A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica extraída do látex das folhas e frutos do mamão verde adulto. Tem sido amplamente utilizada como agente debridante de escaras e cicatrizante de feridas. No entanto, apresenta baixa estabilidade, o que limita seu uso a formulações de manipulação extemporânea ou de curto prazo de validade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi incorporar a papaína em uma matriz polimérica de modo a obter um sistema de liberação controlada do fármaco. Polímeros de aplicação médica foram selecionados e inicialmente avaliados quanto à sua citotoxicidade. Os polímeros não-citotóxicos foram submetidos ao ensaio de irritação cutânea primária in vivo em animais, para avaliar sua capacidade de causar irritação na pele humana. Diversas membranas foram preparadas com os polímeros considerados adequados para aplicação biomédica para incorporação da papaína. As membranas preparadas com 2% de papaína foram selecionadas para serem submetidas ao ensaio de liberação com células de difusão de Franz. Parte dessas membranas foi irradiada com raios γ na dose de 25 kGy para esterilização do material. As membranas irradiadas e não-irradiadas foram testadas simultaneamente a fim de verificar se a radiação γ interferiria no perfil de liberação do fármaco. Os resultados do ensaio de liberação indicaram que o fármaco é liberado de maneira constante durante as 12 horas iniciais do experimento. A análise, por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, das membranas irradiadas revelou que as membranas formadas são bastante densas e que seus poros são pequenos. / Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex of green papaya leaves and fruits. It has been widely used as debridant for scars and wound healing agent. However, papain presents low stability, which limits its use to extemporaneous or short shelf life formulations. The purpose of this study was to entrap papain into a polymeric matrix in order to obtain a drug delivery system. Polymers of medical application were selected and firstly assessed for cytotoxicity. Non-cytotoxic polymers were evaluated for primary cutaneous irritation test in vivo in animals, in order to verify if they are able to cause irritation to human skin. Many membranes were prepared with the polymers considered suitable for biomedical application for papain entrapment. Membranes containing 2% papain were selected to be evaluated in the releasing test using Fanz diffusion cells. Some of these membranes were irradiated by γ rays with 25 kGy dose for material sterilization. Irradiated and non-irradiated membranes were simultaneously assessed in order to verify if γ radiation interferes on drug releasing profile. Results obtained from releasing test indicated the drug is released in a constant manner over 12 hours in the beginning of the experiment. Scanning Eletronic Microscopy analysis of the irradiated membranes revealed that membranes are very dense and its pores are small.

A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica extraída do látex das folhas e frutos do mamão verde adulto. Tem sido amplamente utilizada como agente debridante de escaras e cicatrizante de feridas. No entanto, apresenta baixa estabilidade, o que limita seu uso a formulações de manipulação extemporânea ou de curto prazo de validade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi incorporar a papaína em uma matriz polimérica de modo a obter um sistema de liberação controlada do fármaco. Polímeros de aplicação médica foram selecionados e inicialmente avaliados quanto à sua citotoxicidade. Os polímeros não-citotóxicos foram submetidos ao ensaio de irritação cutânea primária in vivo em animais, para avaliar sua capacidade de causar irritação na pele humana. Diversas membranas foram preparadas com os polímeros considerados adequados para aplicação biomédica para incorporação da papaína. As membranas preparadas com 2% de papaína foram selecionadas para serem submetidas ao ensaio de liberação com células de difusão de Franz. Parte dessas membranas foi irradiada com raios γ na dose de 25 kGy para esterilização do material. As membranas irradiadas e não-irradiadas foram testadas simultaneamente a fim de verificar se a radiação γ interferiria no perfil de liberação do fármaco. Os resultados do ensaio de liberação indicaram que o fármaco é liberado de maneira constante durante as 12 horas iniciais do experimento. A análise, por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, das membranas irradiadas revelou que as membranas formadas são bastante densas e que seus poros são pequenos. / Papain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex of green papaya leaves and fruits. It has been widely used as debridant for scars and wound healing agent. However, papain presents low stability, which limits its use to extemporaneous or short shelf life formulations. The purpose of this study was to entrap papain into a polymeric matrix in order to obtain a drug delivery system. Polymers of medical application were selected and firstly assessed for cytotoxicity. Non-cytotoxic polymers were evaluated for primary cutaneous irritation test in vivo in animals, in order to verify if they are able to cause irritation to human skin. Many membranes were prepared with the polymers considered suitable for biomedical application for papain entrapment. Membranes containing 2% papain were selected to be evaluated in the releasing test using Fanz diffusion cells. Some of these membranes were irradiated by γ rays with 25 kGy dose for material sterilization. Irradiated and non-irradiated membranes were simultaneously assessed in order to verify if γ radiation interferes on drug releasing profile. Results obtained from releasing test indicated the drug is released in a constant manner over 12 hours in the beginning of the experiment. Scanning Eletronic Microscopy analysis of the irradiated membranes revealed that membranes are very dense and its pores are small.

Understanding, and ultimately, predicting the degradation of bioresorbable composites made of biodegradable polyesters and calcium-based ceramics is paramount in order to fully unlock the potential of these materials, which are heavily used in orthopaedic applications and also being considered for stents. A modelling framework which characterises the degradation of bioresorbable composites was generated by generalising a computational model previously reported in literature. The framework uses mathematical expressions to represent the interwoven phenomena present during degradation. Three ceramic-specific models were then created by particularising the framework for three common calcium-based fillers, namely tricalcium phosphate (TCP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium carbonate (CC). In these models, the degradation of a bioresorbable composite is described with four parameters: the non-catalytic and auto-catalytic polymer degradation rates, $k_1$ and $k_2'$ respectively and the ceramic dissolution rate and exponent, $A_\text{d}$ and $\theta$ respectively. A comprehensive data mining exercise was carried out by surveying the existing literature in order to obtain quantitative degradation data for bioresorbable composites containing TCP, HA and CC. This resulted in a database with a variety of case studies. Subsequently, each case study was analysed using the corresponding ceramic-specific model returning a set of values for the four degradation constants. Both cases with agreement and disagreement between model prediction and experimental data were studied. 76% of the 107 analysed case studies displayed the expected behaviour. In general terms, the analysis of the harvested data with the models showed that a wide range of degradation behaviours can be attained using different polymeric matrix - ceramic filler combinations. Furthermore, the existence of discrepancies in degradation behaviour between a priori similar bioresorbable composites became apparent, highlighting the high number of hidden factors affecting composite degradation such as polymer tacticity or ceramic impurities. The analysis of the case studies also highlighted that the ceramic dissolution rate needed to depict the portrayed degradation behaviours is significantly higher than that reported for ceramics alone in dissolution studies under physiological conditions, indicating that studies of the filler elements alone do not provide a complete picture. Lastly, the computational analysis provided insight into the complex influence of factors such as sample porosity and degradation protocol in the degradation behaviour. In addition to the computational analysis of literature data, an experimental degradation study was carried out with nanocomposites made of calcium carbonate and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide). This study showed the existence of a clear buering effect with the addition of the ceramic filler and confirmed the assumptions employed in the modelling framework in this particular bioresorbable composite. The detailed nature and modest size of these data enabled a more precise and thorough analysis using the CC composites degradation model. In summary, the modelling framework is able to capture the main degradation behaviour of bioresorbable composites and also point to factors responsible for dissimilar behaviours. The degradation maps generated with the values of $k_1$, $k_2'$, $A_\text{d}$ and $\theta$ output by the models appear to be a good tool to summarise, classify and facilitate the analysis and search of specific bioresorbable composites.

Tooth decay is a serious health risk and a significant contributor to health care costs in both industrialized and developing nations. Tooth decay is the end result of a change in the balance of plaque ecology towards more acidogenic and aciduric bacterial species. The primary force facilitating this change is an increase in the amount and frequency of simple carbohydrate, in particular, sucrose ingestion by the host. The acidity of plaque increases after host ingestion of fermentable carbohydrates and this promotes demineralization of the tooth enamel which is restored by salivary buffering and mineral deposition. Frequent and prolonged periods of low plaque pH drive cycles of enamel homeostasis towards demineralization, which ultimately leads to the formation of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans is the main etiologic agent in the development of dental caries. The cariogenic potential of S. mutans is based on their ability to produce and tolerate large amounts of acid and to adhere to and accumulate large numbers on the surface of a tooth. They are capable of efficiently fermenting a variety of simple carbohydrates and can produce high concentrations of acid, even in a low pH environment. However, it is the ability of S. mutans to rapidly synthesize copious amounts of water-insoluble and water-soluble glucan from dietary sucrose, which allow the bacteria to accumulate large enough numbers to dominate the dental plaque and significantly lower the plaque pH. Synthesis of glucan is mediated by glucosyltransferase enzymes and is crucial to sucrose-dependent adherence and to the cariogenicity of S. mutans. S. mutans also makes four non-GTF glucan-binding proteins: GbpA and GbpD are secreted and released proteins that contain a region that is homologous to the glucan-binding domains of the Gtf enzymes, and GbpC is a cell wall bound protein that confers the property of dextran-dependent aggregation during stressful conditions, and GbpB whose glucan-binding properties appear secondary to its role in cell-wall metabolism. It was hypothesized that Gbps A, C, and D primarily function to shape the architecture of S. mutans biofilms which in turn affects the cariogenicity of S. mutans. To test this hypothesis, a panel of Gbp mutants was constructed from S. mutans strain UA130 that encompasses all deletions of Gbps (GbpA, GbpC and GbpD) individually and in combination. Specific pathogen-free rats were infected with the WT S. mutans UA130 strain along with each of the Gbp mutants, were fed a high sucrose diet for seventy days, and were then scored for caries. Significant attenuation of caries was observed in some but not all gbp mutants. Biofilms were also grown and analyzed via confocal microscopy and COMSTAT image analysis software. Architectural differences were found with all of the gbp mutants when compared to the wild-type, most notably the mutant strains lost significant biofilm depth. Several of the architectural parameters correlated with caries attenuation. It was concluded that deletion of one or more Gbps resulted in a partial loss of the cohesive properties of S. mutans biofilms and changes in biofilm architecture. In several cases this resulted in significant attenuation of cariogenicity but not a complete loss. The architectural changes that resulted from this loss of biofilm cohesiveness and the specific combinations of Gbp deletions that lead to significant attenuation suggested specific roles for each Gbp in biofilm formation. Furthermore, the attenuation of Gbp mutant strains could not be explained by differences in acidogenicity or aciduricity among the mutants. Therefore it was concluded that Gbps A, C and D make profound contributions to biofilm architecture and changes in biofilm architecture, as a result of loss of Gbp-mediated cohesion, affects S. mutans cariogenicity.

abstract: Advanced composites are being widely used in aerospace applications due to their high stiffness, strength and energy absorption capabilities. However, the assurance of structural reliability is a critical issue because a damage event will compromise the integrity of composite structures and lead to ultimate failure. In this dissertation a novel homogenization based multiscale modeling framework using semi-analytical micromechanics is presented to simulate the response of textile composites. The novelty of this approach lies in the three scale homogenization/localization framework bridging between the constituent (micro), the fiber tow scale (meso), weave scale (macro), and the global response. The multiscale framework, named Multiscale Generalized Method of Cells (MSGMC), continuously bridges between the micro to the global scale as opposed to approaches that are top-down and bottom-up. This framework is fully generalized and capable of modeling several different weave and braids without reformulation. Particular emphasis in this dissertation is placed on modeling the nonlinearity and failure of both polymer matrix and ceramic matrix composites. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering 2011

Orientadores: Maria Edwirges Hoffmann, Marta Helena Krieger / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-07T20:12:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Soraggi_ClaudiadeLourdes_D.pdf: 1381104 bytes, checksum: c9a1645ee2ea31e5e43d843d4db6a1fd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: O óxido nítrico é uma molécula multifuncional, a qual está envolvida numa extensa variedade de funções fisiológicas, estendendo-se da neurotransmissão, citotoxicidade de macrófagos e modulação das funções fisiológicas do sistema cardiovascular. Devido às ações benéficas do NO nas diversas disfunções vasculares, há um grande interesse no desenvolvimento em dispositivos que possam liberar NO de maneira controlada no sistema cardiovascular e tecido-específica. Por exemplo, 'stents¿ intracoronarianos recobertos por materiais com liberação de NO, podem reduzir a incidência da reestenose e inibir a formação da neoíntima após angioplastia percutânea coronariana. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de estabelecer protocolos para avaliação da citotoxicidade e do potencial anti-reestenótico e anti-trombogênico de formulações eluidoras de NO para aplicações em dispositivos intravasculares. As formulações eluidoras de NO foram avaliadas por meio de: A) citotoxicidade através dos ensaios da redução do MTT e da captação do vermelho neutro (NR) com as linhagens celulares: 3T3 e RASM, B) potencial anti-reestenótico utilizando-se o ensaio de inibição da proliferação celular com células de musculatura lisa de coelho (RASM) e C) potencial anti-trombogênico, utilizando-se plaquetas humanas em ensaios de agregação e adesão plaquetária. Foram testadas S-nitrosoglutationa (GSNO), solução polimérica contendo poli (vinil álcool) PVA e poli (vinil pirrolidona) (PVP), e formulação contendo PVA, PVP, GSNO. O ensaio da captação do vermelho neutro mostrou que a GSNO e GSNO/PVA/PVP não apresentaram citotoxicidade em concentrações até 30 mg/mL de GSNO, em ambas as linhagens celulares. Enquanto que o ensaio de redução do MTT mostrou que apenas a solução contendo GSNO apresentou citotoxicidade com EC50=2,75±0,05 mg/mL em células 3T3. A sensibilidade da linhagem 3T3 foi maior do que =2,3±0,4 µg/mL), e GSNO (EC= 2,5±0,3 µg/mL). O ensaio da adesão plaquetária mostrou que a inibição superior a 50% causada pela GSNO só foi obtida em concentração acima 6,72 mg/mL, mas nesta concentração não foram encontradas plaquetas viáveis. Os resultados mostraram que a metodologia adotada foi apropriada para a avaliação do potencial anti-reestenótico e anti-trombogênico e também para estabelecer a margem de segurança de novas formulações envolvendo S-nitrosoglutationa e soluções poliméricas. para células RASM, enquanto que células RASM foram mais sensíveis à alteração de permeabilidade de membrana. A GSNO per se promoveu inibição da proliferação celular no ensaio da proliferação celular e este efeito foi potencializado em presença dos polímeros PVA/PVP em concentrações superiores a 22,7 mg/mL. Foi verificada inibição da agregação plaquetária para ambas as soluções, GSNO/PVA/PVP (EC5050 =2,3±0,4 µg/mL), e GSNO (EC= 2,5±0,3 µg/mL). O ensaio da adesão plaquetária mostrou que a inibição superior a 50% causada pela GSNO só foi obtida em concentração acima 6,72 mg/mL, mas nesta concentração não foram encontradas plaquetas viáveis. Os resultados mostraram que a metodologia adotada foi apropriada para a avaliação do potencial anti-reestenótico e anti-trombogênico e também para estabelecer a margem de segurança de novas formulações envolvendo S-nitrosoglutationa e soluções poliméricas / Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional molecule which is involved in a wide variety of physiological functions, ranging ftom neurotransmission, macrophage cytotoxicity, and modulation of physiological functions of the cardiovascular system. Due to NO beneficial action in various vascular pathological conditions, there is a great interest on development in devices that can release NO by a controlled manner and tissue-specific. For example, intracoronary stents coated with NO releasing materials, may reduce the incidence of restenosis and inhibit neo-intima formation after following percutaneous angioplasty. The aim of this study was to establish protocols for evaluation of NO eluting formulations cytotoxicity and antirestenotic and antithrombotic activities which have potential for application in intravascular devices. NO releasing formulations were evaluated regarding to following aspects: A) cytotoxicity measured by MTT reduction and Neutral Red uptake assays with 3T3 and RASM celllines, B) antirestenotic potential by using cell proliferation assay, with rabbit smooth muscle cells ~M), and C) antithrombogenic potential, by using a human platelet aggregation and adhesion assays. S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), polymer solutions containing poly(vinyl alcohol) (pV A) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (pVP), and formulation containing GSNO, PV A and PVP were tested. Neutra! Red uptake assays showed that .GSNO and GSNOIPV A/P)'P-solutions presented no cytotoxicity up to 30 mg /mL GSNO, in both celllines. While, MTT reduction assays showed that only the solution of GSNO alone presented cytotoxicity with ECso=2.75± 0,05 mg/rnL, in 3T3 cell line. The sensitivity of3T3 cells to cytotoxicity was higher than that ofRASM cells, while RASM cells were more sensitivity to membrane permeation alterations. GSNO per se presented inhibition in a cell proliferation assay and this effect was potentialized with PV AIPVP in concentrations up 'to 22.7 mglmL. Concentration-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation was verified for both GSNO/PV AIPVP (ECso of 2.3±0.4 JlglmL), and GSNO alone (ECso of 2.5±0.3 JlglrnL) solutions. Platelet adhesion assay showed that the inhibition above 50% caused by GSNO only in concentration up to 6.72 mglmL was found, but in this concentration range, decrease of viable platelets was presented. The results showed that the methodology adopted was suitable to evaluate antirestenotic and antithrombotic potential, and to establish security margins for the development of new formulations involving GSNO and polymers in solution / Doutorado / Bioquimica / Doutor em Biologia Funcional e Molecular