The large amount of non-degradable plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern, leading to an increased need for degradable plastics. Here in, to create degradable polymers, polyesters were produced through radical ring opening polymerization using cyclic ketene acetals. The cyclic ketene acetal monomer 5,6-benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane has been prepared for the synthesis of homo- and copolymers with methyl methacrylate, α-methylene-γ-valerolactone, α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, cholesterol methacrylate and limonene acrylate. The polymerization was conducted using radical ring opening polymerization both in bulk and solution polymerization. The structural characteristics of the polymer were determined by different characterization methodologies, including TGA, DSC, SEC, FTIR and 1D 1H-NMR. The results obtained from 1H-NMR analysis showed the composition of the copolymers. TGA analysis revealed the thermal stability of the polymers and their degradation patterns. DSC analysis provided information about the glass transition temperatures (Tg’s) of the polymers. Moreover, the Tg indicated the presence and amounts of comonomers in the copolymers. Overall, the results showed the influence of different comonomers on the properties of the polymers by successfully incorporating the comonomers in the polymer. The thermal properties for polymers containing methyl methacrylate became more thermally stable. The Tg, analyzed with DSC, shifted from the Tg of homopolymers indicating the incorporation of both monomers. The polymers were successfully degraded via hydrolysis in alkaline conditions breaking them down into smaller pieces making them easier to recycle. To conclude, the results all indicate that the incorporation of BMDO and thereby possibly other CKA-monomers into the polymer chains of commonly used plastics could provide valuable tools in the recycling of said plastics.

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) can be viewed as the middle ground between living anionic polymerization (LAP) and conventional free radical polymerization (FRP). It combines the precise control over polymer structure offered by LAP, under a tolerant reaction condition similar to FRP. One of the most studied CRP is atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), with over 10,000 papers published since its introduction in 1995. Despite the numerous studies, knowledge on its fundamental mechanism is still lacking, as evident from the lack of expression for full MWD and polydispersity that account for termination reaction. Since termination is unavoidable in ATRP, the existing expressions give inaccurate predictions as dead chains accumulate. In this study, we derived expressions for full MWD at low conversion and for polydispersity. These expressions allow us to quantify and gain better understanding on the contribution of termination. In addition, the resulting polydispersity expression shows better agreement than the existing equation when correlated with experiment data. In addition to the aforementioned questions, there are also controversies regarding the kinetics of surface-initiated ATRP, with researchers divided into two schools of theories. We evaluated the validity of these theories by comparing their predictions to experimental trends. Both theories were found to be inadequate in explaining all the experimental observations, thus triggering an investigation of the graft density. Graft density is an important determining property for polymer brushes, yet little is known about what affects its final value. Through simulations, we investigated the effect of experiment factors on the grafting density. A decrease in the amount of deactivator is found to decrease the grafting density, which could be explained by an increase in the number of monomers added per activation cycle. This knowledge allows us to explain the conflicting experiment observations regarding the growth trends of polymer layers reported in the literatures. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Polymer materials are used almost everywhere in our daily life from clothing to water bottle. This wide range of applications owes to the nearly infinite possible properties that polymer can possess. Different polymerization processes to synthesize polymers have their own weaknesses and strengths. Herein we investigated the fundamental mechanism of one of the currently most attractive polymerization systems, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). This process allows the synthesis of polymers with precisely tailored chain microstructures, making it possible to create polymer with sophisticated properties. Using modeling approaches, we derived explicit expressions for determining chain properties, allowing detailed investigation of how various factors affect these properties. Through these investigations, we obtained better understanding on the mechanism of ATRP in solution and on surface. This knowledge is crucial in providing insight and guiding experimental designs for better control over the material properties.

Eutypa dieback, one of several grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs), is of serious concern to the grape industry globally. This disease is caused by the fungus Eutypa lata but it is often seen in consortia growth with Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. It is vital to understand the mechanisms for how this disease functions to develop control measures to combat it. Brown rot fungi are able to use a complex of low molecular weight (LMW) metabolites to induce a Fenton reaction to deconstruct woody tissue. These metabolites are part of a chelator mediated Fenton (CMF) chemistry that produces reactive oxygen species that are capable of depolymerizing wood polymers. We propose that a mechanism similar to CMF chemistry may be occurring in grapevine trunk disease pathogens. This thesis investigates how LMW metabolites produced by the fungi contribute to the disease and decay progression in GTDs. Research on Mite control in the laboratory with abamectin was also investigated, as research in this area was required when mites infested our fungal cultures and suitable laboratory controls were not available. Research on the GTD fungi was initiated by first examining whether metabolites produced by the three fungi can function in a manner to promote reactions like the CMF system. We separated and identified specific metabolites that potentially could contribute to CMF chemistry. We found that all three GTD fungi were able to produced LMW metabolites that promoted CMF chemistry, and we hypothesized that this mechanism contributes to processes leading to tissue necrosis in grapevine trunk wood. To explore the development of effective control measures based on this newly discovered mechanism for pathogenesis, we also explored the use of antioxidant/chelator compounds, BHA and BHT, in the control of the consortia fungi. Biocontrol organisms, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma atroviride, that produce antioxidants were also tested as biocontrols against the fungi involved in Eutypa Dieback disease. We found that BHA was highly effective in inhibiting fungal growth for all three fungi at concentrations higher than 0.5mM, and both B. subtilis and T. atroviride proved to be effective biocontrol agents in inhibiting E. lata, P. minimum, and P. chlamydospora.

There is growing demand for a more efficient use of polymers that originate from renewable feedstocks due to the depleting supply of fossil fuels, based on economic and environmental reasons. As a result, lignin has attracted renewed interest as a resource for various bioproducts. Lignin is a natural biopolymer with a high carbon content and is composed of aromatic moieties, with a high level of polar functionalities. This makes it a unique precursor for certain high-value applications, such as in biofuels, bioplastics, composite materials, carbon fibers and activated carbons and as a source of phenolic monomers and fine chemicals. Industrial lignins are formed as byproducts of pulping processes (such as kraft, sulfite or alkaline pulping) or result from the biorefining process, where carbohydrates are used for sugar production. Lignin’s intrinsic structure is significantly modified during the processing of lignocellulose, resulting in the formation of more diverse, condensed and less reactive raw materials. Since molecular mass and polydispersity are the most important parameters affecting the chemical reactivity and thermal properties of lignin, additional process steps to improve the quality of crude technical lignins, including kraft lignin, are needed. Solvent extraction is a potentially useful technique for further improving the polydispersity of technical lignins. This work summarizes the impact of solvent fractionation on the chemical structure, antioxidant activity, heating value, and thermal and sorption properties of industrial hardwood and softwood kraft lignins. The purpose was to understand the correlation between certain structural features in the lignin fractions and their properties to select the appropriate solvent combinations for specific applications of lignin raw materials. Four common industrial solvents, namely, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and acetone, in various combinations were used to separate both spruce and eucalyptus kraft lignins into fractions with lower polydispersities. Gel-permeation chromatography analysis was used to evaluate the efficiency of the chosen solvent combination for lignin fractionation. The composition and structure of the lignin material were characterized by elemental analysis, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS/FID) and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the lignin samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Proximate analysis data (ash, volatile components, organic matter and fixed carbon) were obtained through the direct measurement of weight changes during the analysis, while the high heating values (in MJ/kg) were calculated according to equations suggested in the literature. The sorption properties of fractionated kraft lignins were studied with respect to methylene blue dye. Additionally, lignin fractions with different molecular weights (and therefore various chemical structures) that were isolated from both softwood and hardwood kraft lignins were incorporated into a tunicate cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-starch mixture to prepare 100% bio-based composite films. The aim was to investigate the correlation between lignin diversity and film performance. The transmittance, density and thermal properties of the films were investigated, as were their mechanical properties, including the tensile stress and Young’s modulus. This part of the study addressed the importance of lignin diversity on composite film performance, which could be helpful for tailoring lignin applications in bio-based composite materials based on the material’s specific requirements.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral ha sido la valorización de los residuos agroindustriales de los frutos de la sandía (Citrullus lanatus) y del caqui (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) para obtener compuestos de alto valor añadido con potenciales aplicaciones tecnológicas en la industria alimentaria. En concreto, la corteza de la sandía y los descartes del caqui se contemplan como una prometedora fuente de pectina, no sólo por la importancia económica de los cultivos, sino también por las interesantes características estructurales de la pectina extraída y sus propiedades funcionales. Además, se sabe que los frutos del caqui son una fuente de compuestos bioactivos que pueden utilizarse para diseñar productos alimentarios más saludables. En la primera parte de esta tesis, se llevó a cabo una metodología de superficie de respuesta para evaluar cómo afectan los diferentes parámetros del proceso a la composición, las características estructurales y el rendimiento de extracción de la pectina de la corteza de la sandía (WRP). A partir de estos resultados, se utilizó una combinación de herramientas reológicas, microestructurales y de dispersión para dilucidar el mecanismo de estabilización de la emulsión de WRP, que fue capaz de retener altas cantidades de aceite de girasol (>60%), evitando la coalescencia y la floculación. A continuación, se evaluó el efecto de la des-ramificación contralada enzimáticamente, la des-esterificación y la eliminación de proteínas, en la composición y la estructura molecular de la WRP, y se analizó en profundidad el potencial de la pectina tratada enzimáticamente para preparar hidrogeles con la adición de CaCl2, con el fin de comprender cómo la estructura de la pectina y la composición del extracto afectaban a la formación y las propiedades del gel. Se observó que las pequeñas cadenas laterales de arabinogalactano presentes en la pectina con bajo grado de esterificación, actuaban como refuerzo, induciendo la formación de redes más densamente empaquetadas y de hidrogeles más fuertes que sus homólogos menos ramificados. La pectina de sandía tratada enzimáticamente y con mejores propiedades de gelificación y rendimiento, se utilizó posteriormente para desarrollar estructuras de aerogeles utilizando secado con CO2 supercrítico. La formación de una estructura compactada durante la formación del aerogel lo convirtió en un buen candidato como sistemas de liberación de compuestos activos. En la segunda parte de la tesis, se estudió la potencial valorización de residuos de biomasa de caqui mediante la extracción de compuestos bioactivos y extractos ricos en pectina y la evaluación de sus propiedades funcionales. Un extracto rico en polifenoles obtenido a escala semi-industrial mostró actividad antiviral y fue capaz de reducir el envejecimiento celular y el contenido de grasa sin afectar al desarrollo del organismo modelo C. elegans. Además, se optimizaron y caracterizaron las condiciones de extracción de ingredientes funcionales a base de pectina y polifenoles, cuya composición dependió de la severidad de las condiciones de extracción. Estos extractos funcionales de pectina mostraron actividad antiviral, probablemente potenciada por la mayor estabilidad de los polifenoles que forman complejos con la pectina y se exploró, de manera exitosa, su aplicación como recubrimiento comestible en arándanos. / [CAT] L'objectiu d'aquesta tesi doctoral va ser la valorització de residus agroindustrials procedents de fruites de síndria (Citrullus lanatus) i caqui (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) per obtenir compostos d'alt valor afegit amb potencials aplicacions tecnològiques en la indústria alimentària. En concret, l'escorça de síndria i els descarts de caqui es preveuen com una prometedora font de pectina, no només per la importància econòmica dels cultius, sinó també per les interessants característiques estructurals de la pectina extreta i les propietats funcionals relacionades. A més, se sap que les fruites de caqui són una font de compostos bioactius que es poden utilitzar per dissenyar productes alimentaris més saludables. En la primera part d'aquesta tesi es va dur a terme una metodologia de superfície de resposta per avaluar com els diferents paràmetres de procés afecten la composició, les característiques estructurals i el rendiment d'extracció de la pectina de síndria (WRP). A partir dels resultats, es va utilitzar una combinació d'eines reològiques, microestructurals i de dispersió per dilucidar el mecanisme estabilitzador de l'emulsió de WRP, que va ser capaç de retenir altes quantitats d'oli de gira-sol (>60%), evitant la coalescència i la floculació. A continuació, es va avaluar l'efecte del de-brassament enzimàtic controlat, la des-esterificació i l'eliminació de proteïnes sobre la composició i l'estructura molecular del WRP i es va analitzar profundament el potencial de la pectina tractada enzimàticament per preparar hidrogels amb l'addició de CaCl2 per entendre com l'estructura de la pectina i la composició de l'extracte afectaven la formació i les propietats del gel. Es va observar que les petites cadenes laterals d¿arabinogalàctans presents a la pectina amb baix grau d'esterificació, actuaven com a reforç, induint la formació de xarxes més densament empaquetades i hidrogels més forts que els seus homòlegs menys ramificats. Posteriorment es va utilitzar la pectina de l'escorça de síndria tractada enzimàticament amb millors propietats gelificants i rendiment per desenvolupar estructures d'aerogel utilitzant CO2 supercrític. La formació d'una estructura compactada durant la formació d'aerogels la va convertir en un bon candidat per als sistemes de alliberació de compostos actius. En la segona part de la tesi es va estudiar la potencial valorització dels residus de biomassa de caqui mitjançant l'extracció de compostos bioactius i extractes rics en pectina i l'avaluació de les seves propietats funcionals. Un extracte obtingut a escala semi-industrialment ric en polifenols va mostrar una activitat antiviral i va ser capaç de reduir l'envelliment cel·lular i el contingut en greixos sense afectar el desenvolupament de l'organisme model de C. elegans. A més, es van optimitzar i caracteritzar les condicions d'extracció d'ingredients funcionals a base de pectina-polifenol, la composició de la qual depenia de la gravetat de les condicions d'extracció. Aquests extractes funcionals de pectina van mostrar una alta eficiència antiviral, probablement millorada per la major estabilitat dels polifenols com a complexos de pectina. De manera exitosa, es va explorar una potencial aplicació com a recobriment comestible sobre nabius. / [EN] The aim of this doctoral thesis was the valorisation of agro-industrial wastes from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruits to obtain high added-value compounds with potential technological applications in the food industry. Specifically, watermelon rind and persimmon discards are envisaged as a promising pectin source, not only because of the economic importance of the crops but also because of the interesting structural features of the extracted pectin and related functional properties. Furthermore, persimmon fruits are known to be a source of bioactive compounds which can be used to design healthier food products. In the first part of this thesis, a response surface methodology was carried out to evaluate how different process parameters affect the composition, structural features and extraction yield of watermelon rind pectin (WRP). Based on the results, a combination of rheological, microstructural and scattering tools was used to elucidate the emulsion stabilizing mechanism of WRP, which was able to retain high amounts of sunflower oil (>60%), avoiding coalescence and flocculation. Then, the effect of controlled enzymatic debranching, de-esterification and protein removal on WRP composition and molecular structure was evaluated and the potential of the enzymatically-treated pectin for preparing hydrogels with the addition of CaCl2 was deeply analysed in order to understand how pectin structure and extract composition affected gel formation and properties. It was observed that the small arabinogalactan side chains present in the pectin with low degree of esterification, acted as a reinforcement, inducing the formation of more densely packed networks and stronger hydrogels than their less-branched counterparts. An enzymatically-treated WRP with better gelling properties and yield was subsequently used to develop aerogel structures using supercritical CO2. The formation of a compacted structure during aerogel formation made it a good candidate for drug delivery systems. In the second part of the thesis, the potential valorisation of persimmon biomass waste through the extraction of bioactive compounds and pectin-rich extracts and the evaluation of their functional properties was studied. A semi-industrially scaled-up polyphenol-rich extract showed an effective antiviral efficiency and it was able to reduce the cellular ageing and fat content without affecting the development of C. elegans model organism. Furthermore, the extraction conditions of functional pectin-polyphenol-based ingredients were optimized and characterized, which composition was dependent on the severity of the extraction conditions. These functional pectin extracts showed high antiviral efficiency, probably enhanced by the higher stability of the polyphenols as pectin complexes. A successful potential application was explored with an edible coating on blueberries. / This research was funded by grant RTI-2018-094268-B-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe". Mendez D. A. is supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Minciencias) of the Colombian Government (783-2017). M. J. Fabra and A. Martinez- Abad are recipients of Ramon y Cajal (RYC-2014-158) and Juan de la Cierva (IJDC-2017- 31255), respectively, from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness. This work was also funded by the grant INNVAL10-19-009-CA8250 from Agència Valenciana d ́Innovació (AVI). This research is part of the CSIC program for the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility of the European Union, established by the Regulation (EU) 2020/2094. Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy+. (PTI-SusPlast+) is also acknowledged for financial support. Project INNEST/2021/27 was granted by Agencia Valenciana de Innovación (AVI) and co- financed by the European Union through the Operative Programme of FEDER from Comunitat Valenciana 2014-2020. We also appreciate the funding of the CERCA program (Centres de Recerca de Catalunya) of the Generalitat de Catalunya and from the CIEN project “BIOPRO” from CDTI. Nune Sahakyan is kindly acknowledged for experimental support / Méndez Reyes, DA. (2022). Valorisation of Watermelon and Persimmon Fruit Residues to Obtain Compounds of Interest in Food Applications [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/191334 / Compendio

Nous avons mené une étude prospective randomisée dans le but de comparer l'effet de l'irrigation du cathéter de type PICC avec deux types d'anticoagulants: Héparine standard et Tinzaparine, une héparine de faible poids moléculaire. Notre étude s'adresse aux patients de la clinique externe d'oncologie de l'hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Entre début Mai 2005 et Mars 2008, nous avons recruté 131 patients dont 70 ont été randomisés. Parmi les 61 patients exclus, 23 n'ont pas rencontré les critères d'inclusion, 30 ont refusé de participer et 8 ne sont pas inclus pour d'autres raisons. Sur les 70, 36 sujets sont randomisés dans le groupe Héparine standard et 34 dans le groupe Tinzaparine. La population en intention de traiter comprend 65 sujets dont 32 dans le groupe Héparine standard et 33 dans le groupe Tinzaparine. Le médicament a été administré pendant un mombre maximal de 30 jours et les sujets ont été suivis pendant 90 jours. La thrombose veineuse associée au cathéter (TVAC) a été objectivée par une phlébographie ou une échographie-Doppler à la fin de la période de 30 jours suivant l'installation du cathéter. L'incidence de la TVAC sur 30 jours est de 14,39 par 1000 cathéter-jours (IC à 95%:[9,0;19,79]/1000 cathéter-jours ou 41,5% (27/65). L'incidence de la thrombose veineuse profonde (TVP) symptômatique du membre supérieur sur la période de suivi de 90 jours est de 0,41 par 1000 cathéter-jours (IC à 95%:[0,08;0,81]/1000 cathéter-jours ou 3% (2/65). Nous n'avons observé aucune différence entre les deux groupes par rapport à la fréquence de la TVAC ni de la TVP. Nous ne pouvons conclure à une différence dans l'efficacité de la Tinzaparine par rapport à l'Héparine standard dans la prévention de la TVAC. / Our prospective, randomized study aims at comparing the effectiveness of two types of heparin used for the instillation of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC): Standard heparin and Tinzaparin, a low molecular weight heparin. We recruited patients from the ambulatory center of Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital. Between the beginning of May 2005 and March 2008, 131 patients were enrolled. Of 61 patients excluded, 23 did not satisfy the inclusion criteria, 30 refused to participate and 8 were not enrolled for other reasons. Seventy patients were randomized into two groups, 36 in the Standard heparin group and 34 in the Tinzaparin group. Our population intent-to-treat included 65/70 patients, 32 of these received Standard heparin and 33 received Tinzaparin. The experimental intervention was administered for a maximum of 30 days and all the subjects were followed up for 90 days. The events were documented objectively with a venogram or Doppler ultrasonography by the end of the 30 days following the catheter installation. The incidence of catheter-related venous thrombosis (CRVT) during 30 days of instillation is 14,39/1000 catheter-days (CI 95%:[9,0;19,79]/1000 catheter-days or 41.5% (27/65). The incidence of symptomatic upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during the observation period of 90 days is 0,41/1000 catheter-days (CI 95%:[0,08;0,81]/1000 catheter-days or 3% (2/65). We did not observe any difference in the frequency of CRVT or DVT between the two groups. We can not conclude that either Standard heparin or Tinzaparin is more effective in the prevention of CRVT in our population.

La thérapie génique représente l'un des défis de la médecine des prochaines décennies dont la réussite dépend de la capacité d'acheminer l'ADN thérapeutique jusqu'à sa cible. Des structures non virales ont été envisagées, dont le chitosane, polymère cationique qui se combine facilement à l’ADN. Une fois le complexe formé, l’ADN est protégé des nucléases qui le dégradent. Le premier objectif de l'étude est de synthétiser et ensuite évaluer différentes nanoparticules de chitosane et choisir la mieux adaptée pour une efficacité de transfection sélective in vitro dans les cellules carcinomes épidermoïdes (KB). Le deuxième objectif de l'étude est d'examiner in vivo les effets protecteurs du gène de l'IL-1Ra (bloqueur naturel de la cytokine inflammatoire, l’Interleukine-1β) complexé aux nanoparticules de chitosane sélectionnées dans un modèle d'arthrite induite par un adjuvant (AIA) chez le rat. Les nanoparticules varient par le poids moléculaire du chitosane (5, 25 et 50 kDa), et la présence ou l’absence de l’acide folique (FA). Des mesures macroscopiques de l’inflammation seront évaluées ainsi que des mesures de concentrations de l’Interleukine-1β, Prostaglandine E2 et IL-1Ra humaine secrétés dans le sérum. Les nanoparticules Chitosane-ADN en présence de l’acide folique et avec du chitosane de poids moléculaire de 25 kDa, permettent une meilleure transfection in vitro. Les effets protecteurs des nanoparticules contenant le gène thérapeutique étaient évidents suite à la détection de l’IL-1Ra dans le sérum, la baisse d'expressions des facteurs inflammatoires, l’Interleukine-1 et la Prostaglandine-E2 ainsi que la diminution macroscopique de l’inflammation. Le but de cette étude est de développer notre méthode de thérapie génique non virale pour des applications cliniques pour traiter l’arthrite rhumatoïde et d’autres maladies humaines. / Considered to be one of the medical challenges of the coming decade, the success of gene therapy depends on the ability to deliver therapeutic DNA to target cells. Non-viral polymers, such as chitosan (Ch), a cationic polymer, can be easily combined with DNA. Once a complex is formed, DNA is protected from degradation by nucleases. The first objective of this study was to define the characteristics of the best-suited Ch nanoparticle for maximum selective transfection in human epidermoid carcinoma (KB) cells in vitro. Nanoparticles varied by the presence or absence of folic acid (FA) and Ch’s molecular weight (MW 5, 25 and 50 kDa). They were then selected and combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene, a natural blocker of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). The second objective was to inject these carriers by the hydrodynamic method in a rat model of adjuvant-induced arthritis and to evaluate the inhibitory effects of IL-1Ra against inflammation in vivo. Ch-DNA nanoparticles with FA and Ch25 demonstrated selective transfection and significantly increased it in KB cells in vitro. The inhibitory effects of IL-1Ra gene therapy in vivo were evident from lower expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1 and prostaglandin E2) and decreased macroscopic limb inflammation. The results also revealed the presence of human recombinant IL-1Ra protein in rat sera. Non-viral gene therapy with Ch-PEG-FA-DNA nanoparticles containing the IL-1Ra gene appears to significantly decrease inflammation in this experimental model of arthritis.

The interaction between three selected representatives of environmental pollutants - naphthalene, anthracene, and 2-aminoanthracene - and DNA was investigated using an electrochemical DNA biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and low molecular weight DNA from salmon sperm (DNA/GCE). The interactions with DNA were monitored using square wave voltammetry (SWV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). For naphthalene, there was no DNA damaging interaction observed. In the case of anthracene, the formation of an intercalation complex [DNA-anthracene] was observed. However, its formation does not cause DNA strand breaks. The formation of similar intercalation complex was observed for 2-aminoanthracene [DNA-2-aminoanthracene], where we suppose on the basis of the results obtained that the intercalation of 2-aminoanthracene into the DNA double helix induces a tension and subsequent formation of single-strand breaks, which cause that the fragments of DNA fall away from the electrode surface. The intercalative interaction of DNA with anthracene a 2-aminoanthracene was used in the development of electrochemical methods for determination of these compounds at the GCE and DNA/GCE. At the development of the methods, DC voltammetry (DCV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used....

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:42:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ClaudioLV.pdf: 1496908 bytes, checksum: 9da02c26d9351b21019488117fc27924 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-28 / Dispersions composed of polyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan and poly(methacrylic acid), PMAA, were obtained by the dropping method and template polymerization. The effect of molecular weight of PMAA and ionic strength on the formation of chitosan/poly(methacrylic acid), CS/PMAA, complexes was evaluated using the dropping method. The increase in molecular weight of PMAA inhibited the formation of insoluble complexes, while the increase in ionic strength first favored the formation of the complex followed by inhibiting it at higher concentrations. The polyelectrolyte complexation was strongly dependent on macromolecular dimensions, both in terms of molecular weight and of coil expansion/contraction driven by polyelectrolyte effect. The resultant particles from dropping method and template polymerization were characterized as having regions with different charge densities: chitosan predominating in the core and poly(methacrylic acid) at the surface, the particles being negatively charged, as a consequence. Albumin was adsorbed on templatepolymerized CS/PMAA complexes (after crosslinking with glutardialdehyde) and pH was controlled in order to obtain two conditions: (i) adsorption of positively charged albumin, and (ii) adsorption of albumin at its isoelectric point. Adsorption isotherms and zeta potential measurements showed that albumin adsorption was controlled by hydrogen bonding/van der Waals interactions and that brushlike structures may enhance adsorption of albumin on these particles / Dispers?es formadas a partir de complexos polieletrol?ticos de quitosana e de poli(?cido metacr?lico), PMAA, foram obtidas tanto pelo m?todo de gotejamento, como pelo m?todo de polimeriza??o em molde. O efeito da massa molar do PMAA e da for?a i?nica na forma??o dos complexos de quitosana/poli(?cido metacr?lico), CS/PMAA, foi avaliado usando o m?todo de gotejamento. O aumento da massa molar do PMAA inibiu a forma??o dos complexos insol?veis, enquanto o aumento da for?a i?nica primeiramente favoreceu a forma??o dos complexos, depois a inibiu, em altas concentra??es de eletr?litos de baixa massa molar. A complexa??o dos polieletr?litos foi fortemente dependente das dimens?es macromoleculares, tanto em termos da massa molar quanto do efeito de expans?o/contra??o dos novelos, devido ao efeito polieletrol?tico. As part?culas resultantes tanto do m?todo de gotejamento, como da polimeriza??o em molde foram caracterizadas por apresentarem regi?es com diferentes densidades de carga: a quitosana predominantemente presente na regi?o central e o poli(?cido metacr?lico), na superf?cie, sendo, portanto, as part?culas carregadas negativamente. A albumina foi adsorvida nos complexos de CS/PMAA obtidos por polimeriza??o em molde (depois de sofrerem reticula??o covalente usando glutaralde?do) e o pH foi controlado a fim de se obter duas condi??es: (i) adsor??o de albumina carregada positivamente e (ii) adsor??o de albumina em seu ponto isoel?trico. As isotermas de adsor??o e as medidas de potencial zeta mostraram que a adsor??o da albumina foi controlada por liga??es de hidrog?nio/intera??es de van der Waals e que as estruturas em forma de escova puderam aumentar a adsor??o da albumina nessas part?culas

Tortilla sales are projected to exceed 9.5 billion by 2014. However, currently no wheat cultivars have been identified that possess the intrinsic quality attributes needed for the production of optimum quality tortillas. Tortillas made with refined wheat flour low in dietary fiber (DF) are popular in the United States due to their sensory properties. This study explored the use of wheat lines (WL) possessing variations in high molecular weight glutenin allele sub-units (HMW-GS) for production of tortillas and also investigated the use of corn based resistant starches (RS), type II (RS2) and wheat based RS type IV (RS4) to increase DF in tortillas. Tortillas were made with 0-15 percent RS and 100 percent whole white wheat (WW). Flour protein profiles, dough, and tortilla properties were evaluated to determine the effects of the allelic variations and RS substitution on tortilla quality. Sensory properties of tortillas with RS were determined. Variations in HMW-GS composition significantly affected the protein quality and tortilla properties. Flour from WL possessing allelic combinations (2*, 17+18, 7, 2+12), (1, 17+18, 5+10), (2*, 17, 2+12) and (1, 2*, 17+18, 2+12) had 12.8-13.3 percent protein. These WL had extensible doughs and produced large diameter tortillas with superior (greater than or equal to 3.0) flexibility after 16 days compared to control. However, WL with (17+18 and 5+10) and (2*, 17+7, 5) produced extensible doughs, large, but less flexible, tortillas compared to control. WL with (2*,17+18,5+10) and (1,2*,7+9,5+10) produced smaller diameter tortillas, but with superior flexibility compared to control. RS2, WW, and cross-linked-pre-gelatinized RS4 (FiberRite) produced hard, less-extensible doughs and thinner tortillas compared to control, due to high water absorption. Cross-linked RS4 (Fibersym) dough and tortillas were comparable to control. 15 percent of RS2 and RS4 increase DF in control to 6 and 14 percent respectively, compare to control (2.8 percent DF). WW tortillas were less acceptable than control in appearance, flavor and texture, while tortillas with 15 percent Fibersym had higher overall acceptability than control. RS2 negatively affected dough machinability and tortilla shelf stability. However, 15 percent RS4 improved the DF in refined flour tortillas to meet FDA's "good source of fiber claim," without negatively affecting dough/tortilla quality.