The fungus Cunninghamella elegans has in many studies shown to have abiotransformation similar to the metabolism of mammals. If the biotransformation isgeneral, it enables the production of metabolites by the fungus and the use asreference material. The purpose of the project were to examine whether themetabolic process of C. elegans is general, with respect to the formation ofglucosides, and can be applied to different classes of drugs. During the project, theanalyses were performed on a UPLC Q-TOF, run in both MSE and MSMS mode. Themobile phase used consisted of MeOH and 0.1 % formic acid in MQ water. Toincrease the concentration of possible glucosides, the samples were subjected to anacidic or alkaline SPE. Glucosides were detected in the fungal incubates of diclofenac,buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine and oxazepam. For diclofenac, besides twodifferent glucosides (diclofenac glucoside and hydroxylated diclofenac glucoside), ahydroxylated metabolite and a hydroxylated metabolite conjugated with sulfate werediscovered. In the samples containing buprenorphine, the phase I metabolitenorbuprenorphine was also encountered. Further, in the fungal incubates ofdexamethasone a defluorinated metabolite was identified, which is a metabolicpathway never before described for C. elegans.ISSN: 1650

Le vin en tant qu’écosystème complexe est un modèle particulièrement intéressant pour l’étudie des interactions entre les microorganismes. L’interaction sans contact celluaire (interaction indirecte) entre la levure Saccharomyces cerevisae et la bactérie lactique Oenococcus oeni a un effect direct sur l’induction et l'achèvement de la fermentation malolactique (FML), une fermentation très importante pour la qualité du vin. Une souche levurienne peut être classée FML+ si elle stimule la croissance bactérienne et FML- si elle a un effet inhibiteur. Les métabolites connus qui inhibent ou stimulent la FML ne permettent pas toujours d’expliquer cette distinction phénotypique. Dans ce travail de thèse, nous avon développé un workflow multidisciplinaire qui combine l’approche métabolomique non ciblée, l’analyse classique ciblée, les statistiques et les réseaux. L’objectif premier était de dévoiler des métabolites levuriens impliqués dans l’interaction entre levures et bactéries par une comparaison directe des exométabolome des deux phénotypes.À cet effet et pour la première fois dans l’éude d’interactions inter-espèces, la Spectrométrie de Masse à Résonance Cyclotronique des Ions et à Transformée de Fourier (FT-ICR-MS) et la Chromatographie Liquide couplée à la Spectrométrie de Masses (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) ont été combinées. Pour mieux visualiser les données à haut débit générées par les deux plate-formes, une méthode statistique non supervisée MetICA a été developpée et validée. Par rapport à l’analyse en composantes principales (ACP), cette nouvelle méthode peut réduire la dimension des données d'une façon plus robuste et fiable. Afin d’extraire des métabolites impliquées dans la distinction phénotypique, nous avons comparé différentes methodes de classification et choisi la meilleure pour chaque jeu de données. Les structures putatives de ces biomarqueurs ont été validés par la spectrométrie de masse MS/MS et leurs rôles physiologiques sur la croissance bactérienne ont été confirmées in vitro. La découverte de biomarqueurs a été complétée par l’analyse ciblée réalisées par Chromatographie en Phase Liquide à Haute Performance (HPLC). La complémentarité entre les différentes techniques métabolomiques a conduit à l’identification de nouveaux biomarqueurs de familles distinctes, comme des composés phénoliques, des sucres, des nucléotides, des acides aminés et des peptides. En outre , l'analyse des réseaux métaboliques a révélé des liens entre les biomarqueurs de levure et a suggéré des voies bactériennes influencés par l’exo-métabolome de levure.Notre workflow multidisciplinaire a révélé une réelle capacité à identifier des signatures moléculaires nouvelles et inattendues de l’interaction levure-bactérie. / As a complex microbial ecosystem, wine is a particularly interesting model for studying interactions between microorganisms. Contact-independent interactions (indirect interactions) between the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae and the lactic acid bacterium Oenococcus oeni have a direct effect on malolactic fermentation (MLF), induction and completion, which is an important factor in wine quality. Yeast strains could be classified as MLF+ phenotype if it usually stimulates the bacterial growth or MLF- in the opposite case. The known metabolites that stimulate or inhibit the MLF cannot always explain the phenotypic distinction. In this work, a multidisciplinary workflow combining non-targeted metabolomics, targeted analysis, statistics and network was developed. The main objective was to unravel diverse yeast metabolites involved in yeast-bacteria interaction via a direct comparison of exo-metabolomes of MLF+ and MLF- phenotypes.To that purpose, and for the first time in the research of interspecies microbial interactions, two metabolomics platforms, Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance -Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) were used in combination. To better visualize the high-throughput data generated from the two platforms, a novel unsupervised statistical method, the MetICA was developed and validated. Compared to classical principal component analysis (PCA), the new method reduced the data dimension in a more robust and reliable way. To extract metabolic features involved in the phenotypic distinction, we have compared different statistical classifiers and selected the best one for each dataset. Putative structures of these biomarkers were validated via MS/MS fragmentation analysis and their physiological roles to bacteria were confirmed in vitro. The discovery of biomarkers was complemented by targeted HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis. The complementarities between different analytical techniques led to new biomarkers of distinct chemical families, such as phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, nucleotides, amino acids and peptides. Furthermore, metabolic network analysis has revealed connections between yeast biomarkers and suggested bacterial pathways influenced by yeast exo-metabolome.Our multidisciplinary workflow has shown its ability to find new and unexpected molecular evidence of wine yeast-bacteria interaction.

L'objectif premier de ce travail de thèse était de développer des analyses métabolomiques non ciblées de vins en bouteilles afin de déchiffrer les informations chimiques relatives à l’évolution de leurs compositions avec le temps. Cette recherche initiale était fondée sur l'hypothèse que, lors de l'analyse, les vins en bouteilles gardent une mémoire chimique des paramètres environnementaux à l’œuvre au moment de leur élaboration (gestion du vignoble, pratiques œnologiques, climat, terroir). Une seconde hypothèse reposait sur la nécessité d’étudier le passé pour anticiper l’évolution de la qualité du vin du point de vue de sa composition chimique. À cet effet et pour la première fois dans la science du vin, la Spectrométrie de Masse à Résonance Cyclotronique des Ions et à Transformée de Fourier (FTICR-MS), la Chromatographie Liquide couplée à la Spectrométrie de Masse (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), la spectroscopie de Fluorescence d’Excitation et d’Émission (EEMF) et les statistiques multivariées ont été combinées. Le développement méthodologique a révélé l'avantage de coupler les mesures de masses exactes par FTICR-MS à la discrimination des isomères par UPLC-Q-TOF-MS afin d'étendre la gamme des métabolites détectables. Ces outils ont été appliqués à l'identification de marqueurs de vieillissement sur des séries verticales de vins rouges et blancs de Bourgogne, y compris sur des vins très anciens (millésimes inconnus) considérés comme des points extrêmes d'évolution, introduisant ainsi la notion de verticalomics. La caractérisation d'une série de vins blancs de Bourgogne (Chardonnay) a révélé que les espaces chimiques spécifiquement liés à des pratiques œnologiques (SO2 ajouté lors du pressurage, niveau de débourbage ou perméabilité du bouchon) pourraient être déchiffrés, bien que les signatures de millésimes étaient les plus significatives. Des expériences similaires sur les vins de Champagne (Chardonnay, et mélanges de Chardonnay, Pinot noir et Pinot Meunier) après la prise de mousse et le vieillissement sur lattes ont mis en évidence l'effet d'hormesis associé à l'oxygénation du vin. Enfin, les analyses non ciblées d'extraits de raisin et des vins correspondants provenant de différentes appellations et élaborés par le même vigneron ont révélé qu’il était possible de lire des signatures liées au terroir, en particulier après quelques années de vieillissement en bouteille. Plus largement, nos résultats fournissent une description globale sans précédent de la composition chimique du vin et de sa modification par le vieillissement. / The main objective of this work was to develop non-targeted metabolomics analyses of bottled wines in order to decipher chemical informations from the time-related evolution of their composition. This original research was based on the hypothesis that, when analyzed, bottled wines would still hold chemical memories of envionmental parameters (vineyard management, oenological practices, climate, terroir…) at the moment of their elaboration, even after several years of ageing. A second hypothesis was that in order to anticipate the future evolution of the wine quality in terms of chemical composition, it is necessary to know what it was in the past. To that purpose, and for the first time in wine science, Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance – Mass Spectrometry (FTICR-MS), Liquid Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-ToF-MS), Excitation Emission Matrix Fluorescence (EEMF) and multivariate statistics were used in combination. Methodological develoments revealed the advantage of coupling exact mass measurements by FTICR-MS to isomeric discrimination by UPLC-Q-ToF-MS in order to extend the range of detectable metabolites. Such tools were applied to the identification of ageing markers in vertical series of red and white wines from Burgundy, including very old wines (unknown vintages) considered as evolution end points, thus introducing the concept of verticalomics. The characterization of series of white wines from Burgundy (Chardonnay) revealed that chemical spaces specifically related to eonological practices (SO2 addition at pressing, settling level, and permeability of the stopper) could indeed be deciphered although the vintage signatures were confirmed to be the most significant. Similar experiments on Champagne wines (Chardonnay, and blends of Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier) after the "prise de mousse" and the ageing "sur lattes" further highlighted the hormesis effect associated with the oxygenation of wine. Finally, non-targeted analyses of series of grape extracts and corresponding wines from different appelations – though elaborated by the same winemaker – revealed that terroir-related signatures could be indeed read in wines, in particular after a few years of bottle ageing. Altogether our results provide an unprecedented comprehensive description of the chemical composition of wine and its modification through ageing.

As sementes de Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) são conhecidas pelo seu elevado teor de proteína bem como de saponinas. Quimicamente as saponinas de quinoa são triterpenos sendo ácido fitolacagênico, hederagenina, ácido oleanólico e ácido serjânico, as agliconas mais comumente encontradas. Para as saponinas de quinoa existem relatos contraditórios de atividade imunoadjuvante. Complexos imunoestimulantes têm sido bastante estudados nos últimos anos por atuarem como carreadores de antígenos. Esses complexos são constituídos, de saponinas, colesterol, fosfolipídios e um antígeno (ISCOM); na ausência de um antígeno são denominados de matrizes ISCOM. Para as saponinas de quinoa a possibilidade de formação de matrizes ISCOM não está completamente elucidada. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização química das principais saponinas presentes nas sementes de C. quinoa bem como a avaliação das atividades antifúngica e imunoadjuvante. Agregados micelares formados por auto-associação das saponinas, bem como os complexos formados quando da formulação com colesterol e fosfatidilcolina também foram avaliados. O método de purificação das saponinas de quinoa utilizando resina poliaromática permitiu a obtenção de duas frações saponosídicas principais denominadas FQ70 e FQ90. Nessas frações foram caracterizadas dez saponinas triterpênicas bidesmosídicas pela técnica de UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Um método por CLAE foi desenvolvido e validado para a determinação do conteúdo de saponinas nas frações de quinoa. A atividade antifúngica das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pelo método da microdiluição em placa para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). As frações foram inativas frente a todas as leveduras avaliadas. No entanto, todos os fungos dermatófitos testados foram suscetíveis às frações de quinoa. Os agregados formados por auto-associação das saponinas em solução aquosa bem como as nanoestruturas formadas após a complexação das saponinas de quinoa com colesterol (CHOL) e fosfatidilcolina (PC) foram estudados em diferentes proporções. As técnicas de espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) demonstraram estruturas esféricas e micelas filiformes. Em condições experimentais similares àquelas relatadas para a formação de matrizes ISCOM de saponinas de Quillaja saponaria, foram observadas estruturas tubulares e micelas anelares. A composição de saponinas das frações de quinoa parece determinar o tipo de nanoestrutura observada por MET. A toxicidade das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pela determinação da atividade hemolítica, toxicidade frente à Artemia salina e toxicidade aguda em camundongos. FQ70 foi praticamente atóxica frente à A. salina, no entanto, FQ90 apresentou toxicidade. Ambas as frações de quinoa foram menos hemolíticas quando comparadas com Quil A (extrato purificado Q. saponaria). Para avaliar a atividade imunoadjuvante camundongos foram imunizados somente com ovoalbumina (OVA) ou com OVA e os adjuvantes Quil A (adjuvante controle), FQ70 ou FQ90. Hipersensibilidade do tipo tardia (DTH) foi avaliada 28 dias após o priming. A proliferação de esplenócitos com os mitógenos Concanavalina A (Con A)-, lipopolissacarídeo e OVA, foi avaliada 28 dias pós priming. Ambas as frações de quinoa promoveram um estímulo da resposta imune humoral e celular, porém de forma diferenciada. / Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) seeds are a rich protein source and well-known for their high saponin content. Chemically, quinoa saponins are triterpene glycosides being phytolaccagenic, hederagenin, oleanolic and serjanic acids the most common aglycones found in seeds. Its immunoadjuvant properties have been examined and the results obtained were conflicting. Mixed micelles composed of saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids, either containing antigen (ISCOM) or not (ISCOM matrix), have been under intensive development in recent years due to their ability to act as antigen presenting-carriers with remarkable immunostimulating properties. The formation of ISCOM or other clearly defined micellar structures with quinoa saponins remained uncorroborated. The objectives of this study were the chemical structure characterization of main saponins present in C. quinoa seeds and the evaluation of antifungal and immunoadjuvant properties related to them. Also, micellar aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by quinoa saponins as well as nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol (CHOL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were evaluated. The separation method of quinoa saponins using a polyaromatic resin allowed the preparation of two purified and enriched fractions, FQ70 and FQ90. Ten triterpenic saponins were chemically characterized by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS in quinoa saponin fractions. A LC-method was developed and validated aiming the saponin content assay in quinoa saponin fractions. The antifungal activity of quinoa fractions was evaluated by broth microdilution method for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Both fractions were inactive against all yeasts tested. However all dermatophyte fungi were susceptible to quinoa saponin fractions. The aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by two quinoa saponin fractions, as well as several distinctive nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine at different ratios were studied. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed novel nanosized spherical vesicles formed by self-association and worm-like micelles in quinoa saponin fractions. When experimental conditions, similar to those reported for the preparation of Quillaja saponaria ISCOM matrices, tubular and ring-like micelles arose from quinoa saponin fractions. The saponin composition of quinoa fractions seems determines the nanosized structures viewed by TEM. The toxicity of quinoa fractions were assayed by haemolytic, toxicity to brine shrimps, and acute toxicity in mice tests. FQ70 was almost atoxic however, for FQ90 presented toxicity against shrimps. The quinoa saponin fractions were less haemolytic than Quil A (purified extract from Q. saponaria). To evaluate immunoadjuvant activity, mice were immunized subcutaneously with ovoalbumin (OVA) alone or adjuvanted with Quil A (adjuvant control), FQ70 or FQ90. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) were assayed 28 days post-priming and Concanavalin A (Con A)-, Lipopolysaccharide-, and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation were also measured 28 days post-priming. The results suggested that the two quinoa saponin fractions enhanced significantly the production of humoral and cellular immune responses to OVA in mice.

As sementes de Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) são conhecidas pelo seu elevado teor de proteína bem como de saponinas. Quimicamente as saponinas de quinoa são triterpenos sendo ácido fitolacagênico, hederagenina, ácido oleanólico e ácido serjânico, as agliconas mais comumente encontradas. Para as saponinas de quinoa existem relatos contraditórios de atividade imunoadjuvante. Complexos imunoestimulantes têm sido bastante estudados nos últimos anos por atuarem como carreadores de antígenos. Esses complexos são constituídos, de saponinas, colesterol, fosfolipídios e um antígeno (ISCOM); na ausência de um antígeno são denominados de matrizes ISCOM. Para as saponinas de quinoa a possibilidade de formação de matrizes ISCOM não está completamente elucidada. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização química das principais saponinas presentes nas sementes de C. quinoa bem como a avaliação das atividades antifúngica e imunoadjuvante. Agregados micelares formados por auto-associação das saponinas, bem como os complexos formados quando da formulação com colesterol e fosfatidilcolina também foram avaliados. O método de purificação das saponinas de quinoa utilizando resina poliaromática permitiu a obtenção de duas frações saponosídicas principais denominadas FQ70 e FQ90. Nessas frações foram caracterizadas dez saponinas triterpênicas bidesmosídicas pela técnica de UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Um método por CLAE foi desenvolvido e validado para a determinação do conteúdo de saponinas nas frações de quinoa. A atividade antifúngica das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pelo método da microdiluição em placa para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). As frações foram inativas frente a todas as leveduras avaliadas. No entanto, todos os fungos dermatófitos testados foram suscetíveis às frações de quinoa. Os agregados formados por auto-associação das saponinas em solução aquosa bem como as nanoestruturas formadas após a complexação das saponinas de quinoa com colesterol (CHOL) e fosfatidilcolina (PC) foram estudados em diferentes proporções. As técnicas de espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) demonstraram estruturas esféricas e micelas filiformes. Em condições experimentais similares àquelas relatadas para a formação de matrizes ISCOM de saponinas de Quillaja saponaria, foram observadas estruturas tubulares e micelas anelares. A composição de saponinas das frações de quinoa parece determinar o tipo de nanoestrutura observada por MET. A toxicidade das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pela determinação da atividade hemolítica, toxicidade frente à Artemia salina e toxicidade aguda em camundongos. FQ70 foi praticamente atóxica frente à A. salina, no entanto, FQ90 apresentou toxicidade. Ambas as frações de quinoa foram menos hemolíticas quando comparadas com Quil A (extrato purificado Q. saponaria). Para avaliar a atividade imunoadjuvante camundongos foram imunizados somente com ovoalbumina (OVA) ou com OVA e os adjuvantes Quil A (adjuvante controle), FQ70 ou FQ90. Hipersensibilidade do tipo tardia (DTH) foi avaliada 28 dias após o priming. A proliferação de esplenócitos com os mitógenos Concanavalina A (Con A)-, lipopolissacarídeo e OVA, foi avaliada 28 dias pós priming. Ambas as frações de quinoa promoveram um estímulo da resposta imune humoral e celular, porém de forma diferenciada. / Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) seeds are a rich protein source and well-known for their high saponin content. Chemically, quinoa saponins are triterpene glycosides being phytolaccagenic, hederagenin, oleanolic and serjanic acids the most common aglycones found in seeds. Its immunoadjuvant properties have been examined and the results obtained were conflicting. Mixed micelles composed of saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids, either containing antigen (ISCOM) or not (ISCOM matrix), have been under intensive development in recent years due to their ability to act as antigen presenting-carriers with remarkable immunostimulating properties. The formation of ISCOM or other clearly defined micellar structures with quinoa saponins remained uncorroborated. The objectives of this study were the chemical structure characterization of main saponins present in C. quinoa seeds and the evaluation of antifungal and immunoadjuvant properties related to them. Also, micellar aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by quinoa saponins as well as nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol (CHOL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were evaluated. The separation method of quinoa saponins using a polyaromatic resin allowed the preparation of two purified and enriched fractions, FQ70 and FQ90. Ten triterpenic saponins were chemically characterized by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS in quinoa saponin fractions. A LC-method was developed and validated aiming the saponin content assay in quinoa saponin fractions. The antifungal activity of quinoa fractions was evaluated by broth microdilution method for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Both fractions were inactive against all yeasts tested. However all dermatophyte fungi were susceptible to quinoa saponin fractions. The aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by two quinoa saponin fractions, as well as several distinctive nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine at different ratios were studied. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed novel nanosized spherical vesicles formed by self-association and worm-like micelles in quinoa saponin fractions. When experimental conditions, similar to those reported for the preparation of Quillaja saponaria ISCOM matrices, tubular and ring-like micelles arose from quinoa saponin fractions. The saponin composition of quinoa fractions seems determines the nanosized structures viewed by TEM. The toxicity of quinoa fractions were assayed by haemolytic, toxicity to brine shrimps, and acute toxicity in mice tests. FQ70 was almost atoxic however, for FQ90 presented toxicity against shrimps. The quinoa saponin fractions were less haemolytic than Quil A (purified extract from Q. saponaria). To evaluate immunoadjuvant activity, mice were immunized subcutaneously with ovoalbumin (OVA) alone or adjuvanted with Quil A (adjuvant control), FQ70 or FQ90. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) were assayed 28 days post-priming and Concanavalin A (Con A)-, Lipopolysaccharide-, and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation were also measured 28 days post-priming. The results suggested that the two quinoa saponin fractions enhanced significantly the production of humoral and cellular immune responses to OVA in mice.

As sementes de Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) são conhecidas pelo seu elevado teor de proteína bem como de saponinas. Quimicamente as saponinas de quinoa são triterpenos sendo ácido fitolacagênico, hederagenina, ácido oleanólico e ácido serjânico, as agliconas mais comumente encontradas. Para as saponinas de quinoa existem relatos contraditórios de atividade imunoadjuvante. Complexos imunoestimulantes têm sido bastante estudados nos últimos anos por atuarem como carreadores de antígenos. Esses complexos são constituídos, de saponinas, colesterol, fosfolipídios e um antígeno (ISCOM); na ausência de um antígeno são denominados de matrizes ISCOM. Para as saponinas de quinoa a possibilidade de formação de matrizes ISCOM não está completamente elucidada. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização química das principais saponinas presentes nas sementes de C. quinoa bem como a avaliação das atividades antifúngica e imunoadjuvante. Agregados micelares formados por auto-associação das saponinas, bem como os complexos formados quando da formulação com colesterol e fosfatidilcolina também foram avaliados. O método de purificação das saponinas de quinoa utilizando resina poliaromática permitiu a obtenção de duas frações saponosídicas principais denominadas FQ70 e FQ90. Nessas frações foram caracterizadas dez saponinas triterpênicas bidesmosídicas pela técnica de UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Um método por CLAE foi desenvolvido e validado para a determinação do conteúdo de saponinas nas frações de quinoa. A atividade antifúngica das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pelo método da microdiluição em placa para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). As frações foram inativas frente a todas as leveduras avaliadas. No entanto, todos os fungos dermatófitos testados foram suscetíveis às frações de quinoa. Os agregados formados por auto-associação das saponinas em solução aquosa bem como as nanoestruturas formadas após a complexação das saponinas de quinoa com colesterol (CHOL) e fosfatidilcolina (PC) foram estudados em diferentes proporções. As técnicas de espalhamento de luz dinâmico (DLS) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) demonstraram estruturas esféricas e micelas filiformes. Em condições experimentais similares àquelas relatadas para a formação de matrizes ISCOM de saponinas de Quillaja saponaria, foram observadas estruturas tubulares e micelas anelares. A composição de saponinas das frações de quinoa parece determinar o tipo de nanoestrutura observada por MET. A toxicidade das frações de quinoa foi avaliada pela determinação da atividade hemolítica, toxicidade frente à Artemia salina e toxicidade aguda em camundongos. FQ70 foi praticamente atóxica frente à A. salina, no entanto, FQ90 apresentou toxicidade. Ambas as frações de quinoa foram menos hemolíticas quando comparadas com Quil A (extrato purificado Q. saponaria). Para avaliar a atividade imunoadjuvante camundongos foram imunizados somente com ovoalbumina (OVA) ou com OVA e os adjuvantes Quil A (adjuvante controle), FQ70 ou FQ90. Hipersensibilidade do tipo tardia (DTH) foi avaliada 28 dias após o priming. A proliferação de esplenócitos com os mitógenos Concanavalina A (Con A)-, lipopolissacarídeo e OVA, foi avaliada 28 dias pós priming. Ambas as frações de quinoa promoveram um estímulo da resposta imune humoral e celular, porém de forma diferenciada. / Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) seeds are a rich protein source and well-known for their high saponin content. Chemically, quinoa saponins are triterpene glycosides being phytolaccagenic, hederagenin, oleanolic and serjanic acids the most common aglycones found in seeds. Its immunoadjuvant properties have been examined and the results obtained were conflicting. Mixed micelles composed of saponin, cholesterol and phospholipids, either containing antigen (ISCOM) or not (ISCOM matrix), have been under intensive development in recent years due to their ability to act as antigen presenting-carriers with remarkable immunostimulating properties. The formation of ISCOM or other clearly defined micellar structures with quinoa saponins remained uncorroborated. The objectives of this study were the chemical structure characterization of main saponins present in C. quinoa seeds and the evaluation of antifungal and immunoadjuvant properties related to them. Also, micellar aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by quinoa saponins as well as nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol (CHOL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were evaluated. The separation method of quinoa saponins using a polyaromatic resin allowed the preparation of two purified and enriched fractions, FQ70 and FQ90. Ten triterpenic saponins were chemically characterized by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS in quinoa saponin fractions. A LC-method was developed and validated aiming the saponin content assay in quinoa saponin fractions. The antifungal activity of quinoa fractions was evaluated by broth microdilution method for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Both fractions were inactive against all yeasts tested. However all dermatophyte fungi were susceptible to quinoa saponin fractions. The aggregates formed by self-association in aqueous solutions by two quinoa saponin fractions, as well as several distinctive nanostructures formed after their complexation with cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine at different ratios were studied. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed novel nanosized spherical vesicles formed by self-association and worm-like micelles in quinoa saponin fractions. When experimental conditions, similar to those reported for the preparation of Quillaja saponaria ISCOM matrices, tubular and ring-like micelles arose from quinoa saponin fractions. The saponin composition of quinoa fractions seems determines the nanosized structures viewed by TEM. The toxicity of quinoa fractions were assayed by haemolytic, toxicity to brine shrimps, and acute toxicity in mice tests. FQ70 was almost atoxic however, for FQ90 presented toxicity against shrimps. The quinoa saponin fractions were less haemolytic than Quil A (purified extract from Q. saponaria). To evaluate immunoadjuvant activity, mice were immunized subcutaneously with ovoalbumin (OVA) alone or adjuvanted with Quil A (adjuvant control), FQ70 or FQ90. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) were assayed 28 days post-priming and Concanavalin A (Con A)-, Lipopolysaccharide-, and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation were also measured 28 days post-priming. The results suggested that the two quinoa saponin fractions enhanced significantly the production of humoral and cellular immune responses to OVA in mice.