A inexistência de um agente terapêutico único satisfatório para o tratamento do melanoma metastático e a potencialidade do quimioterápico 5FU (5-fluorouracil) motivou esta pesquisa, a qual teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de sistemas carreadores micro-/ e nanoestruturados contendo 5FU a fim de aumentar sua eficácia terapêutica e reduzir a toxicidade por meio da administração pulmonar. Duas formulações pulverulentas foram desenvolvidas com polímeros naturais, sulfato de condroitina e hidroxipropil-metil-celulose, denominadas 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS, utilizando as técnicas de aspersão e atomização vibracional piezoelétrica, respectivamente. Ambas as formulações foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e químicas, perfil toxicológico in vivo (C. elegans e em ratos Wistar), e penetração e biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar pela quantificação da fração livre de fármaco por microdiálise pulmonar. A análise físico-química revelou a obtenção de partículas micrométricas para 5FU-MS e submicrométricas para 5FU-NS, com diâmetros médios de partícula de 2,546 ± 0,07 m e 0,652 ± 0,03 m, e fração respirável (FR%) de 55,12 ± 2,98 e 76,84 ± 0,07, respectivamente. Ambas demonstraram características e propriedades adequadas para administração pulmonar, com capacidade de deposição nas porções média e profunda. A toxicidade das formulações avaliada em C. elegans considerou o percentual de morte, desenvolvimento, DL50 e produção de ROS para os nematodos sob tratamento agudo e crônico. Os resultados evidenciaram redução significativa da toxicidade proporcionada pela redução da taxa de morte e maior desenvolvimento dos grupos tratados com as formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em comparação ao fármaco livre, sugerindo perfis de segurança satisfatórios para administração. Além disso, 5FU-MS revelou-se um agente pró-oxidante, representando um diferencial promissor deste sistema, podendo alcançar maior sensibilização das células tumorais com menores doses. A toxicidade pulmonar aguda foi avaliada pela análise de LDH e proteínas totais no fluido de lavagem bronco-alveolar (BALF) após a administração combinada das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS para administração como um sistema terapêutico único (5FU-MS/NS), e análise de dano tecidual pulmonar em ratos. Os resultados da análise bioquímica e histológica indicaram o baixo potencial de indução de lesão tecidual a partir da administração pulmonar combinada das formulações, em relação ao fármaco livre. A análise do perfil farmacocinético por microdiálise pulmonar evidenciou o êxito no desenvolvimento dos sistemas carreadores, tornando possível duplicar o t1/2 do 5FU e aumentar significativamente a biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar. Os resultados obtidos indicam a eficiência das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em alcançar os benefícios terapêuticos do fármaco 5FU com menores doses e maiores intervalos de administração. Este trabalho de tese apresenta uma abordagem promissora na terapia de neoplasias com recorrência de metástase pulmonar. / The absence of a single therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and the potential of 5FU chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) motivated this study, which aimed the development of carrier systems based on micro-/ and nanostructures containing 5FU to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of this drug by pulmonary administration. Two different formulations of dry powders were developed with natural polymers, chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose, denomined 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS, using the spray-drying and vibrational piezoelectric atomization techniques, respectively. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of physico-chemical characteristics, in vivo toxicological behaviors (C. elegans and in Wistar rats), bioavailability and penetration in the lung tissue by quantifying of drug free fraction by lung microdialysis. The physicochemical analysis showed that were obtained as micrometric (5FU-MS) and submicron particles (5FU-NS), with average diameters of particle 2.546 ± 0.07 m and 0.652 ± 0.03 m, and respirable fraction (FR%) of 55.12 ± 2.98 and 76.84 ± 0.07, respectively. Both showed suitable characteristics and properties for pulmonary delivery, with deposition capacity in the middle and deep lung portions. The toxicity of the formulations evaluated in C. elegans considered the death rate, body development, DL50 and production of ROS to nematodes under acute and chronic treatment. The results showed significant reduction of toxicity, reducing the death rate and greater development of the groups treated with 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS formulations compared to the free drug, suggesting satisfactory safety profile for administration. In addition, 5FU-MS proved to be a pro-oxidant agent, representing a promising differential of this system which can achieve greater sensitization of tumoral cells with lower doses. Acute pulmonary toxicity was evaluated by analyzing LDH, and total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after combined administration of 5FU-MS formulations and 5FU-NS for administration as a single therapeutic system (5FU-MS/NS) and analysis of lung tissue damage in rats. The results of biochemical and histological analysis indicated the low potential to induce tissue damage from the pulmonary administration of combined formulations, compared to free drug. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile for pulmonary microdialysis showed the successful development of carrier systems, making it possible to double the t1/2 of 5FU and significantly increase bioavailability in lung tissue. The results indicate the effectiveness of the formulations 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS in achieving the therapeutic benefits of the drug 5FU at lower doses and higher dosing intervals. This thesis work presents a promising approach to cancer therapy with lung metastasis recurrence.

Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers found in nature. Cellulose based derivatives have a number of advantages including recyclability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cost effectiveness and availability in a wide variety of forms. Due to the benefits of cellulose based systems, this research study was aimed at developing novel cellulosic nanoparticles with potential pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Two different cellulosic systems were evaluated, each with its own benefits and proposed applications. The first project involves the synthesis and characterization of polyampholyte nanoparticles composed of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a cellulosic ether. EDC carbodiimide chemistry and inverse microemulsion technique was used to produce crosslinked nanoparticles. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose provide amine and carboxylic acid functionality to the nanoparticles thereby making them pH responsive. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose also make the nanoparticles biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable candidates for pharmaceutical applications. The synthesis was then extended to chitosan and modified methyl cellulose microgel system. The prime reason for using methyl cellulose was to introduce thermo-responsive characteristics to the microgel system. Methyl cellulose was modified by carboxymethylation to introduce carboxylic acid functionality, and the chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system was found to be pH as well as temperature responsive. Several techniques were used to characterize the two microgel systems, for e.g. potentiometric and conductometric titrations, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. FTIR along with potentiometric and conductometric titration was used to confirm the carboxymethylation of methyl cellulose. For both systems, polyampholytic behaviour was observed in a pH range of 4-9. The microgels showed swelling at low and high pH values and deswelling at isoelectric point (IEP). Zeta potential values confirmed the presence of positive charges on the microgel at low pH, negative charges at high pH and neutral charge at the IEP. For chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system, temperature dependent behaviour was observed with dynamic light scattering. The second research project involved the study of binding interaction between nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and an oppositely charged surfactant tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB). NCC is a crystalline form of cellulose obtained from natural sources like wood, cotton or animal sources. These rodlike nanocrystals prepared by acid hydrolysis of native cellulose possess negatively charged surface. The interaction between negatively charged NCC and cationic TTAB surfactant was examined and it was observed that in the presence of TTAB, aqueous suspensions of NCC became unstable and phase separated. A study of this kind is imperative since NCC suspensions are proposed to be used in personal care applications (such as shampoos and conditioners) which also consist of surfactant formulations. Therefore, NCC suspensions would not be useful for applications that employ an oppositely charged surfactant. In order to prevent destabilization, poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) chains were grafted on the NCC surface to prevent the phase separation in presence of a cationic surfactant. Grafting was carried out using the free radical approach. The NCC-TTAB polymer surfactant interactions were studied via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tensiometry, conductivity measurements, phase separation and zeta potential measurements. The major forces involve in these systems are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. ITC and surface tension results confirmed two kinds of interactions: (i) electrostatically driven NCC-TTAB complexes formed in the bulk and at the interface and (ii) hydrophobically driven TTAB micellization on the NCC rods. Conductivity and surface tension results confirmed that the critical micelle concentration of TTAB (CMCTTAB) shifted to higher values in the presence of NCC. Phase separation measurements allowed us to identify the formation of large aggregates or hydrophobic flocs depending on the TTAB concentration. Formation of NCC-TTAB complexes in aqueous solutions was confirmed by a charge reversal from negative to positive charge on the NCC rods. The effect of electrolyte in shielding the negative charges on the NCC was observed from ITC, surface tensiometry and phase separation experiments. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the above results. Grafting of PEGMA on the NCC surface was confirmed using FTIR and ITC experiments. In phase separation experiments NCC-g-PEGMA samples showed greater stability in the presence of TTAB compared to unmodified NCC. By comparing ITC and phase separation results, an optimum grafting ratio (PEGMA : NCC) for steric stabilization was also proposed.

Cellulose is one of the most abundant biopolymers found in nature. Cellulose based derivatives have a number of advantages including recyclability, reproducibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cost effectiveness and availability in a wide variety of forms. Due to the benefits of cellulose based systems, this research study was aimed at developing novel cellulosic nanoparticles with potential pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Two different cellulosic systems were evaluated, each with its own benefits and proposed applications. The first project involves the synthesis and characterization of polyampholyte nanoparticles composed of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a cellulosic ether. EDC carbodiimide chemistry and inverse microemulsion technique was used to produce crosslinked nanoparticles. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose provide amine and carboxylic acid functionality to the nanoparticles thereby making them pH responsive. Chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose also make the nanoparticles biodegradable and biocompatible, making them suitable candidates for pharmaceutical applications. The synthesis was then extended to chitosan and modified methyl cellulose microgel system. The prime reason for using methyl cellulose was to introduce thermo-responsive characteristics to the microgel system. Methyl cellulose was modified by carboxymethylation to introduce carboxylic acid functionality, and the chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system was found to be pH as well as temperature responsive. Several techniques were used to characterize the two microgel systems, for e.g. potentiometric and conductometric titrations, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. FTIR along with potentiometric and conductometric titration was used to confirm the carboxymethylation of methyl cellulose. For both systems, polyampholytic behaviour was observed in a pH range of 4-9. The microgels showed swelling at low and high pH values and deswelling at isoelectric point (IEP). Zeta potential values confirmed the presence of positive charges on the microgel at low pH, negative charges at high pH and neutral charge at the IEP. For chitosan-modified methyl cellulose microgel system, temperature dependent behaviour was observed with dynamic light scattering. The second research project involved the study of binding interaction between nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and an oppositely charged surfactant tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB). NCC is a crystalline form of cellulose obtained from natural sources like wood, cotton or animal sources. These rodlike nanocrystals prepared by acid hydrolysis of native cellulose possess negatively charged surface. The interaction between negatively charged NCC and cationic TTAB surfactant was examined and it was observed that in the presence of TTAB, aqueous suspensions of NCC became unstable and phase separated. A study of this kind is imperative since NCC suspensions are proposed to be used in personal care applications (such as shampoos and conditioners) which also consist of surfactant formulations. Therefore, NCC suspensions would not be useful for applications that employ an oppositely charged surfactant. In order to prevent destabilization, poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) chains were grafted on the NCC surface to prevent the phase separation in presence of a cationic surfactant. Grafting was carried out using the free radical approach. The NCC-TTAB polymer surfactant interactions were studied via isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), surface tensiometry, conductivity measurements, phase separation and zeta potential measurements. The major forces involve in these systems are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. ITC and surface tension results confirmed two kinds of interactions: (i) electrostatically driven NCC-TTAB complexes formed in the bulk and at the interface and (ii) hydrophobically driven TTAB micellization on the NCC rods. Conductivity and surface tension results confirmed that the critical micelle concentration of TTAB (CMCTTAB) shifted to higher values in the presence of NCC. Phase separation measurements allowed us to identify the formation of large aggregates or hydrophobic flocs depending on the TTAB concentration. Formation of NCC-TTAB complexes in aqueous solutions was confirmed by a charge reversal from negative to positive charge on the NCC rods. The effect of electrolyte in shielding the negative charges on the NCC was observed from ITC, surface tensiometry and phase separation experiments. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the above results. Grafting of PEGMA on the NCC surface was confirmed using FTIR and ITC experiments. In phase separation experiments NCC-g-PEGMA samples showed greater stability in the presence of TTAB compared to unmodified NCC. By comparing ITC and phase separation results, an optimum grafting ratio (PEGMA : NCC) for steric stabilization was also proposed.

A inexistência de um agente terapêutico único satisfatório para o tratamento do melanoma metastático e a potencialidade do quimioterápico 5FU (5-fluorouracil) motivou esta pesquisa, a qual teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de sistemas carreadores micro-/ e nanoestruturados contendo 5FU a fim de aumentar sua eficácia terapêutica e reduzir a toxicidade por meio da administração pulmonar. Duas formulações pulverulentas foram desenvolvidas com polímeros naturais, sulfato de condroitina e hidroxipropil-metil-celulose, denominadas 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS, utilizando as técnicas de aspersão e atomização vibracional piezoelétrica, respectivamente. Ambas as formulações foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e químicas, perfil toxicológico in vivo (C. elegans e em ratos Wistar), e penetração e biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar pela quantificação da fração livre de fármaco por microdiálise pulmonar. A análise físico-química revelou a obtenção de partículas micrométricas para 5FU-MS e submicrométricas para 5FU-NS, com diâmetros médios de partícula de 2,546 ± 0,07 m e 0,652 ± 0,03 m, e fração respirável (FR%) de 55,12 ± 2,98 e 76,84 ± 0,07, respectivamente. Ambas demonstraram características e propriedades adequadas para administração pulmonar, com capacidade de deposição nas porções média e profunda. A toxicidade das formulações avaliada em C. elegans considerou o percentual de morte, desenvolvimento, DL50 e produção de ROS para os nematodos sob tratamento agudo e crônico. Os resultados evidenciaram redução significativa da toxicidade proporcionada pela redução da taxa de morte e maior desenvolvimento dos grupos tratados com as formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em comparação ao fármaco livre, sugerindo perfis de segurança satisfatórios para administração. Além disso, 5FU-MS revelou-se um agente pró-oxidante, representando um diferencial promissor deste sistema, podendo alcançar maior sensibilização das células tumorais com menores doses. A toxicidade pulmonar aguda foi avaliada pela análise de LDH e proteínas totais no fluido de lavagem bronco-alveolar (BALF) após a administração combinada das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS para administração como um sistema terapêutico único (5FU-MS/NS), e análise de dano tecidual pulmonar em ratos. Os resultados da análise bioquímica e histológica indicaram o baixo potencial de indução de lesão tecidual a partir da administração pulmonar combinada das formulações, em relação ao fármaco livre. A análise do perfil farmacocinético por microdiálise pulmonar evidenciou o êxito no desenvolvimento dos sistemas carreadores, tornando possível duplicar o t1/2 do 5FU e aumentar significativamente a biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar. Os resultados obtidos indicam a eficiência das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em alcançar os benefícios terapêuticos do fármaco 5FU com menores doses e maiores intervalos de administração. Este trabalho de tese apresenta uma abordagem promissora na terapia de neoplasias com recorrência de metástase pulmonar. / The absence of a single therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and the potential of 5FU chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) motivated this study, which aimed the development of carrier systems based on micro-/ and nanostructures containing 5FU to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of this drug by pulmonary administration. Two different formulations of dry powders were developed with natural polymers, chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose, denomined 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS, using the spray-drying and vibrational piezoelectric atomization techniques, respectively. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of physico-chemical characteristics, in vivo toxicological behaviors (C. elegans and in Wistar rats), bioavailability and penetration in the lung tissue by quantifying of drug free fraction by lung microdialysis. The physicochemical analysis showed that were obtained as micrometric (5FU-MS) and submicron particles (5FU-NS), with average diameters of particle 2.546 ± 0.07 m and 0.652 ± 0.03 m, and respirable fraction (FR%) of 55.12 ± 2.98 and 76.84 ± 0.07, respectively. Both showed suitable characteristics and properties for pulmonary delivery, with deposition capacity in the middle and deep lung portions. The toxicity of the formulations evaluated in C. elegans considered the death rate, body development, DL50 and production of ROS to nematodes under acute and chronic treatment. The results showed significant reduction of toxicity, reducing the death rate and greater development of the groups treated with 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS formulations compared to the free drug, suggesting satisfactory safety profile for administration. In addition, 5FU-MS proved to be a pro-oxidant agent, representing a promising differential of this system which can achieve greater sensitization of tumoral cells with lower doses. Acute pulmonary toxicity was evaluated by analyzing LDH, and total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after combined administration of 5FU-MS formulations and 5FU-NS for administration as a single therapeutic system (5FU-MS/NS) and analysis of lung tissue damage in rats. The results of biochemical and histological analysis indicated the low potential to induce tissue damage from the pulmonary administration of combined formulations, compared to free drug. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile for pulmonary microdialysis showed the successful development of carrier systems, making it possible to double the t1/2 of 5FU and significantly increase bioavailability in lung tissue. The results indicate the effectiveness of the formulations 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS in achieving the therapeutic benefits of the drug 5FU at lower doses and higher dosing intervals. This thesis work presents a promising approach to cancer therapy with lung metastasis recurrence.

A inexistência de um agente terapêutico único satisfatório para o tratamento do melanoma metastático e a potencialidade do quimioterápico 5FU (5-fluorouracil) motivou esta pesquisa, a qual teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de sistemas carreadores micro-/ e nanoestruturados contendo 5FU a fim de aumentar sua eficácia terapêutica e reduzir a toxicidade por meio da administração pulmonar. Duas formulações pulverulentas foram desenvolvidas com polímeros naturais, sulfato de condroitina e hidroxipropil-metil-celulose, denominadas 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS, utilizando as técnicas de aspersão e atomização vibracional piezoelétrica, respectivamente. Ambas as formulações foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e químicas, perfil toxicológico in vivo (C. elegans e em ratos Wistar), e penetração e biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar pela quantificação da fração livre de fármaco por microdiálise pulmonar. A análise físico-química revelou a obtenção de partículas micrométricas para 5FU-MS e submicrométricas para 5FU-NS, com diâmetros médios de partícula de 2,546 ± 0,07 m e 0,652 ± 0,03 m, e fração respirável (FR%) de 55,12 ± 2,98 e 76,84 ± 0,07, respectivamente. Ambas demonstraram características e propriedades adequadas para administração pulmonar, com capacidade de deposição nas porções média e profunda. A toxicidade das formulações avaliada em C. elegans considerou o percentual de morte, desenvolvimento, DL50 e produção de ROS para os nematodos sob tratamento agudo e crônico. Os resultados evidenciaram redução significativa da toxicidade proporcionada pela redução da taxa de morte e maior desenvolvimento dos grupos tratados com as formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em comparação ao fármaco livre, sugerindo perfis de segurança satisfatórios para administração. Além disso, 5FU-MS revelou-se um agente pró-oxidante, representando um diferencial promissor deste sistema, podendo alcançar maior sensibilização das células tumorais com menores doses. A toxicidade pulmonar aguda foi avaliada pela análise de LDH e proteínas totais no fluido de lavagem bronco-alveolar (BALF) após a administração combinada das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS para administração como um sistema terapêutico único (5FU-MS/NS), e análise de dano tecidual pulmonar em ratos. Os resultados da análise bioquímica e histológica indicaram o baixo potencial de indução de lesão tecidual a partir da administração pulmonar combinada das formulações, em relação ao fármaco livre. A análise do perfil farmacocinético por microdiálise pulmonar evidenciou o êxito no desenvolvimento dos sistemas carreadores, tornando possível duplicar o t1/2 do 5FU e aumentar significativamente a biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar. Os resultados obtidos indicam a eficiência das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em alcançar os benefícios terapêuticos do fármaco 5FU com menores doses e maiores intervalos de administração. Este trabalho de tese apresenta uma abordagem promissora na terapia de neoplasias com recorrência de metástase pulmonar. / The absence of a single therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and the potential of 5FU chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) motivated this study, which aimed the development of carrier systems based on micro-/ and nanostructures containing 5FU to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of this drug by pulmonary administration. Two different formulations of dry powders were developed with natural polymers, chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose, denomined 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS, using the spray-drying and vibrational piezoelectric atomization techniques, respectively. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of physico-chemical characteristics, in vivo toxicological behaviors (C. elegans and in Wistar rats), bioavailability and penetration in the lung tissue by quantifying of drug free fraction by lung microdialysis. The physicochemical analysis showed that were obtained as micrometric (5FU-MS) and submicron particles (5FU-NS), with average diameters of particle 2.546 ± 0.07 m and 0.652 ± 0.03 m, and respirable fraction (FR%) of 55.12 ± 2.98 and 76.84 ± 0.07, respectively. Both showed suitable characteristics and properties for pulmonary delivery, with deposition capacity in the middle and deep lung portions. The toxicity of the formulations evaluated in C. elegans considered the death rate, body development, DL50 and production of ROS to nematodes under acute and chronic treatment. The results showed significant reduction of toxicity, reducing the death rate and greater development of the groups treated with 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS formulations compared to the free drug, suggesting satisfactory safety profile for administration. In addition, 5FU-MS proved to be a pro-oxidant agent, representing a promising differential of this system which can achieve greater sensitization of tumoral cells with lower doses. Acute pulmonary toxicity was evaluated by analyzing LDH, and total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after combined administration of 5FU-MS formulations and 5FU-NS for administration as a single therapeutic system (5FU-MS/NS) and analysis of lung tissue damage in rats. The results of biochemical and histological analysis indicated the low potential to induce tissue damage from the pulmonary administration of combined formulations, compared to free drug. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile for pulmonary microdialysis showed the successful development of carrier systems, making it possible to double the t1/2 of 5FU and significantly increase bioavailability in lung tissue. The results indicate the effectiveness of the formulations 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS in achieving the therapeutic benefits of the drug 5FU at lower doses and higher dosing intervals. This thesis work presents a promising approach to cancer therapy with lung metastasis recurrence.

No description available.

Applications of Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) in pharmaceuticals have become increasingly popular over the years but nonetheless a few obstacles still remain before wide scale implementation. In many instances these improvements are related to both processing and product performance. It is observed that HME process optimisation is majorly focused on the active pharmaceutical ingredient's (API) properties. Characterising polymeric properties for their suitability in HME should be equally studied since the impact of excipients on both product and process performance is just as vital. In this work, two well-established cellulose ester derivatives: Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose Acetate Succinate (HPMCAS) and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose Phthalate (HPMCP) are studied for their HME suitability. Their thermal, thermodynamic, rheological, thermo-chemical and degradation kinetic properties were evaluated with model plasticisers and APIs. It was found the thermal properties of HPMCP are severely compromised whereas HPMCAS is more stable in the processing zone of 150 to 200 °C. Thermodynamic properties revealed that both polymers share an important solubility parameter range (20-30 MPa P1/2P) where the majority of plasticisers and BCS class II APIs lie. Thus, greater miscibility/solubility can be expected. Further, the processability of these two polymers investigated by rheometric measurements showed HPMCAS possesses better flow properties than HPMCP because HPMCP forms a weak network of chain interactions at a molecular level. However, adding plasticisers such as PEG and TEC the flow properties of HPMCP can be tailored. The study also showed that plasticisers have a major influence on thermo-chemical and kinetic properties of polymers. For instance, PEG reduced polymer degradation with reversal in kinetic parameters whereas blends of CA produced detrimental effects and increased polymer degradation with reduction in onset degradation temperatures. Further, both polymers are observed to be chemically reactive with the APIs containing free -OH, -SOR2RN- and -NH2 groups. Finally, these properties prove that suitability of HPMCP is highly debated for HME and demands great care in use while that of HPMCAS is relatively better than HPMCP in many instances.

Applications of Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) in pharmaceuticals have become increasingly popular over the years but nonetheless a few obstacles still remain before wide scale implementation. In many instances these improvements are related to both processing and product performance. It is observed that HME process optimisation is majorly focused on the active pharmaceutical ingredient's (API) properties. Characterising polymeric properties for their suitability in HME should be equally studied since the impact of excipients on both product and process performance is just as vital. In this work, two well-established cellulose ester derivatives: Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose Acetate Succinate (HPMCAS) and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose Phthalate (HPMCP) are studied for their HME suitability. Their thermal, thermodynamic, rheological, thermo-chemical and degradation kinetic properties were evaluated with model plasticisers and APIs. It was found the thermal properties of HPMCP are severely compromised whereas HPMCAS is more stable in the processing zone of 150 to 200 °C. Thermodynamic properties revealed that both polymers share an important solubility parameter range (20-30 MPa P1/2P) where the majority of plasticisers and BCS class II APIs lie. Thus, greater miscibility/solubility can be expected. Further, the processability of these two polymers investigated by rheometric measurements showed HPMCAS possesses better flow properties than HPMCP because HPMCP forms a weak network of chain interactions at a molecular level. However, adding plasticisers such as PEG and TEC the flow properties of HPMCP can be tailored. The study also showed that plasticisers have a major influence on thermo-chemical and kinetic properties of polymers. For instance, PEG reduced polymer degradation with reversal in kinetic parameters whereas blends of CA produced detrimental effects and increased polymer degradation with reduction in onset degradation temperatures. Further, both polymers are observed to be chemically reactive with the APIs containing free -OH, -SOR2RN- and -NH2 groups. Finally, these properties prove that suitability of HPMCP is highly debated for HME and demands great care in use while that of HPMCAS is relatively better than HPMCP in many instances.

Double diffusive phenomena occur in many natural systems and in a variety of engineering applications, such as solar ponds. In a solar pond, the erosion of gradient zone due to convection and diffusion is the main cause of inefficiency and hence, requires lot of maintenance. In this thesis, control of erosion of the gradient zone in a solar pond situation has been studied through experiments and transient numerical simulations. A laboratory solar pond was setup in a tank of size 19cm X 19cm X 19cm, and was heated from below. A polymer additive, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) was used to increase the viscosity of the working fluid. With 0.01% CMC, viscosity enhancement of the working fluid by 25 to 30 times was achieved, without changing any other properties. The transient momentum, energy and species conservation equations along with continuity equation were solved numerically, using the SIMPLER algorithm with 2 mm grid spacing. The experiments conducted with the addition of CMC, showed delays in the onset of convection and reduced erosion of the gradient zone. The erosion rates obtained from the numerical simulations agreed with the experimental observation. The impact of viscosity on the onset of convection, kinetic energy, convection pattern, frequency of bursts and erosion rate of the gradient zone, were simulated. Numerical simulations revealed that, there is a nonlinear relationship between the viscosity and erosion rate of the gradient zone. Increase in viscosity by a factor of 15 reduced the erosion of gradient zone completely, indicating the dominant role played by Turbulent entrainment. The present work indicates that the control of erosion of gradient zone in solar pond using the polymer additive shows lot of promise. The use of the polymer additive as a method to increase viscosity will lower the maintenance costs and, increase the reliability and efficiency of solar ponds, with less than 5% increase in the initial cost.

Parmi les bio-polymères issus des ressources renouvelables, les polysaccharides fournissent une alternative intéressante aux polymères de synthèse. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif de ce travail de thèse est basé sur la conception des copolymères amphiphiles pour la préparation de nouveaux biomatériaux. Ainsi, l’hydroxypropylméthylcellulose (HPMC) a été étudiée en raison de ses propriétés remarquables, dont la biocompatibilité, la biodégradabilité, la rétention d'eau et la gélification thermoréversible. Ces propriétés sont utiles pour de nombreuses applications telles que le relargage de médicament, la préparation des membranes et la formation de biomatériaux. L'hydrolyse enzymatique avec des endo cellulases issues de Trichoderma reesei a été étudiée pour produire des fragments d'HPMC ayant une masse molaire (Mw) entre 6000 et 30000 g mol-1. Les paramètres de l’activité enzymatique ont été étudiés en fonction de : la nature de substrat, le temps de réaction et la concentration de l'enzyme. Les polymères obtenus ont été comparés à ceux produits par hydrolyse acide. Il a été constaté que la structure des polymères issus d’un procédé d’hydrolyse, varie en termes de degré de substitution pour un même Mw. Cet effet donne lieu à différentes propriétés de gélification thermoréversible. Des copolymères amphiphiles tels que HPMC-b-poly (propylène glycol) et HPMC-b-PLA ont été préparés par amination réductrice et par couplage click thiol-ene, respectivement. Les propriétés d’agrégation ont été caractérisées par la diffusion de la lumière (DLS), le microscope électronique en transmission (TEM) et par la séparation de phase obtenue par la mesure du point de trouble. / Following the concept of bio-refinery, we propose to produce small fragments of biopolymers that can be used further as building blocks to prepare novel polymeric architectures. In the case of polysaccharides, enzymatic hydrolysis enables to form reducing end groups after each cleavage on the polymer chain. Reaction by reductive amination affords the possibility to introduce polysaccharides fragments in a large variety of materials going from amphiphilic copolymers to more sophisticated devices. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was used in this work because of its remarkable properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, water retention and thermoreversible gelation beneficial for many applications such as drug delivery, film and biomaterial formation. Enzymatic hydrolysis using endo cellulases from Trichoderma reesei was investigated to produce a library of HPMC fragments with molecular weight (Mw) from 6000 to 30000 g mol-1. Mw control was carried out by varying the procedure conditions including the nature of starting HPMC, reaction time and enzyme concentration. The obtained polymers were compared to those produced by acidic hydrolysis.According to the preparation conditions, the structure of short chain polymers regarding substitution degrees varied for the same Mw giving rise to different clouding temperature and thermoreversible gelation properties. Amphiphilic block copolymers HPMC-b-poly(propylene glycol) and HPMC-b-PLA were prepared by reductive amination and by the thiol-ene click reaction, respectively. Self-assembly properties of these novel block copolymer were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and clouding point temperature.