The presented diploma thesis deals with the study of interactions between humic acids as the main component of soil organic matter with a model organic pollutant presented by cationic surfactant Septonex (which was expected to interact positively with humic acids due to its charge) through unconventional combination of dialysis and diffusion techniques realized in diffusion cells together with isothermal titration calorimetry capable of elucidating the nature of ongoing reactions from a thermodynamic point of view. The experiments were performed with a humic acid isolated by standard isolation procedure from Leonardite (1S104H) purchased from the International Society for Humic Substances, with humic acids isolated from lignite as well as modal chernozem. The aim of the submited diploma thesis is to assess the influence of carboxyl functional groups in the structure of humic acids to interactions with Septonex. For this reason, said samples of humic acids have been modified by selective methylation of their carboxyl functional groups, which can no longer participate in interactions with ionic substances. Results from diffusion cells and isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed the assumption that Septonex interacted with all types of unmodified humic acids more than with their methylated derivatives. Despite the available literature, it was surprising that the differences in the interaction of humic acids with Septonex were not diametrically different when comparing unmodified humic acids with their methylated derivatives. The extent of these interactions was assessed through the apparent equilibrium constant Kapp determined in the diffusion (dialysis) experiments and from the course of enthalpy curves from isothermal titration calorimetry. After the experiments and their evaluation, it can be concluded that humic acids and Septonex in their interactions, due to their structures, probably apply not only electrostatic interactions, especially through available carboxyl functional groups of humic acids and positively charged hydrophilic parts of Septonex molecules, but also a significant role have a hydrophobic effect, hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces.

The main object of the diploma thesis is study of interaction beetween humic acids and selected metal ions using calorimetric titration. The research about reactivity of humic substances is done comparing the different models used to describe the variety of properties of humic substances. In experimental part the methods of FT-IR spektrometry, potenciometric and conductometric titration are used to recieve the total acidity and carboxylic acidity of lignite humic acid. The optimalization of isothermic titration calorimetry is done to be used within study of reactivity of humic acids, revealing the best correlation with sols of studied humic acid. The basic organic compounds were used including benzoic acid, ftalic acid, salycilic acid, pyrocatechol and phenol as models of bonding groups in humic acids. The reaction enthalpy was calculated from the titration of models and results were compared with semiempiric quantum chemistry calculations following INDO method.

Vliv hyaluronanu na micelizaci tenzidů byl studován různými fyzikálně-chemickými metodami. Byly zvoleny dva kationaktivní tenzidy, a to tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromid (TTAB) a cetyltrimethylammonium bromid (CTAB). Metoda izotermické titrační kalorimetrie byla využita pro stanovení entalpie micelizace, tenziometrie popisuje povrchové vlastnosti daných vzorků. Byl sledován také vliv různé molekulové hmotnosti použitého hyaluronanu a délka alkylového řetězce tenzidu na agregační chování daného systému. Výsledkem jsou hodnoty kritické micelární nebo agregační koncentrace tenzidu. V neposlední řadě se diskutuje využití agregátů hyaluronan-tenzid jako možné nosiče pro cílenou distribuci léčiv.

Esta tese apresenta resultados da caracterização estrutural de três sistemas de classes diferentes por meio, principalmente, da modelagem de dados de espalhamento de raios X a baixos ângulos (SAXS). No sistema surfactante-surfactante as micelas mistas são formadas por dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) e um dos surfactantes da série Tween (Tween 20, 40, 60 e 80). A modelagem adotada impôs vínculos moleculares uma vez que os dados de SAXS estavam em escala absoluta. Isso reduziu a ambiguidade nos valores dos parâmetros ajustáveis e permitiu verificar que os dados de SAXS são satisfatoriamente descritos considerando-se que as micelas são elipsoides de revolução core-shell, podendo ser prolatas ou oblatas dependendo do tipo de Tween empregado. Para o sistema proteína-surfactante, a metodologia experimental utilizada permitiu um estudo estrutural e termodinâmico dos complexos formados por meio do acompanhamento do processo de ligação de SDS às proteínas lisozima e alfa-lactalbumina. A técnica de calorimetria de titulação isotérmica (ITC) forneceu um panorama geral sobre a desnaturação proteica e norteou os experimentos seguintes de SAXS e dicroísmo circular (CD). Por meio da análise dos dados de CD concluiu-se que as proteínas perdem quase totalmente sua estrutura terciária, mas não a secundária (esse estado é conhecido como molten globule). Já a modelagem de SAXS em escala absoluta com imposição de vínculos permitiu concluir que os complexos proteína-surfactante podem ser entendidos micelas decoradas, isto é, a proteína está distribuída sobre a superfície de uma micela de SDS. Esse modelo, aliado à abordagem experimental empregada, permitiu a caracterização sistemática dos complexos durante a desnaturação proteica. Em relação ao sistema lipossomas-(bio)ativos, a análise dos dados de SAXS por meio do Método da Deconvolução Gaussiana usando bicamadas simétricas, para os sistemas Phospholipon 90H curcumina/vitamina D3 e dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolina de soja (DPPC) ácido láurico (LA), e assimétricas, para o caso fosfatidilcolina de ovo (EPC) sumatriptano (SMT), permitiu acompanhar mudanças na estrutura das mesmas ocasionadas pela presença dos (bio)ativos. Verificou-se em todos os casos que a espessura da bicamada se mantém praticamente constante. A flexibilidade membranar aumenta, seja em função da temperatura, para o sistema Phospholipon 90H curcumina/ vitamina D3, seja em função da concentração de (bio)ativos, como nos outros dois casos. Para estes, concluiu-se pela análise dos perfis de contraste de densidade eletrônica que os (bio)ativos interagem preferencialmente com as cabeças polares dos fosfolipídeos que constituem os lipossomas, possivelmente causando defeitos topológicos nessa região e ocasionando o aumento da flexibilidade membranar mencionada antes. LA, diferentemente de SMT, induz uma transição de lipossomas multilamelares para unilamelares, e esse fenômeno é grandemente influenciado pelo pH do meio. / This thesis presents a structural characterization of three systems of different classes through, mainly, the small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique. In the surfactant-surfactant system the mixed micelles are composed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and one of the Tween surfactants (Tween 20, 40, 60 and 80). The adopted modeling imposed molecular constraints since the SAXS data was in absolute scale. This procedure reduced the ambiguity in the values of the adjustable parameters and allowed to verify that SAXS data is satisfactorily described considering that the micelles are core-shell revolution ellipsoids which can be prolate or oblate depending on the type of Tween used in the micelle. For the protein-surfactant system, the applied experimental methodology allowed a structural and thermodynamic study of the complexes formed through monitoring the binding of SDS to the proteins lysozyme and alpha-lactalbumin. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) technique provided an overview of proteic denaturation and guided the following experiments of SAXS and circular dichroism (CD). From CD data analysis it was concluded that the proteins lose almost totally their tertiary structure, but not the secondary one (this state is known as \"molten globule\"). On the other hand, SAXS data modeling in absolute scale with molecular constraints leaded to the conclusion that protein-surfactant complexes can be considered decorated micelles in which the protein is distributed over a SDS micelle surface. This model, combined to the adopted experimental procedure, allowed the systematic characterization of the complexes along the protein denaturation. In the liposome-(bio)actives system, the SAXS data analysis using the Gaussian Deconvolution Method assuming symmetric bilayers, for the systems Phospholipon 90H curcumin /vitamin D3 and soybean dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lauric acid (LA), and asymmetric bilayers, in the case of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) sumatriptan (SMT) system, allowed to follow changes in the lipid bilayer structure induced by the presence of the (bio)actives. It has been found, in all cases, that the bilayer thickness remains approximately. Membrane flexibility increases, depending on the temperature, for the Phospholipon 90H curcumin /vitamin D3 system, or as a function of the (bio)actives concentrations, as in the other two cases. For those, it was concluded, by the analysis of electron density contrast profiles, that the (bio)actives preferentially interact with the polar heads of the phospholipids forming the liposomes, possibly causing topological defects in that region and leading the membrane flexibility increase. LA, unlike SMT, induces a transition from multilamellar to unilamellar liposomes, and this phenomenon is greatly influenced by the pH of the medium.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-14T13:35:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 450558.pdf: 2693787 bytes, checksum: e4ffe9234a98b2ddfc9bc350c708c01c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-28 / Tuberculosis (TB), one of the oldest recorded human afflictions, is still one of the biggest killers among the infectious diseases. The HIV co-infection and the emergence of multidrug resistant TB have provided a very alarming challenge to global health and led us to focus on the research for new and more effective therapeutics against the disease. The modern approach to the development of new chemical compounds against complex diseases, especially the neglected endemic ones, such as TB, is based on the use of defined molecular targets. Enzymes from the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway have been considered potential targets for identification or development of novel anti-mycobacterial agents since in bacteria, pyrimidine nucleotide interconvertion pathways are important in a number of essential processes, including DNA, RNA, and phospholipid biosynthesis. Cytidine 5 -monophosphate kinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtCMK) catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphoryl group transfer preferentially to CMP and dCMP. Here, initial velocity studies and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) measurements showed that MtCMK follows a random-order kinetic mechanism of substrate binding, and an ordered mechanism for product release. The thermodynamic signatures of CMP and CDP binding to MtCMK showed favorable enthalpy and unfavorable entropy, and ATP binding was characterized by favorable changes in enthalpy and entropy. The contribution of linked protonation events to the energetics of MtCMK:phosphoryl group acceptor binary complex formation suggested a net gain of protons. Values for the pKa of a likely chemical group involved in proton exchange and for the intrinsic binding enthalpy were calculated. The Asp187 side chain of MtCMK is suggested as the likely candidate for the protonation event. Data on thermodynamics of binary complex formation were collected to evaluate the contribution of 2 -OH group to intermolecular interactions. The data are discussed in light of functional and structural comparisons among CMP/dCMP kinases and UMP/CMP ones. / A tuberculose (TB), uma das doen?as mais antigas da humanidade, ainda ? uma das principais causas de morte entre as doen?as infecciosas. A coinfec??o com o HIV e a emerg?ncia de TB resistente a m?ltiplas drogas representam um desafio ? sa?de p?blica e tem estimulado a pesquisa por novos e mais efetivos agentes terap?uticos contra a doen?a. Novas abordagens para o desenvolvimento de compostos contra doen?as complexas, especialmente doen?as end?micas negligenciadas, s?o baseadas no uso de alvos moleculares definidos. Enzimas envolvidas no metabolismo de pirimidinas tornam-se alvos moleculares interessantes para compostos inibidores, uma vez que em bact?rias, as rotas de interconvers?o de nucleot?deos pirimid?nicos s?o importantes em in?meros processos essenciais, incluindo a bioss?ntese de DNA, RNA e fosfolip?dios. A citidina 5 -monofosfato quinase de Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtCMK) em estudo, catalisa a transfer?ncia revers?vel de um grupamento fosforil a partir de ATP, preferencialmente para CMP e dCMP. Neste trabalho, os estudos de velocidade inicial e experimentos de Calorimetria de Titula??o Isot?rmica (ITC) demonstraram que a adi??o dos substratos (CMP e ATP) ? MtCMK segue um mecanismo cin?tico sequencial aleat?rio, e que a libera??o dos produtos ocorre de forma ordenada, onde o ADP ? o primeiro produto a ser liberado. As assinaturas termodin?micas da liga??o do CMP e do CDP ? MtCMK mostraram varia??es favor?veis da entalpia e desfavor?veis da entropia, e, a liga??o do ATP foi caracterizada por mudan?as favor?veis da entalpia e da entropia. As contribui??es energ?ticas oriundas dos eventos de protona??o, associados ? forma??o do complexo bin?rio MtCMK:receptor do grupamento fosforil, sugerem um ganho l?quido de pr?tons. Al?m disso, foram calculados os valores de pKa de um prov?vel grupo envolvido na troca de pr?tons, e da entalpia de liga??o intr?nseca. A cadeia lateral do Asp187 da MtCMK ? sugerido como prov?vel candidato para o evento de protona??o. As medidas termodin?micas da forma??o do complexo bin?rio foram coletados a fim de avaliar a contribui??o do grupo 2 -OH da pentose nas intera??es intermoleculares. Os dados obtidos foram discutidos comparando-se as caracter?sticas estrutural e funcional entre as CMKs j? estudadas e a UMP/CMP quinase humana.

Esta tese apresenta resultados da caracterização estrutural de três sistemas de classes diferentes por meio, principalmente, da modelagem de dados de espalhamento de raios X a baixos ângulos (SAXS). No sistema surfactante-surfactante as micelas mistas são formadas por dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) e um dos surfactantes da série Tween (Tween 20, 40, 60 e 80). A modelagem adotada impôs vínculos moleculares uma vez que os dados de SAXS estavam em escala absoluta. Isso reduziu a ambiguidade nos valores dos parâmetros ajustáveis e permitiu verificar que os dados de SAXS são satisfatoriamente descritos considerando-se que as micelas são elipsoides de revolução core-shell, podendo ser prolatas ou oblatas dependendo do tipo de Tween empregado. Para o sistema proteína-surfactante, a metodologia experimental utilizada permitiu um estudo estrutural e termodinâmico dos complexos formados por meio do acompanhamento do processo de ligação de SDS às proteínas lisozima e alfa-lactalbumina. A técnica de calorimetria de titulação isotérmica (ITC) forneceu um panorama geral sobre a desnaturação proteica e norteou os experimentos seguintes de SAXS e dicroísmo circular (CD). Por meio da análise dos dados de CD concluiu-se que as proteínas perdem quase totalmente sua estrutura terciária, mas não a secundária (esse estado é conhecido como molten globule). Já a modelagem de SAXS em escala absoluta com imposição de vínculos permitiu concluir que os complexos proteína-surfactante podem ser entendidos micelas decoradas, isto é, a proteína está distribuída sobre a superfície de uma micela de SDS. Esse modelo, aliado à abordagem experimental empregada, permitiu a caracterização sistemática dos complexos durante a desnaturação proteica. Em relação ao sistema lipossomas-(bio)ativos, a análise dos dados de SAXS por meio do Método da Deconvolução Gaussiana usando bicamadas simétricas, para os sistemas Phospholipon 90H curcumina/vitamina D3 e dipalmitoilfosfatidilcolina de soja (DPPC) ácido láurico (LA), e assimétricas, para o caso fosfatidilcolina de ovo (EPC) sumatriptano (SMT), permitiu acompanhar mudanças na estrutura das mesmas ocasionadas pela presença dos (bio)ativos. Verificou-se em todos os casos que a espessura da bicamada se mantém praticamente constante. A flexibilidade membranar aumenta, seja em função da temperatura, para o sistema Phospholipon 90H curcumina/ vitamina D3, seja em função da concentração de (bio)ativos, como nos outros dois casos. Para estes, concluiu-se pela análise dos perfis de contraste de densidade eletrônica que os (bio)ativos interagem preferencialmente com as cabeças polares dos fosfolipídeos que constituem os lipossomas, possivelmente causando defeitos topológicos nessa região e ocasionando o aumento da flexibilidade membranar mencionada antes. LA, diferentemente de SMT, induz uma transição de lipossomas multilamelares para unilamelares, e esse fenômeno é grandemente influenciado pelo pH do meio. / This thesis presents a structural characterization of three systems of different classes through, mainly, the small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique. In the surfactant-surfactant system the mixed micelles are composed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and one of the Tween surfactants (Tween 20, 40, 60 and 80). The adopted modeling imposed molecular constraints since the SAXS data was in absolute scale. This procedure reduced the ambiguity in the values of the adjustable parameters and allowed to verify that SAXS data is satisfactorily described considering that the micelles are core-shell revolution ellipsoids which can be prolate or oblate depending on the type of Tween used in the micelle. For the protein-surfactant system, the applied experimental methodology allowed a structural and thermodynamic study of the complexes formed through monitoring the binding of SDS to the proteins lysozyme and alpha-lactalbumin. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) technique provided an overview of proteic denaturation and guided the following experiments of SAXS and circular dichroism (CD). From CD data analysis it was concluded that the proteins lose almost totally their tertiary structure, but not the secondary one (this state is known as \"molten globule\"). On the other hand, SAXS data modeling in absolute scale with molecular constraints leaded to the conclusion that protein-surfactant complexes can be considered decorated micelles in which the protein is distributed over a SDS micelle surface. This model, combined to the adopted experimental procedure, allowed the systematic characterization of the complexes along the protein denaturation. In the liposome-(bio)actives system, the SAXS data analysis using the Gaussian Deconvolution Method assuming symmetric bilayers, for the systems Phospholipon 90H curcumin /vitamin D3 and soybean dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lauric acid (LA), and asymmetric bilayers, in the case of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) sumatriptan (SMT) system, allowed to follow changes in the lipid bilayer structure induced by the presence of the (bio)actives. It has been found, in all cases, that the bilayer thickness remains approximately. Membrane flexibility increases, depending on the temperature, for the Phospholipon 90H curcumin /vitamin D3 system, or as a function of the (bio)actives concentrations, as in the other two cases. For those, it was concluded, by the analysis of electron density contrast profiles, that the (bio)actives preferentially interact with the polar heads of the phospholipids forming the liposomes, possibly causing topological defects in that region and leading the membrane flexibility increase. LA, unlike SMT, induces a transition from multilamellar to unilamellar liposomes, and this phenomenon is greatly influenced by the pH of the medium.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular interactions of the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) with poly(methacrylic acid) grafted starch nanoparticles (PMAA-g-St). In order to fully understand the DOX/PMAA-g-St system, we conducted in-depth studies on DOX dimer dissociation and DOX/PMAA-g-St binding interactions using various techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Based on our experimental results, we developed a quantitative thermodynamic model with relevant parameters such as dissociation constant, Kd, as well as enthalpy of binding, ΔH, in order to explain DOX/PMAA-g-St interactions. In addition, we also studied the effect of environmental factors such as pH and NaCl on DOX self-association and DOX/PMAA-g-St complex formation. In conclusion, the combination of results obtained from various techniques as well as the multispecies equilibrium model, enables us to interpret quantitatively the data of drug loading onto and release from polymeric nanoparticles.

The persistence and propagation of bacterial antibiotic resistance presents significant challenges to the treatment of drug resistant bacteria with current antimicrobial chemotherapies, while a dearth in replacements for these drugs persists. The thiopeptide family of antibiotics may represent a potential source for new drugs and thiostrepton, the prototypical member of this antibiotic class, is the primary subject under study in this thesis. Using a facile semi-synthetic approach novel, regioselectively-modified thiostrepton derivatives with improved aqueous solubility were prepared. In vivo assessments found these derivatives to retain significant antibacterial ability which was determined by cell free assays to be due to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Moreover, structure-function studies for these derivatives highlighted structural elements of the thiostrepton molecule that are important for antibacterial activity. Organisms that produce thiostrepton become insensitive to the antibiotic by producing a resistance enzyme that transfers a methyl group from the co-factor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to an adenosine residue at the thiostrepton binding site on 23S rRNA, thus preventing binding of the antibiotic. Extensive site-directed mutagenesis was performed on this enzyme to generate point mutations at key active site residues. Ensuing biochemical assays and co-factor binding studies on these variants identified amino acid residues in the active site that are essential to the formation of the AdoMet binding pocket and provided direct evidence for the involvement of an active site arginine in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. Certain bacteria that produce neither thiostrepton nor the resistance methyltransferase express the thiostrepton binding proteins TIP-AL and TIP-AS, that irreversibly bind to the antibiotic, thereby conferring resistance by sequestration. Here, it was found that the point mutation of the previously identified reactive amino acid in TIP-AS did not affect covalent binding to the antibiotic, which was immediately suggestive of a specific, high affinity non-covalent interaction. This was confirmed in binding studies using chemically synthesized thiostrepton derivatives. These studies further revealed structural features from thiostrepton important in this non-covalent interaction. Together, these results indicate that thiostrepton binding by TIP-AS begins with a specific non-covalent interaction, which is necessary to properly orient the thiostrepton molecule for covalent binding to the protein. Finally, the synthesis of a novel AdoMet analogue is reported. The methyl group of AdoMet was successfully replaced with a trifluoromethyl ketone moiety, however, the hydrated form (germinal diol) of this compound was found to predominate in solution. Nevertheless, the transfer of this trifluoroketone/ trifluoropropane diol group was demonstrated with the thiopurine methyltransferase.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular interactions of the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) with poly(methacrylic acid) grafted starch nanoparticles (PMAA-g-St). In order to fully understand the DOX/PMAA-g-St system, we conducted in-depth studies on DOX dimer dissociation and DOX/PMAA-g-St binding interactions using various techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. Based on our experimental results, we developed a quantitative thermodynamic model with relevant parameters such as dissociation constant, Kd, as well as enthalpy of binding, ΔH, in order to explain DOX/PMAA-g-St interactions. In addition, we also studied the effect of environmental factors such as pH and NaCl on DOX self-association and DOX/PMAA-g-St complex formation. In conclusion, the combination of results obtained from various techniques as well as the multispecies equilibrium model, enables us to interpret quantitatively the data of drug loading onto and release from polymeric nanoparticles.

The persistence and propagation of bacterial antibiotic resistance presents significant challenges to the treatment of drug resistant bacteria with current antimicrobial chemotherapies, while a dearth in replacements for these drugs persists. The thiopeptide family of antibiotics may represent a potential source for new drugs and thiostrepton, the prototypical member of this antibiotic class, is the primary subject under study in this thesis. Using a facile semi-synthetic approach novel, regioselectively-modified thiostrepton derivatives with improved aqueous solubility were prepared. In vivo assessments found these derivatives to retain significant antibacterial ability which was determined by cell free assays to be due to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Moreover, structure-function studies for these derivatives highlighted structural elements of the thiostrepton molecule that are important for antibacterial activity. Organisms that produce thiostrepton become insensitive to the antibiotic by producing a resistance enzyme that transfers a methyl group from the co-factor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to an adenosine residue at the thiostrepton binding site on 23S rRNA, thus preventing binding of the antibiotic. Extensive site-directed mutagenesis was performed on this enzyme to generate point mutations at key active site residues. Ensuing biochemical assays and co-factor binding studies on these variants identified amino acid residues in the active site that are essential to the formation of the AdoMet binding pocket and provided direct evidence for the involvement of an active site arginine in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme. Certain bacteria that produce neither thiostrepton nor the resistance methyltransferase express the thiostrepton binding proteins TIP-AL and TIP-AS, that irreversibly bind to the antibiotic, thereby conferring resistance by sequestration. Here, it was found that the point mutation of the previously identified reactive amino acid in TIP-AS did not affect covalent binding to the antibiotic, which was immediately suggestive of a specific, high affinity non-covalent interaction. This was confirmed in binding studies using chemically synthesized thiostrepton derivatives. These studies further revealed structural features from thiostrepton important in this non-covalent interaction. Together, these results indicate that thiostrepton binding by TIP-AS begins with a specific non-covalent interaction, which is necessary to properly orient the thiostrepton molecule for covalent binding to the protein. Finally, the synthesis of a novel AdoMet analogue is reported. The methyl group of AdoMet was successfully replaced with a trifluoromethyl ketone moiety, however, the hydrated form (germinal diol) of this compound was found to predominate in solution. Nevertheless, the transfer of this trifluoroketone/ trifluoropropane diol group was demonstrated with the thiopurine methyltransferase.