, an initiator of atom transfer radical polymerization is grafted on surfaces. Monomers are synthesized and conventional polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization are studied. Optimal conditions are determined and polymerization on surfaces achieved. The last step is the study of the microbiological properties of the synthesized surfaces.Protected and unprotected galactose glycopolymers as well as gaiacyl methacrylate and thymyl methacrylate have been synthesized. Monomers have been polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization directly to the steel or poly(ethylene therephtalate) surfaces. After each step, materials are analyzed by contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry.Steel surfaces which are functionalized by a glycopolymer and tested in presence of Bacillus subtilis are found to have antiadhesive properties. A most important effect is observed with the unprotected glycopolymer. Poly(ethylene terephtalate) surfaces have antiadhesive properties in presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphilococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when poly(thymyl methacrylate) is grafted. An antibiofilm effect is observed with Staphilococcus aureus.Simultaneously, quaternary ammonium homopolymers and copolymers by integration of bioactive monomers have been obtained. Their antibacterial properties are tested in planctonik conditions in presence of Bacillus subtilis. A degree of polymerization equal to 78 and alkyl halide groups: iodomethane and bromoethane enabled to obtain the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration. Bioactive monomers contributed to emphasize this decrease. The most decreasing effect is obtained when one per cent of N-(4-hydroxy-3-méthoxy-benzyl)-acrylamide is integrated.

Die exakte Bestimmung des energetischen Futterwertes von Grünland ist für die Praxis von großer Bedeutung. Das am häufigsten angewendete Schätzverfahren auf Basis der chemischen Analyse ist für Grünlandbestände mit geringer Nutzungsintensität nicht anwendbar. Ziel der Arbeit war es zu prüfen, ob andere ausgewählte Zellwandparameter (Xylose, Arabinose, pCA, FA, säurelösliches Lignin, ADL:Gesamtlignin) über ein breites Nutzungsspektrum eine engere Korrelation zur Verdaulichkeit der OS haben als die Rohfasergehalte, auf deren Korrelation zur in vivo Verdaulichkeit die Schätzgleichungen auf Basis der chemischen Analyse beruhen. Weitere Ziele waren ein Methodenvergleich verschiedener Schätzverfahren und die Bestimmung des Einflusses der Zusammensetzung der bestandsbestimmenden Einzelpflanzen auf den Energiegehalt der Bestände. Als Probenbasis dienten Pflanzenbestände, die in den Jahren 1996-1998 auf drei unterschiedlichen Versuchsflächen (5, 6 und 7) mit verschiedenen Gräserzusammensetzungen und drei unterschiedlichen Nutzungsformen (intensiv, 3-4 Schnitte, mit (A) bzw. ohne (B) N-Düngung und extensiv (C), 2 Schnitte, später erster Schnitt) im ersten und zweiten Aufwuchs gewonnen worden waren. Alle Bestandsproben (insgesamt 50) und Einzelpflanzen (109) wurden nach der Weender-Analytik analysiert, die Faserbestandteile NDF, ADF und ADL bestimmt, ausgewählte Zellwandparameter analysiert und der HFT-Gastest durchgeführt. Zum Methodenvergleich wurden die von der Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE, 1998) empfohlenen Gleichungen auf der Basis des Rohnährstoffgehaltes und der Gasbildung (Gb) sowie die Gleichungen von WEISSBACH et al. (1996, 1999) auf der Basis der enzymunlösbaren organischen Substanz (EuLOS) verwendet. Als Ergebnis dieser umfangreichen Untersuchungen zeigte sich, dass durch den starken Einfluss von Weißklee auf die Gehalte an Hemicellulosemonomeren (der Xylosegehalt von Klee beträgt 22% des Gehaltes in Gräsern) und phenolischen Säuren (pCA-Gehalt im Klee 10% des Gehaltes in Gräsern) in den Proben die Arbeitshypothese einer engen Korrelation dieser Parameter zur Verdaulichkeit nicht bestätigt werden konnte. Das ADL:Gesamtlignin Verhältnis erbrachte die engste Korrelation zur in vivo Verdaulichkeit. Aus diesem Grund wird dieser Parameter als Prüffaktor am geeignetsten betrachtet. Die Einzelpflanzen zeigten in Abhängigkeit zur Nutzung größere Abweichungen als zwischen den Gräserspezies. Der Methodenvergleich erbrachte, dass mit dem untersuchten Probenmaterial die HFT- und EuLOS96-Gleichungen eine sehr gute Übereinstimmung mit den gemessenen Energiewerten aufwiesen. Die erfassten unlöslichen Reste sowohl aus HFT als auch aus der Cellulasemethode (EuLOS) zeigen eine wesentlich engere Korrelation zur Verdaulichkeit als die Gasbildung und ELOS-Werte. / In practice, the accurate estimation of the feed value of grassland is important. The most common method, the calculation of feed value using the chemical analysis of nutrients, is not suitable for grasslands with a low levels of utilisation. Therefor the objective of this study was to test some selected parameters of cell wall for their better suitability of calculating the feed value than the conventional crude fibre content. These parameters were: Xylose, Arabinose, para coumaric acid (pCA), ferula acid (FA), acid soluble Lignin, and the ratio ADL to whole lignin. Further objectives were to compare different in vitro feed value estimation methods and to estimate the influence of the single grass species on the energy content of the grassland. The study samples were different grassland populations harvested during 1996 and 1998, from three different floor spaces (5,6,7) with different grass populations and with three intensities of management 3 to 4 cuts per year, with (A) and without (B) N-fertilizer and 2 cuts (C) with the first cut after the 1st July. The nutrient content, detergent fibre, cell wall parameter analysis, and HFT gas test were analysed for all grass samples (50) and single plant species (109). The recommended formulas based on the nutrienet content and HFT values (GfE, 1998) and based on the enzymatically insoluble organic matter (WEISSBACH et al., 1996, 1999) were used for the comparison of the feed value calculation methods. Based on the results of this extensive analytical work the chosen cell wall parameters xylose, arabinose, xylose: arabinose, pCA and ferula acid were not better suitable for the estimation of energy content. The possible reason for this is that the big differences in xylose and pCA contents between the white clover and grasses on the grassland. The concentration of xylose and pCA in clover is only 22% and 10% of the grasses, respectively. The ratio ADL: whole lignin gave a close correlation to the in vivo digestibility and seems to be the best suitable for estimating the energy content. The management intensity affected the nutrient contents more than the single grass species. The HFT and EuLOS96 - methods provided the lowest deviation to the in vivo values and are best suitable also for the extensively produced samples. The measured insoluble residues of the HFT and cellulase-methods gave closer correlation coefficients than the ml Gb and the cellulase soluble matter.

Vascular tissue engineering (VTE) with the use of polymeric scaffolds offers the potential to generate small-diameter (<6 mm) arteries. In this thesis, a degradable polar hydrophobic ionic (D-PHI) polyurethane porous scaffold was synthesized with the objective of demonstrating its potential application for VTE. D-PHI scaffold synthesis was optimized, maximizing isocyanate and methacrylate monomer conversion. Through the incorporation of a lysine-based crosslinker, scaffold mechanical properties and swelling were manipulated. Furthermore, D-PHI scaffolds demonstrated the ability to support the growth and adhesion of A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during two weeks of culture. This study also investigated the effect of a double porogen approach on D-PHI scaffold properties, demonstrating an increase in the total scaffold porosity and pore interconnectivity. Specifically, it was found that the use of 10 wt% polyethylene glycol and 65 wt% sodium bicarbonate porogens resulted in a porous (79±3%) D-PHI scaffold with the mechanical properties (elastic modulus=0.16±0.03 MPa, elongation-at-yield=31±5%, and tensile strength=0.04±0.01 MPa) required to withstand the physiologically-relevant cyclic mechanical strain (CMS) that is experienced by VSMCs in vivo. Furthermore, the effects of uniaxial CMS (10% strain, 1 Hz, 4 weeks) on human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs), which were cultured in a porous D-PHI scaffold, were studied using a customized bioreactor. Four weeks of CMS was shown to yield greater DNA mass, more cell area coverage, a better distribution of cells within the scaffold, the maintenance of contractile protein expression and the improvement of tensile mechanical properties. The in vitro and in vivo degradation as well as the in vivo biocompatibility of D-PHI scaffolds were also investigated. Following their subcutaneous implantation in rats (100 days), porous D-PHI scaffolds demonstrated more cell/tissue infiltration within their pores and degraded in a controlled manner and at a faster rate when compared to in vitro studies (120 days), retaining the mechanical integrity required during neo-tissue formation. This thesis provides significant insight into the role of the D-PHI scaffold in combination with physiologically-relevant CMS in modulating VSMC proliferation and phenotype. The findings of this work can be used to tailor vascular tissue regeneration by regulating VSMC function in a directed manner.

Vascular tissue engineering (VTE) with the use of polymeric scaffolds offers the potential to generate small-diameter (<6 mm) arteries. In this thesis, a degradable polar hydrophobic ionic (D-PHI) polyurethane porous scaffold was synthesized with the objective of demonstrating its potential application for VTE. D-PHI scaffold synthesis was optimized, maximizing isocyanate and methacrylate monomer conversion. Through the incorporation of a lysine-based crosslinker, scaffold mechanical properties and swelling were manipulated. Furthermore, D-PHI scaffolds demonstrated the ability to support the growth and adhesion of A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during two weeks of culture. This study also investigated the effect of a double porogen approach on D-PHI scaffold properties, demonstrating an increase in the total scaffold porosity and pore interconnectivity. Specifically, it was found that the use of 10 wt% polyethylene glycol and 65 wt% sodium bicarbonate porogens resulted in a porous (79±3%) D-PHI scaffold with the mechanical properties (elastic modulus=0.16±0.03 MPa, elongation-at-yield=31±5%, and tensile strength=0.04±0.01 MPa) required to withstand the physiologically-relevant cyclic mechanical strain (CMS) that is experienced by VSMCs in vivo. Furthermore, the effects of uniaxial CMS (10% strain, 1 Hz, 4 weeks) on human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs), which were cultured in a porous D-PHI scaffold, were studied using a customized bioreactor. Four weeks of CMS was shown to yield greater DNA mass, more cell area coverage, a better distribution of cells within the scaffold, the maintenance of contractile protein expression and the improvement of tensile mechanical properties. The in vitro and in vivo degradation as well as the in vivo biocompatibility of D-PHI scaffolds were also investigated. Following their subcutaneous implantation in rats (100 days), porous D-PHI scaffolds demonstrated more cell/tissue infiltration within their pores and degraded in a controlled manner and at a faster rate when compared to in vitro studies (120 days), retaining the mechanical integrity required during neo-tissue formation. This thesis provides significant insight into the role of the D-PHI scaffold in combination with physiologically-relevant CMS in modulating VSMC proliferation and phenotype. The findings of this work can be used to tailor vascular tissue regeneration by regulating VSMC function in a directed manner.

The importance of weak interactions between molecules to life and all parts of science and engineering is unquestionable and there have been an enormous interest in such interactions. Among all the weak interactions, hydrogen bonding is the most popular and it has enjoyed the most attention of the scientific community. Halogen bonding is gaining more popularity in the recent time, as its importance to biological molecules and crystal engineering has been recognized. In this work, a Pulsed Nozzle Fourier Transform Microwave spectrometer has been used to study the rotational spectra of molecules and hydrogen bonded complexes. Structural information is obtained from the rotational spectra. Ab initio electronic structure, Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theoretical methods have been used to characterize the weak intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding and lithium bonding. In Chapter I, introduction to weak interaction is discussed. A brief introduction of different experimental and theoretical methods is presented. Chapter II discusses in detail about the different methods used to investigate weak interaction, both experimentally and theoretically, in this work. In our lab, we use Pulsed Nozzle Fourier Transform Microwave spectrometer to determine the complexes spectra and structures. We generate MW radiation with the help of electronic devices and use Balle-Flygare cavity where molecular interaction takes place. We inject the sample inside the cavity in form of supersonic molecular beam through a pulsed nozzle, parallel to MW radiation. The detailed instrumental discussion about MW spectrometer has been done in this Chapter. We extensively use theoretical methods to probe weak bonding and characterize them. Ab initio and DFT calculations are used to optimize the structure of the complexes and predict their rotational spectra. Atoms in Molecules theory and Natural Bond Orbital theory are then used with the ab initio wave functions to understand the weak interactions in depth. Discussion about these methods and software used for the analysis will also be discussed. In Chapter III, rotational spectrum of Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) monomer is presented. HFIP is an interesting molecule as it offers many possibilities as hydrogen bond donor and acceptor. It has the OH group which can both accept/donate a hydrogen bond and in addition it has a very acidic CH group. It is the only solvent that can dissolve polyethylene terephthalate, a normally difficult-to-dissolve polymer, and clearly it has unique interactions with this difficult to solve polymer. We have recorded and fitted rotational spectra of five different isotopologues of HFIP which helped us in determining its accurate structure. Though, it can exist in synclinical and antiperiplanar conformers, only the later has been detected in our molecular beam spectrometer. This happens to be the global minimum structure of HFIP. Combination of experimental observations and ab initio calculations provided many evidences which confirmed the presence of antiperiplanar conformer, experimentally. Since, the rotational constants for both conformers were very close, it was always challenging to pick up one conformer as experimentally observed structure. A prototype molecule, hexafluoroisobutene (HFIB) shows doubling of rotational transitions due to tunnelling/counter rotation of the two CF3 groups through a small barrier. Interestingly, such motion has no barrier in HFIP and hence no splitting in transitions was observed. Potential energy surface calculated for counter-rotation of the two CF3 groups is consistent with this observation. This barrier is different from eclipsed-staggered exchange barrier, observed by 60 counter rotation of both terminal CF3 groups, for which the barrier height is very large and tunnelling cannot occur. The origin/lack of the small barrier in HFIB/HFIP has been explored using Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) method which helped in understanding intramolecular bonding in these molecules. Along with HFIB, other prototype molecules were also considered for the analysis e.g. hexafluoroacetone, hexafluoroacetone imine, hexafluoroisobutane, hexafluoroisopropylamine. In the last section of this Chapter, we have discussed the generalized behaviour of molecules which have CF3-C-CF3 groups. In Chapter IV, rotational spectrum of HFIP•••H2O complex is presented. Aqueous solution of HFIP stabilizes α-helical structure of protein, a unique property of this solvent. The main objective of this Chapter is understanding the interaction between HFIP and H2O. Microwave spectrum of HFIP•••H2O was predicted and recorded. Three isotopologues were investigated. Though, this complex could in principle have several structural conformers, detailed ab initio calculations predicted two conformers and only one was observed. Though, the rotational constants for both structures were somewhat similar, lack of a dipole transitions, larger intensity of b-dipole transitions over c-dipole transitions and isotopic substitution analysis positively confirm the structure in which HFIP acts as the hydrogen bond donor. The linear O-H•••O hydrogen bond in HFIP-H2O complex is significantly stronger than that in water dimer with the H•••O distance of 1.8 Å. The other structure for this complex, not found in experiment is cyclic with both C-H•••O and O-H•••O hydrogen bonds, both of which are bent with H•••O distances in the range 2.2-2.3 Å. Both AIM and NBO calculations have been used to characterize the hydrogen bond in this complex. In Chapter V, a comprehensive study on hydrogen bonding, chlorine bonding and lithium bonding have been done. A typical hydrogen bonded complex can be represented as A•••H-D, where A is the acceptor unit and H-D is the hydrogen bond donor unit. Many examples are known in literature, both experimentally and theoretically, in which the A-H-D bond angles are not linear. Deviation from linearity also results in the increase in A•••H bond lengths, as noted above for the two structures of HFIP•••H2O complex. Though this has been known for long, the distance between A and D being less than the sum of their van der Waals ‘radii’ is still used as a criterion for hydrogen bonding by many. Our group has recently shown the inappropriateness of van der Waals ‘radii’ and defined hydrogen bond ‘radii’ for various donors, DH and A. A strong correlation of DH hydrogen bond ‘radii’ with the dipole moment was noted. In this Chapter, we explored in detail the angular dependence of hydrogen bond ‘radii’. Electron density topology around DH (D = F, Cl and OH) has been analyzed in detail and shown to be elliptical. For these molecules, the two constants for H atom treated as an ellipse have been determined. It is hoped that these two constants will be used widely in analyzing and interpreting H•••A distances, as a function of D-H•••A angles, rather than one ‘radius’ for H and acceptor atoms. In Chapter VI, Detailed analysis and comparisons among hydrogen bond, chlorine bond and lithium bond, have been done. Hydrogen can be placed in group 1 as well as group 17 of the periodic table. Naturally, lithium bonding and halogen bonding have been proposed and investigated. There have been numerous investigations on the nature of hydrogen bonding and the physical forces contributing to it. In this Chapter, a total of one hundred complexes having H/Cl/Li bonding have been investigated using ab initio, AIM and NBO theoretical methods. Various criteria proposed in the literature have been examined. A new criterion has been proposed for the characterization of closed shell (ionic/electrostatic) and open shell (covalent) interactions. It has been well known that the D-H bond weakens on the D-H•••A hydrogen bond formation and H•••A bond acquires a fractional covalency. This Chapter shows that for D-Li•••A complexes, the ionicity in D-Li is reduced as the Li•••A bond is formed This comprehensive investigation of H/Cl/Li bonding has led us to propose a conservation of bond order, considering both ionic and covalent contributions to both D-X and X•••A bonds, where DX is the X-bond donor and A is the acceptor with X = H/Cl/Li. Hydrogen bond is well understood and its definition has been recently revised [Arunan et al. Pure Appl. Chem., Vol. 83, pp. 1619–1636, 2011]. It states “The X–H•••Y hydrogen bond angle tends toward 180° and should preferably be above 110°”. Using AIM theory and other methods, this fact is examined and presented in Appendix A. In second part of appendix A, a discussion about calling H3¯ complex as trihydrogen bond and its comparison with FHF¯ complex, is presented. In Appendix B, there is tentative prediction and discussion about the HFIP dimer. Condense phase studies show that HFIP have strong aggregation power to form dimer, trimer etc. During, HFIP monomer study, we have unassigned lines which are suspected to be from HFIP dimer. These are tabulated in the Appendix B as well.

Dans ce travail, les copolymérisations radicalaires contrôlées de monomères donneurs (dérivés du styrène) et accepteurs (maleimides N-substitués) ont été effectuées afin de préparer des polymères à séquences contrôlées. Ces macromolécules ont été préparées par polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée par la voie des nitroxides en utilisant le SG1 comme agent de contrôle. Des polymères ayant des microstructures bien définies ont été obtenus par le contrôle du temps de l’addition d’une petite quantité de monomère accepteur au cours de la polymérisation d’un large excès de monomère de type donneur. Dans cette thèse, des nouveaux dérivés styréniques para-substitués ont été sélectionnés afin de préparer une variété de polymères fonctionnels à séquences contrôlées. Par exemple, des polyélectrolytes à base de poly(4-hydroxystyrène)s et poly(vinyl benzyle amine)s ont été obtenus par polymérisation de dérivés protégés du styrène (4-tert-butoxystyrène, 4-acetoxystyrène et N-(p-vinyl benzyl)phthalimide) avec une quantité non-stœchiométrique de maleimides N-substitués. Par ailleurs, des polymères PEGylés biocompatibles et solubles dans l’eau ont également été étudiés. Des polymères à séquences contrôlées portant des fonctions alcynes protégées sur chaque unité de styrène ont été dans un premier temps synthétisés. La suppression de ces groupes protecteurs a permis le greffage du α-méthoxy-ω-azido-PEG sur les fonctions alcynes libres en employant la chimie click de type CuAAC. Finalement, des polymères semi-cristallins à séquences contrôlées ont été élaborés en utilisant le styrène d’octadécyle comme monomère donneur. Les propriétés thermiques de ces polymères ont été étudiées afin d’évaluer l’influence de la microstructure sur le comportement de leur cristallisation. / In this work, controlled radical copolymerizations of donor (styrenic derivatives) and acceptor monomers (N-substituted maleimides, MIs) have been investigated in order to synthesize sequence-controlled polymers. These macromolecules were prepared by nitroxide mediated polymerization using the nitroxide SG1 as a control agent. Polymers with defined microstructures were obtained by time-controlled addition of small amounts of acceptor monomers during the polymerization of a large excess of donor monomer. In this thesis, new styrenic derivatives have been studied in order to design sequence-controlled polymers with functional backbones. For example, sequence-controlled polyelectrolytes based on poly(4-hydroxystyrene)s and poly(vinyl benzyl amine)s were obtained through the polymerization of protected styrenic derivatives (i.e. 4-tert-butoxystyrene, 4-acetoxystyrene and N-(p-vinyl benzyl)phthalimide) with non-stoichiometric quantities of N-substituted maleimides. Furthermore, the preparation of PEGylated biocompatible water-soluble polymers was also investigated. Sequence-controlled polymers bearing protected alkyne functional groups on each styrene units were first synthesized followed by the removal of their protecting groups allowing the grafting of α-methoxy-ω-azido-PEG on free alkyne moieties via CuAAC mediated click reaction. Finally, sequence-controlled semi-crystalline polymers were synthesized using octadecylstyrene as a donor monomer. The thermal properties of these polymers were studied to evaluate the influence of polymer microstructure on crystallization behavior.

Dans un contexte du développement durable, de nouvelles architectures macromoléculaires biosourcées ont été synthétisées à partir de synthons (diacides et diols) pouvant être obtenus par voies fermentaires à partir de sources carbonées issues de la biomasse. Dans un premier temps, différents copolyesters aliphatiques ont été synthétisés en masse, à l’aide d’un catalyseur organométallique à base de titane, à partir de diacides (acides succinique et adipique) et de diols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol et 2,3-butanediol) courts. Dans un deuxième temps, des architectures macromoléculaires similaires ont été obtenues par catalyse enzymatique en solution à l’aide de la lipase B de Candida antarctica. L’influence de la longueur et de la structure des monomères sur leur réactivité en présence de la lipase a été particulièrement étudiée. Dans un troisième et dernier temps, des architectures macromoléculaires à base d’oligomères hydroxytéléchéliques d’un polyester bactérien : le poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)tels que des poly(ester-éther-uréthane)s et des copolyesters ont été obtenues soit par couplage de chaîne à l’aide d’un diisocyanate, ou par transestérification organométallique et enzymatique. Ces études ont permis d’analyser en détail l’effet de l’addition des synthons biosourcés dans les architectures macromoléculaires et notamment sur la structure cristalline, la stabilité thermique et les propriétés thermiques et optiques de ces polymères. De plus, le grand potentiel de la catalyse enzymatique pour la synthèse de polyesters et celui de l’utilisation d’oligomères de PHB pour l’élaboration de nouveaux matériaux performants ont pu être largement démontrés. / In the context of sustainable development, new biobased and aliphatic macromolecular architectures were synthesized from building blocks that can be obtained by fermentation routes using carbon sources from the biomass. First, several aliphatic copolyesters were synthesized in bulk from short dicarboxylic acids (such as succinic and adipic acids) and diols (such as 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 2,3-butanediol) by organometallic catalysis using an effective titanium-based catalyst. In a second time, similar macromolecular architectures were synthesized by an enzymatic process in solution using Candida antarctica lipase B as catalyst. The influence of the alkyl chain length and the structure of monomers on their reactivity toward the lipase were particularly discussed. In the third and last part, new macromolecular architectures based on hydroxytelechelic oligomers of a bacterial polyester: poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), such as poly(ester-ether-urethane)s and copolyesters, were obtained by either chain-coupling using a diisocyanate, or organometallic and enzymatic transesterification, respectively.These studies permitted to determine a close relationship between the effect of the building blocks structure integrated in the final macromolecular architectures and the intrinsic properties, such as the crystalline structure, the thermal stability and the thermal and optical properties, of these polymers. In addition, the great potential of the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of polyesters and the use of PHB oligomers for developing new high performance materials has been clearly established.

The synthesis of materials with molecular recognition properties has become a topic of great technological and scientific interest. Molecular imprinting is one of the most effective strategies in preparing highly selective synthetic receptors. The technique of molecular imprinting involves the copolymerization of functional and cross-linking monomers in the presence of a molecular template. Following polymerization and subsequent removal of the template, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) retains a “molecular memory” of the template. During rebinding, the resultant polymer shows higher affinity and selectivity towards the molecular template when compared to other structural analogs. Ease of preparation and high thermal and chemical stability of this class of materials offers a broad range of potential applications. Promising areas of application include separation, chromatography, catalysis, sensors, antibody mimics, and drug delivery etc. The thesis entitled “Molecularly Imprinted Polymers based on Fluorescent and Template binding Cross-linker” deals with the design and synthesis of several molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) using different functional and cross-linking monomers, the main focus being use of preformed template-monomer complex, use of fluorescent cross-linker and development of functional group containing cross-linker. Chapter 1: An Introduction to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers. The first chapter provides an introduction to the field of molecularly imprinted polymers. It presents an overview of molecular imprinting process including a brief history of its discovery and its evolution to the present form. This chapter further elaborates on the principle of molecular imprinting with an emphasis on different parameters that directly affect their performance. It also provides a brief review of the applications of molecularly imprinted polymers. Chapter 2: Highly Cross-linked Metal Ion Imprinted Polymers. The second chapter deals with the synthesis of series of highly cross-linked metal-ion imprinted polymers. The process of metal ion-imprinting usually involves carrying out the polymerization and cross-linking directly in presence of the appropriate metal ion. In the present study, chemical-immobilization method was adopted which involves the use of preformed metal complexes with polymerizable group for the imprinting. Acrylate complexes of various metal-ions, such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+, were synthesized prior to polymerization. These pre-assembled complexes were then used to prepare MIPs, in the anticipation that this would lead to enhanced selectivity. Ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was used as the cross-linking monomer. As a control, the respective non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were also made in absence of the template metal ion. Following polymerization, the template metal ion was extracted from the resultant metal ion-imprinted polymer. The selectivity of the metal ion-imprinted polymers was examined by a batch process using analytical tools, such as, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP). The spectroscopic studies revealed significant selectivity of all the MIPs towards the template metal ion. Among all six metal ion-imprinted polymers, Pb2+ and Cr3+ ion-imprinted polymer showed remarkable selectivity, followed by Cu2+ and Zn2+ ion-imprinted polymers. The Co2+ and Ni2+ ion-imprinted polymers exhibited comparatively poor selectivity. Representative plots depicting the selectivity exhibited by Pb2+ and Cr3+ ion-imprinted polymers are shown in Figure 1. These observations were rationalized based on the size and geometric preferences imposed by the imprinted site on the ion that binds to it. Figure 1. Selectivity study for (a) Pb2+ ion-imprinted polymer, (b) Cr3+ ion-imprinted polymer. Chapter 3. Molecularly Imprinted Fluorescent Chemosensor for Copper (II). Cu(II) is a source of important pollutant and therefore, the development of sensors that can detect Cu(II) selectively as well as remove Cu(II) from contaminated samples is an important objective. The use of molecular imprinting technique is an appealing approach in this regard. For this, a fluorophore containing cross-linker, namely 9,10-bis-(acryloyloxymethyl)anthracene (BAMA) was synthesized. This fluorescent cross-linker was used along with the standard cross-linker, EGDMA, for preparing Cu2+ ion-imprinted polymer. The complex of copper methacrylate (Cu-MAA) was prepared prior to polymerization used for the preparation of MIP. The resultant imprinted polymer exhibited quenching of the fluorescence in presence of Cu2+ ion, both in organic and aqueous medium. The efficiency of quenching of NIP (prepared in absence of Cu2+ ion) was significantly lower than that of MIP. A typical stack spectra showing the quenching process, along with a comparison of the quenching efficiency of MIP and NIP is shown in Figure 2. The imprinted polymers showed significant selectivity over other non-template metal ions, thereby reaffirming the importance of the imprinting process. The sensitivity of the fluorescence detection could be enhanced by increasing the level of the fluorophore incorporation. The increased sensitivity in detecting Cu2+ ion, demonstrated by the MIP suggests that a statistically random incorporation of the fluorophore into MIP matrices could be a useful approach for imparting a sensing element to MIPs. Figure 2. Fluorescence spectra of the (a) imprinted (MIP-1) and (b) non-imprinted (NIP-1) polymers in the presence of various concentration of Cu(OAc)2 in methanol. (c) Comparison of quenching efficiency of MIP-1 and NIP-1. Data were collected 3 h after addition of copper solution. I0 and I are the fluorescence intensities at 399 nm of the polymers in the absence presence of copper respectively. Two individual runs are presented in (c). Chapter 4. Molecularly Imprinted Turn-Off-On Sensor. This chapter describes the design and synthesis of molecularly imprinted fluorescent turn-off-on sensor utilizing the same fluorescent cross-linker, BAMA. Combining the process of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with molecular imprinting technique, a novel turn-off-on sensor was developed. A molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared using a fluorescent template Coumarin-30 (C-30). C-30 was chosen as the template to ensure a significant overlap of the emission spectra of BAMA and the absorption spectra of C-30, thereby optimizing for FRET. Figure 3. Structures of relevant molecules. The C-30 imprinted polymer exhibited simultaneous quenching in fluorescence (turn-off) of BAMA and enhancement in fluorescence (turn-on) of C-30 (Figure 4). The imprinted polymer showed significantly better performance over the non-imprinted polymer (NIP). Figure 4. Fluorescence spectra of the (a) imprinted (MIP) and (b) non-imprinted (NIP) polymers with increasing concentration of the template Coumarine-30 in methanol. The UV-vis studies revealed that the more effective quenching is indeed due to the affinity for C-30 exhibited by the higher binding imprinted polymer. The imprinted polymer also showed significant selectivity over structurally analogous molecules. Therefore, both high sensitivity and selectivity were realized in such novel off-on sensor. Extension of this concept to other biologically relevant fluorescent templates could lead to potentially useful applications. Chapter 5. Design of New Template Binding Cross-linker. In molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), high cross-linking density (~80 to 90 mole percent) is essential to ensure high selectivity, which limits the functional (binding) monomer to about 10-20 mole percent. Methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) are the most common combination of functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively, used in molecular imprinting. Generally a molecularly imprinted polymer made with this combination, contains only 10-20% binding sites. This limitation of binding site density is an aspect that has largely been overlooked. In order to improve the efficiency of MIP materials by enhancing the number of binding sites, a new cross-linking monomer (CYDI, 1) with two carboxylic acid groups was designed and synthesized by coupling itaconic anhydride with cyclohexane dimethanol (Figure 5). Figure 5. Structures of relevant molecules. The new functional group bearing cross-linking monomer (1) Itaconate ester of cyclohexanedimethanol (CYDI), the template (2) theophylline (Theop) and the structural analogue of template (3) caffeine (Caff). This new cross-linking monomer was then employed for preparing molecularly imprinted polymer using a drug molecule, theophylline (Theop 2, a bronchodilator) as the template. Seven molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized with different ratios of CYDI and EGDMA, keeping the cross-linking density constant. The binding efficiency and the selectivity of these imprinted polymers were thoroughly investigated. It was seen that while saturation binding values for theophylline increased continuously with functional cross-linker (CYDI) content, the optimum selectivity with respect to analogous substrate, caffeine, was attained at 40 mol% CYDI. These studies suggest that the approach of using functional group containing cross-linkers could lead to improved MIP performance.

L’évolution des lois relatives à l’utilisation de produits biocides impose d’étudier des méthodes innovantes de traitement du bois. Dans ce contexte, les travaux de recherche présentés s’intéressent à une nouvelle alternative dite « non-biocide » impliquant la fabrication de composites bois massif / polymères obtenus par imprégnation de monomères et polymérisation in situ provoquée par chauffage. Le méthacrylate de méthyle, quatre acrylates organiques et trois acrylates hydrosolubles, ainsi que l’alcool furfurylique ont été testés. Les composites fabriqués ont été caractérisés : le polymère est bien présent dans le bois et il peut être résistant au lessivage à l’eau. Le bois a été densifié, les composites sont alors moins hydrophiles et plus stables dimensionnellement ; les propriétés mécaniques sont améliorées. Le traitement peut induire une durabilité conférée élevée. Parallèlement, une méthode d’imprégnation innovante a été testée : l’imprégnation axiale. Ce procédé consiste en l’imprégnation basse pression de billons de bois vert par une solution de traitement transitant via les voies naturelles de circulation de la sève. Des billons ont été imprégnés avec une solution de cuivre, dosé ultérieurement afin de s’assurer de la bonne répartition du produit dans le bois ; cela a permis la validation du procédé d’imprégnation axiale pour le hêtre, le charme et le bouleau. Enfin, des composites ont été fabriqués par imprégnation axiale de solutions aqueuses polymérisables à base d’alcool furfurylique ; ils sont résistants à la lixiviation à l’eau et moins hydrophiles que le bois naturel. Leur durabilité face aux champignons lignivores est améliorée, particulièrement dans le cas du traitement le plus concentré / The evolution of laws on the use of biocide products makes it necessary to explore innovative methods of treating wood. In this context, the presented research focuses on a new alternative called a "non-biocide" treatment method involving the manufacture of solid wood-polymer composites obtained by impregnation of monomers and in situ polymerization caused by heating. Methyl methacrylate, four organic acrylates and three water-soluble acrylates, and furfuryl alcohol were tested. Composites manufactured were characterized: the polymer is present in the timber and may be resistant to leaching in water. Wood has been densified, while the composites are less hydrophilic and more dimensionally stable; the mechanical properties are improved. Treatment can induce high durability. Otherwise, an innovative method of impregnation was tested: axial impregnation. This process consists in the low-pressure impregnation of green wood ridges by treatment solution transiting via natural pathways of sap circulation. Ridges were impregnated with a copper solution, later determined to ensure good distribution of the product in the timber; this allowed the validation of the axial impregnation method for beech, hornbeam and birch. Finally, the composites were produced by axial impregnation of polymerizable aqueous solutions based on furfuryl alcohol; they are resistant to water leaching and less hydrophilic than the original wood. Their durability in the presence of wood-destroying fungi is improved, particularly in the case of the more concentrated treatment