Os recém-nascidos possuem o sistema antioxidante imaturo, por haver baixa tensão de oxigênio no ambiente intrauterino durante a vida fetal. Logo após o nascimento, as alterações súbitas das condições fisiológicas e ambientais causam significativo aumento no consumo de oxigênio, desencadeando, assim, a produção de radicais livres. Tais condições promovem vulnerabilidade dos neonatos ao efeito negativo do estresse oxidativo, o que potencialmente podem prejudicar a vitalidade neonatal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar o perfil antioxidante e estresse oxidativo de neonatos e fêmeas caninas no periparto eutócico vaginal ou cesariana eletiva, e avaliar a influência da condição obstétrica para o estado oxidativo. Foram selecionadas 21 cadelas gestantes, as quais, constituíram dois grupos amostrais, de acordo com a condição obstétrica: Eutocia Vaginal (n = 10) e Cesariana Eletiva (n = 11); e seus respectivos neonatos foram alocados em subgrupos de acordo com a condição obstétrica e momento do nascimento: Eutocia Vaginal Inicial (n=10), Eutocia Vaginal Final (n = 9), Cesariana Eletiva Inicial (n = 11) e Cesariana Eletiva final (n= 10). As cadelas foram avaliadas no período pródromo do parto, intraparto; uma hora e três dias pós-parto, quando amostras de sangue foram colhidas para análise do perfil antioxidante [dosagem das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), dosagem da concentração de tióis totais e determinação do status antioxidante total(TAC)] e do estresse oxidativo [dosagem da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS) e da oxidação de proteínas]. Os neonatos foram avaliados quanto ao escore Apgar aos 0 e 60 minutos do nascimento; avaliação clínica (frequências cardíaca e respiratória; escore de tônus muscular, irritabilidade reflexa e coloração de mucosa, aferição da temperatura corporal), lactatemia sanguínea, oximetria de pulso, determinação do perfil antioxidante e do estresse oxidativo e aferição do peso corporal aos 0, 60 minutos, às 12, 24 horas e ao 3º dia pós nascimento. As cadelas do Grupo Eutocia Vaginal apresentaram maior peroxidação lipídica, oxidação de proteínas e atividade de SOD e menor atividade de GPx e concentração de tióis totais em comparação ao Grupo Cesariana Eletiva. A capacidade antioxidante total elevou-se após 1h do parto em comparação aos outros momentos de avaliação no Grupo Cesariana Eletiva. Embora os neonatos do Grupo Eutocia Vaginal tenham apresentado melhores parâmetros de vitalidade neonatal, em comparação ao Grupo Cesariana Eletiva, todos os neonatos apresentaram adequada evolução do escore Apgar, coloração de mucosa, irritabilidade reflexa, tônus muscular e oxigenação periférica após 1h do nascimento. A lactatemia sanguínea foi maior no Grupo Eutocia Vaginal, bem como nos neonatos nascidos ao final do parto. A peroxidação lipídica foi superior nos neonatos nascidos por eutocia vaginal em comparação aos nascidos por cesariana eletiva, enquanto a oxidação de proteínas mostrou-se maior nos primeiros neonatos nascidos por eutocia vaginal em comparação aos nascidos ao final do parto. Porém, resultado contrário foi verificado para o Grupo Cesariana Eletiva, pois os neonatos nascidos ao final da cirurgia apresentaram maior valor de oxidação de proteínas. Ademais, para os neonatos nascidos ao final do parto, o Grupo Cesariana Eletiva apresentou maior oxidação proteica em comparação ao Grupo Eutocia Vaginal. A atividade da GPx foi superior nos neonatos nascidos por cesariana eletiva. Em conclusão, a condição obstétrica impõe diferenças no perfil oxidativo e antioxidante em cadelas e neonatos, os quais apresentam estado oxidativo semelhante, denotando influência materna sobre o equilíbrio oxidativo dos recém-nascidos. / Newborns have an immature antioxidant system, due to low oxygen exposure in intrauterine environment during fetal life. Immediately after birth, sudden changes of physiological and environmental conditions cause a significant increase in oxygen consumption, resulting in the production of free radicals. These conditions turn the newborn vulnerable to the negative effects of oxidative stress, which potentially can impair neonatal vitality. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant profile and oxidative stress of neonates and canine females during vaginal labour or elective cesarean section, and to evaluate whether the obstetric condition influences their oxidative status. For this purpose, 21 pregnant bitches were subjected to two experimental groups, according to the obstetric condition: Vaginal Eutocia (n = 10) and Elective Cesarian Section (n = 11) and their respective newborns were allocated into subgroups according to the obstetric condition and moment of birth: Inicial Vaginal Eutocia (n=10), Final Vaginal Eutocia (n = 9), Inicial Elective Cesarian Section (n = 11) and Final Elective Cesarian Section (n= 10). Bitches were evaluated during the preparatory phase of whelping, intrapartum; one and 72 hours postpartum, when blood samples were collected for analysis of the antioxidant profile [Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity enzymes assays, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assay and Total Thiols Concentration assay] and oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein oxidation assays]. Neonates were evaluated for the Apgar score at 0 and 60 minutes of birth; clinical evaluation (heart and respiratory rates; muscle tone, irritability reflex and mucous color score; and body temperature), blood lactate, pulse oximetry, determination of antioxidant profile and oxidative stress, and body weight measurement at 0, 60 minutes, 12, 24 and 72 hours after birth. The Vaginal Eutocia bitches had higher lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and SOD activity and lower GPx activity and total thiols concentration in comparison to the Elective Cesarian Section Group. Total antioxidant capacity was higher 1 hour postpartum compared to the others evaluation moments in the Elective Cesarian Section Group. Although neonates from the Vaginal Eutocia Group presented better neonatal vitality than those from the Elective Cesarian Section, all neonates presented adequate evolution of the Apgar score, mucous color, irritability reflex, muscle tone and pulse oximetry 1 hour postpartum. Blood lactatemia was higher in the Vaginal Eutocia Group, as well as for the last neonates. Lipid peroxidation was higher in neonates born by vaginal eutocia compared to those born by elective cesarean section, whereas protein oxidation was higher in the first neonates born by vaginal eutocia compared to those born at the end of delivery. Conversely, Elective Cesarian Section neonates born at the end of surgery had higher protein oxidation. In addition, for those neonates born at the end of delivery, the Elective Cesarian Section group presented higher protein oxidation compared to the Vaginal Eutocia group. Furthermore, GPx activity was higher in neonates born by elective caesarean section. In conclusion, the obstetric condition imposes differences in the oxidative and antioxidant profile in bitches and neonates with similar oxidative status, denoting maternal influence on the oxidative balance of the newborns.

Os recém-nascidos possuem o sistema antioxidante imaturo, por haver baixa tensão de oxigênio no ambiente intrauterino durante a vida fetal. Logo após o nascimento, as alterações súbitas das condições fisiológicas e ambientais causam significativo aumento no consumo de oxigênio, desencadeando, assim, a produção de radicais livres. Tais condições promovem vulnerabilidade dos neonatos ao efeito negativo do estresse oxidativo, o que potencialmente podem prejudicar a vitalidade neonatal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar o perfil antioxidante e estresse oxidativo de neonatos e fêmeas caninas no periparto eutócico vaginal ou cesariana eletiva, e avaliar a influência da condição obstétrica para o estado oxidativo. Foram selecionadas 21 cadelas gestantes, as quais, constituíram dois grupos amostrais, de acordo com a condição obstétrica: Eutocia Vaginal (n = 10) e Cesariana Eletiva (n = 11); e seus respectivos neonatos foram alocados em subgrupos de acordo com a condição obstétrica e momento do nascimento: Eutocia Vaginal Inicial (n=10), Eutocia Vaginal Final (n = 9), Cesariana Eletiva Inicial (n = 11) e Cesariana Eletiva final (n= 10). As cadelas foram avaliadas no período pródromo do parto, intraparto; uma hora e três dias pós-parto, quando amostras de sangue foram colhidas para análise do perfil antioxidante [dosagem das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), dosagem da concentração de tióis totais e determinação do status antioxidante total(TAC)] e do estresse oxidativo [dosagem da peroxidação lipídica (TBARS) e da oxidação de proteínas]. Os neonatos foram avaliados quanto ao escore Apgar aos 0 e 60 minutos do nascimento; avaliação clínica (frequências cardíaca e respiratória; escore de tônus muscular, irritabilidade reflexa e coloração de mucosa, aferição da temperatura corporal), lactatemia sanguínea, oximetria de pulso, determinação do perfil antioxidante e do estresse oxidativo e aferição do peso corporal aos 0, 60 minutos, às 12, 24 horas e ao 3º dia pós nascimento. As cadelas do Grupo Eutocia Vaginal apresentaram maior peroxidação lipídica, oxidação de proteínas e atividade de SOD e menor atividade de GPx e concentração de tióis totais em comparação ao Grupo Cesariana Eletiva. A capacidade antioxidante total elevou-se após 1h do parto em comparação aos outros momentos de avaliação no Grupo Cesariana Eletiva. Embora os neonatos do Grupo Eutocia Vaginal tenham apresentado melhores parâmetros de vitalidade neonatal, em comparação ao Grupo Cesariana Eletiva, todos os neonatos apresentaram adequada evolução do escore Apgar, coloração de mucosa, irritabilidade reflexa, tônus muscular e oxigenação periférica após 1h do nascimento. A lactatemia sanguínea foi maior no Grupo Eutocia Vaginal, bem como nos neonatos nascidos ao final do parto. A peroxidação lipídica foi superior nos neonatos nascidos por eutocia vaginal em comparação aos nascidos por cesariana eletiva, enquanto a oxidação de proteínas mostrou-se maior nos primeiros neonatos nascidos por eutocia vaginal em comparação aos nascidos ao final do parto. Porém, resultado contrário foi verificado para o Grupo Cesariana Eletiva, pois os neonatos nascidos ao final da cirurgia apresentaram maior valor de oxidação de proteínas. Ademais, para os neonatos nascidos ao final do parto, o Grupo Cesariana Eletiva apresentou maior oxidação proteica em comparação ao Grupo Eutocia Vaginal. A atividade da GPx foi superior nos neonatos nascidos por cesariana eletiva. Em conclusão, a condição obstétrica impõe diferenças no perfil oxidativo e antioxidante em cadelas e neonatos, os quais apresentam estado oxidativo semelhante, denotando influência materna sobre o equilíbrio oxidativo dos recém-nascidos. / Newborns have an immature antioxidant system, due to low oxygen exposure in intrauterine environment during fetal life. Immediately after birth, sudden changes of physiological and environmental conditions cause a significant increase in oxygen consumption, resulting in the production of free radicals. These conditions turn the newborn vulnerable to the negative effects of oxidative stress, which potentially can impair neonatal vitality. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant profile and oxidative stress of neonates and canine females during vaginal labour or elective cesarean section, and to evaluate whether the obstetric condition influences their oxidative status. For this purpose, 21 pregnant bitches were subjected to two experimental groups, according to the obstetric condition: Vaginal Eutocia (n = 10) and Elective Cesarian Section (n = 11) and their respective newborns were allocated into subgroups according to the obstetric condition and moment of birth: Inicial Vaginal Eutocia (n=10), Final Vaginal Eutocia (n = 9), Inicial Elective Cesarian Section (n = 11) and Final Elective Cesarian Section (n= 10). Bitches were evaluated during the preparatory phase of whelping, intrapartum; one and 72 hours postpartum, when blood samples were collected for analysis of the antioxidant profile [Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity enzymes assays, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assay and Total Thiols Concentration assay] and oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein oxidation assays]. Neonates were evaluated for the Apgar score at 0 and 60 minutes of birth; clinical evaluation (heart and respiratory rates; muscle tone, irritability reflex and mucous color score; and body temperature), blood lactate, pulse oximetry, determination of antioxidant profile and oxidative stress, and body weight measurement at 0, 60 minutes, 12, 24 and 72 hours after birth. The Vaginal Eutocia bitches had higher lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and SOD activity and lower GPx activity and total thiols concentration in comparison to the Elective Cesarian Section Group. Total antioxidant capacity was higher 1 hour postpartum compared to the others evaluation moments in the Elective Cesarian Section Group. Although neonates from the Vaginal Eutocia Group presented better neonatal vitality than those from the Elective Cesarian Section, all neonates presented adequate evolution of the Apgar score, mucous color, irritability reflex, muscle tone and pulse oximetry 1 hour postpartum. Blood lactatemia was higher in the Vaginal Eutocia Group, as well as for the last neonates. Lipid peroxidation was higher in neonates born by vaginal eutocia compared to those born by elective cesarean section, whereas protein oxidation was higher in the first neonates born by vaginal eutocia compared to those born at the end of delivery. Conversely, Elective Cesarian Section neonates born at the end of surgery had higher protein oxidation. In addition, for those neonates born at the end of delivery, the Elective Cesarian Section group presented higher protein oxidation compared to the Vaginal Eutocia group. Furthermore, GPx activity was higher in neonates born by elective caesarean section. In conclusion, the obstetric condition imposes differences in the oxidative and antioxidant profile in bitches and neonates with similar oxidative status, denoting maternal influence on the oxidative balance of the newborns.

The focus of this dissertation is on the interactions of compounds containing group 12 and 16 elements. This work is presented in three major parts. First, the interaction of the synthetic dithiol N,N’-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide), abbreviated BDTH2, with selenite. Second, the interaction of cysteine with Cd(II) and the biologically relevant Cd-Cysteine crystal structure. Third, the green synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The interaction of BDTH2 with selenite is different from the interactions with other metals and metalloids previously studied. Under ambient conditions, BDTH2 is oxidized to the disulfide, BDT(S-S), while selenite is reduced to elemental selenium. However, under carefully controlled conditions, the reaction of BDTH2 with selenite produces a mixture of BDT(S-S) and the covalently bound Se(II) species, BDT(S-Se-S). While the mixture could not be separated, experimental 77Se NMR combined with computational analysis confirmed the presence of BDT(S-Se-S). The interaction of the amino acid cysteine with Cd(II) was studied as a means to sequester, and potentially recycle, Cd(II) from bulk CdS waste. Single crystals of Cd(Cys)Cl·H2O were grown, and the crystal structure determined. Surprisingly, this is only the second structure to be determined by X-ray crystallography of a compound containing the Cd-Cysteine unit. Not only does this structure have biological relevance, but it also corrects a structure proposed in 1965. Using the knowledge gained from studying the interaction of BDTH2 with selenite, a green synthesis of water-soluble CdSe QDs by the reaction of selenite with Cd(Cys)Cl·H2O in water at room temperature was developed. This green method for the synthesis of CdSe QDs was extended to ZnSe and HgSe QDs. The mechanism of CdSe formation was investigated using Cd(II) combined with various thiols.

Imidazolium trans-[tetrachloro (dimethyl sulfoxide)(imidazole)ruthenate(III)], NAMI-A, is an experimental metastasis inhibitor whose specific mechanism of activation and action remains to be elucidated. In the nucleophilic and reducing physiological environment; it is anticipated that the most relevant and available reductants upon introduction of NAMI-A as a therapeutic agent will be the biologically-relevant free thiols. The kinetics and mechanisms of interaction of NAMI-A with biologically-active thiols cysteamine, glutathione, cysteine and a popular chemoprotectant, 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) have been studied spectrophotometrically under physiologically-relevant conditions. The reactions are characterized by initial reduction of NAMI-A with simultaneous formation of dimeric thiol and subsequent ligand exchange with water to various degrees as evidenced by Electospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Stoichiometry of reactions shows that one molecule of NAMI-A reacted with one mole of thiol to form corresponding disulfide cystamine, dimeric MESNA, oxidized glutathione and cystine. Observed rate constants, ko, for the reaction of NAMI-A with cysteamine, MESNA, GSH and cysteine were deduced to be 6.85 + 0.3 x 10-1, 9.4 + 0.5 x 10-2 , 7.42 + 0.4 x 10-3 and 3.63 + 0.3 x 10-2 s-1 respectively. Activation parameters determined from Arrhenius plots are indicative of formation of associative intermediates prior to formation of products. A negative correlation was obtained from the Brønsted plot derived from observed rate constants and the pKa of the different thiols demonstrating significant contribution of thiolate species towards the rate. In conclusion, interactions of NAMI-A with biologically-active thiols are kinetically and thermodynamically favored and should play significant roles in in vivo metabolism of NAMI-A.

La compréhension du phénomène de stress oxydant est devenue un des enjeux majeurs de la biochimie, en particulier depuis le début des années 70. Ce déséquilibre de la balance d'oxydoréduction au sein des cellules est impliqué dans un si grand nombre de pathologies graves (dont la plupart des cancers, pour ne citer qu'eux) qu'il est devenu crucial de cerner ses origines et ses mécanismes, pour envisager une prévention et des traitements plus efficaces. Nous nous sommes intéressés aux interactions existant entre les thiols (qui sont les acteurs principaux de la lutte antioxydante) et trois agents oxydants importants : le peroxyde d'hydrogène et les radicaux hydroxyle et superoxyde. Malgré le nombre important d'études dédiées à ce sujet, les mécanismes de ces réactions n'étaient pas clairement identifiés, c'est pourquoi nous avons pensé qu'une étude théorique pourrait apporter des éclaircissements utiles. En effet, la connaissance des mécanismes de réaction permettrait d'une part de faciliter l'interprétation des données expérimentales, et d'autre part d'envisager plus efficacement d'éventuels traitements basés sur l'inhibition ou la catalyse de ces réactions. Nous avons utilisé des méthodes ab initio de chimie quantique permettant d'atteindre une précision "chimique", par exemple la méthode par interaction de configuration quadratique (QCI). Ces techniques impliquent des temps de calcul relativement longs, ce qui nous a incités à modéliser les thiols par de petites molécules comme le méthanethiol et le résidu cystéine. Les mécanismes des trois réactions étudiées ont été identifiés, et nos travaux ont démontré l'importance que peuvent avoir les effets environnementaux (comme la présence de liaisons hydrogène ou la constante diélectrique du milieu) sur les cinétiques de réaction.

Le métabolisme de l'oxygène conduit à la formation d'espèces chimiques oxydantes, capables de provoquer l'oxydation de nombreux composants cellulaires, dont les résidus cystéines des protéines. L'oxydation du résidu cystéine est contrôlée par un système de réduction composé de deux branches distinctes, appelées la voie des thioredoxines et la voie du glutathion. Ces deux voies utilisent la chimie redox du soufre de la cystéine pour réduire les cystéines oxydées, avec des électrons fournis par le NADPH. Notre travail a consisté à étudier l'état d'oxydation des résidus cystéines de la cellule et la contribution respective des mécanismes opérant le contrôle de l'état redox des thiols. Pour cela, nous avons exploité les approches génétiques chez S.cerevisiae, et les avons couplés à une approche protéomique d'identification des thiols oxydés.<br />Ce travail nous a permis d'identifier de nombreuses protéines cytoplasmiques portant un ou plusieurs résidus cystéine oxydés et d'établir une différence frappante entre les voies des thioredoxines et du glutathion dans le contrôle de l'état redox des thiols intracellulaires. Au cours de notre travail, nous nous sommes également intéressés à la superoxyde dismutase, une protéine cytoplasmique, que nous avons identifié comme oxydée constitutivement. Nous avons étudié le mécanisme d'oxydation de Sod1, et avons observé que celui-ci semble se dérouler dans l'espace intermembranaire mitochondrial et fait intervenir une oxydase spécifique des thiols

In order to gain insights into the electronic interactions between metallic gold and self-assembled monolayers composed of π-conjugated thiols, a series of thiol-containing molecules based on a stilbene backbone were synthesized and assembled on gold surface. The resulted monolayers were characterized with a variety of surface-sensitive techniques and the electronic properties of the obtained surfaces were studied with the use of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Work-function changes and alignment of the molecular energy levels with respect to the Fermi level of the metal were investigated and important insights regarding the electronic properties of the metal / organic interfaces were obtained. Another aspect of interactions between organic dyes and metallic gold was studied in the context of spectroscopic properties of systems incorporating gold nanoparticles with organic fluorophores covalently attached to the nanoparticle surface. Ultrafast dynamics of the excited-state deactivation of the organic fluorophores attached to the surface of gold nanoparticles were studied with the use of a fs transient absorption technique. It was found that the close proximity of a gold nanoparticle had a profound impact on the excited-state lifetime of the studied organic fluorophore. The influence of the structure of the studied systems on the excited-state deactivation dynamics of the organic fluorophores was described.

Supramolecular chemists can be thought of as architects, who combine individual non-covalently bonded molecular building blocks, designed to be held together by intermolecular forces to create functional architectures. Perhaps the most important assets of a supramolecular chemist, however, are imagination and creativity, which have given rise to a wide range of beautiful and functional systems. For years, analytical chemistry has taken advantage of supramolecular assemblies in the development of new analytical methods. The role of synthetic supramolecular chemistry has proven to be a key component in this multidisciplinary research. As such, the demand for synthetic receptors is rapidly increasing within the analytical sciences. The field “supramolecular analytical chemistry” involves analytical applications of synthetic organic and inorganic chemical structures that display molecular recognition properties and self-assembly but also signal these events. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the background literature relevant to the central themes of the research presented in this thesis. The nonthermal production of visible light by a chemical reaction leads to the term “cool light”, and the process is called chemiluminescence. Although chemiluminescent reactions are not rare, the production of “cool light” holds such fascination for both chemists and nonchemists that demonstrations of chemiluminescent reactions are always well received. A glow assay technology for the detection of a chemical warfare simulant is presented in Chapter 2, which is based on modulating the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence pathway by way of utilizing an oximate super nucleophile that gives an off-on glow response. As an alternative to highly analyte-specific synthetic receptors, trends in chemical sensing have shifted to the design of new materials and devices that rely on a series of chemo- or biosensors. The research relevant to Chapter 3 focuses on investigating the use of a single receptor, for sensing two different analytes; thiols and metal ions, utilizing a squaraine as the receptor in a sensor array format. The data is interpreted with principal component analysis. Finally Chapter 4 discusses an attempt to design and synthesize a chemosensor based on the luminophore-spacer-receptor format by incorporating the two concepts photoinduced electron transfer and peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence. / text

Self-assembled monolayers have been proven to be well-ordered and to give stable ultrathin films. They show a remarkably high diversity with respect to their functionalisation giving rise to many possible applications. This thesis is focused on the potential use of these molecular thin films in life sciences. The reproduction of a membrane-like environment with these tightly packed and organized unimolecular layers has led to important breakthroughs in their nanotechnological application as biomaterials. Their straightforward modification allows the chemical and physical properties of biological interfaces to be altered. In particular, Oligo(ethylene glycol) based alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers were intensively studied as biointerfaces for their ability to resist the non specific adsorption of proteins. The electrostatic repulsion which originates from these monolayers was seen as one of the possible factors causing this protein repulsion. On the other hand proteins adsorb on alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers. This can be partially attributed to an attractive hydrophobic interaction between the biomolecules and the surface. As a result of the understanding of these two driving forces which are relevant for non-specific protein adsorption/repulsion, novel self-assembling molecules were tailored in an attempt to adjust the adsorption of proteins at the SAM-liquid interface. This was conceivable with these newly designed SAMs since they allow a combination of these forces. We have chosen the ionic strength of the liquid environment as the external parameter which could act on the amount of adsorbed proteins because the electrostatic force created by oligo(ethylene glycol) groups depends on it. In addition to the synthesis of six new molecules, the preparation and characterisation of the novel self-assembled monolayers are reported in this thesis. The density of the monolayers was estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry, and the wettability properties were studied by measuring the contact angle. The total force acting on proteins from the SAMs was studied with an atomic force microscope, equipped with a tip mimicking proteins, by measuring force-distance curves. An in-situ technique was investigated in order to study the influence of the variation of this total force on the quantity of adsorbed proteins by varying the ionic strength.

The research described herein is aimed at exploring the thermo-mechanical properties of thiol-ene polymers in bulk form, investigating the ability of thiol-ene polymers to behave desirably as photolithographic media, and providing the first characterization of the mechanical properties of two-photon stereolithography-produced polymer structures. The thiol-ene polymerization reaction itself is well-characterized and described in the literature, but the thermomechanical properties of thiol-ene and thiol-ene/acrylate polymers still require more rigorous study. Understanding the behavior of thiol-ene networks is a crucial step towards their expanded use in bulk form, and particularly in specialized applications such as shape memory devices. Additionally, the thiol-ene polymerization reaction mechanism exhibits unique properties which make these polymers well suited to photolithography, overcoming the typical dichotomy of current materials which either exhibit excellent photolithographic behavior or have controllable properties. Finally, before two-photon stereolithography can create mechanisms and devices which can serve any mechanically functional role, the mechanical properties of the polymers they produce must be quantitatively characterized, which is complicated by the extremely small scale at which these structures are produced. As such, mechanical characterization to date has been strictly qualitative. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy revealed functional group conversion information and sol-fraction testing revealed the presence of unconverted monomer and impurities, while dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing revealed the thermomechanical responses of the systems. Nanoindentation was employed to characterize the mechanical properties of polymers produced by two-photon stereolithography. Optical and electron microscopy were exploited to provide quantitative and qualitative evaluations of thiol-ene/acrylate performance in small-scale polymerization regimes. The broad objective of the research was to explore thiol-ene polymer behavior both in bulk and at the small scale in an effort to supplement the material library currently used in these fields and to expand the design envelope available to researchers. The significance of the research is the advancement of a more complete and fundamental understanding of thiol-ene polymerization from kinetics to final properties, the quantitative establishment of the mechanical properties of materials created with two-photon stereolithography, and the comprehensive characterization of a supplementary class of photopatternable polymers with greater property tunability than is possible with currently used materials.