The light scattering methods were used for characterization of properties and formation of networks of different dimension, based on N-vinylcaprolactam (VCL). Formation of PVCL microgels in presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizer was studied. Size of resulting microgels strongly depends on the temperature and heating rate: interparticle aggregation was observed during slow heating and intraparticle collapse during fast heating. Angular dependence of measured diffusion coefficient on the angle of observation was studied for the microgel in the swollen, shrunken and aggregated states. Thermo-sensitive microgels based on N-vinylcaprolactam and acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate were prepared under surfactant free conditions. The presence of internal part with low thermo-sensitivity and highly thermo-sensitive outer part of the particle (the core-shell structure of microgel) was deduced from static and dynamic light scattering experiments. Results obtained from combined SLS and DLS show the change of conformation from "swollen" soft sphere to compact shrunken "hard sphere". Thermo-sensitive microgel based on N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone was used for investigation of the internal modes in microgel dispersion in the wide range of qRg values. Two internal motions and translation diffusion were observed in the asymptotic range. Angular dependence of the normalized diffusion coefficient showed power law behavior in this range. The experimentally determined value of exponent n = 0.96 was in good agreement with the value predicted for ZIMM limit for polymer chains with hydrodynamic interaction. The reduced first cumulant Ã*(q) reached a constant value in the range of large qRg values. Appearance of plateau value indicates ZIMM limit of hydrodynamic interaction but experimental value was much lower than the theoretically predicted plateau value for linear chains in good solution. 3,3?-(ethane-1,1-diyl)bis(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) was used as a cross-linker of VCL in solution by radical polymerization. The network formation was investigated by dynamic light scattering. It was shown, that monitoring of the light scattered intensity in all cases is quite sensitive to detect the gelation threshold even in the presence of very low amount of cross-linker. The power law of time correlation function at the gel point is a sufficient but not a necessary condition for critical gelation. The exponent calculated from power law depends on cross-linker concentration and can be attributed to the degree of branching. Critical exponents obtained at the gel point by DLS and rheology for hydrogel system based on VCL and hydroxyethyl methacrylate were compared. The theoretically predicted equality of exponents from these methods was found as not valid at least for this studied system.

The light scattering methods were used for characterization of properties and formation of networks of different dimension, based on N-vinylcaprolactam (VCL). Formation of PVCL microgels in presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizer was studied. Size of resulting microgels strongly depends on the temperature and heating rate: interparticle aggregation was observed during slow heating and intraparticle collapse during fast heating. Angular dependence of measured diffusion coefficient on the angle of observation was studied for the microgel in the swollen, shrunken and aggregated states. Thermo-sensitive microgels based on N-vinylcaprolactam and acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate were prepared under surfactant free conditions. The presence of internal part with low thermo-sensitivity and highly thermo-sensitive outer part of the particle (the core-shell structure of microgel) was deduced from static and dynamic light scattering experiments. Results obtained from combined SLS and DLS show the change of conformation from "swollen" soft sphere to compact shrunken "hard sphere". Thermo-sensitive microgel based on N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone was used for investigation of the internal modes in microgel dispersion in the wide range of qRg values. Two internal motions and translation diffusion were observed in the asymptotic range. Angular dependence of the normalized diffusion coefficient showed power law behavior in this range. The experimentally determined value of exponent n = 0.96 was in good agreement with the value predicted for ZIMM limit for polymer chains with hydrodynamic interaction. The reduced first cumulant Ã*(q) reached a constant value in the range of large qRg values. Appearance of plateau value indicates ZIMM limit of hydrodynamic interaction but experimental value was much lower than the theoretically predicted plateau value for linear chains in good solution. 3,3?-(ethane-1,1-diyl)bis(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) was used as a cross-linker of VCL in solution by radical polymerization. The network formation was investigated by dynamic light scattering. It was shown, that monitoring of the light scattered intensity in all cases is quite sensitive to detect the gelation threshold even in the presence of very low amount of cross-linker. The power law of time correlation function at the gel point is a sufficient but not a necessary condition for critical gelation. The exponent calculated from power law depends on cross-linker concentration and can be attributed to the degree of branching. Critical exponents obtained at the gel point by DLS and rheology for hydrogel system based on VCL and hydroxyethyl methacrylate were compared. The theoretically predicted equality of exponents from these methods was found as not valid at least for this studied system.

Les particules des polymères avec des propriétés magnétiques sont utilisées dans des applications thérapeutiques in vivo, comme des agents de libération contrôlée de principes actifs, pour des applications ex vivo, dans l'extraction de cellules cancéreuses dans le corps, et finalement pour le diagnostic in vitro. La nécessité de matériaux biocompatibles et intelligents, comme agent d'encapsulation de nanoparticules magnétiques, conduit à l'utilisation de polymères hydrophiles, biodégradables, biocompatibles et dans certains cas stimulables. Dans les applications thérapeutiques, cette technologie est basée sur le déplacement des particules en appliquant un champ magnétique et sur la concentration du médicament dans la zone d'intérêt. Cette étape est suivie par la libération du médicament, en utilisant les propriétés des polymères stimulables. Ainsi, cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude de la préparation de nanoparticules composées d'une matrice polymère sensible aux stimuli et des particules d'oxyde de fer (γ-Fe2O3 et Fe3O4). Tout d'abord, nous avons étudié l'obtention de nanogels à base de poly(NVCL-co-AA) en utilisant la polymérisation par précipitation. La poly (N-vinylcaprolactama) (PNVCL)et un polymère qui possède une température critique inférieure de solubilité (LCST), proche de la température physiologique (35-38°C). Ce polymère est connu pour avoir une bonne biocompatibilité plus haute, par rapport à des autres polymères sensibles à la température. En plus, le poly (acide acrylique) (PAA) est un polymère qui présente la sensibilité au pH. Dans cette étape, on a étudié l'influence de quelques paramètres de synthèse sur les diamètres des particules, la distribution de la taille des particules et la sensibilité à la température des nanogels. La sensibilité au pH a été également évaluée en fonction de la concentration d'AA ajouté dans les synthèses. Ensuite, nous avons effectué l'étude de l'incorporation de nanoparticules magnétiques stabilisées par le dextran dans les nanogels de PNVCL réticulé en utilisant la technique de polymérisation en mini-émulsion inverse. Les nanogels magnétiques thermosensibles ont été caractérisés en termes de taille (DP), distribution de la taille des particules (DTP) en utilisant la diffusion de la lumière. Le caractère thermosensible des nanogels magnétiques a également été étudié en mesurant le diamètre hydrodynamique en fonction de la température. Les propriétés magnétiques (aimantation spécifique et la magnétisation) ont été examinées en utilisant un magnétomètre à échantillon vibrant (VSM). L'analyse par infrarouge (GTIR) et par diffraction des rayons X ont montré qualitativement l'incorporation des nanoparticules magnétiques dans la matrice polymère. L'efficacité d'encapsulation de nanoparticules d'oxyde de fer a été étudiée par l'analyse thermo-gravimétrique (TGA) et par les mesures d'aimantation. Les caractéristiques morphologique des nanogels magnétiques et stimulables ont été examinées par la microscopie électronique en transmission (TEM).

Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam), PNVCL, is a nonionic, nontoxic, water soluble, thermally sensitive and biocompatible polymer. It contains hydrophilic carboxylic and amide groups with hydrophobic carbon-carbon backbone chain so its hydrolysis does not produce small amide compounds which are often not desired for biomedical applications. Moreover PNVCL possesses lower critical solution temperature, (LCST) in the range of physiological temperature (32-34 oC). These properties make the polymer suitable for use in some biotechnology applications such as implantation of artificial organs and tissues, purification of enzymes, proteins and living cells, and in drug release systems. In this study PNVCL was synthesized by free radical polymerization with solution technique. Polymerization was done at different temperatures for different time periods in an oil bath. The activation energy for polymerization was found from Arrhenius plot as 108.4 kJ/mol. Polymer was characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, DSC, TGA and XRD techniques. FT-IR and NMR measurements confirmed that the polymerization proceeded through the vinyl group.

In this study, N-vinylcaprolactam was polymerized by radiation in the solid state. The polymerization was carried out at room temperayure under vacuum and open to atmosphere respectively. The polymerization mechanism showed autoacceleration and the rate of polymerization was higher in the presence of oxygen. However the limiting conversion was 100% under vacuum conditions and 90% in the present of oxygen. This is due to the low molecular weight olgomer formation in the presence of oxygen. The polymers were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, DSC, TGA, Light Scattering, GPC, Viscosity, X_Ray and mass spectrometry methods. FT-IR and NMR results showed that polymerization proceded through the vinyl groups and caprolactam is a pendent group. DSC results show that the polymer produced could be polymerized further or crosslink by heat treatment. The Tg value for the polymerobtained from radiation induced polymerization was about 147 C. It increased to 174 C after thermal treatment. Solution properties were studied by Light Scattering, GPC and viscosity measurements. The solutionbehavioor of the polymer was highyl dependent on the molecular weight of the polymer. This effect was also the conformation of polymer in solution and the viscosity properties. Since the polymer obtained had low molecular weight a regular relation could not be obtained for the radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius and viscosity. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the monomer structure was retained up to about 86% conversion of monomer to polymer. The chain structure of the polymer was confirmed further by mass spectroscopic results.

Les particules des polymères avec des propriétés magnétiques sont utilisées dans des applications thérapeutiques in vivo, comme des agents de libération contrôlée de principes actifs, pour des applications ex vivo, dans l’extraction de cellules cancéreuses dans le corps, et finalement pour le diagnostic in vitro. La nécessité de matériaux biocompatibles et intelligents, comme agent d’encapsulation de nanoparticules magnétiques, conduit à l’utilisation de polymères hydrophiles, biodégradables, biocompatibles et dans certains cas stimulables. Dans les applications thérapeutiques, cette technologie est basée sur le déplacement des particules en appliquant un champ magnétique et sur la concentration du médicament dans la zone d’intérêt. Cette étape est suivie par la libération du médicament, en utilisant les propriétés des polymères stimulables. Ainsi, cette thèse est consacrée à l’étude de la préparation de nanoparticules composées d’une matrice polymère sensible aux stimuli et des particules d’oxyde de fer (γ-Fe2O3 et Fe3O4). Tout d’abord, nous avons étudié l’obtention de nanogels à base de poly(NVCL-co-AA) en utilisant la polymérisation par précipitation. La poly (N-vinylcaprolactama) (PNVCL)et un polymère qui possède une température critique inférieure de solubilité (LCST), proche de la température physiologique (35-38°C). Ce polymère est connu pour avoir une bonne biocompatibilité plus haute, par rapport à des autres polymères sensibles à la température. En plus, le poly (acide acrylique) (PAA) est un polymère qui présente la sensibilité au pH. Dans cette étape, on a étudié l’influence de quelques paramètres de synthèse sur les diamètres des particules, la distribution de la taille des particules et la sensibilité à la température des nanogels. La sensibilité au pH a été également évaluée en fonction de la concentration d’AA ajouté dans les synthèses. Ensuite, nous avons effectué l’étude de l’incorporation de nanoparticules magnétiques stabilisées par le dextran dans les nanogels de PNVCL réticulé en utilisant la technique de polymérisation en mini-émulsion inverse. Les nanogels magnétiques thermosensibles ont été caractérisés en termes de taille (DP), distribution de la taille des particules (DTP) en utilisant la diffusion de la lumière. Le caractère thermosensible des nanogels magnétiques a également été étudié en mesurant le diamètre hydrodynamique en fonction de la température. Les propriétés magnétiques (aimantation spécifique et la magnétisation) ont été examinées en utilisant un magnétomètre à échantillon vibrant (VSM). L’analyse par infrarouge (GTIR) et par diffraction des rayons X ont montré qualitativement l’incorporation des nanoparticules magnétiques dans la matrice polymère. L’efficacité d’encapsulation de nanoparticules d’oxyde de fer a été étudiée par l’analyse thermo-gravimétrique (TGA) et par les mesures d’aimantation. Les caractéristiques morphologique des nanogels magnétiques et stimulables ont été examinées par la microscopie électronique en transmission (TEM). / Polymeric particles with magnetic properties can be useful for in vivo therapeutic applications, as agents for controlled drug release, for ex vivo applications, as agents for the extraction of cancer cells, and finally, for the diagnosis in vitro. The search for biocompatible and smart materials as agents for the encapsulation of magnetic particles, leads to the use of stmuli-responsive polymers. In therapeutic applications, this technology is based on the localization and the concentration of the particles containing the drug in the area of interest by applying a magnetic field. This step is followed by the release of the drug, using the sensitive properties of the polymers. In this context, this thesis is devoted to the preparation of nanoparticles constituted by a stimuli-responsive polymer matrix and particles of iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). First of all, we performed the synthesis of poly(NVCL-co-AA)-based nanogels using the precipitation polymerization method. Poly(N-vinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) is a thermo-responsive polymer which presents the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near the physiological temperature (35-38 °C) and it is well known by its greater biocompatibility, in comparison with other themallysensitive polymers. On the other hand, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is known by its sensibility to changes in the enviromental pH. In this stage, the influence of some synthesis parameters on the particles diameter, polydispersity and themally-sensitive behavior of the nanogels was evaluated. The pH-sensibility behavior was also studied as a function of the AA concentration in the synthesis. As a second step, the study of the incorporation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles in the PNVCL-based nanogels using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization was preformed. The thermo-responsive magnetic nanogels were characterized in terms of particles diameter (PD) and particles size distribution (PSD) using light scattering. The temperature sensitivity of the magnetic nanogels was also studied by light scattering, with measurements of particles diameter as a function of temperature. The magnetization measurements were obtained on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Analysis of infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction revealed qualitatively the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The incorporation efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The morphological characteristics of the magnetic nanogels were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). / Partículas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas podem ser utilizadas tanto em aplicações terapêuticas in vivo, como agentes de liberação controlada de princípios ativos, ex vivo, na extração de células cancerígenas do organismo, ou ainda in vitro, em diagnósticos. A necessidade de materiais inteligentes e biocompatíveis, como agentes de encapsulação destas partículas magnéticas, leva ao uso de polímeros sensíveis a estímulos. Em aplicações terapêuticas, esta tecnologia é baseada na localização das partículas através da aplicação de um campo magnético e na concentração da droga na área de interesse. Esta etapa é seguida pela liberação da droga, utilizando-se as propriedades sensíveis dos polímeros. Dessa forma, este trabalho de tese se dedica ao estudo da obtenção de nanopartículas constituídas de uma matriz polimérica sensível a estímulos e de partículas de óxido de ferro (γ-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). Inicialmente, nanogéis à base de poli(NVCL-co-AA) foram obtidos através do método de polimerização por precipitação. A Poli(Nvinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) é um polímero termo-sensível, que possui temperatura crítica inferior de solubilização (LCST) próxima à temperatura fisiológica (35-38 ºC) e é conhecida, ainda, por possuir maior biocompatibilidade, em comparação a outros polímeros do gênero. O poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA), por sua vez, é um polímero que apresenta sensibilidade ao pH. Nesta etapa estudou-se a influência de alguns parâmetros de síntese nos diâmetros de partículas, na polidispersidade e na sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis. A sensibilidade ao pH também foi estudada em função da concentração de ácido acrílico adicionado nas sínteses. Em seguida, realizou-se o estudo da encapsulação de nanopartículas magnéticas complexadas com dextrana em nanogéis de PNVCL, utilizando-se a técnica de polimerização em miniemulsão inversa. Os nanogéis magnéticos sensíveis à temperatura foram caracterizados quanto ao diâmetro de partículas (DP) e distribuição do diâmetro de partículas (DDP), pela técnica de espalhamento de luz. A sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis magnéticos também foi estudada por espalhamento de luz, através de medidas de diâmetro de partículas em diferentes temperaturas. As medidas de magnetização foram obtidas em um magnetômetro de amostra vibrante (MAV). Análises de infravermelho (FTIR) e de difratometria de raios X revelaram qualitativamente a encapsulação das nanopartículas magnéticas. A eficiência de incorporação das nanopartículas de óxido de ferro foi estudada através de análi ses termogravimétricas (TGA) e medidas de magnetização. As características morfológicas dos nanogéis magnéticos foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM).

Partículas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas podem ser utilizadas tanto em aplicações terapêuticas in vivo, como agentes de liberação controlada de princípios ativos, ex vivo, na extração de células cancerígenas do organismo, ou ainda in vitro, em diagnósticos. A necessidade de materiais inteligentes e biocompatíveis, como agentes de encapsulação destas partículas magnéticas, leva ao uso de polímeros sensíveis a estímulos. Em aplicações terapêuticas, esta tecnologia é baseada na localização das partículas através da aplicação de um campo magnético e na concentração da droga na área de interesse. Esta etapa é seguida pela liberação da droga, utilizando-se as propriedades sensíveis dos polímeros. Dessa forma, este trabalho de tese se dedica ao estudo da obtenção de nanopartículas constituídas de uma matriz polimérica sensível a estímulos e de partículas de óxido de ferro (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). Inicialmente, nanogéis à base de poli(NVCL-co-AA) foram obtidos através do método de polimerização por precipitação. A Poli(Nvinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) é um polímero termo-sensível, que possui temperatura crítica inferior de solubilização (LCST) próxima à temperatura fisiológica (35-38 ºC) e é conhecida, ainda, por possuir maior biocompatibilidade, em comparação a outros polímeros do gênero. O poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA), por sua vez, é um polímero que apresenta sensibilidade ao pH. Nesta etapa estudou-se a influência de alguns parâmetros de síntese nos diâmetros de partículas, na polidispersidade e na sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis. A sensibilidade ao pH também foi estudada em função da concentração de ácido acrílico adicionado nas sínteses. Em seguida, realizou-se o estudo da encapsulação de nanopartículas magnéticas complexadas com dextrana em nanogéis de PNVCL, utilizando-se a técnica de polimerização em miniemulsão inversa. Os nanogéis magnéticos sensíveis à temperatura foram caracterizados quanto ao diâmetro de partículas (DP) e distribuição do diâmetro de partículas (DDP), pela técnica de espalhamento de luz. A sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis magnéticos também foi estudada por espalhamento de luz, através de medidas de diâmetro de partículas em diferentes temperaturas. As medidas de magnetização foram obtidas em um magnetômetro de amostra vibrante (MAV). Análises de infra vermelho (FTIR) e de difratometria de raios X revelaram qualitativamente a encapsulação das nanopartículas magnéticas. A eficiência de incorporação das nanopartículas de óxido de ferro foi estudada através de análises termogravimétricas (TGA) e medidas de magnetização. As características morfológicas dos nanogéis magnéticos foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). / Polymeric particles with magnetic properties can be useful for in vivo therapeutic applications, as agents for controlled drug release, for ex vivo applications, as agents for the extraction of cancer cells, and finally, for the diagnosis in vitro. The search for biocompatible and smart materials as agents for the encapsulation of magnetic particles, leads to the use of stmuli-responsive polymers. In therapeutic applications, this technology is based on the localization and the concentration of the particles containing the drug in the area of interest by applying a magnetic field. This step is followed by the release of the drug, using the sensitive properties of the polymers. In this context, this thesis is devoted to the preparation of nanoparticles constituted by a stimuli-responsive polymer matrix and particles of iron oxide (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). First of all, we performed the synthesis of poly(NVCL-co-AA)-based nanogels using the precipitation polymerization method. Poly(N-vinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) is a thermo-responsive polymer which presents the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near the physiological temperature (35-38 °C) and it is well known by its greater biocompatibility, in comparison with other themallysensitive polymers. On the other hand, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is known by its sensibility to changes in the enviromental pH. In this stage, the influence of some synthesis parameters on the particles diameter, polydispersity and themally-sensitive behavior of the nanogels was evaluated. The pH-sensibility behavior was also studied as a function of the AA concentration in the synthesis. As a second step, the study of the incorporation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles in the PNVCL-based nanogels using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization was preformed. The thermo-responsive magnetic nanogels were characterized in terms of particles diameter (PD) and particles size distribution (PSD) using light scattering. The temperature sensitivity of the magnetic nanogels was also studied by light scattering, with measurements of particles diameter as a function of temperature. The magnetization measurements were obtained on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Analysis of infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction revealed qualitatively the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The incorporation efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The morphological characteristics of the magnetic nanogels were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Partículas poliméricas com propriedades magnéticas podem ser utilizadas tanto em aplicações terapêuticas in vivo, como agentes de liberação controlada de princípios ativos, ex vivo, na extração de células cancerígenas do organismo, ou ainda in vitro, em diagnósticos. A necessidade de materiais inteligentes e biocompatíveis, como agentes de encapsulação destas partículas magnéticas, leva ao uso de polímeros sensíveis a estímulos. Em aplicações terapêuticas, esta tecnologia é baseada na localização das partículas através da aplicação de um campo magnético e na concentração da droga na área de interesse. Esta etapa é seguida pela liberação da droga, utilizando-se as propriedades sensíveis dos polímeros. Dessa forma, este trabalho de tese se dedica ao estudo da obtenção de nanopartículas constituídas de uma matriz polimérica sensível a estímulos e de partículas de óxido de ferro (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). Inicialmente, nanogéis à base de poli(NVCL-co-AA) foram obtidos através do método de polimerização por precipitação. A Poli(Nvinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) é um polímero termo-sensível, que possui temperatura crítica inferior de solubilização (LCST) próxima à temperatura fisiológica (35-38 ºC) e é conhecida, ainda, por possuir maior biocompatibilidade, em comparação a outros polímeros do gênero. O poli(ácido acrílico) (PAA), por sua vez, é um polímero que apresenta sensibilidade ao pH. Nesta etapa estudou-se a influência de alguns parâmetros de síntese nos diâmetros de partículas, na polidispersidade e na sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis. A sensibilidade ao pH também foi estudada em função da concentração de ácido acrílico adicionado nas sínteses. Em seguida, realizou-se o estudo da encapsulação de nanopartículas magnéticas complexadas com dextrana em nanogéis de PNVCL, utilizando-se a técnica de polimerização em miniemulsão inversa. Os nanogéis magnéticos sensíveis à temperatura foram caracterizados quanto ao diâmetro de partículas (DP) e distribuição do diâmetro de partículas (DDP), pela técnica de espalhamento de luz. A sensibilidade à temperatura dos nanogéis magnéticos também foi estudada por espalhamento de luz, através de medidas de diâmetro de partículas em diferentes temperaturas. As medidas de magnetização foram obtidas em um magnetômetro de amostra vibrante (MAV). Análises de infra vermelho (FTIR) e de difratometria de raios X revelaram qualitativamente a encapsulação das nanopartículas magnéticas. A eficiência de incorporação das nanopartículas de óxido de ferro foi estudada através de análises termogravimétricas (TGA) e medidas de magnetização. As características morfológicas dos nanogéis magnéticos foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM). / Polymeric particles with magnetic properties can be useful for in vivo therapeutic applications, as agents for controlled drug release, for ex vivo applications, as agents for the extraction of cancer cells, and finally, for the diagnosis in vitro. The search for biocompatible and smart materials as agents for the encapsulation of magnetic particles, leads to the use of stmuli-responsive polymers. In therapeutic applications, this technology is based on the localization and the concentration of the particles containing the drug in the area of interest by applying a magnetic field. This step is followed by the release of the drug, using the sensitive properties of the polymers. In this context, this thesis is devoted to the preparation of nanoparticles constituted by a stimuli-responsive polymer matrix and particles of iron oxide (?-Fe2O3 e Fe3O4). First of all, we performed the synthesis of poly(NVCL-co-AA)-based nanogels using the precipitation polymerization method. Poly(N-vinilcaprolactama) (PNVCL) is a thermo-responsive polymer which presents the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) near the physiological temperature (35-38 °C) and it is well known by its greater biocompatibility, in comparison with other themallysensitive polymers. On the other hand, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is known by its sensibility to changes in the enviromental pH. In this stage, the influence of some synthesis parameters on the particles diameter, polydispersity and themally-sensitive behavior of the nanogels was evaluated. The pH-sensibility behavior was also studied as a function of the AA concentration in the synthesis. As a second step, the study of the incorporation of dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles in the PNVCL-based nanogels using the inverse miniemulsion polymerization was preformed. The thermo-responsive magnetic nanogels were characterized in terms of particles diameter (PD) and particles size distribution (PSD) using light scattering. The temperature sensitivity of the magnetic nanogels was also studied by light scattering, with measurements of particles diameter as a function of temperature. The magnetization measurements were obtained on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Analysis of infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction revealed qualitatively the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The incorporation efficiency of iron oxide nanoparticles was studied by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The morphological characteristics of the magnetic nanogels were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidas micropartículas híbridas em pó constituídas de uma matriz biodegradável de quitosana incorporada de partículas de nanogéis biocompatíveis sensíveis à temperatura e/ou ao pH para controlar a liberação de cetoprofeno e aumentar sua solubilidade. Cetoprofeno foi encapsulado em nanopartículas de poli(Nvinilcaprolactama- co-ácido itacônico-co-dimetacrilato de etilenoglicol) (poli(NVCL-co- AI-co-EGDMA)-cetoprofeno), sintetizadas via polimerização por precipitação, as quais foram incorporadas em matriz de quitosana (95% desacetilada e Mv) com os objetivos de melhorar a adesão das micropartículas híbridas no local de liberação e de auxiliar no controle de liberação do fármaco. As micropartículas híbridas de quitosana/poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-cetoprofeno foram preparadas por interação eletrostática entre os polímeros dispersos em meio aquoso, seguida de secagem por pulverização (spray drying) a fim de melhorar a estabilidadedas micropartículas. Inicialmente foi realizado um estudo sobre a influência das concentrações de monômeros e de iniciador no diâmetro hidrodinâmico (Dh) e na sensibilidade à temperatura e ao pH das partículas de nanogéis. Duas formulações de nanogéis contendo partículas com diferentes valores de Dh (R51 = 185,9 nm e R50 = 120,6 nm) foram utilizadas para a encapsulação de cetoprofeno. As morfologias das partículas de nanogel e das micropartículas híbridas foram avaliadas por microscopias eletrônicas de transmissão e de varredura, respectivamente. Calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC), difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) foram utilizadas para analisar as propriedades térmicas, confirmar a encapsulação de cetoprofeno e avaliar qualitativamente a composição dos materiais e interações entre as matrizes poliméricas, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o cetoprofeno foi amorfizado e encapsulado pela matriz de poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA), com uma eficiência de encapsulação de 39,6% e 57,8% para as partículas R50 e R51, respectivamente. As matrizes poliméricas de quitosana e de poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) interagiram durante a sua mistura física e durante o processo de secagem, e a cristalinidade da quitosana diminuiu com a incorporação de partículas de nanogel em sua matriz. Os testes de liberação de cetoprofeno in vitro mostraram que as partículas de nanogéis conseguiram controlar a liberação de cetoprofeno e que liberaram 100% do fármaco encapsulado durante 52h de teste, na condição de pH 7,4 e a 37°C. Os testes também evidenciaram que o tamanho das partículas de nanogel foi o parâmetro que mais interferiu na difusão do cetoprofeno pelas partículas, e que a liberação de cetoprofeno foi mais acelerada para as partículas menores (reação R50). Nas mesmas condições de teste, a incorporação das partículas de nanogel na matriz de quitosana causou um retardo na liberação do cetoprofeno, devido à insolubilidade da quitosana no pH 7,4. E os resultados mostraram que para as micropartículas híbridas com maior concentração de partículas de nanogel com relação à massa de quitosana, a liberação de cetoprofeno foi menos acentuada. Isso ocorreu devido ao maior número de interações entre as matrizes poliméricas, o que limitou o contato das partículas de nanogel com o meio de liberação e diminuiu o grau de liberdade de suas cadeias poliméricas. / In this work, powdered hybrid microparticles composed by a chitosan biodegradable matrix embedded with biocompatible and thermo- and pH-responsive particles-based nanogels were developed and used to control the ketoprofen release and to increase its solubility. Ketoprofen was loaded in poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-itaconic acid-coethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-based nanogels (poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)- ketoprofen) synthetized by precipitation polymerization, which were embedded in chitosan matrix (95% deacetilation and Mv) aiming to improve the mucoadhesive properties of hybrid microparticles on the targeted tissue and to support in the control of drug release. Hybrid microparticles of chitosan/poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)- ketoprofen were prepared by electrostatic interactions between polymers dispersed in aqueous media and spray-dried in order to improve the microparticles stability. First, it was carried out a study about the influence of monomers and initiator concentrations in the size (hydrodynamic diameter) and thermo- and pH-responsiveness properties of particles-based nanogels. Two formulations of nanogels with different particle sizes (R51 = 185.9 nm e R50 = 120.6 nm) were used to encapsulate ketoprofen. The morphology of particles-based nanogels and hybrid microparticles was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopies, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study thermal properties, to confirm encapsulation of ketoprofen and qualitatively evaluate the composition of materials and interactions between polymeric matrices, respectively. The results showed that ketoprofen was converted from the crystalline to the amorphous state and was encapsulated by poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) matrix, with an encapsulation efficiency of 39.6% and 57.8%, for particles R50 and R51, respectively. Polymeric matrices of chitosan and poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) interacted during their mixture and drying process, and chitosan crystallinity decreased as a result of the incorporation of particles-based nanogels in their matrix. In vitro release tests of ketoprofen showed that poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-based nanogels controlled the delivery of ketoprofen and 100% of ketoprofen-loaded has been released after 52h of the tests, carried out in pH 7.4 at 37°C. These tests also showed that the particles-based nanogels size was the parameter that most interfered in the ketoprofen diffusion by particles and that the ketoprofen release from smaller particles (R50 reaction) was faster. Under the same conditions, the incorporation of poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-based nanogels in chitosan matrix slowed the ketoprofen release, due to insolubility of chitosan in the media at pH 7.4. The results showed that hybrid microparticles with a higher concentration of particles-based nanogels, with respect to the mass of chitosan, the release of ketoprofen was less pronounced. It was due to the greater number of interactions between the polymer matrices, which limited the contact of particles-based nanogels with the media of release and reduced the degree of freedom of the polymeric chains.

Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidas micropartículas híbridas em pó constituídas de uma matriz biodegradável de quitosana incorporada de partículas de nanogéis biocompatíveis sensíveis à temperatura e/ou ao pH para controlar a liberação de cetoprofeno e aumentar sua solubilidade. Cetoprofeno foi encapsulado em nanopartículas de poli(Nvinilcaprolactama- co-ácido itacônico-co-dimetacrilato de etilenoglicol) (poli(NVCL-co- AI-co-EGDMA)-cetoprofeno), sintetizadas via polimerização por precipitação, as quais foram incorporadas em matriz de quitosana (95% desacetilada e Mv) com os objetivos de melhorar a adesão das micropartículas híbridas no local de liberação e de auxiliar no controle de liberação do fármaco. As micropartículas híbridas de quitosana/poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-cetoprofeno foram preparadas por interação eletrostática entre os polímeros dispersos em meio aquoso, seguida de secagem por pulverização (spray drying) a fim de melhorar a estabilidadedas micropartículas. Inicialmente foi realizado um estudo sobre a influência das concentrações de monômeros e de iniciador no diâmetro hidrodinâmico (Dh) e na sensibilidade à temperatura e ao pH das partículas de nanogéis. Duas formulações de nanogéis contendo partículas com diferentes valores de Dh (R51 = 185,9 nm e R50 = 120,6 nm) foram utilizadas para a encapsulação de cetoprofeno. As morfologias das partículas de nanogel e das micropartículas híbridas foram avaliadas por microscopias eletrônicas de transmissão e de varredura, respectivamente. Calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC), difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) foram utilizadas para analisar as propriedades térmicas, confirmar a encapsulação de cetoprofeno e avaliar qualitativamente a composição dos materiais e interações entre as matrizes poliméricas, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o cetoprofeno foi amorfizado e encapsulado pela matriz de poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA), com uma eficiência de encapsulação de 39,6% e 57,8% para as partículas R50 e R51, respectivamente. As matrizes poliméricas de quitosana e de poli(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) interagiram durante a sua mistura física e durante o processo de secagem, e a cristalinidade da quitosana diminuiu com a incorporação de partículas de nanogel em sua matriz. Os testes de liberação de cetoprofeno in vitro mostraram que as partículas de nanogéis conseguiram controlar a liberação de cetoprofeno e que liberaram 100% do fármaco encapsulado durante 52h de teste, na condição de pH 7,4 e a 37°C. Os testes também evidenciaram que o tamanho das partículas de nanogel foi o parâmetro que mais interferiu na difusão do cetoprofeno pelas partículas, e que a liberação de cetoprofeno foi mais acelerada para as partículas menores (reação R50). Nas mesmas condições de teste, a incorporação das partículas de nanogel na matriz de quitosana causou um retardo na liberação do cetoprofeno, devido à insolubilidade da quitosana no pH 7,4. E os resultados mostraram que para as micropartículas híbridas com maior concentração de partículas de nanogel com relação à massa de quitosana, a liberação de cetoprofeno foi menos acentuada. Isso ocorreu devido ao maior número de interações entre as matrizes poliméricas, o que limitou o contato das partículas de nanogel com o meio de liberação e diminuiu o grau de liberdade de suas cadeias poliméricas. / In this work, powdered hybrid microparticles composed by a chitosan biodegradable matrix embedded with biocompatible and thermo- and pH-responsive particles-based nanogels were developed and used to control the ketoprofen release and to increase its solubility. Ketoprofen was loaded in poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-itaconic acid-coethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-based nanogels (poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)- ketoprofen) synthetized by precipitation polymerization, which were embedded in chitosan matrix (95% deacetilation and Mv) aiming to improve the mucoadhesive properties of hybrid microparticles on the targeted tissue and to support in the control of drug release. Hybrid microparticles of chitosan/poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)- ketoprofen were prepared by electrostatic interactions between polymers dispersed in aqueous media and spray-dried in order to improve the microparticles stability. First, it was carried out a study about the influence of monomers and initiator concentrations in the size (hydrodynamic diameter) and thermo- and pH-responsiveness properties of particles-based nanogels. Two formulations of nanogels with different particle sizes (R51 = 185.9 nm e R50 = 120.6 nm) were used to encapsulate ketoprofen. The morphology of particles-based nanogels and hybrid microparticles was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopies, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study thermal properties, to confirm encapsulation of ketoprofen and qualitatively evaluate the composition of materials and interactions between polymeric matrices, respectively. The results showed that ketoprofen was converted from the crystalline to the amorphous state and was encapsulated by poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) matrix, with an encapsulation efficiency of 39.6% and 57.8%, for particles R50 and R51, respectively. Polymeric matrices of chitosan and poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA) interacted during their mixture and drying process, and chitosan crystallinity decreased as a result of the incorporation of particles-based nanogels in their matrix. In vitro release tests of ketoprofen showed that poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-based nanogels controlled the delivery of ketoprofen and 100% of ketoprofen-loaded has been released after 52h of the tests, carried out in pH 7.4 at 37°C. These tests also showed that the particles-based nanogels size was the parameter that most interfered in the ketoprofen diffusion by particles and that the ketoprofen release from smaller particles (R50 reaction) was faster. Under the same conditions, the incorporation of poly(NVCL-co-AI-co-EGDMA)-based nanogels in chitosan matrix slowed the ketoprofen release, due to insolubility of chitosan in the media at pH 7.4. The results showed that hybrid microparticles with a higher concentration of particles-based nanogels, with respect to the mass of chitosan, the release of ketoprofen was less pronounced. It was due to the greater number of interactions between the polymer matrices, which limited the contact of particles-based nanogels with the media of release and reduced the degree of freedom of the polymeric chains.