This diploma thesis deals with preparation and testing of biodegradable materials for use in the packaging indrustry. The task of this work is to prepare set of laboratory made films based on wheat starch, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol with the addition of a suitable additive, which has been selected as citric acid. A suitable composition meeting the requirements of the packaging foils has been found. Quaternary blends from all components achieve the best results. It has been found that citric acid can influence the chemical structure and thus affect the mechanical and thermal properities and also the degree of solubility. The films were characterized in terms of mechanical properities by tensile testing and thermal stability by means of thermogravimetric analysis with respect to the phase structure. The structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The biodegradability of the film was tested by its solubility in aqueous medium.

Ce travail est consacré à l’exploitation de la stéréocomplexation issue du mélange d’oligolactate de chiralité opposée (OLLA et ODLA) afin de construire des films multicouches à travers la technique de dépôt en couche par couche (LbL). Dans la littérature, cette interaction basée sur un phénomène de co-cristallisation, a été utilisée pour préparer des assemblages supramoléculaires (micelles, gels) en milieu solvant, à travers notamment la synthèse de copolymères greffés ou séquencés contenant des segments d’OLA. Dans ce contexte, des copolymères greffés constitués de chaîne principale hydrophile (guar ou alcool polyvinylique (PVOH)) porteur de segments d’OLA optiquement purs et de chiralité opposée (guar-g-OLA ou PVOH-g-OLA) ont été synthétisés. Ces dérivés ont été obtenus par un couplage de type « Grafting onto » basé sur une réaction d’estérification entre i) le polymère hydrophile et ii) des oligolactates L ou D, de masse contrôlée et porteurs de fonctions acide carboxylique en extrémité. Dans le cas des copolymères à base de guar, la synthèse s’est avérée laborieuse et n’a permis que d’obtenir des copolymères dont le pourcentage massique en OLA varie de 2 à 18 %. Concernant les copolymères à base de PVOH et à travers la variation des paramètres expérimentaux, des copolymères optiquement purs présentant des degrés de substitution (DS) en OLA variés (de 2 à 8 %), soit un pourcentage massique en OLA variant de 40 à 80 %, ont été obtenus. L’aptitude de ces derniers copolymères énantiomère à stéréocomplexer en masse et milieu solvant (DMSO) a été étudiée en détail par des techniques expérimentales complémentaires telles que la DSC, la DRX, la RMN 1H et la FTIR. Il s’avère que le greffage covalent des OLA sur la chaîne de PVOH ne limite en rien la stéréocomplexation. De plus, en milieu solvant, la cinétique de stéréocomplexation s’avère très rapide, ce qui est un pré-requis essentiel pour élaborer des films multicouches par la technique dite du LbL. Des analyses en AFM, de mouillabilité et de spectroscopie FTIR en mode ATR ont montré la faisabilité de construire des films multicouches LbL par stéréocomplexation. De plus, l’influence du degré de substitution de ces copolymères ainsi que l’impact du procédé de dépôt (« dip-coating » versus « spin-coating » de solutions de copolymères énantiomère seuls, ou de solutions de complexes préalablement formés) ont été étudiés. / This work is devoted to the exploitation of the mixture of stéréocomplexation oligolactate of opposite chirality (OLLA and ODLA) to construct multilayer films through deposition technique layer by layer (LbL). In the literature, this interaction based on the phenomenon of co-crystallization, was used to prepare supramolecular assemblies (micelles, gels) in a solvent medium, in particular through the synthesis of graft or block copolymers containing segments OLA. In this context, graft copolymers of hydrophilic main chain (guar or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)) bearing optically pure OLA segments of opposite chirality (guar-g-OLA or PVOH-g-OLA) were synthesized. These derivatives were obtained by a coupling type "grafting onto" based on an esterification reaction between i) the hydrophilic polymer and ii) oligolactates L- or D- with controlled mass and bearing carboxylic acid functions in end. In the case of guar-based copolymers, the synthesis has proved laborious and has allowed to obtain copolymers which the percentage by mass OLA varies from 2 to 18%. Regarding copolymers based PVOH and through the variation of experimental parameters, optically pure copolymers having different degrees of substitution (DS) of OLA (2 to 8%), a percentage by mass OLA ranging from 40 to 80 %, were obtained. The ability of these latter copolymers enantiomer to stereocomplexation in mass and in solvents (DMSO) was studied in detail by complementary experimental techniques such as DSC, XRD, 1 H NMR and FTIR. It turns out that the covalent grafting of OLA on the PVOH chain does not limit the stéréocomplexation. Moreover, in a solvent medium, the stéréocomplexation kinetics is very fast, which is an essential prerequisite for the development of multilayer films by the LbL technique called. Analyzes AFM, wettability and FTIR spectroscopy in ATR mode showed the feasibility of building LbL multilayer films by stéréocomplexation. In addition, the influence of degree of substitution of these copolymers as well as the impact of the deposition process ("dip coating" versus "spin coating" of copolymer solutions enantiomer alone, or complex solutions previously formed) have been studied.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Esta memoria de tesis presenta una contribución al estudio de la funcionalización de sustratos textiles mediante la encapsulación de diferentes compuestos empleando la técnica del electrohilado. La variabilidad de la electrohilatura, tanto a nivel del equipo empleado como del propio proceso de electrohilado, permite la posibilidad de obtener morfologías y composiciones de nanofibras completamente distintas. En este trabajo se han abordado dos técnicas de preparación de la solución polimérica a emplear durante el proceso, los métodos de emulsión y dispersión. Ambas técnicas han posibilitado la adición de varios compuestos que han aportados nuevas características a nanofibras de PVA electrohiladas. Tras analizar los resultados obtenidos de las nanofibras extruidas a partir de la solución por emulsión, se ha demostrado la capacidad de encapsular aceites esenciales, tomillo y salvia, mediante electrohilatura. La caracterización realizada a los velos nanofibrosos demuestran la aparición de microcápsulas a lo largo de la sección longitudinal de las fibras debido a la encapsulación del aceite en su interior. Por otro lado, el método de dispersión ha sido evaluado mediante la adición de cúrcuma, compuesto no soluble en agua, a una solución de PVA. Los datos resultantes de las caracterizaciones han evidenciado la capacidad de la cúrcuma de actuar como sensor halocrómico aún estando encapsulada en el interior de las nanofibras electrohiladas. Al mismo tiempo, se ha examinado si esta capacidad halocrómica se mantiene cuando las nanofibras de PVA, que inicialmente son solubles en agua, se someten a un proceso de reticulación con ácido cítrico para su insolubilización. Los resultados han demostrado la continuidad del halocromismo, aunque difiere en la tonalidad del color resultante. Finalmente, se concluye con una comparativa por adición de materia colorante mediante los dos métodos explicados a una solución polimérica. Los velos nanofibrosos fabricados a partir de la solución dispersada presentaban una notable coloración en su superficie, mientras que las nanofibras producidas a partir de la solución por emulsión no presentaban color, lo cual vuelve a justificar la encapsulación del aceite coloreado en el interior de la nanofibra. / [CA] Aquesta memòria de tesi presenta una contribució a l'estudi de la funcionalització de substrats tèxtils mitjançant l'encapsulació de diferents compostos emprant la tècnica de l'electrofilat. La variabilitat de l'electrofilatura, tant a nivell de l'equip emprat com del procés d'electrofilat propi, permet la possibilitat d'obtenir morfologies i composicions de nanofibres completament diferents. En aquest treball s'han abordat dues tècniques de preparació de la solució polimèrica a emprar durant el procés, els mètodes d'emulsió i de dispersió. Ambdues tècniques han possibilitat l'addició de diversos compostos que han aportat noves característiques a nanofibres de PVA electrofilades. Després d'analitzar els resultats obtinguts de les nanofibres extruïdes a partir de la solució per emulsió, s'ha demostrat la capacitat d'encapsular olis essencials, farigola i sàlvia, mitjançant electrofil·latura. La caracterització realitzada a les estores nanofibroses demostren l'aparició de microcàpsules al llarg de la secció longitudinal de les fibres a causa de l'encapsulació de l'oli al seu interior. D'altra banda, el mètode de dispersió s'ha avaluat mitjançant l'addició de cúrcuma, compost no soluble en aigua, a una solució de PVA. Les dades resultants de les caracteritzacions han evidenciat la capacitat de la cúrcuma d'actuar com a sensor halocròmic encara estant encapsulada a l'interior de les nanofibres electrofilades. Alhora, s'ha examinat si aquesta capacitat halocròmica es manté quan les nanofibres de PVA, que inicialment són solubles en aigua, se sotmeten a un procés de reticulació amb àcid cítric per a la seua insolubilització. Els resultats han demostrat la continuïtat de l'halocromisme encara que difereix en la tonalitat del color resultant. Finalment, es conclou amb una comparativa per addició de matèria colorant mitjançant els dos mètodes explicats a una solució polimèrica. Els vels nanofibrosos fabricats a partir de la solució dispersada presentaven una notable coloració a la superfície, mentre que les nanofibres produïdes a partir de la solució per emulsió no presentaven color, la qual cosa torna a justificar l'encapsulació de l'oli acolorit a l'interior de la nanofibra. / [EN] This thesis report presents a contribution to the study of the functionalisation of textile substrates through the encapsulation of different compounds using the electrospinning technique. The variability of electrospinning, both at the level of the equipment used and of the electrospinning process itself, allows the possibility of obtaining completely different morphologies and compositions of nanofibres. In this work, two techniques for the preparation of the polymer solution to be used during the process have been addressed, the emulsion and dispersion methods. Both techniques have allowed the addition of several compounds that have provided new properties to electrospun PVA nanofibres. After analysing the results obtained from the nanofibres extruded from the emulsion solution, the ability to encapsulate essential oils, thyme and sage, by electrospinning was demonstrated. The characterisation of the nanofibrous mats shows the appearance of microcapsules along the longitudinal section of the fibres, due to the encapsulation of the oil inside them. On the other hand, the dispersion method was evaluated by adding turmeric, a non-water soluble compound, to a PVA solution. The data obtained from the characterisations have showed the ability of turmeric to act as a halochromic sensor even when encapsulated in the electrospun nanofibres. At the same time, it was investigaed whether this halochromic capacity is maintained when the PVA nanofibres, which are initially soluble in water, undergo a cross-linking process with citric acid to insolubilise them. The results have shown the continuity of the halochromism, although the resulting shade is different. Finally, we compare the addition of dyes to a polymer solution using the two methods described above. The nanofibrous veils produced from the dispersed solution showed a noticeable colouration on their surface, whereas the nanofibres produced from the emulsion solution were colourless, which again justifies the encapsulation of the coloured oil inside the nanofibre. / Mínguez García, D. (2024). Funcionalización de textiles mediante encapsulación por electrohilatura [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/202719 / Compendio

[pt] Nos últimos anos, as vantagens do uso de agentes de contraste de ultrassom (UCA) com distribuição de tamanho monodisperso foram destacadas. Caracterizadas por um coeficiente de variação (CV) inferior a 5 por cento, as microbolhas monodispersas têm o potencial de melhorar a qualidade das imagens de ultrassom (melhorando a relação sinal/ruído e reduzindo os efeitos de sombra). Também facilita o monitoramento da freqüência de ressonância das microbolhas, abrindo possibilidades nas áreas de imagem molecular e medições de pressão não-invasiva. Além disso, as bolhas monodispersas podem otimizar a entrega de drogas, genes e gases terapêuticos (por exemplo, sonotrombólise, sonoporação, abertura da barreira hemato-encefálica). No entanto, até agora, ao contrário das bolhas polidispersas, a liofilização de populações monodispersas de microbolhas, sem deteriorar sua monodispersividade, continuam sendo um desafio. Assim, hoje, as bolhas monodispersas não podem ser armazenadas nem transportadas. Isto representa um gargalo para seu uso em aplicações clínicas. Tentativas feitas para resolver o problema têm usado solventes tóxicos, levantando questões regulatórias O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de desenvolver uma nova técnica de liofilização para microbolhas monodispersas que não degradassem sua distribuição de tamanho, ou suas propriedades acústicas, sem o uso de solventes tóxicos. Como primeira etapa do projeto, foram fabricados dispositivos microfluídicos com focalização de escoamento (flow-focusing) para produzir microbolhas com distribuição de tamanho altamente monodispersa (CV menor que 5 por cento). Durante esta etapa, foi realizada a otimização da formulação das microbolhas e dos materiais crioprotetores. Foi realizada a caracterização geométrica de duas populações de microbolhas com diâmetros médios de 40 micrômetros e 5 micrômetros . Com o uso de uma câmera de alta velocidade acoplada a um microscópio ótico, imagens de todas as etapas do processo de liofilização das microbolhas foram capturadas e analisadas, visando controlar a distribuição de tamanho e a taxa de produção das microbolhas. As etapas do processo de liofilização consistiram na produção, coleta, congelamento, liofilização e ressuspensão. O desenvolvimento de uma nova técnica de recuperação, onde as microbolhas eram armazenadas em monocamadas, resultou em uma redução drástica da interação entre as bolhas durante a liofilização. Desta forma, foi possível preservar a monodispersão durante o processo de liofilização, resultando em um CV menor que 6 por cento para a população de microbolhas ressuspensas. Os ensaios de microscópio eletrônico de varredura ambiental (ESEM) demonstraram uniformidade nas cascas das microbolhas liofilizadas com uma espessura de parede estimada em 70nm. Na segunda etapa do projeto, foi realizada uma caracterização da resposta acústica de retrodifusão das microbolhas liofilizadas em forma de PVA, em comparação com as microbolhas recém produzidas e as microbolhas polidispersa SonovueTM disponíveis comercialmente. Primeiramente, a resposta acústica de retrodifusão das microbolhas foi avaliada em duas configurações diferentes: a célula centimétrica (recipiente grande - 45mmx10mmx30mm), e o milli-canal (sistema confinado no qual o líquido está em repouso - 10 mmx35 mmx1 mm). Usando um transdutor acústico focalizado com frequência de 2,25MHz, as respostas acústicas das microbolhas, na forma de frequência e amplitude de ressonância fundamental, antes e depois do processo de liofilização, foram comparadas para a população de bolhas de 5 micrômetros de diâmetro. Verificou-se que a variação de amplitude e frequência de ressonância fundamental das bolhas estava dentro da faixa de incerteza experimental, sugerindo que suas propriedades acústicas foram preservadas. Observamos também, de acordo com a literatura, que existe uma dependência linear entre a concentração da população de microbolhas (sem liofilização) e a amplitude do coeficiente de retrodifusão. Posteriormente, foi feita uma comparação da resposta de retrodispersão acústica para bolhas monodispersas e polidispersas. Também, de acordo com a literatura, observamos uma amplitude no sinal de resposta das bolhas monodispersas de 8 a 10 vezes maior que a das bolhas polidispersas, para a mesma concentração in vitro. Também foi possível observar a menor incerteza no monitoramento do pico de ressonância fundamental das bolhas e uma menor largura de banda para a população de bolhas monodispersas. Finalmente, utilizando a abordagem de imagens de matriz universal de ultrassom, desenvolvida no Institut Langevin, a resposta acústica de retrodifusão da população monodispersa liofilizada e polidispersa foi avaliada em um tecido artificial com impedância acústica similar ao tecido humano. Os resultados preliminares reforçam os resultados das medições acústicas de retrodifusão na célula centimétrica e no milicanal, nos quais a população monodispersa apresentou uma largura de banda significativamente reduzida em comparação com a ampla largura de banda da população polidispersa. O presente trabalho apresentou com sucesso uma nova técnica desenvolvida para liofilizar as microbolhas monodispersas sem degradar suas propriedades geométricas e acústicas. Assim, propusemos uma nova geração de agentes de contraste ultrassom na forma de um pó liofilizado estável que pode ser transportado e armazenado por meses e ressuspenso para uso em aplicações clínicas. / [en] In recent years, the advantages of using ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) with monodisperse size distribution have been highlighted. Characterized by a coefficient of variation (CV) lower than 5 percent, monodisperse microbubbles have the potential to improve the quality of ultrasound images (improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing shadowing effects. It also facilitates microbubble resonance frequency monitoring, opening possibilities in the areas of molecular imaging and non-invasive pressure measurements. In addition, monodisperse bubbles can optimize the drugs, genes, and therapeutic gas delivery (e.g. sonotrombolysis, sonoporation, blood-brain barrier opening). However, thus far, contrarily to polydisperse bubbles, freeze-drying monodisperse populations of fresh microbubbles, without deteriorating their monodispersity, remains a challenge. Thereby, today, monodisperse bubbles can neither be stored nor transported. This represents a bottleneck for their use in clinical applications. Attempts made to solve the problem have used toxic solvents, raising regulatory issues The objective of the present work was to develop a new freeze-drying technique for monodisperse microbubbles that did not degrade their size distribution, or their acoustic properties, without the use of toxic solvents. As the first step of the project, flow-focusing microfluidic devices were fabricated to produce microbubbles with highly monodisperse size distribution (CV less than 5 percent). During this step, the optimization of the microbubble formulation and cryoprotectant materials was performed. Geometric characterization of two of microbubbles with mean diameters of 40 Micrometers and 5 Micrometers was performed. With the use of a high-speed camera coupled to an optical microscope, images of all stages of the freeze-drying process of the microbubbles were captured and analyzed, aiming to control the size distribution and production rate of the microbubbles. The steps of the freeze-drying process consisted of production, collection, freezing, lyophilization, and resuspension. The development of a new retrieval technique, where the microbubbles were stored in monolayers, resulted in a drastic reduction of the interaction between the bubbles during lyophilization. In this way, it was possible to preserve the monodispersity during the freeze-drying process, resulting in a CV less than 6 percent for the resuspended microbubble population. Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) assays demonstrated uniformity in the shells of the freeze-dried microbubbles with an estimated wall thickness of 70nm. In the second stage of the project, a characterization of the backscatter acoustic response of the freeze-dried monodisperse PVA-shelled microbubbles, in comparison with freshly produced microbubbles, and commercially available polydisperse microbubbles SonovueTM was conducted. Firstly, the backscatter acoustic response of the microbubbles was evaluated in two different setups: the centimetric cell (large container - 45mmx10mmx30mm), and the milli-channel (confined system in which the liquid is at rest - 10 mmx35 mmx1 mm). Using a focused acoustic transducer with a frequency of 2.25MHz, the acoustic responses of the microbubbles, in the form of the fundamental resonance frequency and amplitude, before and after the freeze-drying process was compared for the bubble population of 5 Micrometers diameter. It was found that the variation of amplitude and fundamental resonance frequency of the bubbles were within the experimental uncertainty range, suggesting that their acoustic properties were preserved. We also observed, in agreement with the literature, that there is a linear dependence between the concentration of the microbubble population (without freeze-drying) and the amplitude of the backscatter coefficient. Subsequently, a comparison of the acoustic backscatter response was performed for monodisperse and polydisperse bubbles. Also, in agreement with the literature, we observed an amplitude in the response signal of the monodispersed bubbles of 8 to 10 times higher than that for the polydispersed ones, for the same in vitro concentration. It was also possible to observe the lower uncertainty in monitoring the fundamental resonance peak of the bubbles and a smaller bandwidth for the monodispersed bubble population. Finally, using the universal ultrasound matrix imaging approach, developed at Institut Langevin, the backscatter acoustic response of the freeze-dried monodisperse and polydisperse population was evaluated in a phantom mimicking tissue. The preliminary results reinforce the findings from the backscatter acoustic measurements in the centimetric cell and the milli-channel, in which the monodisperse population presented a significantly reduced bandwidth in comparison with the wide bandwidth of the polydisperse population. The present work successfully presented a new technique developed to freezedry monodisperse microbubbles without degrading their geometrical and acoustic properties. Thus, we proposed a new generation of ultrasound contrast agents in the form of a stable freeze-dried powder that can be transported and stored for months and resuspended for use in clinical applications. / [fr] Ces dernieres années, les avantages de l utilisation d agents de contraste ultrasonores (ACU) à distribution de taille monodisperse ont été mis en évidence. Caractérisées par un coefficient de variation (CV) de leur diamètre inférieur à 5 Pour cent, les microbulles monodisperses ont le potentiel d améliorer la qualité des images ultrasonores (amélioration du rapport signal/bruit et réduction des effets d ombre). Elles facilitent également le contrôle de la fréquence de résonance des microbulles, ouvrant des possibilités dans les domaines de l imagerie moléculaire et des mesures de pression non invasives. En outre, les bulles monodisperses peuvent optimiser l administration de médicaments, de gènes et de gaz thérapeutiques (par exemple, sonotrombolyse, sonoporation, ouverture de la barrière hémato-encéphalique). Cependant, jusqu à présent, contrairement aux bulles polydisperses, la lyophilisation de populations monodisperses de microbulles fraiches, sans détérioration de leur monodispersité, reste un défi. Ainsi, aujourd hui, les bulles monodisperses ne peuvent être ni stockées ni transportées. Cela représente un goulot d étranglement pour leur utilisation dans des applications cliniques. Les tentatives faites pour résoudre ce problème ont utilisé des solvants toxiques, ce qui soulève des problèmes de réglementation. L objectif du présent travail était de développer une nouvelle technique de lyophilisation des microbulles monodisperses qui ne dégrade pas leur distribution de taille, ni leurs propriétés acoustiques, et ce sans utiliser de solvants toxiques. La première étape du projet a consisté à fabriquer des dispositifs microfluidiques de focalisation du flux pour produire des microbulles avec une distribution de taille hautement monodisperse (CV moins que 5 Pour cent). Au cours de cette étape, l optimisation de la formulation des microbulles et des matériaux cryoprotecteurs a été réalisée. La caractérisation géométrique de deux microbulles avec des diamètres moyens de 40 micrometres et 5 micrometres a été menée. A l aide d une caméra à haute vitesse couplée à un microscope optique, des images de toutes les étapes du processus de lyophilisation des microbulles ont été capturées et analysées, dans le but de contrôler la distribution de taille et le taux de production des microbulles. Les étapes du processus de lyophilisation comprenaient la production, la collecte, la congélation, la lyophilisation et la remise en suspension. Le développement d une nouvelle technique de récupération, ou les microbulles étaient stockées en monocouches, a permis de réduire considérablement l interaction entre les bulles pendant la lyophilisation. De cette maniere, il a été possible de préserver la monodispersité pendant le processus de lyophilisation, ce qui a permis d obtenir un CV moins que 6 Pour cent pour la population de microbulles remise en suspension. Les analyses au microscope électronique à balayage environnemental (ESEM) ont démontré l uniformité des enveloppes des microbulles lyophilisées avec une épaisseur de paroi estimée à 70nm. Dans la deuxième étape du projet, une caractérisation de la réponse acoustique (en rétrodiffusion) des microbulles monodisperses lyophilisées et enveloppées de PVA a été réalisée et comparée avec celles de microbulles fraichement produites et de microbulles polydisperses disponibles dans le commerce (SonovueTM). Tout d abord, la réponse acoustique en rétrodiffusion des microbulles a été évaluée dans deux configurations différentes : la cellule centimétrique (grand récipient - 45mmx10mmx30mm), et le milli-channel (systeme confiné dans lequel le liquide est au repos - 10 mmx35 mmx1 mm). En utilisant un transducteur acoustique focalisé avec une fréquence de 2.25MHz, les réponses acoustiques des microbulles (fréquence de résonance fondamentale et amplitude) avant et après le processus de lyophilisation ont été comparées pour la population de bulles de 5 micrometres de diamètre. Il a été constaté que la variation de l amplitude et de la fréquence de résonance fondamentale des bulles se situait dans la plage d incertitude expérimentale, ce qui suggère que leurs propriétés acoustiques ont été préservées. Nous avons également observé, en accord avec la littérature, qu il existe une dépendance linéaire entre la concentration de la population de microbulles (sans lyophilisation) et l amplitude du coefficient de rétrodiffusion. Par la suite, une comparaison de la réponse acoustique a été effectuée pour des bulles monodisperses et polydisperses. Aussi, en accord avec la littérature, nous avons observé une amplitude du signal de réponse des bulles monodisperses de 8 à 10 fois supérieure à celle des bulles polydisperses, pour une même concentration in vitro. Il a également été possible d observer une plus faible incertitude dans le suivi du pic de résonance des bulles et une plus petite largeur de bande pour la population de bulles monodisperses. Enfin, en utilisant une approche originale dite d imagerie matricielle par ultrasons, développée à l Institut Langevin, la réponse acoustique de la population lyophilisée monodispersée et polydispersée a été évaluée dans un fantôme simulant les tissus. Les résultats préliminaires renforcent les conclusions des mesures acoustiques menées dans la cellule centimétrique et le canal millimétrique, dans lesquelles la population monodisperse présente une largeur de bande significativement réduite par rapport à la grande largeur de bande de la population polydisperse. Le présent travail a permis le développement d une nouvelle technique pour lyophiliser des microbulles monodispersées sans dégrader leurs propriétés géométriques et acoustiques. Ainsi, nous avons proposé une nouvelle génération d agents de contraste ultrasonores se présentant sous la forme d une poudre lyophilisée stable qui peut être transportée et stockée pendant des mois et remise en suspension pour être utilisée dans des applications cliniques.

The diploma thesis deals with self-healing of concrete composite. In the theoretical part, it represents the effect of polymer microfibers on reducing the development of cracks and on improving self-healing properties. It also describes the most commonly used types of bacteria used to enhance the self-healing process and their effect both alone and in interaction with fibers, calcium sources and absorbent additives. It also represents auxiliary additives in the form of superabsorbent polymers. In the practical part, it verifies the influence of the above elements and describes how much the self-healing of concrete has been enhanced by the use of combinations of fibers, absorbent polymers and a source of calcium in the form of calcium lactate. It also indicates whether the self-healing properties used were not improved at the expense of deteriorating the mechanical properties of the composite.

No description available.

Peripheral vascular grafts are used for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease and arteriovenous grafts for vascular access in end stage renal disease. The development of neo-intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis in the distal anastomosis remains the main reason for occlusion in that region. The local haemodynamics produced by a graft in the host vessel is believed to significantly affect endothelial function. Single spiral flow is a normal feature in medium and large sized vessels and it is induced by the anatomical structure and physiological function of the cardiovascular system. Grafts designed to generate a single spiral flow in the distal anastomosis have been introduced in clinical practice and are known as spiral grafts. In this work, spiral peripheral vascular and arteriovenous grafts were compared with conventional grafts using ultrasound and computational methods to identify their haemodynamic differences. Vascular-graft flow phantoms were developed to house the grafts in different surgical configurations. Mimicking components, with appropriate acoustic properties, were chosen to minimise ultrasound beam refraction and distortion. A dual-beam two-dimensional vector Doppler technique was developed to visualise and quantify vortical structures downstream of each graft outflow in the cross-flow direction. Vorticity mapping and measurements of circulation were acquired based on the vector Doppler data. The flow within the vascular-graft models was simulated with computed tomography based image-guided modelling for further understanding of secondary flow motions and comparison with the experimental results. The computational assessments provided a three-dimensional velocity field in the lumen of the models allowing a range of fluid dynamic parameters to be predicted. Single- or double-spiral flow patterns consisting of a dominant and a smaller vortex were detected in the outflow of the spiral grafts. A double- triple- or tetra-spiral flow pattern was found in the outflow of the conventional graft, depending on model configuration and Reynolds number. These multiple-spiral patterns were associated with increased flow stagnation, separation and instability, which are known to be detrimental for endothelial behaviour. Increased in-plane mixing and wall shear stress, which are considered atheroprotective in normal vessels, were found in the outflow of the spiral devices. The results from the experimental approach were in agreement with those from the computational approach. This study applied ultrasound and computational methods to vascular-graft phantoms in order to characterise the flow field induced by spiral and conventional peripheral vascular and arteriovenous grafts. The results suggest that spiral grafts are associated with advanced local haemodynamics that may protect endothelial function and thereby may prevent their outflow anastomosis from neo-intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. Consequently this work supports the hypothesis that spiral grafts may decrease outflow stenosis and hence improve patency rates in patients.