Ce travail est généralement destiné à synthétiser BCPs à base d'POSS par polymérisation RAFT, à étudier leurs comportements d'auto-assemblage, à la recherche sur l'effet de POSS auto-assemblage structure sur les propriétés en vrac et à préparer nanostructuré époxy hybride par auto-assemblage de la copolymère base d’POSS. Dans le Chapitre1, Nous avons étudié la polymérisation RAFT de macromères POSS et capables de synthétiser bien définis BCPs à base d'POSS avec la fraction POSS élevé et une topologie différente tels que AB, BAB et (BA)3. Le groupe de vertex et l'effet sur la morphologie propriétés thermo-mécaniques de BCPs à base d'POSS et la relation structure-propriété ont été investigated Polymérisation RAFT dispersion dans solvant apolaire a été appliquée pour obtenir divers agrégats ayant une morphologie différente dans Chapitre2. Refroidissement de transition induite morphologie réversible a été trouvé et la sélection dans la formation des vésicules voie a été étudiée. Nano-construction de matériaux O/I époxy hybrides à base de copolymères à base d'POSS a été étudiée dans Chapitre 4. L'effet de la teneur en groupe fonctionnel sur la miscibilité de copolymère statistique base d’POSS et de l'époxy a été étudiée. Une nouvelle méthode à la technologie hybride époxy nanostructure impliquant l'auto-assemblage de BCPs à base d'POSS en résine époxy a été présenté. Homogénéité élevée et bien la taille/morphologie de contrôle de coeur-corona structure contenant coeur POSS rigide et soluble dans les réseaux corona PMMA ont été obtenus. / This work is generally aimed to synthesize POSS based BCPs via RAFT polymerization, to study their self-assembly behaviors, to research on the effect of POSS self-assembly structure on the bulk properties and to prepare nanostructured hybrid epoxy via self-assembly of POSS based copolymer. In Chapter1, We studied the RAFT polymerization of POSS macromers and capable to synthesize well defined POSS based BCPs with high POSS fraction and different topology such as AB，BAB and (BA)3. The vertex group and the morphology effect on thermo-mechanical properties of POSS based BCPs as well as the structure-property relationship was investigated. Dispersion RAFT polymerization in apolar solvent was applied and various aggregates with different morphology in Chapter2. Cooling induced reversible micelle formation and transition was found and the pathway selection in vesicle formation was investigated. Nano-construction of O/I hybrid epoxy materials based on POSS based copolymers was investigated in Chapter4. The effect of functional group content on miscibility of POSS based statistic copolymer and epoxy was investigated. A novel method to nanostructure epoxy hybrid involving self-assembly of POSS based BCPs in epoxy was presented. High homogeneity and well size/morphology control of core-corona structure containing rigid POSS core and soluble PMMA corona in networks were obtained.

La photothérapie dynamique (PTD) est un traitement alternatif du cancer qui nécessite l’utilisation de chromophores (photosensibilisateurs) capables d’induire la mort cellulaire suite à une irradiation lumineuse. Les nanoparticles d’or (AuNP), grâce à leur phénomène de résonance plasmon localisée, peuvent exalter les propriétés photophysiques des chromophores localisés à leur surface. L’utilisation d’une excitation biphotonique, dans le proche infrarouge, peut être utilisée pour améliorer l’action thérapeutique (PTD) ou diagnostique (imagerie de fluorescence) des chromophores en augmentant la profondeur de pénétration dans les tissus et la résolution tridimensionnelle de la microscopie biphotonique.Lors de ce travail, l’élaboration de nouvelles nanoparticules hybrides est proposée, présentant des applications potentielles en bioimagerie (sondes brillantes) et comme photosensibilisateurs pour la PTD. Ces nanoparticules sont composées d’un cœur d’or sur lequel sont greffés des conjugués polymère-chromophores biphotoniques. La stratégie de synthèse a consisté à : i) synthétiser des conjugués polymère-chromophores biphotoniques solubles dans l’eau ; ii) les greffer de manière orientée à la surface des AuNP. La synthèse des conjugués polymère-chromophores hydrosolubles on été synthétisés via le couplage efficace de chromophores hydrophobes en position latérale des copolymères P(NAM-co-NAS) bien-définis, obtenus par la techniques de polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée RAFT. Cette stratégie permet le contrôle à la fois de la longueur des chaînes polymère formées (2 000 g.mol-1 < Mn plus < 37 000 g.mol-1) et du nombre de chromophores couplés par chaîne (de 1 à 21). Le greffage orienté de ces conjugués à la surface des AuNP a été mis en évidence (TEM, ATG) et les densités de greffage se sont avérées élevées (~0.5chaîne/nm²). Un des rôles de la chaîne polymère étant de contrôler la distance entre les chromophores et la surface des AuNP. Il a été mis en évidence que l’augmentation de la longueur de chaine des conjugués induisait, outre une augmentation de la couronne greffée (par MET) sur les AuNP, une augmentation de l’émission de fluorescence de ces conjugués polymère-chromophores. Enfin, les propriétés biologiques des conjugués avant et après greffage sur les AuNP ont été évaluées in cellulo, mettant en valeur leur potentiel pour des applications thérapeutiques et diagnostiques. / Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative treatment of cancer requiring the use of chromophore molecules (photosensitizers), which can induce cell death after light excitation. Gold nanoparticles (AuNP), exhibiting localized Surface Plasmon Resonance, can enhance the photophysical response of chromophores located in their vicinity, and thus improve their therapeutic action. Moreover, the use of highly localized two-photon chromophores (photosensitizers and fluorophores), capable to undergo a localized excitation by light in the Near InfraRed region, should increase the penetration depth into tissues, thus improve the treatment efficiency (by PDT) and the imaging (by fluorescence microscopy) of cancer tissues.In this work, we describe the elaboration of water-soluble hybrid nano-objects for PDT and fluorescence bioimaging applications, composed of two-photon chromophore-polymer conjugates grafted onto gold nanoparticles. In order to obtain these nano-objects we follow a multistep strategy: i) the synthesis of a well-defined water-soluble chromophore-polymer conjugates; ii) the end-group oriented grafting of chromophore-polymer conjugates onto 20 nm AuNP. The coupling of hydrophobic two-photon chromophores on linear water-soluble copolymer chains (poly(N-acryloylmorpholine-co-N-acryloxysuccinimide)), obtained by controlled/living RAFT polymerization, resulted in well-defined water-soluble chromophore-polymer conjugates, with different polymer lengths (2 000 g.mol-1 < Mn < 37 000 g.mol-1) and architectures (random or block), and a controlled number of chromophores per chain (varying between 1 and 21). Their grafting onto 20 nm AuNP gave water-soluble hybrid nano-objects with high grafting densities (~0.5 chains/nm²). The role of the polymer chain being to tune the distance between chromophores and AuNP surface, we have evidenced the increase in the polymer corona thickness of grafted AuNP (estimated by TEM) with the increasing polymer Mn, corroborating with the corresponding distance-dependent fluorescence properties of those. Finally, the in cellulo biological properties of two-photon chromophore-polymer conjugates, before and after grafting onto AuNP, have been investigated, highlighting their potential for two-photon bioimaging and PDT applications.

Ce projet de thèse consistait à synthétiser de nouveaux bio-conjugués Lipide-Polymère fluorescents émettant dans le rouge lointain, composés d’une chaîne polymère portant à la fois de nombreux chromophores en position latérale et un lipide en extrémité de chaîne. La structure de ces bio-conjugués est basée sur des copolymères poly(N-acryloylmorpholine-co-N-acryloxysuccinimide), hydrophiles, réactifs, modulables et d’architecture contrôlée obtenus par le procédé RAFT. Les copolymères réactifs ont ensuite été utilisés pour le couplage, en position latérale, de chromophores émettant dans le rouge lointain. La stratégie utilisée pour la synthèse des bio-conjugués se divise en trois étapes : la synthèse d’Agents de Transfert de Chaîne (ATC) fonctionnalisés avec un lipide suivant un protocole déjà décrit suite à des travaux de notre équipe, et dont les étapes de purification ont été améliorées afin d’obtenir des ATC les plus purs possible (90% de pureté molaire) ; l’utilisation de ces ATC fonctionnels pour la synthèse de polymères α fonctionnels, et enfin, le couplage covalent, rapide et efficace, de chromophores en position latérale. Il a été mis en évidence que les ATC lipidiques permettent un très bon contrôle de la copolymérisation des monomères NAM et NAS. L’utilisation de la composition azéotropique pour ce couple de monomère permet également d’obtenir des chaînes polymère de microstructure très contrôlée et présentant des valeurs de Mn comprises entre 5 900 et 33 200 g.mol-1. Les propriétés optiques des bio-conjugués ont été déterminées, ce qui a permis de mettre en évidence que ces propriétés, et notamment le rendement quantique de fluorescence, sont très sensibles à la structure des bio-conjugués synthétisés. Tous les bio-conjugués présentent des brillances améliorées (jusqu’à 13 000 M-1.cm-1 dans l’eau et 50 0000 M-1.cm-1 dans CHCl3) par rapport à celle du chromophore. La capacité des bio-conjugués à interagir avec les bicouches lipidiques a été mise en évidence à travers l’utilisation de systèmes modèles (SUVs, LUVs et GUVs). Enfin, les évaluations biologiques réalisées ont montré à la fois une absence de cytotoxicité des bio-conjugués et une capacité de ces derniers à être internalisés rapidement (< 10 min) au sein de différentes lignées de cellules vivantes. / The aim of this study is to synthesize new far-red emitting fluorescent Lipid-Polymer conjugates, consisting of a polymer chain bearing both multiple fluorophores in lateral position and a lipid at one chain-end. These conjugates are based on an hydrophilic, reactive, flexible and controlled poly(N-acryloylmorpholine-co-N-acryloxysuccinimide) copolymer synthesized by the RAFT process. Multiple far-red emitting fluorophores were bound on the reactive copolymer in lateral position. The strategy used in this study consists of three different steps: Chain Transfer Agents (CTA) functionalized with a lipid were synthesized following a protocol already described in our team, the purity of these CTA was improved (90% molar purity); the use of these CTA for the synthesis of α functional polymers, and finally, the very efficient covalent binding of fluorophores in lateral position. We showed that the lipid-CTA enable a very good control of the NAM/NAS copolymerization. The azeotropic composition enables the synthesis of polymer chains with a controlled composition and with Mn values varying from 5 900 to 33 200 g.mol-1. The optical properties of the bio-conjugates were determined, and we showed that these properties (the fluorescence quantum yield especially) are structure sensitive. All of them show an improved brightness (13 000 M-1.cm-1 in water and 50 000 M-1.cm-1 in CHCl3) compared to the brightness of the free fluorophore. The ability of the bio-conjugates to interact with lipid bilayers was proved using model systems (SUVs, LUVs and GUVs). Finally, biological evaluations showed both an absence of cytotoxicity and an ability of the conjugates to be quickly internalized in leaving cells (< 10 min).

Multifunctional monomers on the basis of acryl- and methacryl derivatives were synthesized and different protective groups were used. After polymerization the protective groups were removed by different methods. Various initiators for the NMP of the monomers were synthesized and the reaction conditions were optimized. The results showed that NMP was not a suitable method for multifunctional acryl- and methacryl derivatives to achieve well-defined homopolymers, although it was successful for control of polymerization of styrene and block copolymerization of multifunctional acryl- and methacryl derivatives with alkoxyamine terminated polystyrene. The ATRP of multifunctional acrylates and methacrylates has been successfully performed, as well as the block copolymerization of multifunctional acrylates and methacrylates. Relatively low polydispersities of the corresponding polymers (PD=1.18-1.36) and reasonably high rates of polymerization could be achieved when Me6TREN and PMDETA were used as ligands. However, the ATRP of multifunctional acrylamides and methacrylamides failed. The RAFT-polymerization of styrene, acrylamide and acrylate using BDTB as a CTA and AIBN as an initiator afforded polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (PD=1.13-1.26). A kinetic investigation and the further synthesis of block copolymers using dithioester-terminated homopolymers as macroCTAs showed that the RAFT polymerization of acrylamide M9b proceeded in a living manner. However, BDTB does not control the reaction of methacrylic monomers, such as methacrylates and methacrylamides. The bulk phase behavior of the block copolymers were examined by means of DSC and the surface behaviors of block copolymers as thin layers were examined with AFM. Two-phase transitions in the block copolymers were observed clearly by DSC, indicative of the appearance of phase separations, which were seen in an AFM image. In conclusion, multifunctional acryl- and methacryl derivatives failed to achieve well-defined homopolymers by NMP. However, this method was successful for block copolymerization of multifunctional acryl- and methacryl derivatives with alkoxyamine terminated polystyrene. Multifunctional acrylates and methacrylates were successfully homopolymerized and block copolymerized by ATRP. Multifunctional acrylates and acrylamides were suitable for homopolymerization and block copolymerization by the RAFT process. Thus far, it is difficult to homopolymerize multifunctional methacrylamides in controlled way.

With the growth of the internet, distributed systems have become increasingly important in order to provide more available and scalable applications. Con- sensus is a fundamental problem in distributed systems where multiple pro- cesses have to agree on the same proposed value in the presence of partial failures. Distributed consensus allows for building various applications such as lock services, configuration manager services or distributed databases.Two well-known consensus algorithms for building distributed logs are Multi-Paxos and Raft. Multi-Paxos was published almost three decades before Raft and gained a lot of popularity. However, critics of Multi-Paxos consider it difficult to understand. Raft was therefore published with the motivation of being an easily understood consensus algorithm. The Raft algorithm shares similar characteristics with a practical version of Multi-Paxos called Leader- based Sequence Paxos. However, the algorithms differ in important aspects such as leader election and reconfiguration.Existing work mainly compares Multi-Paxos and Raft in theory, but there is a lack of performance comparisons in practice. Hence, prototypes of Leader- based Sequence Paxos and Raft have been designed and implemented in this thesis. The prototypes were implemented using the Rust programming lan- guage and the message-passing framework Kompact and then benchmarked in real-world scenarios to compare the performance of Leader-based Sequence Paxos and Raft.The results show that Leader-based Sequence Paxos and Raft have simi- lar performance in geographically distributed deployments. However, the un- predictable leader election in Raft could greatly affect the performance if the elected leader is in an undesired location. In our experiments, the location of the Raft leader affected the average throughput by up to 35%. Furthermore, the results indicate that implementation details could have a significant impact on performance even in the parts where the algorithms are similar. By batch- ing messages more efficiently, Leader-based Sequence Paxos achieved up to 17% higher average throughput than Raft. / Med tillväxten av internet har distribuerade system blivit allt mer viktiga för att bygga mer tillgängliga och skalbara applikationer. Konsensus är ett funda- mentalt problem i distribuerade system där flera processer ska komma överens om samma föreslagna värde, samtidigt som partiella fel kan ske. Distribuerad konsensus kan appliceras till olika användningsomården som låstjänster, kon- figurationshanterare och distribuerade databaser.Två välkända konsensusalgoritmer för att bygga distribuerade loggar är Multi-Paxos och Raft. Multi-Paxos publicerades nästintill tre årtionden före Raft och blev populär. Men kritiker av Multi-Paxos anser att algoritmen är svår att förstå. Av denna anledning publicerades Raft med motivationen att vara en konsensusalgoritm som är enkel att förstå. Raft delar likheter med Leader- based Sequence Paxos, en praktisk version av Multi-Paxos. Dock skiljer sig algoritmerna i viktiga aspekter som leaderval och rekonfigurering.Befintliga arbeten jämför i huvudsak Multi-Paxos och Raft i teorin, men det saknas jämförelse av prestandan i praktiken. Av denna anledning har pro- totyper av Leader-based Sequence Paxos och Raft blivit designade och imple- menterade i denna avhandling. Dessa prototyper implementerades i program- meringsspråket Rust och message-passing ramverket Kompact, som sedan tes- tades i verkliga situationer för att jämföra Leader-based Sequence Paxos och Raft.Resultaten visar att Leader-based Sequence Paxos och Raft har liknande prestanda i geografiskt distribuerade sammanhang. Dock kan det oförutsäga- bara ledarvalet i Raft påverka prestandan avsevärt ifall den valde ledaren befin- ner sig på en oönskad plats. I våra experiment påverkade Raft ledarens plats den genomsnittliga kapaciteten med upp till 35%. Resultaten visar även att implementationsdetaljer kan ha en signifikant effekt på prestandan även i de delar där algoritmerna är liknande. Genom att sammanfoga meddelanden mer effektivt uppnådde Leader-based Sequence Paxos 17% högre genomsnittlig kapacitet än Raft.

Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study, a functional styrene – maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer mediated polymerization (RAFT). The obtained copolymer had an alternating structure with well controlled molecular weight. The structure of the copolymer was found to alternating when characterized by NMR and MALDI-Tof-MS. SMA copolymer is functional polymer due to the presence of reactive maleic anhydride moiety in its backbone. The SMA copolymer was used as a starting material for synthesis of other three copolymers with potential anti-viral activity. These three copolymers are referred to as SMA copolymer derivatives because they were synthesized by reacting either maleic anhydride or styrene moieties with certain chemical compounds. The three derived copolymers are; styrene-maleimde copolymer (SMI), styrene sulfonate-maleic anhydride copolymer (SSMA) and styrene sulfonate– maleimide copolymer (SSMI). SMI was synthesized by reacting 4-aminomethylbenzene sulfonamide compound with maleic anhydride moieties on the backbone of SMA copolymer. The reaction proceeded in the presence of co-catalysts triethylamine and dimethylamino pyridine to from amide linkages. The copolymer was characterized by NMR spectroscopy, SEC and FTIR spectroscopy. SSMA copolymer was successfully synthesized by reacting styrene moieties of the SMA copolymers with chlorosulfonic acid. The SSMA copolymer was further reacted with amine compound to synthesize SSMI copolymer. The synthesis of SSMI was achieved by reacting the maleic anhydride moieties in the backbone of the SSMA copolymer with N1,N1- dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine. Both copolymers were successfully characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Funksionele stireen-maleïensuuranhidried (SMA) kopolimeer is berei d.m.v. omkeerbare addisie-fragmentasie ketting-oordrag-beheerde (OAFO) polimerisasie. Die polimere het 'n wissellende struktuur en goed beheerde molekulêre massa gehad. Die wisselende struktuur is bevestig d.m.v. KMR en MALDI-ToF analise. Die SMA kopolimeer is funksioneel a.g.v. die teenwoordigheid van reaktiewe anhidriedgroepe in die polimeerrugraat. Hierdie SMA kopolimeer is gebruik as uitgangstof vir die bereiding van drie ander kopolimere met potensiele teenvirale-aktiwiteit: stireenmaleïimied kopolimeer (SMI), stireensulfonaat-maleïensuuranhidried kopolimeer (SSMA) en stireensulfonaat-maleïimied kopolimeer (SSMI). Hiedie kopolimere staan bekend as SMA-kopolimeerderivate omdat hulle berei is deur d.m.v. die reaksie van of maleïensuuranhidried of stireengroepe. SMI is suksesvol berei d.m.v. die reaksie van 4-aminobenseensulfonamied met maleïensuuranhidriedeenhede op die polimeerruggraat in die teenwoordigheid van die kokataliste trietielamien of dimetielaminopiridien, om sodoende amiedbindings te vorm. Die kopolimere is gekarakteriseer m.b.v. grootte-uitsluitings-chromatografie (SEC), KMR en FTIR. Die SMMA kopolimeer is suksesvol gesintetiseer d.m.v. die reaksie van die stireeneenhede van die SMMA kopolimeer met chlorosulfoonsuur. Die SSMA kopolimeer is verder gereageer met amienverbindings om die SSMI kopolimeer te lewer. SMMI kopolimere is berei d.m.v. die reaksie van die maleïensuuranhidriedgroepe in die ruggraat van die SSMA kopolimeer met N',N'-dimetielpropaan-1,3-diamien. Albei kopolimere is suksesvol gekarakteriseer m.b.v. KMR en FTIR.

Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Different click chemistry methods have been used together with Reversible Addition- Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) mediated polymerization to synthesize macromolecular architectures. A new leaving group for RAFT was introduced. This triazole leaving group allows for easy conjugation of the RAFT agent to various substrates via the copperI catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Subsequently monomer can be polymerized onto the substrate using the RAFT agent. This connects the polymer to the substrate via a hydrolytically stable 1,2,3-triazole. The Mitsunobu reaction was used to chain-end functionalize polymers. The Mitsunobu reaction allows for the substitution of primary and secondary alcohols with a nucleophile. The modification of polymer chain-ends was done in two ways. Firstly, thiol-functional chain-ends were used as the nucleophile in the Mitsunobu reaction using propargyl alcohol as the alcohol. This yielded alkyne-functional polymers. Thiol chain-end functional polymers were obtained by the aminolysis of polymers synthesized via RAFT. Secondly, alcohol-functional polymers were modified. In the case of poly(vinylpyrrolidone), the RAFT group was hydrolyzed and alcohols were obtained. Hydroxyl functional PEG was obtained commercially. The hydroxyl functionality was reacted in the Mitsunobu reaction using hydrazoic acid (HN3) as the nucleophile. Azide chain end functional polymers were obtained. These alkyne and azide chain end functional polymers were subsequently used in the copperI catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Ultra Fast Hetero Diels-Alder click chemistry (UFHDA) was used to synthesizes norbornenelike structures (substituted 2-thiabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene moieties). Norbornene-like structures can be polymerized via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP). Monomers were synthesized using phenethyl(diethoxyphosphoryl)dithioformate and cyclopentadiene. Macromonomers were obtained from the UFHDA of Polystyrene (PSTY) synthesized via RAFT, using phenethyl(diethoxyphosphoryl) dithioformate as the RAFT agent, and cyclopentadiene or cyclopentadienyl-terminated PEG as the dienes. The obtained (macro) monomers were homo- and copolymerized using Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP). For the ROMP, four different Grubbs type catalysts were tested.The ring-strain promoted Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction uses cyclooctynes as the alkyne. The ring-strain in this molecule allows for a fast reaction at room temperature. This reaction is potentially very interesting for biological applications because it doesn’t require the toxic copper catalyst. In this work three routes towards cyclooctynes are investigated. PEG was chain end functionalized with the obtained cyclooctyne derivatives. Overall, click chemistry methodologies were applied to synthesize different macromolecular architectures. Results include a new type of RAFT agent that allows for easy conjugation to substrates, reaction methods for chain end modification of polymers, and the synthesis of new monomers and polymers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskillende kliek chemie metodes, tesame met Omkeerbare Addisie Fragmentasie ketting Oordrag beheerde polimerisasie (OAFO), is gebruik vir die sintese van makromolekulêre argitekture. ʼn Nuwe verlatende groep vir OAFO was bekend gestel. Die triazool verlatende groep bied die moontlikheid vir gemaklike koppeling van die OAFO agente met ‘n verskeidenheid van substrate via die koperI gekataliseerde Huisgen 1,3-dipolêre siklo-addisie reaksie. Gevolglik kan monomere gepolimeriseer word op die substraat deur middel van die OAFO agent. Dit laat toe vir die koppeling van die polimeer op die substraat via a hidrolitiese stabiele 1,2,3-triazool. Die Mitsunobu reaksie was gebruik vir die funksionaliseering van die end groepe van die polimeer ketting. Die Mitsunobu reaksie laat toe vir die substitusie van primêre en sekondêre alkohole met ‘n nukleofiel. Die verandering van die polimeer ketting end groepe was uitgevoer op twee verskillende maniere. Eerstens is ketting end groepe met ‘n tiol funktionaliteit gebruik as a nukleofiel in die Mitsunobu reaksie deur gebruik te maak van propargiel alkohol as die alkohol. Dit het alkyn funktionele polimere opgelewer. Tiol ketting end funktionele polimere was verkry deur middel van aminolise van die polimere gesintetiseer via OAFA. Tweedens is alkohol funktionele polimere gemodifiseer. In die geval van poli(N-vinielpirolidoon) is die OAFA grope gehidroliseer en gevolglik is alkohole verkry op hierdie manier. Kommersiële funksionele PEG was gebruik. Die hidroksie funksionele groep was gereageer in die Mitsunobu reaksie deur gebruik te maak van waterstof asied (HN3) as die nukleofiel. Dit het asied funksionele ketting eindes opgelewer. Die alkyne en asied ketting end funksionele polimere was gevolglik gebruik in die koperI gekataliseerde Huisgen 1,3- dipolêre siklo-addisie reaksie. Ultra Vinnige Hetero Diels-Alder kliek chemie (UVHDA) was gebruik vir die sintese van norborneen agtige strukture (gesubstitueerde 2-tiabisiklo[2.2.1]hept-5-een groepe). Monomere was gesintetiseer deur gebruik te maak van fenieletiel(di-etoksifosforiel)di-tioformaat en siklopentadiëen of siklopentadiëen-getermineerde PEG. Die sintese van makromonomere is verkry via UVHDA deur gebruik te maak van polistireen, gesintetiseer deur middel van OAFO (waar fenieletiel(dietoksifosforiel) di-tioformaat gebruik is as OAFO agent), en siklopentadiëen of siklopentadiëengetermineerde PEG. Die makromonomere wat verkry is, is verder gebruik vir homo- en kopolimerisasie deur middel van Ring Opening Metatesis Polimerisasie, ROMP. Vir die ROMP is vier verskillende Grubbs tipe kataliste gebruik. Die ring-spanning bevorderde die Huisgen 1,3,-dipolêre siklo-addissie reaksie waar siklooketyne gebruik is as die alkyne. Die ring-spanning in die molekule laat toe vir vinninge reaksies by kamer temperatuur. Die reaksie het die potensiaal vir interessante biologiese toepassings aangesien dit nie ’n kopper katalis vereis nie wat toksies van aard is. In die studie word drie roetes ten einde to siko-oktyn ondersoek. PEG was geketting end gefunksionaliseerd met die gevolgde siko-oktyne afgeleides. Verskillende kliek chemie metodologiëe was toegepas vir die sintese van verskillende makromolekulêre argitekture. Resultate sluit in een nuwe tipe OAFO agent wat maklike konjugasie met substrate bewerkstellig, ketting einde modifikasie van polimere, nuwe monomere en polimere wat gesintetiseer is.

Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Living chains prepared by RAFT polymerization and NMP reactions using Z-carboxylate and Z-phosphate RAFT agents, and X-phosphate NMP initiators, were efficiently attached to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and used for the separation of dead chains formed in these polymerization reactions prior to the attachment of the RAFT agents and NMP initiators to the surface of MNPs. All the living chains that attach selectively to the surface of MNPs contained RAFT or NMP functionalities, had a low polydispersity index (PDI), and could be reactivated to form new polymer extensions or block copolymers with no detectable deviation from 100% efficiency. RAFT chains prepared by RAFT polymerization using the Z-carboxylate RAFT agent and an excess of free radical initiator were also attached to the surface of MNPs and separated in the presence of an external magnetic field. Separated RAFT-functional chains contained no dead chains formed by combination or disproportionation reactions, but a substantial amount of cross-terminated by-product with a low UV absorbance at 320 nm. The cross-termination of the intermediate radical formed in the RAFT polymerization reactions was also investigated in the monomer-excluded free radical reaction model of polystyryl benzyl-(4-carboxyl dithiobenzoate) and polystyryl ethyl-2-bromoisobutyrate. The Z-carboxylate 3- and 4-arm star polymers (formed by cross-termination reactions) were then efficiently attached to the surface of MNPs and separated from the remainder of the polymer solution. They were separated from MNPs and characterized by 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-ToF-MS. Living chains prepared by a RAFT miniemulsion polymerization reaction using Z-carboxylate RAFT agent were attached to the surface of MNPs and used for the separation of all dead chains and uncontrolled high molecular weight polymer of secondary particle formations occur during a miniemulsion polymerization reaction prior to the attachment. Separated dead chains had high PDI values and contained a significant fraction of uncontrolled high molecular weight polymer that lacked RAFT functionality. Initiator-derived chains formed in RAFT polymerization reactions of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) using phosphate free radical (PFR) initiator were selectively attached to the surface of MNPs and separated from R-group-derived polymer chains in the presence of an external magnetic field. All separated initiator-derived chains contained large fractions of dead chains with weak UV absorbance, and which lacked RAFT functionality, and small fractions of RAFT polymer chains. The separated initiator-derived chains had higher PDI values than the as-prepared polymer in the polymerization of St, but lower PDI values than the as-prepared polymer in the polymerization of MMA. RAFT agents attached to the surface of MNPs by the Z group were used as mediating agents for the synthesis of polymers grafted to the surface of MNPs. The polymers grafted to the surface of MNPs were separated from the solution of the free polymer by applying an external magnetic field. The amounts of the polymers grafted to the surface of MNPs greatly increased as the number of RAFT agents attached to the surface of MNPs decreased. When ethyl acetate was used as solvent, it reached 65% by weight and 50% by number of chains. Separated polymers grafted to the surface of MNPs had high PDI values and contained RAFT functionality. Investigations into the kinetics of the RAFT-mediated polymerization reaction on the surface of MNPs revealed that the polymerization reaction mediated using a RAFT agent attached by its Z group to the surface of MNPs had a faster polymerization rate than that mediated using a free Z group RAFT agent. The molecular weight of the grafted polymer increased linearly with conversion, and the reaction rate was pseudo-first-order. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Lewende polimeerkettings, berei deur middel van RAFT-beheerde polimerisasie en NMP reaksies waarin Z-karboksilaat en Z-fosfaat RAFT-verbindings en 'n X-fosfaat NMP afsetter gebruik is, is geheg aan die oppervlaktes van magnetisenanopartikels (MNPs), en gebruik vir die skeiding van dooie kettings wat tydens die RAFT en NMP reaksies gevorm is. Alle lewende kettings wat aan die oppervlakte van die MNPs geheg is, is geskei van die oorblywende polimeeroplossing deur die aanwending van ‗n eksterne magnetise veld. Alle kettings wat selektief aan die oppervlaktes van die MNPs gekoppel is met RAFT of NMP funksionaliteit, het ‗n laë poliverspreidingswaarde (PDI) gehad en kon heraktiveer word om ‗n nuwe polimeerverlengings of blokkopolimere te vorm met geen merkbare afwyking van 100% doeltreffendheid nie. RAFT-kettings wat gedurende RAFT-polimerisasie met 'n Z-karboksilaat RAFT-agent en oormaat vrye-radikaalafsetter berei is, is ook geheg aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs en geskei in die teenwoordigheid van 'n eksterne magnetiese veld. Die geskeide RAFT-funksionele kettings het geen dooie kettings bevat nie (gevorm deur kombinasie reaksies), maar 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid ongekontroleerde hoë molekulêremassa polimeer (met lae UV absorpsie by 320 nm). Die kruis-beëindiging van die intermediêre radikaal wat gevorm is tydens die RAFT-proses is ondersoek in die monomeer-uitsluitende vrye-radikaalreaksiemodel van polistirielbensiel-4-karboksielditiobensoaat en polistirieletiel-2-bromoisobutiraat. Die Z-karboksilaat 3- en 4-arm sterpolimere (gevorm a.g.v. kruis-terminasiereaksies) is effektief geheg aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs en geskei van die res van die polimeeroplossing, en daarna gekarakteriseer met behulp van 1H en 13C KMR, en MALDI-ToF-MS. Lewende kettings, berei m.b.v. RAFT miniemulsiepolimerisasies met 'n Z-karboksilaat RAFT-agent, is geheg aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs en gebruik vir die skeiding van alle dooie kettings en sekondêre partikels wat tydens die reaksie voor die aanhegting gevorm het. Die geskeide dooie kettings wat agtergebly het, het 'n wye PDI getoon en het 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid ongekontroleerde hoë molekulêremassa polimeer, met geen RAFT-funksionaliteit nie, bevat. Afsetterafkomstigekettings wat gevorm is tydens die RAFT polimerisasiereaksies van stireen (St) en metielmetakrilaat (MMA) met 'n fosfaat-vrye vrye-radikaalafsetter is selektief geheg aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs en geskei van R-groep-afkomstige polimeerkettings in die teenwoordigheid van 'n eksterne magnetise veld. Alle geskeide afsetter-afkomstige kettings het 'n groot hoeveelheid dooie kettings gehad (met swak UV absorpsie) en met geen RAFT-funksionalilteit nie, en klein fraksies van RAFT-polimeerkettings. Die geskeide afsetter-afkomstige kettings het hoër PDI waardes gehad as die ('as-prepared') polimeer in die polimerisasie van St, maar laer PDI waardes as die ('as-prepared') polimeer in die polimerisasie van MMA. RAFT-verbindings wat aan die oppervlaktes van die MNPs geheg is deur middel van die Z-groep is as bemiddellingsagente (Eng: mediating agents) gebruik vir die sintese van polimere wat geënt is aan die oppervlakte aan MNPs. Die polimere wat aan die oppervlakte van die MNPs geënt is is geskei van die res van die polimeeroplossing deur die aanwending van ‗n eksterne magnetise veld. Die hoeveelhede van die polimere wat aan die oppervlaktes van die MNPs geënt is het sterk toegeneem namate die aantal RAFT-agente wat aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs geheg is afgeneem het. Wanneer etielasetaat as oplosmiddel gebruik is, was die waardes 55% m.b.t. gewig en 45% m.b.t. die aantal kettings. Die geskeide polimere wat aan die oppervlaktes van MNPs geënt is het hoë PDI getoon en het RAFT-funksionaliteit bevat. Die kinetika van die RAFT-beheerde polimerisasiereaksies van St, wat gebruik maak van ‗n RAFT-agent wat aan die oppervlakte van die MNPs geheg is deur middel van die Z-groep, is ook ondersoek. Die tempo van polimerisasie was vinniger in die geval waarin die RAFT-agent geheg is deur sy Z-groep aan die oppervlakte van die MNPs as die reaksie met 'n RAFT agent met 'n vrye Z-groep. Die molekulêremassas van die entpolimere het liniêr toegeneem met omsetting, en die reaksie was pseudo-eerste-orde.

Many biological processes, pathogens, and pharmaceuticals act upon, cellular membranes. Accordingly, cell membrane mimics are attractive targets for biosensing, with research, pathology, and pharmacology applications. Lipid bilayers represent a versatile sensor functionalization platform providing antifouling properties, and many receptor integration options, uniquely including transmembrane proteins. Bilayer-coated sensors enable the kinetic characterization of membrane/analyte interactions. Addressed theoretically and experimentally is the self-assembly of model membranes on plasmonic sensors. Two categories of plasmonic sensors are studied in two parts. Part I aims to deposit raft-forming bilayers on planar nanoaperture arrays suitable for multiplexing and device integration. By vesicle fusion, planar bilayers are self-assembled on thiol-acid modified flame-annealed gold without the need for specific lipid head-group requirements. Identification of coexisting lipid phases is accomplished by AFM imaging and force spectroscopy mapping. These methods are successfully extended to metallic, plasmon-active nanohole arrays, nanoslit arrays and annular aperture arrays, with coexisting phases observed among the holes. Vis-NIR transmission spectra of the arrays are measured before and after deposition, indicating bilayer detection. Finally, the extraction of membrane proteins from cell cultures and incorporation into model supported bilayers is demonstrated. These natural membrane proteins potentially act as lipid-bound surface receptors. Part II aims to encapsulate in model lipid bilayers, metallic nanoparticles, which are used as probes in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Three strategies of encapsulating particles, and incorporating Raman-active dyes are demonstrated, each using a different dye: malachite green, rhodamine-PE, and Tryptophan. Dye incorporation is verified by SERS and the bilayer is visualized and measured by TEM, with support from DLS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In both parts, lipid-coated sensors are successfully fabricated and characterized. These results represent important and novel solutions to the functionalization of plasmonic surfaces with biologically relevant cell membrane mimics.

Ces travaux décrivent l'élaboration de latex hybrides de polymère / nanotubes d'Imogolite et polymère / nanofeuillets d'hydroxydes doubles lamellaires (HDL) en milieu aqueux dispersé. Les deux charges inorganiques ont été choisies pour leurs propriétés thermiques, mécaniques et pour leur anisotropie de forme, ce qui pourrait permettre l'élaboration de films nanostructurés. Les latex ont été synthétisés par une stratégie originale basée sur le procédé de polymérisation RAFT en émulsion. Cette stratégie consiste à utiliser des copolymères hydrophiles (macroRAFT), comportant à la fois des unités d'acide acrylique et un groupe trithiocarbonate terminal, comme agents de couplage et stabilisants. Dans un premier temps, ces macroRAFTs ont été adsorbés à la surface des nanoparticules inorganiques, puis l'extension de ces chaînes a été réalisée par la polymérisation d'un monomère hydrophobe selon un procédé semi-batch. Des nanotubes d'Imogolite décorés de particules de latex ou des nanotubes d'Imogolite encapsulés ont été obtenus, selon les conditions de synthèse adoptées. L'effet de différents paramètres sur la morphologie finale des particules hybrides a été étudié. La nature de l'agent macroRAFT s'est avérée être un paramètre clé pour le succès de l'encapsulation. La même stratégie a été utilisée en vue de l'encapsulation des HDL. Quelles que soient les conditions investiguées, des latex stables contenant des particules d'HDL encapsulées par du polymère ont été formés. Dans tous les cas, la morphologie des latex nanocomposites a été caractérisée par MET et cryo-MET et reliée à la méthode de modification de la surface et aux conditions de polymérisation. Enfin, les propriétés mécaniques ainsi que la microstructure des films hybrides de polymère / nanotubes d'Imogolite ont été étudiées par DMA et MET, respectivement, et reliées à la morphologie des particules de latex