Persistent Scatterer Interferometric techniques are very powerful geodetic tools for land deformation monitoring that offer the typical advantages of the satellite remote sensing SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) systems : a wide coverage at a relatively high resolution. Those techniques are based on the analysis of a set of SAR images acquired over a given area. They overcome the decorrelation problem by identifying elements (in resolution cells) with a high quality returned SAR signal which remains stable in a series of interferograms. These techniques have been useful for the analysis of urban areas, where man-made objects produce good reflections that dominate over the background scattering, as well as in field areas where the density of infrastructures is more limited. Typically, PSI technique requires an approximate a priori temporal model for the detection of the deformation, even though characterizing the temporal evolution of a deformation is commonly one of the objectives of any study.This work is focused on a particular PSI technique, which is named Stable Point Network (SPN) and that it has been completely developed by Altamira Information in 2003. The work concisely outlines the main characteristics of this technique, and describes its main products: average deformation maps, deformation time series of the measured points, and the so-called maps of the residual topographic error, which are used to precisely geocode the PSI products. The main objectives of this PhD are the identification and analysis of the drawbacks of this processing chain, and the development of new tools and methodologies in order to overcome them. First, the performances of the SPN technique are examined and illustrated by means of practical cases (based on real test sites made with data coming from different sensors) and simulated scenarios.Thus, the main drawbacks of the technique are identified and discussed, such as the lack of automatic quality control parameters, the evaluation of the input data quality, the selection of good points for the measurements and the use of a functional model to unwrap the phases based on a linear deformation trend in time. Then, different enhancements are proposed. In particular, the automatic quality control of the coregistration procedure has been introduced through the analysis of the inter-pixel position of some natural point targets-like pixels identified within the images. The enhancements in the selection of the final points of measurements (the final PSI map) come by means of the analysis of the SAR signal signature of the strong targets presented within the image, in order to select only the center of the main lobe as point of measurement. The introduction of robustness within some critical steps of the technique is done by means of the analysis of the rotational of the estimates in close loops within a network of relative measurements, and by means of the implementation of a different integration methodology, which can be ran in parallel in order to compare it with the classical one. Finally, the main drawback of the technique, the use of a linear model for the detection of ground deformations, is addressed with the development of a new fitting methodology which allows possible change of trends within the analyzed time span. All those enhancements are evaluated with the use of real examples of applications and with simulated data. In particular, the new methodology for detecting non-linear ground deformations has been tested in the city of Paris, where a large stacking of ERS1/2 and ENVISAT SAR images are available. Those images are covering a very large time period of analysis at where some known non-linear ground deformations where occurring

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and adipose tissue hypoxia have been shown to independently affect adipocyte functions. The goals of this study were to (1) determine the effect of PCB-77, PCB-153, and DDE on the differentiation of human preadipocytes, and (2) investigate the cross-talk between PCB-77 and hypoxia in differentiated human adipocytes. First, human preadipocytes were exposed to PCB-77, PCB-153, or DDE during the entire 14-day differentiation period. We found no effect of low POP levels on lipid accumulation. Second, differentiated human adipocytes were exposed to a combination of PCB-77 and hypoxia. We demonstrated gene-specific cross-talk between PCB-77 and hypoxia, showing an additive effect of PCB-77 on VEGF, MCP-1, and adiponectin, as well as an inhibition of PCB-77-induced expression of CYP1A1 by hypoxia. This work has expanded our understanding of the role of POPs and hypoxia in differentiated human adipocytes.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Uppsala universitet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The thesis presents a simple, sensitive, low cost and a novel graphenated polyaniline doped tungsten trioxide nanocomposite, as an electrochemical sensor for the detection and quantitative and determination of PAHs, which are ubiquitous, toxic, as well as dangerous organic pollutant compounds in the environment. The selected PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene) in wastewater were given priority as a result of their threat to human nature and that of the environment. In order for a healthy, non-polluted and well sustainable environment, there is need for an instrument that is capable of detecting and quantifying these organic pollutants onsite and also for constant monitoring. The nanocomposites were developed by chemical and electrochemical methods of preparations, exploiting the intrinsic properties of polyaniline, graphene and tungsten trioxide semiconducting materials. Chemically, graphene-polyaniline (GR-PANI) nanocomposite was synthesised by in situ polymerisation method, then casted on a surface of glassy carbon electrode to form GR-PANI modified electrode. The properties of the prepared electrode were investigated through morphological and spectroscopic techniques, which confirmed the formation of the composite. The electroactivity of the prepared modified electrode revealed great improvement in cyclic and square wave voltammetric response on anthracene. A dynamic range of 2.0 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-3 M and detection limit of 4.39 x 10-7 M was established.

Cette thèse porte sur l'élaboration de nanoparticules (NPs) à luminescence persistante pour l'imagerie optique dans le domaine du rouge profond et du proche infrarouge. Leur utilisation présente un avantage indéniable, l'étape d'irradiation pour obtenir l'état excité pouvant être réalisée avant injection, il est possible d'éviter tout stress des tissus et autres phénomènes d'autofluorescence. Dans les compositions chimiques étudiées, elles sont par ailleurs ré-excitables in vivo. Nous présentons une synthèse originale pour l'élaboration de " petites " NPs de ZnGa2O4 :Cr3+ par voie hydrothermale assistée par chauffage micro-onde qui peut être suivi d'un traitement thermique. Les caractérisations avancées des propriétés de luminescence persistante et la structure fine du matériau a montré une corrélation directe entre la luminescence et l'ordre local des cations dans la structure (répartition et distorsion des sites cationiques). Ainsi, nous avons montré l'effet bénéfique d'une calcination sans frittage sur l'amélioration des propriétés de luminescence. Nous avons également mis en évidence le gain apporté par l'ajout d'un codopant comme l'ion Bi3+ ou la modification de la matrice avec la substitution d'une partie des ions Ga3+ par des ions Ge4+. Les limites d'optimisation de ce matériau étant atteinte, une toute nouvelle voie a été ouverte dans cette thématique en dopant la matrice avec des ions Ni2+ pour déplacer la luminescence persistante dans le domaine du proche infrarouge. L'exploitation de cette nouvelle fenêtre pour l'imagerie optique devrait permettre d'imager plus profond dans les tissus avec un meilleur rapport signal/bruit. / This thesis aims to develop persistent luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) for optical imaging in the deep red and near infrared range. Their use has a clear advantage as the irradiation step can be performed before injection, avoiding tissue stress and other autofluorescence phenomena. The chemical compositions studied are also re-excitable in vivo. We propose an original way of synthesis for the elaboration of “small” ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ NPs. Hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave heating followed by a heat treatment is used to obtain the NPs. The extensive characterization of the persistent luminescence properties and of the material’s fine structure showed a direct correlation between luminescence and local cation order in the structure (distribution and distortion of cationic sites). Thus, we have shown the benefits of a heat treatment without sintering on the improvement of luminescence properties. We have also highlighted the enhancement provided by the addition of a codopant such as Bi3+ ions or the modification of the matrix by substituting a part of Ga3+ ions by Ge4+ ions. The optimization limits of this material being reached, doping the matrix with Ni2+ ions to move the persistent luminescence in the near infrared range, opens a new pathway in this research field. Exploiting this new window for optical imaging should allow imaging deeper into tissue with a better signal-to-noise ratio.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a microbiota de canais radiculares relacionadas ao insucesso do tratamento endodôntico, buscando a identificação e a quantificação destes micro-organismos. Foram selecionados 36 dentes com infecção endodôntica persistente. O material obturador foi removido do canal radicular e amostras microbiológicas foram coletadas dos canais com o auxílio de limas tipo Hedströen e cones de papel absorvente estéril. A técnica do Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization foi utilizada para detecção de até 79 espécies bacterianas em cada amostra, utilizando sondas de DNA específicas. Os dados microbiológicos foram expressos em percentagem média (prevalência), proporção e nível médio de cada espécie em cada amostra. Os testes t independente e de correlação de Pearson foram usados para correlacionar a contagem das bactérias testadas com os dados clínicos (p&#8804; 0,05). Foi encontrada uma média de 11 espécies por amostra. E. faecium (36%), S. epidermidis (36%), E. saburreum (28%), P. micra (28%), S. sanguis (28%), C. sputigena (28%), L. buccalis (28%), E. faecalis (28%) e S. warneri (28%) foram as espécies mais prevalentes, e as espécies encontradas em níveis médios mais altos foram E. faecium, D. pneumosintes, S. epidermidis, H. pylori e C. sputigena. T. socranskii (3%), F. periodonticum (3%), C. gingivalis (3%), S. ixodetis (3%) apresentaram prevalências mais baixas. E. faecium e S. epidermidis apresentaram os maiores valores de prevalência, níveis médios e proporção. Não houve correlação entre a microbiota detectada nas amostras com os sinais e sintomas clínicos apresentados pelos pacientes, porém nas lesões periapicais de maior área foi detectada contagem significativamente maior de bacilos e espécies Gram-negativas (p<0,05). Baseado nos resultados obtidos é possível concluir que a microbiota presente em dentes com periodontite apical persistente possui perfil misto e complexo, e que uma maior área de lesão perirradicular pode estar associada a contagem elevada de bacilos e de espécies Gram-negativas. / The present study investigated the composition of the root canal microbiota in endodontic failures, aiming to identify and quantify these microorganisms. Thirty six teeth with persistent endodontic infection were selected. The root-filling materials were removed and microbiological samples were taken from the root canals with a Hedströen-type file and sterile paper points. The Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique was used for the detection of 79 bacterial species in each sample, using specific DNA probes. Microbiological data were express in mean prevalence, proportions and levels of each species in each sample. t independent test and Pearson correlation test were use to correlate bacterial counts and clinical conditions (p&#8804; 0,05). There were found a mean of 11 different species per sample. E. faecium (36%), S. epidermidis (36%), E. saburreum (28%), P. micra (28%), S. sanguis (28%), C. sputigena (28%), L. buccalis (28%), E. faecalis (28%) and S. warneri (28%) were the most prevalent species, and the species found in highest mean levels were E. faecium, D. pneumosintes, S. epidermidis, H. pylori and C. sputigena. T. socranskii (3%), F. periodonticum (3%), C. gingivalis (3%) and S. ixodetis (3%) were found in low prevalence. E. faecium and S. epidermidis presented the highest values of prevalence, means levels and proportions. No correlation was found between the detected microbiota and clinical findings; however in periapical lesions with highest areas, higher levels of rods and Gram-negative species were detected (p<0.05). Based on these results it may be concluded that the microbiota in teeth with persistent apical periodontitis presents a mixed and complex profile, and periapical lesions with larger area might be high associated with higher counts of rods and Gram-negative species.

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2016-03-18T13:56:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 1539512 bytes, checksum: 4aa510877c1a4800c42aaf9dfdae33d3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-18T13:56:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 1539512 bytes, checksum: 4aa510877c1a4800c42aaf9dfdae33d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-26 / In this thesis, we investigate by the first time the impact of non-inertial effects associated with the rotation of the reference system on charged and neutral particles confined by a quantum ring, which is described by the potential of Tan-Inkson. The contribution of the rotation is introduced by its coupling with angular momentum of the system. We show that the rotation is introduced via a non-minimum coupling to the kinetic part of the Hamiltonian describing the quantum dynamics of systems studied here. Thus, we show that non-inertial effects of the rotation induce on the quantum properties of the particles similar effects generated by a magnetic field. We also investigated the contribution of a screw dislocation on the physical properties of the particles. The topological defect contributes as a torsion source, presenting a contribution similar to the Aharonov-Bohm flux. Besides charged particles (electrons and holes), we also study the effects of rotation on neutral particles in three different scenarios: a neutral particle with a permanent magnetic dipole moment coupled by the Aharanov-Casher interaction; a neutral particle with a permanent electric dipole moment coupled by the interaction proposed by He-McKellar-Wilkens and a neutral particle with an electric dipole moment induced by the field configuration proposed by Wei-Han-Wei. In all three cases it is shown the similarity between the neutral and charged particles. We analyze the non-relativistic quantum dynamics of these particles by solving the Schrödinger equation. In addition to the energy spectrum and wave functions, we calculate the persistent current and the magnetization for the four systems studied here, and we also analyzed, from the expression for the persistent current for quantum rings, the limit case for quantum dots. / Neste trabalho, investigamos pela primeira vez na literatura o impacto de efeitos nãoinerciais associados com a rotação do sistema de referência de partículas carregadas e neutras confinadas por um anel quântico, descrito pelo potencial de Tan-Inkson. A contribuição da rotação é introduzida através de seu acoplamento com o momento angular do sistema. Mostramos que a rotação entra como uma espécie de acoplamento mínimo na parte cinética do Hamiltoniano que descreve a dinâmica quântica dos sitemas em questão. Com isso, mostramos que a rotação induz efeitos típicos de campos magnéticos sobre as propriedades quânticas das partículas. Também investigamos os efeitos da contribuição de uma deslocação tipo-hélice sobre as propriedades físicas das partículas. O defeito topológico contribui como uma fonte de fluxo de torção, tendo um comportamento similar ao do fluxo Aharonov-Bohm. Além de partículas carregadas (elétrons e buracos), estudamos os efeitos da rotação sobre partículas neutras em três cenários diferentes: uma partícula neutra com momento de dipolo magnético permanente acoplado pela interação proposta por Aharanov- Casher; uma partícula neutra com momento de dipolo elétrico permanente acoplada pela interação proposta por He-McKellar-Wilkens e uma partícula neutra como momento de dipolo elétrico induzido pela interação proposta por Wei-Han-Wei. Em todos os três casos mostramos que existe uma estreita analogia entre partículas neutras e carregadas. A metodologia utilizada consiste em analizar a dinâmica quântica não-relativistica dessas partículas via resolução da equação de Schrödinger. Além do espectro de energia e das funções de onda, calculamos as correntes persistentes e a magnetização para os quatro sistemas aqui estudados, e também analizamos, a partir da expressão para a corrente persistes para anéis quânticos, o caso limte para pontos quânticos.

Submitted by FERNANDO GASPAROTTO DA SILVA null (fernando.gaspt@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-13T20:17:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Gasparotto da Silva, F. - Estrutura e estabilidade de módulos de persistência.pdf: 1909578 bytes, checksum: 4ee1ae3d4306638fe4afbf721614e688 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-09-15T13:38:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_fg_me_sjrp.pdf: 1909578 bytes, checksum: 4ee1ae3d4306638fe4afbf721614e688 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-15T13:38:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_fg_me_sjrp.pdf: 1909578 bytes, checksum: 4ee1ae3d4306638fe4afbf721614e688 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-14 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O intuito deste trabalho é de integrar os aspectos aplicado e teórico da Homologia Persistente, uma ferramenta popular da Topological Data Analysis (TDA). Para isso, são apresentados e demonstrados os resultados fundamentais da teoria embasada na topologia algébrica que permitem o desenvolvimento de algoritmos e paradigmas computacionais para obter diagramas de persistência. Dessa forma, iniciaremos explorando como decodificar as informações contidas em um módulo de persistência, entendendo os conceitos de multiconjuntos, módulos de persistência e cálculos Quiver. Em seguida, o caminho contrário será explorado, onde os dados são codificados em diagramas de persistência a fim de extrair suas características topológicas, aprofundando os conceitos de funções de Morse, Homologia Persistente, diagramas de persistência, dualidade e simetria, bem como estabilidade. Por último, encerramos demonstrando duas possíveis aplicações da teoria no âmbito computacional no campo da Biologia. / The goal of this work is to integrate applied and theoretical aspects of Persistence Homology, a popular tool in Topological Data Analysis (TDA). For this, we present and prove fundamental theoretical results based on algebraic topology, which allow us to develop algorithms and computational paradigms to obtain persistence diagrams. In this way, we start exploring how to decode the information contained in a persistence module, understanding the concepts of multiset, persistence modules and Quiver alculations. Then, the opposite path will be explored, where the data are encoded in persistence diagrams in order to extract their topological characteristics, going deep into the concepts of Morse functions, persistent homology, persistence diagrams, duality and symmetry, as well as stability. Finally, we conclude with two possible applications, one from computational theory, and the second one in the field of biology. / CNPq: 135622/2015-8

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a microbiota de canais radiculares relacionadas ao insucesso do tratamento endodôntico, buscando a identificação e a quantificação destes micro-organismos. Foram selecionados 36 dentes com infecção endodôntica persistente. O material obturador foi removido do canal radicular e amostras microbiológicas foram coletadas dos canais com o auxílio de limas tipo Hedströen e cones de papel absorvente estéril. A técnica do Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization foi utilizada para detecção de até 79 espécies bacterianas em cada amostra, utilizando sondas de DNA específicas. Os dados microbiológicos foram expressos em percentagem média (prevalência), proporção e nível médio de cada espécie em cada amostra. Os testes t independente e de correlação de Pearson foram usados para correlacionar a contagem das bactérias testadas com os dados clínicos (p&#8804; 0,05). Foi encontrada uma média de 11 espécies por amostra. E. faecium (36%), S. epidermidis (36%), E. saburreum (28%), P. micra (28%), S. sanguis (28%), C. sputigena (28%), L. buccalis (28%), E. faecalis (28%) e S. warneri (28%) foram as espécies mais prevalentes, e as espécies encontradas em níveis médios mais altos foram E. faecium, D. pneumosintes, S. epidermidis, H. pylori e C. sputigena. T. socranskii (3%), F. periodonticum (3%), C. gingivalis (3%), S. ixodetis (3%) apresentaram prevalências mais baixas. E. faecium e S. epidermidis apresentaram os maiores valores de prevalência, níveis médios e proporção. Não houve correlação entre a microbiota detectada nas amostras com os sinais e sintomas clínicos apresentados pelos pacientes, porém nas lesões periapicais de maior área foi detectada contagem significativamente maior de bacilos e espécies Gram-negativas (p<0,05). Baseado nos resultados obtidos é possível concluir que a microbiota presente em dentes com periodontite apical persistente possui perfil misto e complexo, e que uma maior área de lesão perirradicular pode estar associada a contagem elevada de bacilos e de espécies Gram-negativas. / The present study investigated the composition of the root canal microbiota in endodontic failures, aiming to identify and quantify these microorganisms. Thirty six teeth with persistent endodontic infection were selected. The root-filling materials were removed and microbiological samples were taken from the root canals with a Hedströen-type file and sterile paper points. The Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique was used for the detection of 79 bacterial species in each sample, using specific DNA probes. Microbiological data were express in mean prevalence, proportions and levels of each species in each sample. t independent test and Pearson correlation test were use to correlate bacterial counts and clinical conditions (p&#8804; 0,05). There were found a mean of 11 different species per sample. E. faecium (36%), S. epidermidis (36%), E. saburreum (28%), P. micra (28%), S. sanguis (28%), C. sputigena (28%), L. buccalis (28%), E. faecalis (28%) and S. warneri (28%) were the most prevalent species, and the species found in highest mean levels were E. faecium, D. pneumosintes, S. epidermidis, H. pylori and C. sputigena. T. socranskii (3%), F. periodonticum (3%), C. gingivalis (3%) and S. ixodetis (3%) were found in low prevalence. E. faecium and S. epidermidis presented the highest values of prevalence, means levels and proportions. No correlation was found between the detected microbiota and clinical findings; however in periapical lesions with highest areas, higher levels of rods and Gram-negative species were detected (p<0.05). Based on these results it may be concluded that the microbiota in teeth with persistent apical periodontitis presents a mixed and complex profile, and periapical lesions with larger area might be high associated with higher counts of rods and Gram-negative species.

O acúmulo de poluentes orgânicos persistentes é um dos principais problemas de contaminação do meio ambiente em todo o mundo. As atividades industriais e os avanços tecnológicos na maioria dos setores de produção contribuem com a crescente liberação de compostos poluentes, altamente tóxicos, biocumulativos e resistentes à degradação física, química, fotolítica e biológica. Esses poluentes são o resultado do uso indevido de pesticidas de um modo geral, da subprodução não planejada de sintéticos tóxicos como dioxinas policloradas e de uma lista enorme de atividades que promovem a combustão incompleta da matéria orgânica e despejam no ambiente uma vasta quantidade de hidrocarbonetos aromáticos persistentes. A biorremediação é uma estratégia biotecnológica que vem lançar luz sobre as técnicas de revitalização de sítios contaminados. É baseada na utilização de microorganismos, ou suas enzimas, para reduzir ou eliminar perigos ambientais contaminantes em substâncias inertes, CO2 e água. As oxigenases são uma classe de enzimas amplamente estudadas por suas propriedades catalíticas únicas, sendo a clorocatecol 1,2- dioxigenase de Pseudomonas putida um interessante alvo biotecnológico para a biorremediação devido a sua ampla especificidade a substratos aromáticos, aromáticos halogenados e dialogenados altamente poluentes, biocumulativos e carcinogênicos. Nesse trabalho, o protocolo de expressão heteróloga em E. coli foi implementado em nosso laboratório e a purificação realizada em coluna de afinidade através do uso de resina de quitina. Os cristais de cor marrom avermelhado da enzima clorocatecol 1,2-dioxigenase Pseudomonas putida foram obtidos na presença de polietilenogligol e acetato de magnésio durante o período de 10 dias, utilizando-se a técnica de difusão de vapor em gota sentada. A estrutura cristalográfica da enzima Pp 1,2-CCD foi determinada através da utilização da técnica MR-SAD, utilizando átomos de ferro, cofator da proteína, como agentes espalhadores e as coordenadas da enzima 3-clorocatecol 1,2-dioxigenase de Rhodococcus opacus como modelo de busca. O modelo final, contendo 3 moléculas na unidade assimétrica foi refinado a 3.4 Å de resolução. A enzima se enovela na forma dimérica (Fe3+)2, e apresenta de um modo geral, dois domínios catalíticos compostos de fitas-beta e uma região de loops e um domínio de ligação composto por hélices formando um túnel hidrofóbico. Como a primeira clorocatecol de bactérias gram-negativa a ser descrita para essa classe de enzimas, será possível investigar as diferenças conformacionais que levam aos mecanismos de catálise, amplo a diversos substratos, e avaliar características de seu funcionamento e ativação, como uma importante ferramenta para validação do papel desta proteína dentro do processo de biorremediação. / Accumulation of persistent organic pollutants is one of the most important environmental problems worldwide. Industrial activities and technological advances contribute to the spread of pollutants, highly toxic, bioaccumulative, and resistant to physical, chemical, photolytic and biological degradation. The persistent organic pollutants are consequence of the inappropriate use of pesticides, the production of toxic synthetic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls and a large list of activities promote incomplete combustion of which organic matter and release a large amount of persistent aromatic hydrocarbons to the environment. Bioremediation is a biotechnogical strategy that has shed light on revitalization techniques of contaminated sites. It is based on the application of microorganisms, or their enzymes, to eliminate or reduce environmental contaminants into inert substances, CO2 and water. The oxygenases are a class of largely studied enzymes due to their catalytic properties, being chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida an interesting biotechnological target for bioremediation due to its specificity to a broad spectrum of highly polluted aromatic substrates. In the present work, heterologous expression protocol has been implemented in our laboratory and purification was performed by using affinity column in chitin resin. Brown-reddish crystals of chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida were obtained in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and magnesium acetate after 10 days, by utilizing vapor diffusion techniques in sitting drops. The crystallographic structure of Pp 1,2-CCD has been solved by MR-SAD technique, using iron atoms, the enzyme cofactor, as scattering centers and the coordinates of 3- chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase of Rhodococcus opacus as the search model. The final model, containing three molecules in the asymmetric unit, has been refined up to 3.4 Å resolution. The enzyme folds in the dimeric form (Fe3+)2, and shows two catalytic domains composed of -strands and a loop region, and a helical domain that pack together forming a hydrophobic channel. As being the first member of the chlorocatechol dioxygenase family of enzymes from a gram-negative bacteria to be solved, it will be possible to explore the crystallographic structure of chlorocatechol 1,2- dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida in order to investigate the conformational differences that explain its mechanism of action, on a broad spectrum of substrates, and evaluate the functional features, as an important tool to validate the role of this enzyme in the bioremediation process.