A viabilidade da produção em escala industrial de produtos biotecnológicos de interesse comercial e terapêutico, como os fármacos, depende significativamente das técnicas de separação e purificação utilizadas. A aplicação do sistema de duas fases aquosas (SDFA) é proposta como alternativa para a purificação, pois permite a separação e análise de biomoléculas, de modo que estas não percam sua atividade ou propriedades desejadas. Esta técnica é interessante para a purificação em larga escala, pois permite partição seletiva, com potencial de obtenção de altos rendimentos, além de apresentar boa relação custo-benefício. O presente trabalho estudou a purificação por extração líquido-líquido do ácido clavulânico em SDFA utilizando um novo sistema polimérico aquoso, formado pelos polímeros polietileno glicol (PEG) e ácido poliacrílico (APA). Foram estudadas diferentes composições do sistema polimérico aquoso PEG/APA, empregando diferentes massas molares e concentrações para o PEG e utilizando a massa molar 8000g/mol para o APA. Com base nas informações obtidas o melhor ponto de extração para o ácido clavulânico na presença de Na2SO4 foi definido como MPEG=400 g/mol, CPEG=17,5% (m/m) e CNaPA=22,5% (m/m) com K= 19,14, ηT=91,21%, BM=101,69 e R=0,45. Enquanto que na presença de NaCl, o melhor ponto encontrado foi: MPEG=400 g/mol, CPEG=35% (m/m) e CNaPA=10% (m/m) com K=11,96 ηT=80,04%, BM=90,18 e R=0,66. No trabalho será avaliada, também, a influência da temperatura, pH e força iônica nesse sistema. Estabeleceram-se os melhores parâmetros de separação do ácido clavulânico presente em meio fermentado produzido por Streptomyces clavuligerus utilizando a metodologia de fermentação extrativa com SDFA PEG/APA. O efeito do ácido clavulânico no diagrama de fases do sistema PEG-APA, bem como sua partição na forma pura e na presença de homogeneizado celular, foi estudado principalmente através da determinação do coeficiente de partição e recuperação do respectivo fármaco. / The viability of industrial scale production of commercial and therapeutical biotechnological products, such as drugs, is significantly dependent on the separation and purification techniques applied. The use of two-aqueous phase systems (ATPS) is proposed as an alternative to purification because it allows the separation and analysis of biomolecules, so that they do not lose their activities or desired properties. This technique is interesting for large scale purification because it allows selective partition with high potential yield and good cost/benefit ratio. The present work studied the purification of clavulanic acid (CA) by liquid-liquid extraction in ATPS applying a new aqueous polymeric system composed of two polymers, namely polyethylene-glicol (PEG) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPA). Different compositions of the aqueous polymeric system (PEG/PAA) were utilized, employing different PEG molar masses (MPEG) and concentrations (CPEG) and a molar mass of PAA of 8000 g/mol. In the light of the results obtained, the best conditions for clavulanic acid extraction, in the presence of Na2SO4, were MPEG = 400 g/mol, CPEG = 17.5% (m/m) and CNaPA = 22.5% (m/m), which allowed obtaining a partition coefficient (K) of 19.14, a yield in the top phase (ηT) of 91.21%, a mass balance (MB) of 101.69 and a volume ratio (R) of 0.45. On the other hand, in the presence of NaCl, the best results (K = 11.96, ηT = 80.04%, MB = 90.18 and R = 0.66) were found at: MPEG = 400 g/mol, CPEG = 35% m/m and CNaPA = 10% m/m. The effect of clavulanic acid in the PEG-PAA system phase diagram and its partition either in its pure form or in the cell homogenate were studied mainly through both the determination of the partition coefficient and the recovery of the drug selected for this study.

Submitted by Lara Oliveira (lara@ufersa.edu.br) on 2017-05-22T22:14:02Z No. of bitstreams: 1 EduardoCS_DISSERT.pdf: 1560091 bytes, checksum: a48bbdf39ff68f33e6ebc96ebc446fdc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-22T22:14:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 EduardoCS_DISSERT.pdf: 1560091 bytes, checksum: a48bbdf39ff68f33e6ebc96ebc446fdc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-09 / Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., known by sabiá in the brazilian Northeast, is a forest species native to the Caatinga and belonging to the Fabaceae family. It has recently been included in the list of vulnerable species due to their use as wood, firewood and charcoal. Seeds of species that develop in soils of arid and semi-arid regions, such as sabiá, commonly find unsuitable conditions for germination, such as soils affected by water deficiency and abundance of saline soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water and saline stress on the germination and seed vigor of three lots of M. caesalpiniifolia from matrices located in the municipalities of Luziania - GO (Lot 1), Vazante - MG (Lot 2) and Mountains - RN (Lot 3). In the simulation of the water restriction, two osmotic agents, mannitol and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), adjusted for the osmotic potentials of 0; -0.2; -0.4; -0.6 and -0.8 MPa. To simulate salt stress, NaCl solutions were used in the electrical conductivities of 0,0; 5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0; 25.0; 30.0 dS m-1. Were analyzed: germination, germination velocity index, shoot and root length and dry mass of shoot and root of seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates of 25 seeds for each treatment. The results demonstrated that mannitol-induced water stress did not influence seed germination and root length of sage seedlings, reduced IVG and seedlings dry length and dry mass, and increased dry mass of seedlings. The water restriction simulated with PEG, in turn, was more critical, reducing percentage and speed of germination, aerial and root length, as well as dry mass of shoot and root of seedlings. The three batches responded similarly to water stress, but Lot 3, with seeds from Montanhas – RN, was less vigorous than the others. The salinity reduced the germination and vigor of M. caesalpiniifolia seeds, reducing the parameters evaluated in the higher electrical conductivities (25.0 and 30.0 dS m-1), and affecting in a more expressive way, IVG and length of seedlings. Lot 2 was more tolerant of salt stress / Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth., conhecida por sabiá no Nordeste brasileiro, é uma espécie florestal nativa da Caatinga e pertencente à família Fabaceae. Recentemente foi incluída na lista de espécies vulneráveis em função de sua utilização como madeira, lenha e carvão vegetal. Sementes de espécies que se desenvolvem em solos de regiões áridas e semiáridas, a exemplo de M. caesalpiniifolia, comumente encontram condições inadequadas para a germinação, como solos afetados pela deficiência hídrica e abundância de solos salinos. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos estresses hídrico e salino na germinação e vigor de sementes de três lotes de M. caesalpiniifolia provenientes de matrizes localizadas nos municípios de Luziania – GO (Lote 1), Vazante – MG (Lote 2) e Montanhas – RN (Lote 3). Na simulação da restrição hídrica foram utilizados dois agentes osmóticos, manitol e polietilenoglicol 6000 (PEG 6000), ajustados para os potenciais osmóticos de 0; -0,2; -0,4; -0,6 e -0,8 MPa. Para simular o estresse salino, foram utilizadas soluções de NaCl, nas condutividades elétricas de 0,0; 5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0; 25,0; 30,0 dS m-1. Foram avaliados: germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz e massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz das plântulas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 25 sementes para cada tratamento. Os resultados demonstraram que o estresse hídrico induzido por manitol não influenciou a germinação e o comprimento da raiz das plântulas de sabiá, reduziu o IVG e o comprimento e massa seca da parte aérea das plântulas, e aumentou a massa seca da raiz das plântulas. A restrição hídrica simulada com PEG, por sua vez, se mostrou mais crítica, reduzindo a porcentagem e a velocidade de germinação, o comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, além da massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz das plântulas. Os três lotes responderam de maneira semelhante ao estresse hídrico, porém o Lote 3, com sementes provenientes de Montanhas – RN, foi menos vigoroso que os demais. A salinidade reduziu a germinação e o vigor das sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia, diminuindo os parâmetros avaliados nas condutividades elétricas mais elevadas (25,0 e 30,0 dS m-1), e afetando de maneira mais expressiva, o IVG e o comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas. O Lote 2 se mostrou mais tolerante ao estresse salino / 2017-05-22

Sväljsvårigheter uppstår hos individer med avancerad form av demens som en del av sjukdomsprocessen. Det ställer krav på hälso- och sjukvården att bemöta dessa symtom när individen själv saknar den kognitiva förmågan att fullt hävda sin autonomi avseende nutritionsbehandling. Frågan om sondnäring via sond eller PEG är en adekvat behandling för dessa patienter aktualiseras. Även om det rent utav är ett övergrepp och omvårdnaden istället bör ta en palliativ riktning. Sjuksköterskan betraktar ofta sin kunskap inom området som egna personliga preferenser och inte något som kan hänvisas till i ett kliniskt vårdsammanhang. Syftet med denna studie var att utforska sjuksköterskans etiska medvetenhet kring administrering av sondnäring till individer med avancerad form av demens. Studien genomfördes utifrån en kvalitativ design med en empiriskt utformad intervju, en litteraturöversikt samt en etisk analys utifrån sjuksköterskans möjliga handlingsalternativ i beslutandeprocessen. Slutsatser av denna studie består till en del av att sjuksköterskan bör agera som advokat för individens upplevda bästa och önskemål, ej stödja läkares beslut om administrering av sondnäring till dessa patienter samt bidra till en värdig död inom den palliativa domänen för individen med minsta möjliga lidande som resultat. / Swallowing difficulties occur as a part of the disease process in individuals with advanced dementia. Demands is set on the healthcare-staff to meet with these symptoms when the individual due to loss in cognitive function, lack a complete ability to claim autonomy regarding nutritional treatment. The issue arises regarding enteral feeding by PEG or NG-tube as a viable treatment option for these patients. Even if it is an encroachment and that the care instead should be performed from a palliative point of view. Registered nurses view their knowledge within the area as personal preferences that they cannot refer to in a clinical setting. The aim of this study was to explore the nurse´s ethical awareness regarding enteral nutrition to individuals with advanced dementia. The study was conducted from a qualitative approach with an empirical interview, a literature review and an ethical analysis concerning the nurse’s possible actions’ in the decision making-process. Conclusions of this study consists to a part of that the nurse should act as the patient’s advocate regarding from what’s perceived to be the best for the patient and the patient’s wishes. Also, not supporting the doctor’s decision of tube feeding to these patients’ and to contribute to a dignified death within the palliative domain, with least possible suffering as a result.

Le mélanome métastatique reste à l’heure actuelle une pathologie dramatique avec une survie moyenne de 13 mois après diagnostic, démontrant l’échec des chimiothérapies. Ces travaux de thèse ont pour but de développer une stratégie alternative utilisant les siRNA (petits ARN interférents) encapsulés au sein de nanocapsules lipidiques (LNC) pour une injection intraveineuse. Les premiers travaux ont porté sur le développement et l’amélioration du procédé de formulation des LNC chargées en siRNA. Les résultats ont permis une encapsulation à hauteur de 35%, une stabilité prolongée supérieure à 3 mois et une efficacité d’extinction du gène cible dans les cellules de mélanome. La deuxième partie de la thèse s’est orientée sur les stratégies de ciblage du mélanome après administration systémique. Différentes modifications de surface des LNC à l’aide de polyéthylène glycol (PEG) et d’Affitins (peptide d’affinité) ont été mises au point. La biodistribution sur des animaux « sains » ou des animaux greffés en sous-cutanés (mélanome humain) a révélé des comportements distincts en fonction des recouvrements utilisés. Les formes pegylées ont montré une accumulation préférentielle au site tumoral en comparaison avec les formes non modifiées ou modifiées avec les Affitins. Dans une troisième partie, des études d’efficacité anti-tumorale ont été réalisées avec un siRNA ciblant la protéine Bcl-2 ou la sous unité alpha 1 de la pompe Na/K ATPase. Une réduction du volume tumoral de 25% est observée avec les LNC siRNA Bcl-2. Par ailleurs, l’association de nouvelles chimiothérapies, les ferrocifènes, et des siRNA Bcl-2, montrent grâce à leur co-encapsulation au sein des LNC, des effets prometteurs. Ces travaux démontrent ainsi la capacité des LNC à délivrer des siRNA par voie intraveineuse dans de nouvelles stratégies de ciblage du mélanome. / Metastatic melanoma represents the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a median survival around 13 months. The low efficacy of actual chemotherapy is explained by important resistance phenomenon. The objective of this work consists in developing a new alternative strategy based on siRNA (small interfering RNA) encapsulated into lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) for intravenous injection. Firstly, the experiments were focused on development and optimization of formulation process for the encapsulation of siRNA into LNCs. The result demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency evaluated at 35% by spectrophotometer analysis, an important stability at 4°C (for at less 3 month) and an efficient gene inhibition in melanoma cells. The second part of this work studied the melanoma targeting potential of surface modified LNCs after systemic injection. In this way, pegylation with different polymers and Affitin grafting (affinity peptide) was performed on siRNA LNCs. The biodistribution on healthy animals and subcutaneous melanoma tumor bearing mice revealed the distinct behavior of various modified LNCs. All pegylated LNCs showed a preferential accumulation in tumor site in comparison with non-modified or Affitins LNCs. In a third part, the anti-cancer efficacy was tested with siRNA targeting Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic member, or Alpha 1 subunit of Na/K ATPase. A reduction of tumoral volume evaluated at 25% was observed for Bcl-2 siRNA LNC. Moreover, the association with new promising anticancerous drug, ferrocifens, and Bcl-2 siRNA co-encapsulated into LNCs evidenced promising effects. This work demonstrated the capacity of LNC to deliver siRNA into melanoma cells and tumor after systemic administration thank to new targeting strategies in melanoma

O Monometoxi-polietilenoglicol succinimidil ácido propiônico (mPEG-SPA 5 e 20 kDa) foi analisado como adjuvante e inibidor da atividade neurotóxica da toxina tetânica (TxT) adsorvida ou não em Al(OH)3, à qual o polímero foi conjugado. Avaliou-se a toxicidade das amostras por DL50, demonstrando que a atividade neurotóxica da TxT foi inibida. A via subcutânea foi mais efetiva na indução de resposta à TxT tratada pelo mPEG-SPA e o efeito adjuvante do Al(OH)3 se deu pela intramuscular. Trinta cavalos foram submetidos a esquema de imunização seletiva, dividindo-se os dezoito escolhidos em grupos para imunização com TxT conjugada ao mPEG-SPA 5.000 e 5.000(2X) e TxT adsorvida ou não. Os soros dos cavalos foram analisados por ToBI Teste, que avaliou a evolução da resposta imune. Os soros também foram analisados por imunodifusão, eletroforese e immunoblotting, tendo este indicado uma provável superioridade antigênica da TxT Fluida relativamente aos adjuvantes. A conjugação mPEG-SPA provou ser efetiva na produção do soro antitetânico terapêutico para uso humano. / Monometoxypolyethylene glycol succinimidyl propionic acid (SPA-mPEG 5 and 20 kDa) was analyzed as adjuvant and inhibitor of tetanus toxin neurotoxic activity (TxT) adsorbed or not by Al(OH)3, to which the polymer was conjugated. The samples toxicity was evaluated by DL50, disclosing that TxT neurotoxic activity was inhibited. The subcutaneous inoculation was more effective in induction of response to TxT treated with SPA-mPEG and the adjuvant effect of Al(OH)3 was evidenced by the intramuscular. Thirty horses were submitted to a selective scheme of immunization and eighteen were divided in groups to be immunized with TxT conjugated to SPA-mPEG 5,000 and 5,000(2X) and TxT adsorbed or not. The horses sera were analysed by ToBI Test, which evaluated the immune response development. The sera were also analysed through immunodifusion, electrophoresis and immunoblotting and the last one indicates a probable antigenic superiority of TxT fluid relatively to the adjuvants. The SPA-mPEG conjugation proved to be effective for anti-tetanus human therapeutic serum production.

Peg solitaire is a game in which pegs are placed in every hole but one and the player jumps over pegs along rows or columns to remove them. Usually, the goal of the player is to leave only one peg. In a 2011 paper, this game is generalized to graphs. When the game is played between two players it is called duotaire. In this paper, we consider two variations of peg duotaire on graphs. In the first variation, the last player to remove a peg wins. Inspired by the work of Slater, we also investigate a variation in which one player tries to maximize the number of pegs at the end of the game while their opponent seeks to minimize this number. For both variations, we give explicit strategies for several families of graphs. Finally, we give a number of open problems as possible avenues for future research.

Throughout the study of polymeric Langmuir monolayers at the air/water (A/W) interface, the Wilhelmy plate and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) techniques along with Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) have been identified as key methods for acquiring structural, thermodynamic, rheological and morphological information. These techniques along with surface light scattering (SLS), a method for probing a monolayer's dynamic dilational rheological properties, will be used to characterize homopolymers, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and a new class of novel polymeric surfactants, telechelic (POSS-PEG-POSS) and hemi-telechelic (POSS-PEG) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivatives of PEG. PEO with number average molar mass, Mn > ~ 18 kg·mol-1 form stable spread Langmuir films at the A/W interface, while oligomeric PEG have ï -A isotherms that deviate from high molar mass PEO. Nonetheless, SLS reveals that the dynamic dilational viscoelastic properties of any Mn PEG(PEO) only depend on ï and not Mn. Likewise, POSS-PEG-POSS telechelics exhibit molar mass dependent ï -A isotherms, where low ï regimes (ï < 1 mN·m-1) have PEG-like behavior, but high ï regimes were dominated by POSS-POSS interactions. SLS studies reveal that the dynamic dilational moduli of POSS-PEG-POSS are greater than either PEO or an analogous POSS compound, trisilanolcyclohexyl-POSS. The ability to control rheological properties and the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance even allows one POSS-PEG-POSS (PEG Mn = 1 kg·mol-1) to form Y-type LB-multilayer films. For POSS-PEG systems, comparisons at comparable POSS:PEG ratios reveal short PEG chains (PEG Mn ~ 0.5 kg·mol-1) yield similar viscoelastic properties as POSS-PEG-POSS (PEG Mn ~ 1 kg·mol-1), while longer PEG chains (PEG Mn ~ 2 kg·mol-1) yield lower modulus films than comparable POSS-PEG-POSS. These differences are attributed to brush-like PEG conformations in short POSS-PEG versus mushroom-like PEG conformations in long POSS-PEG at the A/W interface. These results provide insight for designing PEG-based amphiphilic nanoparticles with controlled interfacial rheology. / Ph. D.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal. / Les liposomes ayant des lipides cationiques (liposomes cationiques) sont évalués dans plusieurs domaines thérapeutiques pour la libération intracellulaire des oligonucléotides antisenses et des plasmides ayant différents gènes humains. La majorité de ces liposomes sont composés de dioléoylphosphatidyléthanolamine (DOPE) pour assurer la déstabilisation de l'endosome suite à l'endocytose, et d'un lipide cationique pour assurer l'interaction avec les molécules d'ADN négativement chargés. Bien que les liposomes cationiques ont été administrés via les voies orale, pulmonaire et systémique, leur problème de stabilité dans différents milieux biologiques n'était pas complètement résolu. Il était déjà démontré que les liposomes cationiques ayant des ADN plamidiques sont déstabilisés par les protéines anioniques se trouvant dans le plasma. Les liposomes ayant une couche de poly(éthylène glycol) (PEG) à la surface ont largement contribué au développement des liposomes à longue circulation à cause de l'interaction réduite avec les protéines plasmatiques et les membranes cellulaires. Les liposome-PEG sont normalement préparés en faisant dissoudre le lipide-PEG avec les autres lipides et les phospholipides dans la phase organique avant l'hydratation et l'association des lipides en liposomes. Cette méthode conventionnelle d'incorporation de PEG possède plusieurs inconvénients. D'une part, les chaînes polymériques sont incorporées dans l'espace interne aqueux et entre les bicouches lipidiques où l'eau est normalement enfermée. Ceci réduit significativement le volume aqueux interne et nuit à l'incorporation des médicaments dans les liposomes. D'autre part, les molécules d'ADN sont reconnues pour se lier aux lipides cationiques dans les liposomes par des forces électrostatiques en formant des complexes ADN/liposome assez stables. Dans cette étude, nous présentons deux méthodes de modification des liposomes pré-formés, l'une est une réaction chimique ayant lieu dans le milieu aqueux et l'autre est une insertion des dérivés pégylés connus pour être non-toxiques et économiques. Ces nouvelles procédures de postmodification liposonnique s'effectuent dans des conditions douces et dans des temps très courts. L'efficacité de ces nouvelles méthodes a été prouvée par les mesures du changement de diamètre et de la charge apparente à la surface des liposomes. Les liposomes classiques DOPE/DOTAP (1:1) ont un potentiel zéta (Ç) moyen de +33 mV et l'incorporation par la méthode conventionnelle de 1 et 0.5 mol% de PE-PEG2000 (Phosphatidyléthanolamine-PEG2000) et PE-PEG5000réduit complètement la charge des liposomes. Une concentration cinquante fois plus grande de M-SC-PEG (N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbonate méthoxy-PEG) et BTC-PEG (Benzotriazolyl carbonate PEG) était nécessaire pour réduire la charge des liposomes pré-formés d'une façon significative. La méthode d'insertion membranaire du PEG1760-nnonostéarate s'avère beaucoup plus avantageuse vu le temps très minime qu'elle requiert (1 minute) d'une part, et l'efficacité d'insertion proche de 95% d'autre part, une efficacité jamais préalablement atteinte.

Depuis plusieurs années, une attention toute particulière a été portée à la conception de biocapteurs. Divers types ont été développés (ex. optiques, électriques) et ont mené à une multitude d’applications. On en retrouve désormais dans des champs d’applications aussi variés que la détection d’explosifs et de toxines, la sécurité alimentaire, la détection et le dosage de polluants environnementaux ou la santé. Le développement de telles technologies se base sur l’union de deux domaines scientifiques très différents. D’un côté, la partie « capteur » est conçue en utilisant des méthodes de microfabrication. Ces dernières font appel à l’emploi de composés inorganiques (ex. métaux, matériaux semi-conducteurs, verre et autres). De l’autre côté, on retrouve un assemblage de molécules organiques, protéines, enzymes ou récepteurs issus du domaine biologique. L’un des grands défis est d’unir la portion biologique au capteur (c.-à-d. substrat) sans altérer les propriétés de ces deux composants. Plusieurs méthodes sont envisageables pour arriver à coupler le matériel biologique au substrat. L’objectif de la recherche de cette thèse est d’étudier la liaison de molécules sur un substrat et de créer un système biologique servant comme système de détection pour un biocapteur. Le modèle choisi pour établir le concept de base est l’affinité variable entre l’avidine et la 2-iminobiotine. Il est connu que l’affinité de l’avidine à l’iminobiotine peut être modifiée en changeant les conditions de pH. La liaison formée en milieu basique sera affaiblie en milieu acide menant à la séparation de la protéine et du ligand. Contrairement à l’iminobiotine, la biotine possède un lien fort et stable avec l’avidine impossible à briser dans des conditions non dénaturantes. L’avidine étant une protéine tétramérique, quatre ligands peuvent s’y lier. On profite donc de cette propriété pour lier l’avidine à un bras polymérique, une chaine de polyéthylène glycol (PEG) comprenant une biotine, lui-même attaché à la surface. Ce bras, maintenant fonctionnalisé, devra permettre de garder près de la surface une avidine, lui permettant de se lier à des iminobiotine aussi attachées en surface ou s’en délier selon les conditions de pH. La première partie de cette thèse est consacrée à la fonctionnalisation des surfaces. La première étape de la construction a été de faire un attachement pour créer une couche de molécules qui serviront de support et d’ancrage au mécanisme moléculaire du biocapteur. L’attachement de molécules étant réalisable sur les surfaces désignées, une construction a été testée. La stratégie proposée consistait en l’utilisation d’une molécule bifonctionnelle en forme de « Y ». Cette molécule a été synthétisée spécifiquement pour l’attachement en deux étapes successives des deux composantes du système moléculaire modulable en pH. Sur la première branche se trouve une iminobiotine. La seconde a été prévue afin d’y attacher le bras polymérique. Cette construction a été faite et testée par SPR. Enfin, une seconde stratégie de construction a été étudiée. Celle-ci impliquait l’utilisation d’une protéine (albumine de sérum bovin, BSA) modifiée comme base de la construction. Une première BSA a été modifiée avec de l’iminobiotine tandis qu’une seconde avec le PEG. Ces deux protéines modifiées ont été mises ensemble en solution et déposées sur un substrat SPR. Elles constituent ensemble les deux morceaux du système précédemment mentionné. L’objectif de cette stratégie était de contrôler la quantité relative des espèces nécessaires en surface de façon à obtenir un signal SPR optimal. De plus, la présence de ces protéines en surface devait bloquer l’adsorption non spécifique sur cette dernière d’espèces non désirées.

With increasing problem of resistance development in bacteria against conventional antibiotics, as well as problems associated with diseases either triggered or enhanced by infection, there is an urgent need to identify new types of effective therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases and its consequences. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptides have attracted considerable interest as potential new antibiotics in this context. While antimicrobial function of such peptides is being increasingly understood demonstrated to be due to bacterial membrane disruption, the mechanisms of their anti-inflammatory function are poorly understood. Since bacterial membrane component lipopolysaccharide triggers inflammation, this thesis aims at clarifying importance of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-peptide interactions while investigating possible modes of action of peptides exhibiting anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, effect of poly(ethylene)glycol (PEG)-conjugation was investigated to increase performance of such peptides. Results presented in this thesis demonstrate that peptide-induced LPS- and lipid A binding/scavenging is necessary but not sufficient criterium for anti-inflammatory effects of peptides. Furthermore, preferential binding to LPS over lipid membrane, as well as higher binding affinity to the lipid A moiety within LPS, are seen for these peptides. In addition, results demonstrate that apart from direct LPS scavenging, membrane-localized peptide-induced LPS scavenging seem to contribute partially to anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, fragmentation and densification of LPS aggregates, in turn dependent on the peptide secondary structure on LPS binding, as well as aromatic packing interactions, correlate to the anti-inflammatory effect, thus promoting peptide-induced packing transition in LPS aggregates as key for anti-inflammatory functionality. Thus, peptide-induced LPS aggregate disruption together with reduction of the negative charge of LPS suggests the importance of phagocytosis as an alternative to the inflammatory pathway, which needs to be further investigated. Furthermore, PEG conjugation of peptide results in strongly reduced toxicity at a cost of reduced antimicrobial activity but markedly retained anti-inflammatory effect. Taken together, the results obtained in this work have demonstrated several key issues which need to be taken into consideration in the development of effective and selective anti-inflammatory peptide therapeutics for the treatment of severe Gram-negative bacterial infections.