abstract: Polymer fibers have broad applications in wearable electronics, bulletproof vests, batteries, fuel cells, filters, electrodes, conductive wires, and biomedical materials. Polymer fibers display light density and flexibility but are mostly weak and compliant. The ceramic, metallic, and carbon nanoparticles have been frequently included in polymers for fabricating continuous, durable, and functional composite fibers. Nanoparticles display large specific areas, low defect density and can transfer their superior properties to polymer matrices. The main focus of this thesis is to design, fabricate and characterize the polymer/nanocarbon composite fibers with unique microstructures and improved mechanical/thermal performance. The dispersions and morphologies of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), the interactions with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molecules and their influences on fiber properties are studied. The fibers were fabricated using a dry-jet wet spinning method with engineered spinneret design. Three different structured fibers were fabricated, namely, one-phase polymer fiber (1-phase), two-phase core-shell composite fiber (2-phase), and three-phase co-axial composite fiber (3-phase). These polymer or composite fibers were processed at three stages with drawing temperatures of 100˚C, 150˚C, and 200˚C. Different techniques including the mechanical tester, wide-angle X-Ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) have been used to characterize the fiber microstructures and properties. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Mechanical Engineering 2018

Trimesoyl chloride (TMC) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) / chitosan (CS) membranes and synthetic polyimide membranes were prepared for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol and gas separation. PVA membranes were interfacially crosslinked with different amounts of TMC/hexane, and the degree of crosslinking was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy - Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and water uptake. The asymmetric structure of the PVA-TMC membranes was revealed by FTIR-ATR. Thermal analysis was performed to understand the pyrolysis mechanism, which was supposed to be a combination of elimination of water and/or trimesic acid followed by breakage of the main chain. Water permeation and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol were conducted, and the results showed that PVA-3TMC had the best overall pervaporation properties among the four PVA-TMC membranes studied. Sorption properties and pervaporation behavior of the PVA-3TMC membrane were investigated. The effects of water/isopropanol on the polymer matrix and the possible change of the degree of crystallinity induced by the sorbed water were believed to account for the sorption properties. For water permeation and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol in a heating-cooling cycle, the permeation flux did not change significantly, and the selectivity was improved by the formation of crystallites during the heating run. For pervaporation in the diluting and concentrating runs at 60 °C, there was no change in the membrane permeability. Chitosan membranes were interfacially crosslinked in TMC/hexane with different crosslinking time. The membrane with a higher degree of crosslinking showed a higher degree of swelling in water at room temperature. A two-stage thermal decomposition mechanism was proposed based on thermal analyses. Pure gas permeation was performed with CO2 and N2 at room temperature, and CS-TMC-2 showed the best performance, with a CO2 permeability of ~163 Barrer and a CO2/N2 permeability ratio of ~42. Pervaporation was carried out for dehydration of isopropanol with the unconditioned and conditioned membranes, and the CS-TMC-3 membrane showed the best pervaporation performance. Pervaporation and gas separation properties were affected by the crosslinking-induced relaxation and the mobility/packing properties of the CS-TMC matrices. 4,4'-(Hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA)-based and 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl]propane dianhydride (BPADA)-based copolyimides were synthesized from one-step high-temperature polymerization in m-cresol. Polymers were characterized with Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), FTIR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Surface free energies and interfacial free energies were calculated from contact angles to characterize hydrophilicity of the polyimide membranes. Gas permeation properties of 6FDA-based copolyimide membranes were studied with N2, O2, H2, He and CO2, and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol was performed with 6FDA-based and BPADA-based membranes. An empirical linear moiety contribution approach was proposed, and the moiety contribution factors were used to illustrate the effects of dianhydrides and diamines on permselectivities of the copolyimide membranes. Bulky side groups, flexibility of polymer main chains, structures of monomer moieties, and interactions between gas molecules and polymer chains were shown to affect gas permselectivities, while in pervaporation, both sorption and diffusion properties were affected by the interactions between penetrants and polymer matrices as well as the steric effects of monomer moieties.

Trimesoyl chloride (TMC) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) / chitosan (CS) membranes and synthetic polyimide membranes were prepared for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol and gas separation. PVA membranes were interfacially crosslinked with different amounts of TMC/hexane, and the degree of crosslinking was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy - Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and water uptake. The asymmetric structure of the PVA-TMC membranes was revealed by FTIR-ATR. Thermal analysis was performed to understand the pyrolysis mechanism, which was supposed to be a combination of elimination of water and/or trimesic acid followed by breakage of the main chain. Water permeation and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol were conducted, and the results showed that PVA-3TMC had the best overall pervaporation properties among the four PVA-TMC membranes studied. Sorption properties and pervaporation behavior of the PVA-3TMC membrane were investigated. The effects of water/isopropanol on the polymer matrix and the possible change of the degree of crystallinity induced by the sorbed water were believed to account for the sorption properties. For water permeation and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol in a heating-cooling cycle, the permeation flux did not change significantly, and the selectivity was improved by the formation of crystallites during the heating run. For pervaporation in the diluting and concentrating runs at 60 °C, there was no change in the membrane permeability. Chitosan membranes were interfacially crosslinked in TMC/hexane with different crosslinking time. The membrane with a higher degree of crosslinking showed a higher degree of swelling in water at room temperature. A two-stage thermal decomposition mechanism was proposed based on thermal analyses. Pure gas permeation was performed with CO2 and N2 at room temperature, and CS-TMC-2 showed the best performance, with a CO2 permeability of ~163 Barrer and a CO2/N2 permeability ratio of ~42. Pervaporation was carried out for dehydration of isopropanol with the unconditioned and conditioned membranes, and the CS-TMC-3 membrane showed the best pervaporation performance. Pervaporation and gas separation properties were affected by the crosslinking-induced relaxation and the mobility/packing properties of the CS-TMC matrices. 4,4'-(Hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA)-based and 2,2-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl]propane dianhydride (BPADA)-based copolyimides were synthesized from one-step high-temperature polymerization in m-cresol. Polymers were characterized with Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), FTIR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Surface free energies and interfacial free energies were calculated from contact angles to characterize hydrophilicity of the polyimide membranes. Gas permeation properties of 6FDA-based copolyimide membranes were studied with N2, O2, H2, He and CO2, and pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol was performed with 6FDA-based and BPADA-based membranes. An empirical linear moiety contribution approach was proposed, and the moiety contribution factors were used to illustrate the effects of dianhydrides and diamines on permselectivities of the copolyimide membranes. Bulky side groups, flexibility of polymer main chains, structures of monomer moieties, and interactions between gas molecules and polymer chains were shown to affect gas permselectivities, while in pervaporation, both sorption and diffusion properties were affected by the interactions between penetrants and polymer matrices as well as the steric effects of monomer moieties.

Orientadora: Profa. Dra. Christiane Bertachini Lombello / Coorientadora: Profa. Dra. Ana Paula Romani / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Biomédica, São Bernardo do Campo, 2018. / Neste trabalho foi avaliado o potencial uso em engenharia de tecidos de blendas de quitosana (QTS) e poli(álcool vinílico) (PVOH). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se uma blenda polimérica composta por QTS/PVOH (3:1) mantém esse potencial. Foram analisadas amostras das matérias-primas, ou seja, os polímeros puros de QTS e PVOH, além da blenda de QTS/PVOH (3:1) não reticulada, a blenda reticulada com 1% e com 5% m/m de glutaraldeído e a blenda reticulada com 1% e 5% m/m de glioxal. Foram realizadas medidas da rugosidade superficial e de degradação em condições fisiológicas por 14 dias. As medições da rugosidade superficial mostraram que, de modo geral as blendas possuem uma maior variação de rugosidade, enquanto que os polímeros puros são mais homogêneos. Entretanto, a rugosidade superficial não influenciou de maneira significativa a viabilidade e adesão celular. A reticulação com o glutaraldeído parece provocar um atraso na degradação dos filmes em condições fisiológicas. Não era desejado que houvesse a presença dos agentes reticulantes na forma livre nos filmes devido à sua toxicidade. Através das espectroscopias de FTIR e FT-Raman não foi observada a presença destes agentes. As avaliações biológicas foram feitas por meio de ensaios in vitro de citotoxicidade direta e por extrato, análise da interação de células com os biomateriais com microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Nos ensaios que envolveram cultura de células foi utilizada a linhagem de células Vero. A avaliação da morfologia celular para citotoxicidade direta não revelou nenhum efeito citotóxico significativo por parte dos biomateriais. O uso da técnica de MTT para avaliação da citotoxicidade por extrato revelou um decréscimo da viabilidade observada nas células em contato com os extratos das blendas reticuladas. A análise por MEV das amostras dos biomateriais na presença de cultura de células indicou que as blendas reticuladas com 1 % de glutaraldeído ou com glioxal possuem um melhor desempenho em relação a adesão e proliferação celular do que as não-reticuladas. Também foi estudada a forma com que as diferentes composições influenciam na adesão celular e a reticulação por glioxal parece atrasar, mas não inibir o processo. Em conclusão, a partir dos resultados obtidos, as blendas de QTS/PVOH apresentam potencial para o uso em engenharia de tecidos, com a reticulada com 1% de glutaraldeído sendo a mais promissora. / At the present work it was sought to assess the potential use in tissue engineer of chitosan (QTS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH). Both QTS and PVOH shows advantageous characteristics to their usage as biomaterials intended for tissue engineer, and this work's objective was to evaluate if a polymeric blend composed of QTS/PVOH (3:1) retains this potencial. There were evaluated samples of the original biomaterials, that was the pure QTS and PVOH polymers, as well as the QTS/PVOH blend (3:1), the 1 % and 5 % m/m glutaraldehyde cross-linked blends and the 1 % and 5 % m/m glyoxal cross-linked blends. The superficial rugosity was measured and it was studied the degradation of the films for 14 days. The rugosity variation between the films didn't result in differences of cell adhesion and proliferation. The glutaraldehyde cross-linking slowed down the degradation of the films. It wasn't desired that there were traces of free cross-linking agents, because of their toxicity. With the FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy it was observed that there weren't any free cross-linking agents within the films. The biological evaluations were performed by direct and by extracts in vitro cytotoxicity essay, by observation of cell interaction with the biomaterials with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by surface roughness. At the essays that involved cell cultures, it was used Vero lineage cells. The direct cytotoxicity were evaluated by cell morphology and didn't reveal any significant cytotoxic effect by the biomaterials. The extract cytotoxicity showed a decrease of cell viability with the cross-linked blends extracts, but it was uncertain if this is due a cytotoxic effect or other factor. The samples SEM analysis showed that the 1 % glutaraldehyde cross-linked blend and the glyoxal cross-linked blends provided a more suitable surface for cell adhesion and proliferation than the non cross-linked ones. The surface roughness measurements revealed that, in general, the blends have more roughness variation along their surface, while the pure polymers show a more homogeneous surface. However, the surface roughness didn't influence in a significant way the cell viability. In conclusion, from the present results, the QTS/PVOH blends exhibit potencial for tissue.

Com a alta taxa de desertificação dos solos e a necessidade de irrigação constante dos plantios, existe a necessidade da criação de um polímero superabsorvente (SAP) com a característica de ser biodegradável. Observando o estágio tecnológico relacionado às atividades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento de SAPs no Brasil, foi utilizado o poli (álcool vinílico)/PVA e o amido de mandioca para a formação de hidrogéis a partir de blendas poliméricas. Assim, soluções aquosas desses polímeros foram reticuladas quimicamente, usando o glutaraldeído como agente reticulante e comparadas com amostras reticuladas por radiação gama, irradiadas a uma dose de 25 kgy. Os hidrogéis resultantes foram caracterizados por diversas técnicas analíticas como a fração gel, o intumescimento em água destilada, a espectroscopia de infravermelho com refletância total atenuada ATR (FT-IR), a termogravimetria (TG/DTG), a calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Observou-se uma maior reticulação nos hidrogéis reticulados com o glutaraldeído e em consequência um menor grau de intumescimento quando comparadas com as amostras que foram irradiadas. Com vias a produzir hidrogéis em uma escala industrial, misturas de PVA e amido foram processadas por extrusão reativa, mudando assim o processo de preparação de solução aquosa para misturas secas. Foram extrudadas amostras de PVA com diferentes pesos moleculares tais como o PVA 26-88, o PVA 40-88, o PVA 110-99 e o poli (ácido glioxílico vinílico)/PVGA, este último sintetizado a partir da modificação do PVA 110-99. Foi adicionado na mistura o ácido glioxílico no desenvolvimento do SAP por reticulação química nas amostras do PVA, por ter grupos carboxílicos que podem aumentar o intumescimento e também servir como agente reticulante. Também foram feitas formulações de extrusão sem o ácido glioxílico para serem usados como brancos. Adicionou-se nas misturas diversos agentes plastificantes como a glicerina e o polietilenoglicol (PEG 400) e as propriedades mecânicas foram estudadas. Foram desenvolvidas duas análises fatoriais de 23 para analisar as mudanças na reticulação das formulações. Os pellets foram caracterizados com as mesmas técnicas analíticas que os hidrogéis feitos em solução, adicionando-se análises de intumescimento e reversibilidade de intumescimento em diversos solventes como a água pura, a água da chuva, as soluções tampão de pH 3, pH 7 e pH 10, além de soro fisiológico, visando a aplicação em diferentes solos com diferentes pH e salinidades. Os testes de intumescimento em diferentes sais demonstraram a ter menor retenção de água quando comparada com água pura. Os testes de reversibilidade de intumescimento dos pellets mostraram que a maioria das formulações perde a sua capacidade de intumescimento máximo aos seis primeiros ciclos. Foi feita a compressão dos pellets para observar a flexibilidade dos mesmos, visando aplicações debaixo do solo. Realizou-se um estudo de biodegradação em terra ao longo de 120 dias, e estudou-se a relação direta com os valores da fração gel. Os resultados mostraram que os pellets menos reticulados intumesceram mais, enquanto as microscopias mostraram que essas amostras tinham uma morfologia mais porosa, o que contribuiu na melhora na retenção do líquido. Além disso, eram mais flexíveis e biodegradaram mais rápido, sendo extremamente viáveis para a aplicação na agricultura. Foi verificado que o PVA 40-88 apresentou os melhores valores de intumescimento em diferentes sais. Com o SAP obtido, foi constatado que a extrusão reativa é um método viável para a produção dos SAPs. / With high soil desertification rate and the need for constant irrigation of the plantations, there is the need to create a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) with the characteristic of being biodegradable. Noting the technological stage related to research and development activities of SAPs in Brazil, we used poly (vinyl alcohol)/PVA and cassava starch for the formation of hydrogels from polymer blends. Thus, aqueous solutions of these polymers were chemically crosslinked using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent and compared to samples cross-linked by gamma irradiation, irradiated the a dose of 25 kgy. The resulting hydrogels were characterized by various analytical techniques such as gel fraction, swelling in distilled water, infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There was a higher crosslink in the hydrogels crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and consequently a lower degree of swelling as compared to samples that were irradiated. With routes to produce hydrogels on an industrial scale, PVA and starch mixtures were processed by reactive extrusion, thus changing the aqueous solution preparation process to dry mix. PVA samples were extruded with different molecular weights such as PVA 26-88, PVA 40-88, PVA 110-99 and poly (vinyl glyoxylic acid)/PVGA, the latter synthesized from the modified PVA 110-99. It was added to the mixture glyoxylic acid in the SAP development by chemical crosslinking of the PVA sample for having carboxyl groups that may increase the swelling and also serve as crosslinker. Also extrusion formulations were made without the glyoxylic acid to be used as white. Was added to the mixture, various plasticizers such as glycerin and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and the mechanical properties were studied. two factor analyzes were developed from 23 to analyze the changes in crosslinking formulations. The pellets were characterized with the same analytical techniques that hydrogels made in solution by adding analyzes swelling and swelling of reversibility in various solvents such as pure water, rain water, pH buffer solutions 3, pH 7 and pH 10, in addition to saline solution, aimed at application in different soils with different salinities and pH. swelling tests at different salts shown to have lower water retention when compared to pure water. The pellets reversibility of the swelling tests showed that most formulations loses its swelling capacity up to the first six cycles. The compression of the pellets was taken to observe their flexibility, targeting applications underground. We conducted a study of biodegradation on land over 120 days, and studied the direct relationship with the gel fraction values. The results showed that the pellets swelled more crosslinked least while microscopy showed that these samples had a more porous morphology, which contributed to the improvement in fluid retention. Moreover, they are more flexible and biodegrade more rapidly and are extremely viable for use in agriculture. It has been found that PVA 40-88 showed better swelling values at different salts. With SAP obtained, it was found that the reactive extrusion is a viable method for the production of SAPs.

Orientador: Marcelo Ganzarolli de Oliveira / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T16:07:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Simoes_MairaMartinsdeSouzaGodoy_D.pdf: 6359705 bytes, checksum: 9fb71ed44e3423b6b245f6b70134e270 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O Poli(álcool vinílico) (PVA) é polímero biocompatível que pode ser usado como matriz para a incorporação de S-nitrosoglutationa (GSNO), que é uma molécula endógena que exerce todas as funções bioquímicas do óxido nítrico (NO). Os principais objetivos deste trabalho foram a obtenção de filmes sólidos de PVA capazes de eluir GSNO localmente, que pudessem ser utilizados para aplicações tópicas e para o recobrimento de stents. Os filmes de PVA foram reticulados fisicamente através de ciclos de congelamento/descongelamento (C/D). Verificou-se que a aplicação de 1 a 5 ciclos C/D leva a um aumento da cristalinidade dos filmes comparada aos filmes não submetidos a C/D. Este efeito está associado ao aumento do raio de giro de estruturas espalhadoras de raios X e com a redução do coeficiente de difusão da GSNO. A liberação tópica de GSNO a partir de filmes de PVA na pele de voluntários levou a um aumento significativo do fluxo sanguíneo dérmico, medido por fluxometria com laser Doppler. Demonstrou-se que a aplicação de ciclos C/D pode ser usada para controlar a velocidade e a intensidade de aumento de fluxo sanguíneo. Filmes de PVA/GSNO aplicados como revestimentos de poços de placas de cultura de células mostraram atividade bactericida dose e tempo-dependentes contra cepas de S. aureus e P. aeruginosa, sendo capazes de esterilizar completamente estas duas bactérias multi-resistentes após 6 h de incubação. Filmes de PVA/GSNO permitiram a obtenção de revestimentos aderentes sobre a superfície de stents intracoronários de aço inox levando a uma redução significativa da adesão plaquetária após incubação com sangue total. Estes resultados permitem propor o uso de filmes de PVA/GSNO fisicamente reticulados para aplicações tópicas no tratamento de lesões infectadas, para promover a vasodilatação de tecidos isquêmicos e para a melhoria das propriedades hemocompatíveis de dispositivos de contato sanguíneo / Abstract: Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biocompatible polymer that can be used as a matrix for incorporation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), an endogenous molecule that exerts all the biochemical functions of nitric oxide (NO). The main objectives of this work were to obtain solid PVA films capable of releasing GSNO locally, which could be used in topical applications and for the coating for stents. PVA films were physically crosslinked through freezing-thawing cycles (F/T).It was observed that films subjected to 1 to 5 cycles shows higher crystallinity than films not subjected to F/T. This effect is associated with an increase in the gyration radius of the X-ray scattering structures an with a decrease in the GSNO diffusion coefficient. Topical GSNO release from PVA films on the skin of volunteers led to a significant increase of dermal blood flow, measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. It was shown that F/T cycles can be used to control the rate and intensity of blood flow increase. PVA/GSNO films applied as coatings of cell-culture plate wells showed dose and time-dependent bactericidal activities against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, being able of completely sterilizing these mult-resistant bacteria after 6 h of incubation. PVA/GSNO films allowed the formation of adherent coatings on the surface of intracoronary stainless steel stents, and lead to a significant reduction of platelet adhesion after incubation with whole blood. These results allow suggesting the use of physically crosslinked PVA/GSNO films in topical applications for the treatment of infected lesions, for promoting the vasodilation of ischemic tissues and for improving the hemocompatible properties of blood contact devices / Doutorado / Físico-Química / Doutor em Ciências

Orientador: Marcelo Ganzarolli de Oliveira / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T01:47:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lourenco_SarahdeMarchi_M.pdf: 4886643 bytes, checksum: 5a7f5c0b7aed7c8f6aea7bd9acf6ae6d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O Óxido nítrico (NO) é uma espécie radicalar endógena que desempenha papéis importantes em diversos processos fisiológicos, incluindo controle do tônus vascular. Desordens microcirculatórias associadas à depleção da produção endógena de NO são as principais causas de doenças isquêmicas e têm demandado o desenvolvimento de biomateriais capazes de liberarem NO localmente em tecidos. O poli(álcool vinílico), PVA, é um polímero hidroxilado biocompatível já utilizado para propósitos médicos que permite modificações químicas através de reações de condensação com ácidos carboxíli cos. Neste trabalho, utilizamos o ácido mercaptosuccínico (AMS) para preparar membranas de PVA reticuladas quimicamente contendo grupos ¿SH (PVA-SH), capazes de serem posteriormente S-nitrosadas e liberarem NO localmente por vias térmica e fotoquímica. O PVA foi esterificado com AMS em meio acidificado com HCl. As membranas foram moldadas por precipitação da solução polimérica através de imersão em acetona, secas por liofilização e, subsequentemente, S-nitrosadas com ácido nitroso. As membranas de PVS-SH apresentaram cristalinidade reduzida e graus de intumescimento maiores que 600% em água. Medidas por quimiluminescência em tempo real mostraram que as membranas S-nitrosadas são capazes de liberar NO termicamente e que a sua irradiação com luz visível aumenta significativamente a taxa de liberação de NO. Foi demonstrado que estas propriedades de liberação de NO levam à vasodilatação após a aplicação tópica das membranas no antebraço de volun tários saudáveis, mostrando sua potencial aplicabilidade para o tratamento tópico de doenças isquêmicas da pele / Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous radical species, which plays important roles in many physiological processes, including the control of vascular tone. Microcirculatory disorders associated with the depletion of endogenous NO production are the main causes of ischemic diseases and have demanded biomaterials capable of delivering NO locally to tissues. Poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, is a biocompatible hydroxylated polymer already used for medical purposes that allows chemical modification through condensation reactions with carboxylic acids. In this work, we used mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) to prepare SH-containing crosslinked PVA membranes (PVA-SH) capable of being further S-nitrosated to release NO locally through thermal and photochemical pathways. PVA was esterified with MSA in aqueous HCl-acidified medium. The membranes were cast by precipitation of the polymeric solutions, through their immersion in acetone, dried by lyophilization and subsequently S-nitrosated with nitrous acid. The PVA-SH membranes displayed a reduced crystallinity and swelling degrees in water higher than 600%. Real time chemiluminescence measurements showed that the S-nitrosated membranes are capable of releasing NO thermally and that their irradiation with visible light increases significantly the rate of NO release. These NO-release properties promoted local vasodilation after topical application of the membranes on the forearm of health volunteers, showing their potential applicability for the topical treatment of ischemic skin diseases / Mestrado / Físico-Química / Mestra em Química

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta tesis fue la obtención y caracterización de films biodegradables con características antimicrobianas y/o antioxidantes a partir de quitosano (CH). Para modular sus propiedades y mejorar su funcionalidad, se estudió la combinación con otras matrices poliméricas: almidón de trigo (WS), polivinil alcohol (PVA) y ácido poliláctico (PLA). Además se incorporaron aceites esenciales (EO) de tomillo (Th) o albahaca (B), ¿-tocoferol (Tp) y ácido cítrico (CA). Se evaluó el efecto del tratamiento de homogenización de las dispersiones formadoras de films (FFD) en films de quitosano con EO en diferentes proporciones. La microfluidización dio lugar a una reducción en el tamaño de gota, a una mayor carga superficial de las mismas y una menor viscosidad de las dispersiones. Además, intensificó todos los efectos provocados por la incorporación de EO sobre las propiedades mecánicas de los films debido a potenciación de las interacciones con el polímero. A baja proporción de EO, la microfluidización mejoró las propiedades de barrera al vapor de agua de los films, pero no tuvo un impacto significativo en la permeabilidad al oxígeno. Los films ejercieron un papel protector frente a la oxidación en grasa de cerdo. La presencia de EO en los films, a pesar de aumentar la permeabilidad al oxígeno, dio lugar a una menor velocidad de oxidación de las muestras (especialmente a alta humedad relativa), probablemente por el efecto antioxidante de los componentes de los EO. Los films de quitosano se mostraron efectivos en el control del deterioro microbiano cuando se aplicaron en carne de cerdo picada, pero la incorporación de los EO no mejoró su actividad antimicrobiana. Se incorporó CH en films de WS en diferentes proporciones. La adición de CH en cantidades crecientes dio lugar a un aumento en la viscosidad y estabilidad de las FFD. Ambos polímeros mostraron un alto grado de compatibilidad lo que dio lugar a una microestructura homogénea. El aumento de la proporción de CH dio lugar a films con mejores propiedades mecánicas ya que el CH pareció inhibir la retrogradación del almidón. Los films WS:CH dieron lugar a una reducción de la carga microbiana cuando se aplicaron en muestras de carne de cerdo picada. Se incorporaron diferentes antioxidantes (aceite esencial de tomillo y albahaca, ácido cítrico y ¿-tocoferol) en films mezcla de WS (80%) y CH (20%). Los films presentaron una microestructura heterogénea por la inmiscibilidad de componentes, principalmente el film con ¿-tocoferol que presentó separación de fases. Esto llevó asociado una superficie más rugosa, con menor brillo y, en el caso del ¿-tocoferol, un color más amarillo. No obstante la incorporación de antioxidantes conllevó un aumento de la transparencia y una disminución de la permeabilidad al oxígeno. El CA provocó un aumento en el módulo de elasticidad y un descenso de la extensibilidad de los films. La incorporación de CH en matrices de PVA dio lugar a films altamente homogéneos, debido a la compatibilidad de ambos polímeros. Se obtuvieron films más resistentes y rígidos, pero menos extensibles. Se observó una reducción del grado de cristalinidad y un aumento de la estabilidad térmica, además de una reducción de la trasmisión de la luz UV. Así mismo, cuando se aplicaron a muestras de carne de cerdo picada presentaron una acción antimicrobiana. La incorporación de CH en una matriz de PLA mediante extrusión no afectó al comportamiento térmico del PLA ni a su grado de cristalinidad. Ambos polímeros se mostraron incompatibles. La reducción del tamaño de las partículas de CH minimizó el impacto negativo sobre las propiedades mecánicas y de barrera al vapor de agua. En su aplicación a muestras de carne de cerdo picada, la presencia de CH mejoró las propiedades antimicrobianas de los films. / Bonilla Lagos, MJ. (2013). Desarrollo de films y recubrimientos comestibles bio-activos como soporte de agentes antioxidantes y antimicrobianos [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/28370 / TESIS

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based membranes have gathered significant interest because of their film forming ability and low cost. These films are usually crosslinked to provide a macromolecular network with high dimensional stability. PVA can be modified by introduction of sulfonic acid groups (sPVA) contributing to increase its proton conductivity. In addition, the preparation of hybrid organic-inorganic composite membranes by the addition of graphene oxide (GO) as nano-filler not only reinforces the matrix but also decreases the permeability of solvents. All this has motivated the use of these materials for the preparation of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Contribution I presents the chemical schemes followed for the bi-sulfonation of the PVA, the synthesis of GO and the preparation of PVA/GO and sPVA/GO composite membranes. In addition, a structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterization of the starting materials and the composite membranes were performed. Finally, in order to evaluate the suitability of the prepared PEMs in fuel cells, the prot cond. was evaluated at room temperature. The results showed that the addition of GO (1 wt.%) into the sPVA matrix, 30sPVA/GO membrane, enhance by 89% the prot cond. compared to its homologue membrane, 30sPVA, free-standing of GO. In Contribution II, the proton conductive properties of the previously prepared membranes were investigated as a function of the structural (bi-sulfonation) and morphological (crosslinking and addition of GO) modifications. The bi-sulfonated membrane reinforced with GO, 30sPVA/GO, stands out over the rest. The addition of GO improves considerably its prot cond. (20.96 mS/cm at 90 °C) and its maximum power density (Pmax) in the H2-O2 fuel cell test (13.9 mW/cm2 at 25 ºC). In Contribution III was studied the effect of a new variable, the sufonation of the GO (sGO), on the functional properties of the composites PVA/sGO and sPVA/sGO for DMFC applications. In addition, the results were compared to that obtained for the previously described PVA/GO and sPVA/GO composites. The results conclude that, contrary to expectations, the multiple sulfonation of the 30sPVA/sGO composite strongly reduces the prot cond. (5.22 mS/cm at 50 °C) compared to its homologue 30sPVA/GO (8.42 mS/cm at 50 °C), despite its higher values of ion exchange capacity (IEC). Finally, the 30PVA/sGO composite (1.85 mW/cm2) shows a significant improvement of the DMFC performance (50 °C, 4M methanol solution) compared to the 30sPVA/GO composite (1.00 mW/cm2). The Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly method was used in Contribution IV for the preparation of composite membranes assembled via hydrogen bonding interactions. To do this, GO/PVA and GO/sPVA bilayers were deposited on the surface of 15PVA and 15sPVA substrate membranes, respectively. The composites were denoted as 15PVA(GO/PVA)n and 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)n where n is the number of deposited bilayers, in our case n ranges between 1 and 3. Finally, the potential of the composite membranes for DMFC applications were evaluated, showing the best performance the 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)1 composite. Finally, the Contribution V was focused on the preparation of composite membranes by LbL Assembly method, but in this case the assembly forces were electrostatic interactions. The GO was dispersed in a poly(allyl amine hydrochloride) solution (GO-PAH) in order to obtain a positively charged solution. The composites were assembled by alternate deposition of GO-PAH and sPVA layers on the surface of 15PVA and 15sPVA substrates, obtaining as a result the composites 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n and 15sPVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n. The best value of prot cond. (8.26 mS/cm at 90 °C) was obtained for the 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)1 composite, almost twice that the value obtained for its homologue sulfonated composite 15sPVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)1 (4.96 mS/cm a 90 °C). / Membranas constituidas básicamente por alcohol polivinílico (PVA) han despertado un gran interés debido a su bajo coste y su fácil procesado para conformarlas en forma de films. Estos films frecuentemente son sometidos a entrecruzamiento para disponer de una red macromolecular con una elevada estabilidad dimensional. La modificación del PVA por introducción de grupos sulfónicos (sPVA) cambia la estructura del polímero contribuyendo a aumentar su conductividad protónica. Además, la preparación de membranas híbridas orgánico-inorgánicas (composites) mediante la adición de óxido de grafeno (GO) refuerza la matriz, a la vez que disminuye su permeabilidad frente a disolventes. Todo ello ha motivado el uso de estos materiales para la preparación de membranas de intercambio protónico (PEMs) empleadas en pilas de combustible de metanol (DMFCs). En la Contribución I se presentan los esquemas químicos conducentes a la bi-sulfonación del PVA, la síntesis del GO y la preparación de las membranas composite PVA/GO y sPVA/GO. Además, se realizó la caracterización estructural, morfológica, térmica y mecánica de cada uno de los materiales de partida y de los composite. Finalmente, con el fin de evaluar su idoneidad como PEMs en pilas de combustible, se evaluó su cond. prot a temperatura ambiente. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la adición de GO (1 wt.%) como nano-carga a la matriz de sPVA genera un composite, 30sPVA/GO, cuya cond. prot supera en un 89 % a la de su membrana homóloga sin carga, 30sPVA. La Contribución II trata de explorar las propiedades conductoras de las membranas preparadas previamente en función de la modificación estructural (bi-sulfonación) y la morfológica (reticulación y adición de GO). La membrana bi-sulfonada y reforzada con GO, 30sPVA/GO, destaca sobre el resto. La adición de GO mejora considerablemente tanto la cond. prot (20.96 mS/cm a 90 ºC) como la densidad de potencia máxima (Pmax) en pila de combustible de hidrógeno (13.9 mW/cm2 a temperatura ambiente). En la Contribución III se estudió el efecto de una nueva variable, la sulfonación del GO (sGO), sobre las propiedades funcionales de los composites PVA/sGO y sPVA/sGO en aplicaciones de DMFC. Además, se llevó a cabo un estudio comparativo con los composite PVA/GO y sPVA/GO previamente descritos. Los resultados concluyeron que, en contra a lo esperado, la múltiple sulfonación de la membrana 30sPVA/sGO reduce fuertemente su cond. prot (5.22 mS/cm a 50 ºC) en comparación con su homóloga 30sPVA/GO (8.42 mS/cm a 50 ºC), aun mostrando valores superiores de IEC. Finalmente, el rendimiento de la composite 30PVA/sGO (1.85 mW/cm2) en una DMFC (50 ºC, disolución de metanol 4M) mostró una mejora significativa en comparación con la composite 30sPVA/GO (1.00 mW/cm2). El método de LbL assembly se empleó en la Contribución IV para la preparación de composites ensamblados mediante enlaces por puente de hidrógeno. Para ello, se llevó a cabo la deposición de bicapas de GO/PVA y GO/sPVA sobre los substratos 15PVA y 15sPVA, respectivamente. Los composites se codificaron como 15PVA(GO/PVA)n y 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)n siendo n el número de bicapas depositadas, en nuestro caso n varía entre 1 y 3. Por último, se evaluó su potencial para aplicaciones en DMFC, presentando el mejor comportamiento el composite 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)1. Finalmente, la Contribución V va dedicada a la fabricación de composites mediante el método de LbL Assembly, pero en este caso a través de interacciones electrostáticas. El GO se dispersó en una disolución de hidrocloruro de polialilamina (GO-PAH), con el fin de dotarlo de carga positiva. El ensamblaje se realizó por deposición alterna de capas de GO-PAH y sPVA, obteniéndose los composites 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n y 15sPVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n. El mejor valor de cond. prot (8.26 mS/cm a 90 ºC) se obtuvo para el composite 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)1, siendo casi el doble que el obtenido para su homólogo s / Membranes constituïdes a base PVA han despertat un gran interès a causa del seu baix cost i el seu fàcil processament per conformar-les en forma de films. Aquests films freqüentment són sotmesos a entrecreuament per disposar d'una xarxa macromolecular amb una elevada estabilitat dimensional. La modificació del PVA per introducció de grups sulfònics (sPVA) canvia l'estructura del polímer contribuint a augmentar la seua conductivitat protònica. A més, la preparació de membranes híbrides orgànic-inorgànics (composites) mitjançant addició d'òxid de grafè (GO) reforça la matriu, alhora que disminueix la seua permeabilitat enfront de dissolvents. Tot això ha motivat l'ús d'aquestos materials per a la preparació de membranes d'intercanvi protònic (PEMs) emprades en piles de combustible de metanol (DMFCs). En la Contribució I es presenten els esquemes químics conduents a la bi-sulfonació del PVA, la síntesi del GO i la preparació de les membranes composite PVA/GO i sPVA/GO. A més, es va realitzar la caracterització estructural, morfològica, tèrmica i mecànica de cada un dels materials de partida i de les membranes composite. Finalment, per tal d'avaluar la seua idoneïtat com a PEMs en piles de combustible, es va mesurar la seua cond. prot a temperatura ambient. Els resultats obtinguts van mostrar que l¿addició de GO (1 wt.%) com a nano-càrrega en la matriu de sPVA genera un composite, 30sPVA/GO, amb una cond. prot que supera en un 89% a la de la seua membrana homòloga sense càrrega, 30sPVA. La Contribució II tracta d'explorar les propietats conductores de les membranes composite preparades prèviament en funció de la modificació estructural (bi-sulfonació) i morfològica (reticulació i addició de GO). La membrana bi-sulfonada i reforçada amb GO, 30sPVA/GO, destaca sobre la resta. L'addició de GO millora considerablement tant la cond. prot (20.96 mS/cm a 90 ºC) com la densitat de potència màxima (Pmax) a la pila de combustible d'hidrogen (13.9 mW/cm2 a temperatura ambient). En la Contribució III es va estudiar l'efecte d'una nova variable, la sulfonació del GO (sGO), sobre les propietats funcionals dels composites PVA/sGO i sPVA/sGO per aplicacions en DMFC. A més, es va dur a terme un estudi comparatiu amb els composites PVA/GO i sPVA/GO prèviament descrits. Els resultats van concloure que en contra del que s'esperava, la múltiple sulfonació de la membrana 30sPVA/sGO redueix fortament la seua cond. prot (5.22 mS/cm a 50 ºC) en comparació amb la seua homòloga 30sPVA/GO (8.42 mS/cm a 50 ºC), tot i que mostra valors superiors de IEC. Finalment, el rendiment de la membrana 30PVA/sGO (1.85 mW/cm2) en una DMFC (50 ºC, dissolució de metanol 4M) va mostrar una millora significativa en comparació amb la membrana 30sPVA/GO (1.00 mW/cm2). El mètode de LBL assembly es va emprar en la Contribució IV per a la preparació de composites acoblats mitjançant enllaços per pont d'hidrogen. Amb aquest fi, es va dur a terme la deposició de bicapes de GO/PVA i GO/sPVA sobre els substrats 15PVA i 15sPVA, respectivament. Els composites es van codificar com a 15PVA(GO/PVA)n i 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)n on n és el nombre de bicapes dipositades, en el nostre cas n varia entre 1 i 3. Finalment, es va avaluar el seu potencial per a aplicacions en DMFC, presentant el millor comportament el composite 15sPVA(GO/sPVA)1. Finalment, la Contribució V va dedicada a la fabricació de composites mitjançant el mètode de LBL Assembly, però en aquest cas acoblats a través d'interaccions electrostàtiques. El GO es va dispersar en una dissolució de hidroclorur de polialilamina (GO-PAH), per tal de dotar-lo de càrrega positiva. L'acoblament es va realitzar per deposició alterna de capes de GO-PAH i sPVA, obtenint-se els composites 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n i 15sPVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)n. El millor valor de cond. prot (8.26 mS/cm a 90 ºC) es va obtenir per al composite 15PVA(GO-PAH/sPVA)1, sent gairebé el doble que l'obtingut / Sánchez Ballester, SC. (2017). Synthesis and characterization of new polymer electrolytes to use in fuel cells fed with bio-alcohols [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/86198 / TESIS

Arterial stiffness is an important biometric in predicting cardiovascular diseases, since mechanical properties serve as indicators of several pathologies such as e.g. atherosclerosis. Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) could serve as a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing arterial stiffness, with the technique proven efficient in large homogeneous tissue. However the accuracy within arterial applications is still uncertain, following the lack of proper validation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of SWE in arterial phantoms of poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel by developing an experimental setup with an additional mechanical testing setup as a reference method. The two setups were developed to generate identical stress states on the mounted phantoms, with a combination of axial loads and static intraluminal pressures. The acquired radiofrequency-data was analysed in the frequency domain with retrieved dispersion curves fitted to a Lamb-wave based wave propagation model. The results indicated a significant correlation between SWE and mechanical measurements for the arterial phantoms, with an average relative error of 10 % for elastic shear moduli in the range of 23 to 108 kPa. The performed accuracy quantification implies a satisfactory performance level and as well as a general feasibility of SWE in arterial vessels, indicating the potential of SWE as a future cardiovascular diagnostic tool.