The aim of the thesis was to study the possibility of employment of cyclic voltammetry as a detection technique in liquid chromatography. The phenothiazine derivatives (chlorpromazine hydrochloride, diethazine hydrochloride, and thioridazine hydrochloride) were used as model compounds. Firstly, the comparison of two potential detectors (tubular detector and bulk "wall-jet" detector) was accomplished. Only bulk "wal-jet" detector satisfied. Next, the conditions for the separation and detection of studied phenothiazines on RP-select B LiChrospher® 60 (250×4 mm) column with cyclic voltammetry as the detection techniques were optimized. The best separation is achieved in mobile phase consisted from the solution of 0.1 mol dm-3 sodium perchlorate in acetonitrile-water (80:20) mixture. The effect of flow rate of mobile phase and scan rate of polarization of the electrode on the symmetry of chromatographic peak was also followed, and optimal values of 0.5 ml min-1 for flow rate, and of 0.5 V s-1 for scan rate, were found. Under optimized conditions the calibration dependences of studied phenothiazines were measured in the range from 5×10-5 to 1×10-3 mol dm-3 for chlorpromazine, and in the range from 8×10-5 to 1×10-3 mol dm-3 for diethazine and thioridazine. The developed method was applied to...

Anodic oxidation of a commercial dye, methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solutions using an electrochemical cell is reported. Data are provided on the effects of eight different types of supporting electrolytes, concentration of electrolytes, initial dye concentration, current and electrolytic time on the percentage removal of methylene blue. Anodic oxidation was found to be effective in achieving the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The optimised electrolytic conditions, for the removal of methylene blue (MB), were applied to the removal of azure A (AA), azure B (AB), azure C (AC), toluidine blue 0 (TBO), new methylene blue (NMB), dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB), thionine (TH), methylene green (MG), methyl violet (MV), Nile blue (NB), neutral red (NR), acridine orange (AO) and resorufin (RS) from aqueous solutions containing sodium chloride. Results indicated that between 84 to 100% of each dye of phenothiazine was removed during 60 minutes of electrolysis. The percentage removals for the phenothiazine dyes followed the following decreasing order: (MG ≈ MV) > (DMMB ≈ AA) > (AB ≈ AC ≈ NMB) > TBO > TH. However, the azine, acridine and oxazine dyes showed between 98 to 99% colour removal and the following decreasing order: NB ≈ NR > AO ≈ RS. Strongly electron withdrawing substituents such as nitro group or carbonyl group increases the degradation of the phenothiazine chromophore, whereas the electron donating groups such as amino and alkyl amino groups decrease the degradation. Anodic oxidation studies were extended to the destruction of eight permitted food colours, with azo and triarylmethane chromophore, from aqueous solution containing either sodium chloride or sodium sulphate as a supporting electrolyte. Again, sodium chloride was found to be the best supporting electrolyte and between 97 to 100% colour removal was achieved after 60 minutes of electrolysis. The percentage removal for the single azo based colourants followed the following increasing order: carmoisine > sunset yellow FCF > amaranth > ponceau 411 > tartrazine. However, the binary and ternary mixtures of food colour showed the following increasing order: blue > green > yellow food colours. The extractions and applications of 54 different types of natural dyes (53 from plants and one from animal origin) are evaluated using simple techniques. The extracted natural dyes were applied in dyeing three types of textile fabrics viz: a) paj silk, b) brushed cotton twill and c) crystallized shimmering satin. The effects of two eco-friendly mordants (alum and iron) on the dyeing process were compared with the dyeing process without mordants. The colour fastness to wash and light (both natural and artificial sun light) of these natural dyes were also assessed. The results showed that out of the 54 dyestuffs studied, 32 plants are potentially able to produce marketable natural dyes. These dyes produced good colour and met minimal performance standards for colour fastness to light and washing. The addition of mordants generally increased the fastness properties. Silk gave the best performance of dyeing uptake and stability. Cotton gave the poorest fastness properties. The overall results showed that, considering molecular associations, the fastness properties were of the order: anthraquinones and tannins> indigoid > flavones> flavonols > flavanols> carotenoids> anthocyanins. Anodic oxidation studies were extended to the destruction of ten natural dyes from aqueous solutions containing either sodium chloride or sodium sulphate as a supporting electrolyte. Anodic oxidation was effective in achieving the removal of green tea (35%), spinach (69%), Langdale yellow and turmeric (95%), carmine, saffron, henna (97%), beetroot, karkade and sumac (98%). However, TOC measurements and the UV analyses indicated that some organic intermediate compounds were formed in the presence of sodium chloride.

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Salvador, BA, Brasil / A candidíase é uma infecção oportunista provocada por diversas espécies de fungos do gênero Candida, frequentemente encontrados integrando a microbiota, da superfície cutânea, no trato gastrointestinal e cavidades mucosas do ser humano desde o seu nascimento. A incidência das infecções fúngicas sistêmicas têm aumentado consideravelmente nas últimas décadas em função do grande número de pacientes com SIDA, a grande quantidade de transplantes e condições crônicas como o câncer, a terapia prolongada com imunossupressores e o uso de agentes corticosteroides. Além disso, a exposição prolongada aos antifúngicos azólicos promove a seleção de patógenos resistentes. No presente estudo avaliou-se a atividade antifúngica do complexo Rutênio-pirocatecol (RPC) frente a um isolado clinico de Candida tropicalis resistente ao fluconazol. A metodologia empregada para os testes de susceptibilidade foi de acordo com o documento M27-A3 do National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, 2008). Esplenócitos de camundongos Balb/c foram obtidos de forma asséptica para avaliar a citotoxicidade do composto para células de mamíferos. O estresse oxidativo promovido pelo composto foi avaliado através da reação ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e ensaios de fluorescência com a sonda diclorodihidrofluoresceína diacetato (DCFH2DA). O Calcofluor White foi empregado para avaliar a integridade da parede celular. A análise ultraestrutural foi realizada através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão. Os resultados encontrados para os testes de atividade antifúngica foram analisados através do teste estatístico ANOVA e pós-teste Dunnett. Os resultados encontrados para os testes de atividade antifúngica do RPC mostraram uma Concentração Inibitória de 50% (IC50) de 20,3 μM, enquanto em esplesnócitos a concentração efetiva de 50% foi de 325 μM mostrando um índice de seletividade igual a 16. O referido composto também mostrou um elevado efeito pró-oxidante quando avaliamos os níveis de estresse oxidativo através da TBARS e por meio da sonda DCFH2DA. Quando as leveduras foram tratadas por 24 h com o referido composto, observamos na microscopia de varredura o desenvolvimento de pseudo-hifas com 9 μM, a formação de fissuras em sua parede e uma forte agregação das células com 18 μM, além disso, encontramos uma intensa redução na quantidade de células e muito debris celular com 38 μM. Na microscopia de transmissão observamos estruturas vesiculares no espaço periplasmático associado a grânulos eletrondensos, os quais também foram vistos associados a parede celular, quando tratadas por 3h com 40 μM. No tratamento por 24h com 60 μM observamos a referida estrutura granular eletrondensa no citoplasma envolta por membrana, uma grande quantidade destas estruturas no espaço citoplasmático e associado a parede da célula, além disso, também observamos trechos de membrana associado a estas estruturas no espaço extracelular. Em conclusão, a atividade antifúngica e o índice de seletividade do RPC contra uma cepa resistente é consideravelmente interessante devido as suas possibilidades de aplicações na descoberta de novos antifúngicos / Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by several species of fungi of the genus Candida, often found is the microbiota, on the skin, gastrointestinal tract and mucous cavities of the human beings birth. The incidence of systemic fungal infections have increased considerably in recent decades due to the large number of AIDS patients, the large number of transplants and chronic conditions such as cancer, prolonged therapy promotes the selection of resistant pathogen with immunosuppressant and corticosteroid agents. Also prolonged exposure azole antifungals to make them strong candidates for patients resistance. In the present study we evaluated the antifungal activity of Ruthenium-pyrocatechol complex (RPC) against a clinical isolate of Candida tropicalis resistant to fluconazole. The methodology for susceptibility testing was in accordance with the M27-A3 document of there National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, 2008). Splenocytes from Balb/c mice were obtained aseptically to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the compound to mammalian cells. Oxidative stress caused by the compound was assessed by reaction to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and fluorescence assays with the probe diclorodihidrofluoresceína diacetate (DCFH2DA). The Calcofluor White was used to evaluate the integrity of the cell wall. The ultrastructural analysis was performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results for the antifungal activity tests were analyzed using ANOVA and pos-test Dunnett test statistic. The results for the tests of antifungal activity of the RPC showed a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.3 μM while in splenocytes the 50% effective concentration was 325 μM showing a selectivity index of 16. The compound also showed that a high pro-oxidant effect when evaluated levels of oxidative stress by TBARS and through DCFH2DA staining. When yeast cells were treated for 24 h with this probe, in scanning microscopy we observed the development of pseudohyphae 9 μM, the formation of cracks on their fungal walls and in these cell aggregation with 18 μM furthermore found a remarkable reduction in the number of cells, and cell debris with 38 μM. In transmission microscopy vesicular structures observed in the periplasmic space associated with electrondense granules, which were also seen associated with the cell wall, when there cells were treated for 3 h with 40 μM. In the treatment for 24h with 60 μM observed that the grain structure in the clusters in periplasmic, a large amount of these structures in the cytoplasmic space and associated with the cell wall, moreover, we also observe membrane portions associated with these structures in the extracellular space. In conclusion, the antifungal activity and the selectivity index RPC against a resistant strain is pretty interesting because of its possible applications in the discovery of new antifungal agents.

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Tiago Rodrigues / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biossistemas, 2014. / Fenotiazinas (FTZ) sao farmacos psicotropicos utilizados no tratamento de esquizofrenia. Foram relatadas diversas propriedades biologicas interessantes das FTZ, dentre elas, efeitos na prevencao do cancer, atividade pro-apoptotica e reversao da resistencia a multiplas a drogas (MDR) por inibicao da glicoproteina P (Pgp). Neste trabalho, nos avaliamos os efeitos citotoxicos das FTZ sobre celulas leucemicas humanas que expressam ou nao o fenotipo MDR Lucena-1 e K562, respectivamente e os mecanismos de morte celular envolvidos. Nossos resultados demonstraram que as FTZ apresentaram atividade citotoxica nas linhagens K562 e Lucena-1 de maneira concentracao-dependente. Nos observamos que apesar da efetividade das FTZ ser praticamente a mesma nas celulas K562 e Lucena-1 os mecanismos envolvidos no processo de morte celular sao bastante distintos. A morte celular induzida por FTZ em celulas K562 parece ocorrer por apoptose e e disparada por aumento subito de Ca2+ citosolico, geracao de especies reativas de oxigenio (EROs) acompanhada da oxidacao de grupos tiolicos e dissipacao do ¿¢¿µ. Em paralelo foi observado que a morte celular induzida por FTZ em celulas K562 envolve a participacao de permeabilizacao de membrana lisossomal (PML) e da autofagia. Em contrapartida, a morte celular induzida pelas FTZ em celulas Lucena-1 parece ocorrer por necrose e nao ha participacao de calcio. Entretanto a geracao de EROs e a oxidacao de grupos tiolicos parecem ter participacao importante no processo, uma vez que o agente redutor, DTT preveniu completamente a morte celular induzida pelas FTZ em celulas Lucena-1. Nos sugerimos que as FTZ utilizam a necrose como mecanismo alternativo de morte de celulas Lucena-1, uma vez que este modelo celular apresenta alteracoes que bloqueiam a maquinaria apoptotica. Estes dados sugerem um potencial farmacologico destes compostos na quimioterapia antitumoral, como possivel estrategia em caso de resistencia a quimioterapia classica. / Phenothiazines (PTZ) are psychotropic drugs used in schizophrenia treatment. It were reported several interesting biological properties of PTZ,among then, effects in cancer prevention, pro-apoptotic activity and reversal of multidrug-resistant (MDR) by P-glycoprotein inhibition. We evaluate in this study the PTZ effects over the human leukemic viability that express or not the phenotype MDR Lucena-1 and K562, respectively and the cell death mechanisms involved. Our results demonstrated that PTZ showed cytotoxic activity in K562 and Lucena-1 cell lines in a concentrationdependent way. We could observe that besides the PTZ effectiveness being practically the same in the K562 and Lucena-1 the mechanisms involved in the cell death process are very distinct. Cell death induced by PTZ in K562 cells seems to occurs by apoptosis and is triggered by a sudden cytosolic Ca2+increase, ROS generation together with thiol groups oxidation and ÄØ dissipation. In parallel it was noticed that the PTZ-induced cell death in K562 cells involves the participation of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and autophagy. In contrast, cell death induced by PTZ in Lucena-1 cells seems to occur by necrosis and there is no calcium participation. Therefore the ROS generation and the thiol groups oxidation seems to have important participation in the process, once that a reduction agent, the DTT completely prevented the cell death induced by PTZ in Lucena-1 cell. We suggest that PTZ used the necrosis as an alternative mechanism for Lucena-1 cell death, once that this cell model shows alterations that block the apoptotic machinery. These data suggest a pharmacological potential of this compounds in antitumor chemotherapy and possible strategy in case of classic chemotherapy resistance.

Orientador: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-12T19:20:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Figueiredo_EduardoCostade_D.pdf: 6808404 bytes, checksum: 000ecbe23739fa5d1c64af83061c6da5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: Essa Tese de Doutorado teve como objetivo promover a associação entre polímeros de impressão molecular (MIP) e espectrofotometria, sendo a seletividade conseguida pela ligação específica dos analitos com os sítios de reconhecimento molecular impresso no MIP. No capítulo 1 foi sintetizado e caracterizado um MIP seletivo a catecol, sendo o mesmo empregado na extração de catecol em amostras de guaraná (Paullinia cupana) e mate (Ilex paraguariensis), seguido de determinação espectrofotométrica (reação não específica de redução de Mn(VII) para Mn(II) pelo catecol). Obteve-se um limite de quantificação, um desvio padrão relativo (20 mmol L, n=10) e uma freqüência analítica de 2,7 mmol L, <5% e 15h, respectivamente. A exatidão foi comprovada por comparação dos resultados obtidos pelo método proposto e por HPLC. No Capítulo 2 um MIP foi empregado na extração de nicotina em amostras de urina de fumantes, seguido da quantificação por espectrofotometria (reação de redução do Mn(VII) a Mn(VI)). O limite de quantificação e a freqüência analítica foram de 1,1 mmol L e 11 h, respectivamente. As precisões intra-ensaio (10, 13 e 4%) e inter-ensaio (12, 10 e 5%) foram obtidas empregando-se padrões de 3, 10 e 30 mmol L, respectivamente e a exatidão foi comprovada por meio da técnica de HPLC. No capítulo 3 foi reportado o emprego do MIP na extração de fármacos fenotiazínicos (clorpromazina e perfenazina) em amostras de urina de pacientes. Após a extração, os fármacos foram eluidos e separados, à baixa pressão e alta velocidade, em uma coluna de C18 com tamanho de partícula entre 35 e 50 mm. Os limites de quantificação foram de 5 mmol L, para ambos os fármacos, e a exatidão foi comprovada por adição de analitos e pela técnica de HPLC / Abstract: The objective of this Thesis was the association between molecularly imprinted polymers and spectrophotometry, with the selectivity obtained through specific binding between analytes and imprinted binding sites of the polymer. In the Chapter 1, a selective MIP for catechol was synthesized, characterized, and employed for the extraction of catechol from guarana (Paullinia cupana) and mate (Ilex paraguariensis) samples, followed by indirect spectophotometric determination of catecol by reduction of Mn(VII) for Mn(II). A limit of quantification, a relative standard deviation (20 mmol L, n = 10) and an analytical frequency of 2.7 mmol L, <5% and 15h, were obtained, respectively. Accuracy was validated using HPLC. In the Chapter 2, a MIP for nicotine was used for its extraction in urine samples of smokers, followed by its indirect quantification by spectrophotometry (reduction of Mn(VII) to Mn(VI) by nicotine). The limit of quantification and analytic frequency were of 1.1 mmol L and 11 h, respectively. Intra (10, 13 and 4%) and inter-day (12, 10 and 5%) precisions were obtained using 3, 10 and 30 mmol L nicotine standard solutions, respectively, and accuracy was validated through HPLC. Finally, in the Chapter 3, a MIP was employed for phenothiazinics (chlorpromazine and perphenazine) extraction in urine samples. Soon after, the drugs were eluted and separated using a low pressure and high-speed system, comprising a C18 column with particle size between 35 and 50 mm. The quantification limits were 5 mmol L for chlorpromazine and perphenazine, and the accuracy was validated using HPLC / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutor em Ciências

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most malignant of all primary adult brain tumours. It is a highly invasive and vascularized neoplasm with limited treatment options and very low survival rate. GBM tumours are heterogeneous in nature with cellular hierarchy and at the apex of this hierarchy are the glioblastoma stem cells, known to promote tumourigenesis and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and tumour recurrence. Currently, the standard care for GBM involves surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment with temozolomide. Unfortunately, median survival after treatment is still daunting and tumour relapse is very frequent. Indeed, patients with recurrent glioblastoma have less than a year survival. To address this, novel therapies need to be developed with the early introduction of promising agents into clinical trials and subsequent approval for use. Importantly, for these novel therapies to be approved for GBM, they need to be safe, effective as well as being able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Due to the high cost and process time for the development of new drugs, existing approved drugs are currently being repurposed for new indications and this is gaining significance in clinical pharmacology as it allows rapid delivery of useful drugs from bench to bedside. Drugs of the antipsychotic class are well known to cross the BBB due to their neuroleptic action. To this end, the aim of this study was to identify and characterize the anti-cancer activities of novel phenothiazine-derivatives belonging to the antipsychotic class of drugs in glioblastoma. To achieve this, several novel phenothiazine-derivatives were initially screened for possible anti-cancer activity in the U87 and U251 malignant GBM cells. Two lead compounds, DS00326 and DS00329, were identified and their anti-cancer activities were determined in U87 and U251 cells as well as in primary patient-derived xenograft (PDX) glioblastoma cultures. DS00326 and DS00329 significantly inhibited glioblastoma cell viability, with minimal effects observed in the non-cancerous FG0 fibroblasts. The IC50 values of DS00326 and DS00329 for U251, U87 and PDX cells ranged from 1.61 to 12.53μM. Flow cytometry analyses showed that DS00326 and DS00329 treatment led to an increase in the G1 population of cells. Additionally, DS00326 and DS00329 induced double-strand DNA breaks, which lead to activation of the canonical DNA damage response pathway. Furthermore, DS00326 and DS00329 induced apoptosis as shown by morphological markers, flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, as well as western blotting with an antibody to detect levels of cleaved PARP. Interestingly, treatment with DS00326 and DS00329 also induced autophagy as evident by the increase of acidic vesicular organelles in cells following staining with acridine orange as well as an increase in levels of the autophagy marker LC3-II. Autophagy was seen as a pro-death pathway in the U87 and U251 cells as inhibition of autophagy led to a reversal of cytotoxicity and consequently increased cell survival. Moreover, it was demonstrated that DS00326 and DS00329 inhibited the PI3/Akt pathway while modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38, ERK1/2 and JNK signalling pathways. Importantly DS00326 and DS00329 displayed anti-cancer stem cell activities by the inhibition of neurosphere formation and regulation of stem cell markers SOX2 and GFAP in PDX cells. Together, the findings from this study suggest that DS00326 and DS00329 may be effective in the treatment of glioblastoma and provide a strong rationale for further clinical studies exploiting phenothiazines and their derivatives as treatments for glioblastoma. / 2021-09-01

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present study evaluated different formulations of methylene blue (MB) with the aim to improve the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy. Photophysical and photochemical properties and antimicrobial effect of the MB dissolved in different formulations: water (MB/water); 20% ethyl alcohol (MB/ethanol); 0,1% chitosan solution (MB/chitosan); and in mixture of water, ethanol and chitosan (50:20:30 v:v) (MB/new formulation), was evaluated. Molecular aggregation of MB, evaluated by monomer-to-dimer ratio, was dependent on MB concentration and the solvents used. The MB/water and MB/chitosan formulations showed higher aggregation than MB/ethanol and MB/new formulation. In substrate oxidation models (Uric acid and N-acetyl-l-tryptofanamide) the formulation MB/new formulation showed the greatest ability to form singlet oxygen and greater photo-oxidation kinetics. In vitro biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative) was used to evaluated the antimicrobial effect of MB different formulations. No difference was observed when biofilms was treated with MB/water (Light +) and MB/water (Light -). The MB/new formulation group (Light +) showed significant decrease to MB/water (Light -) for both microorganisms. The MB formulation dissolved in water, ethanol and chitosan showed promising photochemical, photophysical, and antimicrobial results. Our results demonstrated that different solvents can enhanced the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy. / Diferentes formulações de azul de metileno (AM) com objetivo de potencializar o efeito antimicrobiano da terapia fotodinâmica foram avaliadas. Propriedades fotofísicas, fotoquímicas e antimicrobianas do MB dissolvido em: água (MB/água); álcool etílico 20% (MB/etanol); quitosana 0,1% em solução de ácido acético 1%/água (30:70 v:v) (MB/quitosana); e sistema água, etanol e quitosana (50:20:30 v:v) (MB/nova formulação), foram avaliadas. Agregação molecular do AM, mensurada pela razão entre a proporção de monômeros e dímeros, foi dependente da concentração do AM e dos solventes. Formulações AM/água e AM/quitosana apresentaram maior agregação molecular do que AM/etanol e AM/nova formulação. Utilizando os modelos de oxidação de substrato (Ácido Úrico e NATA), AM/nova formulação apresentou maior capacidade para formação de oxigênio singleto e maior cinética de foto-oxidação. O efeito antimicrobiano foi avaliado sobre biofilmes in vitro de Enterococcus faecalis (Gram positiva) e Escherichia coli (Gram negativa). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada quando biofilmes foram tratados com AM/água com foto-ativação (L+) ou sem foto-ativação (L-). O grupo tratado com AM/nova formulação (L+) apresentou redução significativa em relação ao controle (AM/água L-) para ambos os micro-organimos. A utilização da formulação de AM em água, etanol e quitosana apresentou resultados fotoquímicos e antimicrobianos promissores, demonstrando que diferentes solventes podem potencializar o efeito antimicrobiano da terapia fotodinâmica.

Neste trabalho são apresentados estudos do efeito de interfaces nas propriedades fotofísicas e fotoquímicas do azul de metileno (AM) e de derivados fenotiazínicos com o intuito de avaliar o potencial destes compostos como fotossensibilizadores (FS) em terapia fotodinâmica. As propriedades físico-químicas do AM foram estudadas em soluções de SOS e observou-se que a presença do AM em solução altera o equilíbrio entre as micelas de SOS, diminuindo o valor da concentração micelar crítica de 7mmolL-1 para 70&#181;moIL-1. A presença das micelas em solução também interfere nas propriedades do AM. Em baixas concentrações de SOS há formação de dímeros de AM, constatados pelo aumento da absorbância em 580nm e diminuição da emissão de fluorescência. A caracterização das espécies transientes mostrou a existência de moléculas de azul de metileno no estado triplete (3AM) e de oxigênio singlete em soluções com altas concentrações de SOS e a formação de espécies radicalares do AM em baixas concentrações do tensoativo. Esta observação sugere que o mecanismo fotoquímico do AM é dependente da sua concentração local próxima de interfaces carregadas. As interações do AM e de alguns de seus derivados fenotiazínicos (tionina, azure A e azure B) com vesículas e com células HeLa foram estudadas e em ambos os casos observou-se que as moléculas com estruturas assimétricas são incorporadas em maior extensão. Em estudos de fototoxicidade, os compostos assimétricos apresentaram maior nível de morte celular do que o verificado para os compostos simétricos. Entretanto, ao se considerar a incorporação em células, os compostos simétricos se mostraram mais eficientes por molécula. Foi desenvolvido um método para determinação do 10gP dos fotossensibilizadores (FS) por voltametria com microeletrodos que se mostrou reprodutível. Novos FSs assimétricos derivados do Azure A com duas caudas hidrofóbicas de 4, 6 e 8 carbonos (AzC4, AzC6 e AzC8) foram sintetizados. Esses novos compostos possuem eficiências de fluorescência semelhantes ao AM. O composto AzC4 apresenta eficiência de geração de oxigênio singlete bem próxima à do AM (0,56), enquanto os outros dois compostos têm uma eficiência de geração de oxigênio singlete cerca de duas vezes menor. Este comportamento se deve ao fato dos FSs com cadeias carbônicas maiores interagirem mais fortemente entre si, apresentando maior grau de agregação. Os compostos sintetizados apresentam maior incorporação em vesículas que os compostos anteriormente estudados, indicando que a assimetria da molécula favorece a incorporação, assim como, o comprimento da cadeia hidrofóbica. Resultados de incorporação em células HeLa, mostraram que o composto AzC4 interage mais facilmente com a membrana celulare apresenta maior nível de morte celular devido à sua maior incorporação. / The effect of interfaces on photophysical and photochemical properties of methylene blue (MB) and its derivatives was studied in this work, aiming to emploit their potencial as photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic therapy.The presence of MB in SDS solutions affect the micelle equilibrium decreasing the apparent critical micelle concentration of SDS from 7mmolL-1 to 70&#181;moIL-1. The properties of MB were also affected. At low SDS concentrations the formation of MB dimers was detected by the increase in the absorption in 580 nm and decrease of fluorescence emission. The characterization of transient species of MB showed the existence of MB molecules in the triplet state and emission of singlete oxygen at large SDS concentration and the formation of MB radicals in small surfactant concentration. These observations suggest that the photochemical mechanism of MB depends on its local concentration close to charged interfaces.The interactions of MB as well as other phenotiazine derivatives with synthetic vesicles and HeLa cells were studied. In both cases, the PS with asymmetrical structure presented higher degrees of incorporation. Studies of phototoxicity showed that the PS with asymmetrical structures present higher degree of cell death than the symmetrical compounds. However, if one consider the degree of incorporation the symmetrical compounds are more efficient per molecule. A method to determinate logP by voltammetry with microelectrodes was developed, showing good repeatability. New asymmetric photosensitizers derived from Azure A with two hydrophobic chains of 4, 6 or 8 carbons (AZC4, AZC6 e AzC8) were synthesized in order to study structure/activity relationship. These new compounds presented similar fluorescence efficiency to MB. The oxygen singlet generation efficiency of AZC4 is similar to MB, while the efficiency of the other PSs was twice smaller. This behavior was explained in terms PS aggregation, due to their longer hydrophobic chains. The synthesized PSs presented larger degree of incorporation than the commercial PSs, showing the role of asymmetry and hydrophobicity in incorporation yields. Incorporation in HeLa cells showed that AZC4 interacts more strongly with cells than the other synthesized PSs due to the rigidity of plasmatic membrane. Under the same illumination conditions, AzC4 was the PS that presented higher degree of cell death as a result of its larger incorporation in cells.

Neste trabalho, utilizamos a técnica de espalhamento de raios-X a baixos Ângulos (SAXS) para estudar a influência de dois derivados fenotiazínicos na estrutura de sistemas micelares, assim como suas propriedades de auto-associação, além de investigar a influência da variação de pH e de concentração nas interações entre proteínas em solução. Para tanto, utilizamos dois fármacos fenotiazínicos, (Trifluoperazina, TFP e a Clorpromazina, CPZ), em presença de L--fosfatidilcolina (LPC), um surfactante zwiteriônico (30 mM), a pH 4.0 e 7.0. Os resultados de SAXS indicam que a micela de LPC, em ausência de fenotiazina, pode ser representada por uma micela com forma elipsoidal (com razão axial 1.6 0.1). No entanto, em presença de TFP e de CPZ a forma da micela se altera, passando para um cilindro (com razão axial 2.5 0.1). Este efeito é acompanhado por uma diminuição do raio parafínico da micela (22.5 0.3 Å), em ausência de fármaco, para 20.0 0.5 em presença de 10 mM de fármaco. Em paralelo, realizamos medidas de EPR (Ressonância Paramagnética eletrônica) destes sistemas. Combinando os resultados de SAXS e de EPR, propusemos um sítio para a localização destes compostos nas micelas de LPC, que seria na interface polar/apolar da mesma. Em um segundo momento, utilizamos as técnicas de SAXS e de EPR para investigar as características estruturais dos agregados formados por TFP e CPZ (a 20 e 60 mM, a pH 4.0 e 7.0). As curvas de SAXS são compatíveis com o espalhamento de agregados pequenos com diferentes geometrias: elipsoidal, cilíndrico e tipo-paralelepípedo. Devido à resolução da técnica, dentro do intervalo de vetores de espalhamento utilizada (até cerca de 0.3 Å-1), não é possível determinar, de forma absoluta, a correta geometria dos agregados, ou seja, todas as geometrias citadas acima ajustam de forma satisfatória as curvas de SAXS. As análises dessas curvas também não excluem a possibilidade de que estes fármacos mantenham-se como nano-cristais em solução (compostos por cerca de 10 celas unitárias, empilhadas na direção-z), seguindo sua estrutura cristalográfica. Medidas de EPR indicam que os auto-agregados a pH 4.0 possuem características semelhantes às micelas, mas a pH 6.5 este efeito não foi evidenciado, uma vez que ocorre uma forte interação entre a sonda e os agregados. Este fato indica que os agregados, a pH 6.5, têm um maior empacotamento, em comparação aos sistemas a pH 4.0. Por fim, utilizamos a Albumina de Soro Bovina (BSA, a 10 50 mg/ml), em diferentes pHs (2.0 9.0), para investigar os efeitos de concentração e de pH nos potenciais de interação das macromoléculas em solução. O fator de forma da proteína foi obtido através da estrutura cristalográfica da HSA (Human Serum Albumine, proteína humana homóloga a BSA), enquanto que as interações proteína-proteína foram calculadas através da relação de fechamento RPA (Random Phase Approximation). Nossos dados indicam que a BSA mantém sua estrutura terciária inalterada de pH 4.0 a 9.0, independente de sua concentração. No entanto, a pH 2.0 a proteína sofre um processo de desenovelamento, indicado pelo aumento da dimensão máxima da mesma. Nossos dados dão suporte para concluir que as interações entre as proteínas, a 10 mg/ml, são praticamente desprezíveis, exceto para os sistemas compostos a pH 2.0 (onde a proteína está desenovelada) e a pH 4.0 (onde evidenciamos a presença de interferência atrativa entre as proteínas). Entretanto, a medida em que aumentamos a concentração proteica, uma função de interferência do tipo repulsiva aparece na curvas de SAXS (para os sistemas de pH 4.0 a 9.0). Além disso, no sistema composto por BSA, pH 5.4 e 50 mg/ml, evidenciamos a existência de monômeros e dímeros em solução, provavelmente devido a proximidade do ponto isoelétrico da proteína (entre 4.8 5.6). Este efeito não foi evidenciado para os outros pHs, nesta mesma concentração. A pH 2.0 (25 e 50 mg/ml) evidenciamos uma compactação da proteína, sendo que sua forma é diferente da forma nativa da BSA. Nestas condições, é possível que a proteína tenha alcançado um estado molten globule, como evidenciado em outros trabalhos. Acreditamos que os efeitos de volume excluído são de grande importância para a estabilidade da proteína in vivo. / In this work we study, mainly by means of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), the influence of two phenothiazine derivatives on biomimetic systems as well as the self-assembly features. At the same time, the conformational stability of proteins in the presence of denaturant agents (pH and concentration) was evaluated. First of all, the phenothiazine compounds trifluoperazine (TFP) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) with micelles of the zwitterionic surfactant L--lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), at pHs 4.0 and 7.0, are reported. The SAXS results demonstrate that, upon addition of both phenothiazines, the LPC micelle of prolate ellipsoidal shape changes into a cylindrically shaped micelle, increasing its axial ratio from 1.6 0.1 (in the absence of drug) to 2.5 0.1 (for 5 and 10 mM of phenothiazine). Such an effect is accompanied by a shrinking of the paraffinic shortest semiaxis from 22.5 0.3 to 20.0 0.5 Å. Besides, EPR (Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance) evidenced a bigger motion immobilization of the nitroxe probe, in the presence of phenothiazines. Our results provide evidence that the positively charged phenothiazine molecule must be accommodated near the hydrophobic/hydrophilic inner micellar interface. Furthermore, SAXS and EPR experiments were carried out to investigate the structure of the self-aggregates of CPZ and TFP, in aqueous solution. SAXS studies (drug solutions of 20 and 60 mM, at pH 4.0 and 7.0) evidenced that several different particle form factors with a homogeneous electron density distribution, in respect to the water environment, could reproduce the scattering curves. Due to the limitation of scattering intensity in the q range above 0.15 Å-1, precise determination of the aggregate shape was not possible and all of the tested models for ellipsoids, cylinders, or parallelepipeds fitted the experimental data equally well. The SAXS data allows inferring, however, that CPZ molecules might self-assemble in a basis set of an orthorhombic cell, remaining as nanocrystallites in solution. Such nanocrystals are composed of a small number of unit cells (up to 10, in c-direction), with CPZ aggregation numbers of 60-80. EPR spectra of 5- and 16-doxyl stearic acids bound to the aggregates were also performed, indicating a micelle-like aggregate at pH 4.0, and a significant motional restriction of the nitroxide was observed at pH 6.5. This implies that the aggregate is densely packed at this pH and that the nitroxide is tightly bound to it producing a strongly immobilized EPR spectrum. Finally, the effect of concentration and pH on the protein-protein interactions of BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin, from 10 up to 50 mg/ml) was evaluated by SAXS. Our results give support to infer that BSA keeps its native shape (similar to the Human Serum Albumin, HSA, crystallographic structure) unaltered at middle-acid (pH 4.0) up to basic pHs (9.0). At pH 2.0, however, BSA undergoes an unfolding process, indicated by a non globular shape. The protein-protein interactions were analysed into the Random Phase Approximation. The results show that at smaller amounts of BSA (10 mg/ml) the interference effects are not significative over the SAXS curve for pH 5.4 up to 9.0. At pH 4.0 and 10 mg/ml, however, an attractive potential takes place over the SAXS curves, that becomes repulsive with increasing BSA concentration. Besides, at pH 5.4 and 50 mg/ml, we evidenced a dimer-monomer co-existence in the solution. At pH 2.0 and 25 and 50 mg/ml, BSA undergoes to a compact conformation. Probably, BSA is in a molten globule state. Our results give also support to infer that probably, the exclude volume effect plays an important role on the protein stability in vivo.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study aimed to evaluate the histological effect of different formulations of Methylene Blue (MB) used in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) as adjuvant to conventional treatment, on gingival collagen fibers in the treatment of periodontal disease induced in rats. In this study were used 120 male rats (Rattus Novergicus, Wistar lineage). The periodontitis was induced by placing a ligature on right mandibular first molar in 105 rats. After 7 days, they were removed and the animals were randomized in 5 groups: NC negative control; PC positive control (no treatment); SRP - scaling and root planning (SRP) and periodontal pocket irrigation with saline solution; aPDT SRP + aPDT (with MB 0,01% dissolved in water + laser); aPDT/ethanol SRP + aPDT (with MB 0,01% dissolved in solvents containing ethanol 20% + laser). The NC animals received neither periodontitis induction nor treatment. Five animals of NC and PC and ten animals of SRP, aPDT and aPDT/ethanol are euthanized 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment. Gingival samples were collected to the quantification of collagen fibers and descriptive analysis of collagen type I and III proportion and organization. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and multilevel Poisson regression analysis. The animals of NC, PC, SRP, aPDT and aPDT/ethanol showed percentage of collagen fibers area of 67,99%, 45,71%, 58,39%, 71,70% and 72,37%, respectively, but no statistical difference was seen in aPDT and aPDT/ethanol; the collagen fibers area was higher at 30 days (71,37%) than at 7 days (60,25%) and at 15 days (63,12%) after treatment, showing statistical difference only at 30 days (ANOVA). Considering multivariate Poisson regression analysis, aPDT and aPDT/ethanol showed 6% higher rate of collagen fibers organization when compared to NC (p<0,05); this organization increased 5% at 15 days after treatment and 19% at 30 days when compared to 7 days (p<0,05). The action of different formulations of MB was similar concerning the quantity and organization of gingival collagen fibers, presenting higher collagen type I quantity, parallel and dense alignment at 30 days after treatment. According to the experimental model used in this study, the ethanol presence in MB formulation doesn t interfere on collagen fibers quantity and quality of collagen fibers in periodontal wound healing. This study suggests the aPDT could be a promising alternative to periodontal disease treatment as adjuvant to conventional treatment. / Este estudo objetivou avaliar histologicamente o efeito de diferentes formulações de Azul de Metileno (AM), na Terapia Fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (TFDa), como adjuvante ao tratamento periodontal convencional, sobre as fibras colágenas do tecido gengival no tratamento da doença periodontal induzida em ratos. Neste estudo, foram utilizados 120 ratos machos (Rattus Novergicus, linhagem Wistar). A periodontite foi induzida pela colocação de ligaduras no molar inferior direito em 105 ratos. Decorridos 7 dias, as ligaduras foram removidas e os animais foram randomizados em 5 grupos: CN - controle negativo; CP - controle positivo (sem tratamento); RAR - raspagem e alisamento radicular (RAR) e irrigação da bolsa periodontal com solução salina; TFDa - RAR + TFDa (com AM a 0,01% dissolvido em água + laser); e TFDa/etanol - RAR + TFDa (com AM a 0,01% dissolvido em solventes contendo etanol a 20% + laser). Os animais do CN não foram submetidos à indução de doença ou tratamento. Cinco animais de CN e CP e dez animais de RAR, TFDa e TFDa/etanol foram eutanasiados em 7, 15 e 30 dias após os tratamentos. Amostras de tecido gengival foram coletadas para quantificação das fibras colágenas e análise descritiva da proporção e organização dos tipos I e III de colágeno. Dados foram analisados com ANOVA e análise multinível de Regressão de Poisson. Os animais de CN, CP, RAR, TFDa e TFDa/etanol mostraram percentual de área das fibras colágenas de 67,99%, 45,71%, 58,39%, 71,70% e 72,37%, respectivamente, porém nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada entre TFDa e TFDa/etanol; a área das fibras colágenas foi maior aos 30 dias (71,37%) do que aos 7 dias (60,25%) e aos 15 dias (63,12%) após o tratamento, apresentando diferença estatística somente aos 30 dias (ANOVA). Considerando a análise multivariada da Regressão de Poisson, TFDa e TFDa/etanol apresentaram uma taxa 6% maior de organização das fibras colágenas quando comparados ao CN (p<0,05); tal organização aumentou 5% aos 15 dias após o tratamento e 19% aos 30 dias, quando comparados aos 7 dias (p<0,05). A ação das diferentes formulações do AM foi semelhante no que diz respeito à quantidade e organização das fibras colágenas do tecido gengival, apresentando maior quantidade de colágeno tipo I, com alinhamento paralelo e denso aos 30 dias após o tratamento. De acordo com o modelo experimental utilizado neste estudo, a presença do etanol na formulação do AM não interfere na quantidade e na qualidade das fibras colágenas frente ao processo de cicatrização periodontal. Este estudo sugere que a TFDa pode ser uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento da doença periodontal como adjuvante ao tratamento convencional.