Biodegradable hydrogels have become very promising materials for a number of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and drug delivery. For optimal tissue engineering design, the mechanical properties of hydrogels should match those of native tissues as closely as possible because these properties are known to affect the behavior and function of cells seeded in the hydrogels. At the same time, high water-contents, large mesh sizes and well-tuned degradation rates are favorable for the controlled release of growth factors and for adequate transport of nutrients through the hydrogel during tissue regeneration. With these factors in mind, the goal of this research was to develop and investigate the behavior of injectable, biodegradable hydrogels with enhanced stiffness properties that persist even at high degrees of swelling. In order to do this, degradable functionalities were incorporated into photo-crosslinkable poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels, and these two components were used to make a series of double-network hydrogels. Synthesis of the precursor macromers, photopolymerization of the hydrogels, and structural parameters of the hydrogels were analyzed. The composition and the molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) of the hydrogel components were varied, and the degradation, swelling, thermal and mechanical properties of the hydrogels were characterized over various time scales. These properties were compared to corresponding properties of the component single-network hydrogels.

L'objectif de cette thèse est l'élaboration d'un dispositif électro-émissif (DEE) à base de poly(3,4-éthylènedioxythiophène) (PEDOT), obtenu par électropolymérisation, pouvant être envisagé pour une application de régulation thermique des satellites. Pour une meilleure compréhension du comportement optique du PEDOT dans l'IR, des couches modèles ont été élaborées avant la réalisation d'un dispositif complet.La première partie de ce travail a permis de caractériser des couches modèles de PEDOT obtenues par synthèse électrochimique sur ITO dans deux sels différents : le perchlorate de lithium (LiClO4) et le bis-trifluorométhylsulfonylimide de lithium (LiTFSI) dans l'acétonitrile (ACN) comme solvant. La morphologie, la conductivité électronique et les propriétés de réflectivité dans l'IR (gamme de longueur d'onde 8-20µm) du PEDOT ont été étudiées en fonction de l'état d'oxydation du PEDOT. La réflectivité dans l'IR du PEDOT à l'état dopé diminue fortement lorsque la rugosité augmente. Ceci a été attribué à l'augmentation du coefficient d'absorption pour une surface rugueuse comme cela a déjà été reporté pour les métaux. De plus, pour une morphologie identique, il a été montré que la réflectivité des couches modèles de PEDOT évolue avec la conductivité électronique de la même manière, quel que soit le sel utilisé ou la méthode d'élaboration des films. A l'état dopé, les films ont pu être décrits par le modèle de Drude, confirmant le caractère pseudo-métallique du PEDOT. Enfin, un pourcentage de réflectivité maximal de 67% a été obtenu à l'état oxydé et de 21% à l'état réduit, ces résultats donnent une idée des performances pouvant être atteintes dans les DEE à base de PEDOT.La seconde partie de ce travail a permis l'incorporation du PEDOT par électropolymérisation au sein d'une matrice hôte à base de réseau interpénétré de polymère (RIP) combinant le caoutchouc nitrile(NBR) et le poly(oxyde d'éthylène) (POE). Le DEE obtenu est basé sur une architecture tricouches "monobloc". Ainsi, la réalisation d'un DEE à base de RIP conducteur où le PEDOT est incorporé par électropolymérisation simultanément dans les deux faces du dispositif a été validée avec succès. Une fois gonflé d'électrolyte (LiClO4 dans le carbonate de propylène), les propriétés de réflectivité dans l'IR des dispositifs ont été comparées à celles des DEE dans lesquels le PEDOT est synthétisé chimiquement. Les propriétés de réflectivité dans l'IR et de conductivité électronique ont été corrélées de la même manière que pour les couches modèles, prouvant que le comportement du PEDOT varie peu quel que soit la méthode ou le support de synthèse utilisés. / The aim of this work is the elaboration of an electro-emissive (EED) device based on electropolymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) for thermal control of satellites. PEDOT layers were prepared before the realization of the device in order to have a better understanding of the PEDOT optical behavior in the IR range.In the first section of this work, PEDOT model layers obtained on ITO electrodes using lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) or lithium bis-trifluoromethylsulfonylimide (LiTFSI) as supporting electrolytes and acetonitrile (ACN) as solvent were characterized. Morphology, electronic conductivity and IR reflectance properties (in the wavelength range 8-20 µm)were studied as a function of the PEDOT doping state. The IR reflectivity of doped PEDOT decreases drastically upon increasing surface roughness. This was attributed to enhanced absorption in the same way as reported for metallic surfaces. In addition, for the same morphology, the IR reflectivity is shown to follow the same trend as a function of the electronic conductivity for both salts. In the oxidized state, the layers can be described by the Drude model, confirming quasi-metallic behavior of PEDOT. Finally, the highest and lowest reflectance obtained for these PEDOT layers is 67% in the doped state ant 21% for the dedoped state respectively, which opens up interesting perspectives in terms of performances for the PEDOT-based EED.In the second part of this work, PEDOT was incorporated by electropolymerization in a host matrix based on interpenetrated polymer network (IPN) combining nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The obtained EED is based on a monoblock architecture similar to a three-layer device. Thus, the elaboration of conducting IPN based EED by electropolymerization of EDOT has been made simultaneously on both faces of the device. Once the system is swollen by an electrolyte (LiClO4 in propylene carbonate), reflectivity properties of the devices were compared to those obtained by chemical oxidative polymerization of EDOT within the matrix. IR reflectivity and electronic conductivity properties were correlated following the same trend as in PEDOT layers, this means that PEDOT behavior remains the same whatever the synthesis conditions or the electrodes used for electropolymerization.

Ces travaux de thèse s’intéressent à la conception et à la mise en forme d’actionneurs à base de polymères conducteurs électroniques dans l’optique d’une utilisation biomédicale. Actuellement, et alors que certaines problématiques récurrentes de légèreté, de flexibilité et de robustesse peuvent être résolues par ces actionneurs, des limitations restreignent encore leurs utilisations dans des dispositifs biomédicaux contrôlables.En premier lieu, nos matériaux composés de réseaux interpénétrés de polymères (RIP) poly (oxyde d’éthylène) (PEO), caoutchouc nitrile (NBR) et de polymère conducteur électronique (PCE) (poly (3,4-éthylènedioxythiophène)) (PEDOT), ont été étudiés en tant que capteur de déformation. Cette propriété est essentielle pour assurer un retour d’informations de nos systèmes dans des utilisations biomédicales exigeantes.Un troisième réseau de polymère à haut module, le polystyrène (PS), a été interpénétré au RIP PEO-NBR dans le but d’améliorer les forces générées par l’actionnement. Un matériau combinant des propriétés de conduction ionique (PEO), viscoélastiques (NBR) et vitreuses (PS) a alors été obtenu. La caractérisation approfondie de ce tri-RIP, l’incorporation du PCE ainsi que l’étude des performances en actionnement ont alors été réalisée.Dans la continuité et dans le cadre d’une collaboration avec le Pr J. Madden (Vancouver, Canada), le matériau ainsi synthétisé a été utilisé dans une mise en forme particulière de cathéter. Ainsi, un tube électroactif PEO-NBR-PS-PEDOT creux, souple, étirable, d’épaisseur homogène et contenant un gradient de rigidité a été réalisé afin de répondre aux différentes problématiques liées à cette géométrie.Enfin, la dernière partie a été dédiée à une mise en forme plus complexe et originale de notre matériau PEO-NBR. En collaboration avec le PERC (Auckland, N-Z), des tapis de microfibres élastomères électroactifs ont été élaborés par électrofilage. Ces matériaux poreux, étirables et robustes ont montré des changements de taille de pores réversibles dans différents électrolytes, y compris biologiquement compatibles. Des applications biomédicales de type filtre à porosité contrôlable ou la stimulation de cellules souches pourraient alors être envisagées. / This PhD work deal with the conception and shaping of actuators based electronic conductive polymers in the context of biomedical use. Currently, while some recurrent problems of lightness, flexibility and robustness can be resolved by these actuators, limitations still restrict their use in biomedical controllable devices.First, our materials composed of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and electronically conductive polymer (ECP) (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) (PEDOT) have been studied as a strain sensor. This property is essential to ensure a feedback of our systems in demanding biomedical uses.A third high modulus polymer network, polystyrene (PS), was interpenetrated IPN PEO-NBR in order to improve the forces generated by the actuator. A material combining ionic conductive (PEO), viscoelastic (NBR) and vitreous (PS) properties has been obtained. The detailed characterization of this tri-IPN, the incorporation of the PCE and the study of air-operating performances were then carried out.In continuity and with the collaboration of Pr. J. Madden (Vancouver, Canada), the synthesized material has been used in a particular shaping of catheter. Thus, an electroactive, hollow, flexible, stretchable NBR-PEO-PS-PEDOT tube, with uniform thickness and containing a rigidity gradient has been created in order to solve the various problems associated with this geometry.The last part was dedicated to a more complex and original shaping of our PEO-NBR material. In collaboration with the PERC (Auckland, NZ), electroactive elastomer microfiber mats were prepared by electrospinning. These porous, stretchable and robust materials showed reversible pore size variations in various electrolytes, including biologically compatible. Biomedical applications as filters with controllable porosity or stem cells stimulation could be considered.

<p>U ovom radu vr&scaron;ena su istraživanja u cilju razvoja novih postupaka sinteze za nekoliko vrsta polimernih mreža i hibridnih biopolimernih materijala za specijalne primene. Cilj je bio da se razvije novi postupak sinteze rotaksana na bazi poli(etilen glikola) i &beta;-ciklodekstrina kaoprekursora mreža. Dobijeni prekursori mreža iskori&scaron;ćeni su za sintezu topolo&scaron;kih gelova koji su umreženi preko hidroksilnih grupa ciklodekstrinskih prstena. Analiziran je i uticaj količine umreživača, odnosno gustine umreženja, na svojstva bubrenja. Proučavan je i uticaj nanopunila na svojstva modelnih epoksi mreža na bazi bisfenola A i poli(oksi propilen) diamina. Kao punila kori&scaron;ćene su nanočestice nemodifikovanog i povr&scaron;inski modifikovanog titanijum(IV)oksida (TiO₂). Dinamičko-mehaničkom analizom potvrđen je ojačavajući efekat punila. Razvijen je postupak sinteze poli(D,L-laktida) u mikrotalasnom polju, čime je drastično smanjeno vreme polimerizacije (sa 150 sati na 15 minuta) u odnosu na klasičnu termosintezu. Sintezom poli(laktida) kao i kopolimera poli(laktida) sa biorazgradivim monomerima (na osnovu obnovljivih sirovina) dobijeni su materijali izuzetnih ekolo&scaron;kih svojstava. Poli(laktid) se odlikuje veoma dobrim mehaničkim svojstvima i biorazgradivo&scaron;ću, dok je blok-kopolimerizacijom sa drugim biorazgradivim monomerima vr&scaron;ena sinteza termoplastičnih poliestara. Variranje dužine segmenata je ostvareno sintezom adekvatnih oligomera kao prekursora za kopolimerizaciju. Vr&scaron;eno je projektovanje sirovinskog sastava segmentiranih elastomera kod kojih postojanje mekih i tvrdih segmenata ima za posledicu mikrofaznu separaciju faza &scaron;to u toku eksploatacije utiče na mehanička svojstva i mogućnost III razgradnje. Na taj način dobijeni su elastomerni materijali željenih svojstava. Metodama FTIC i 1H NMR spektroskopijom potvrđena je pretpostavljena struktura segmenata i finalnih termoplastičnih poliestara. Analizom molskih masa poliestara metodama gel propusne hromatografije, viskozimetrije i osmometrije napona pare, potvrđena je izuzetna kontrola reakcija polimerizacije i uspe&scaron;nost primenjenih metoda sinteze. Analiza toplotnih svojstava blok poliestara diferencijalno skenirajućom kalorimetrijom je pokazala da zbog neme&scaron;ljivosti faza, tvrdih i mekih segmenata, finalni blok poliestri mogu da pokažu razlike u temperaturama faznih transformacija u zavisnosti od dužine i udela segmenata. Termogravimetrijskom analizom je potvrđen uticaj dužine segmenata i faznog razdvajanja na toplotna svojstva termoplastičnih poliestara. Očekuje se da će sintetisani materijali biti podesni za primene u inženjerstvu tkiva, a posebno kao materijali za kontrolisano otpu&scaron;tanje lekova.</p> / <p>The primary goal of the work described in this thesis was to develop new methods for the<br />synthesis of polymer networks and hybrid biopolymers for special applications. The purpose was a development of synthesis procedure for the preparation of rotaxane based on poly(ethylene glycol) and &beta;-cyclodextrin, as network precursors. These network precursors were then cross-linked through hydroxy groups on cyclodextrine rings. Polyrotaxanes are intermediary products in the synthesis of topological gels and they are formed by the insertion of the linear polymer chains of poly(ethylene oxide) into the &beta;-CD cavities. In this work polyrotaxanes from acetylated-&beta;-CD and poly(ethylene oxide) were synthesized. The influence of crosslinker contents, and crosslink density on swelling properties was investigated. The influence of synthesis parameters and filler modification on reactions and final properties of organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on epoxy resin and an organically modified titanium(IV)oxide (TiO2) was investigated. Dynamic-mechanical analysis was used to determine reinforcement effect of nanofiller on the epoxy resin properties. The aim of this work was the investigation of microwave irradiation on the polymerization of D,L-lactide. It was found that if heating is carried out in the microwave field polymerization time of D,Llactide rapidly decreases from 150 hours to 15 minutes. Environmentally friendly materials were obtained from poly(lactide) and copolymers of poly(lactide) and monomers based on renewable resources. Poly(lactide) is biocompatible and biodegradable polymer with high stretching and low extension capacities. It has been used for the production of orthopedic fraction fixators and sutures surgery. Poly(lactide) was used for thermoplastic polyester (TPE) synthesis. Most thermoplastic polyesters derive their properties from segmented or block structures which are achieved by alternating hard and soft segments. FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy were confirmed the assumed structure of segments and final thermoplastic polyesters. Since the properties of these materials strongly depend on the degree of phase separation, the influence of the lenghts of soft and hard segment on final properties of obtained TPEs was studied. Analysis of molecular mass of these polyesters by gel permeation chromatography, vapor pressure osmometry and viscozimetric analysis confirmed that good control of polymerization was achieved and that synthesis methods were successful. Thermal properties were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Phase separation had strong influences on thermal properties of obtained TPEs. DCS measurements showed that due to poor mixability of hard and soft segments, final block polyesters could have different temperatures of phase transitions depending on the length of the segments. Thermal degradation and the influence of phase separation on thermal stability of segmented thermoplastic polyesters were confirmed by nonisothermal analysis, using thermogravimetric analysis. It is expected that synthesized materials will be suitable for tissue engineering and as drug carriers.</p>

<p>Ovaj rad je imao za cilj , razvoj postupka sinteze polimernih prekursora mreža na bazi<br />obnovljivih sirovina. Razvijen je postupak sinteze poli laktida u rastvoru dihlor metana. Vreme trajanja postupka sinteze je 6 h, a uspe&scaron;nost samog procesa je potvrđena metodama identifikacije i karakterizacije dobijenih polimera PLLA. U ovom radu, za ispitivanja dobijenih polimernih materijala, uzimajući u obzir ideju o krajnjoj nameni, kori&scaron;ćene su sledeće metode: GPC ( Gel Permeation Chromarography) za određivanje raspodele molekulske mase; IR spektrofotometrija, prikazuje vibraciju atomskih, molekulskih ili funkcionaknih grupa; i termička analiza TGA i DSC, za praćenje promena pri kontrolisanom zagrevanju i hlađenju.<br />Jedan od ciljeva rada je bio i da se da pregled postojećih teorija ojačanja elastomera punilima sa nano česticama, i ispita pona&scaron;anje nano-kompozitnih materiajala pod dejstvom visoko energetskog zračenja ( gama zračenja). U eksperimentalnom delu ispitivani su elastomerni materijale na bazi butadienakrilonitrilnog kaučuka (NBR) i hlorsulfonovanog polietilenskog kaučuka (CSM) . Me&scaron;anjem CSM i NBR formiraju se umreženi sistemi, koji se koriste kao prekursori mreža za dobijanje nano-kompozitnih materijala ojačanaih česticama aktivnih punilačađi i silicijum (IV) oksida. Kod tako dobijenih materijala ispitivane su karakteristike pre i posle ozračivanja &gamma; zracima. Dinamičko-mehaničkom analizom potvrđen je ojačavajući efekat punila.</p> / <p> This work was aimed at the development procedure for the synthesis of polymer precursors<br /> network based on renewable raw materials. Developed a procedure for synthesis of poly<br /> lactide in solution, dichloro methane. The duration of the synthesis procedure was 6 h, and<br /> the success of the process was confirmed by the methods of identification and<br /> characterization of the obtained polymer PLLA. In this paper, the investigation obtained<br /> polymer materials, taking into account the idea of final destination, following methods were<br /> used: GPC (gel permeation Chromarography) to determine the distribution of molecular<br /> weight, IR spectrophotometry, showing the vibration of atomic, molecular or funkcionaknih<br /> group, and thermal analysis TGA and DSC, to track changes in a controlled heating and<br /> cooling.<br /> One of the aims of this study was to be given to review of existing theories of reinforcement<br /> fillers elastomer with nano particles, and examine the behavior of nano-composite<br /> materiajala under the influence of high energy radiation (gamma radiation). In the<br /> experimental part of elastomeric materials have been studied on the basis of<br /> butadienakrilonitrilnog rubber (NBR) and chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber (CSM). CSM NBR mixing and forming the network system, which are used as precursors for a<br /> network of nano-composite particles ojačanaih active fillers-carbon black and silicon (IV)<br /> oxide. With so obtained materials were investigated characteristics before and after<br /> irradiation with &gamma; rays. Dynamic-mechanical analysis confirmed the reinforcing effect of<br /> fillers.</p>

Au cours de cette thèse, un nouvel électrolyte polymère gel pour la réalisation de microbatteries au lithium a été développé. Le gel a été préparé par « confinement » d’une phase de N-propyl-N-méthylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P13FSI) et de LiTFSI dans un réseau semi-interpénétré (sRip) de polymère (PVdFHFP/ réseau de POE). L’électrolyte gel a tout d’abord été optimisé et étudié en termes de propriétés physicochimiques et de transport ionique en fonction de sa composition. Ensuite, des batteries Li/LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 ont été assemblées en utilisant l’électrolyte sRip. Les performances ont par ailleurs été comparées aux systèmes de références utilisant l’électrolyte à base de POE ou de PVdF-HFP. Outre ses propriétés améliorées par rapport au PVdF-HFP et au réseau de POE (propriétés mécaniques, confinement), l’électrolyte sRip est compatible avec le procédé de dépôt de l’électrode négative en lithium par évaporation sous vide. L’électrolyte sRip optimisé a donc été utilisé pour fabriquer une nouvelle génération de microbatteries en s’affranchissant de l’électrolyte céramique, le LiPON, afin d’abaisser la résistance interne. Les microbatteries Li/sRip gel/LiCoO2 délivrent une capacité nominale stable de 850 μAh à C sur 100 cycles à 25°C. / In this thesis, a new polymer gel electrolyte was prepared and optimized for Li based microbatteries. The gel consisted of an ionic liquid based phase (P13FSI/LiTFSI) confined in a semi-interpenetrating polymers (sIPN) network (PVdF-HFP/crosslinked PEO). sIPN electrolytes were prepared and optimized according to the PVdFHFP/ crosslinked PEO ratio and the liquid phase fraction. Furthermore, the sIPN electrolyte was used as an electrolyte in Li/LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 battery. The performances of the battery (specific capacity, efficiency, cyclability) were determined and compared to batteries using a crosslinked PEO or PVdF-HFP based gel. Such a thin and stable sIPN electrolyte film enabled the preparation of Li based microbatteries using thermal evaporation deposition of lithium directly conducted on the sIPN electrolyte film. This assembly (Li/sIPN) was therefore used to prepare a LiCoO2/sIPN gel/Li quasi solid-state microbattery. This microbattery showed a stable nominal capacity of 850 μAh for over 100 cycles of charge and discharge under 1 C rate at 25°C.

Hydrogel, semi-interpenetrating polymer network, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), diffusion