L’absence de croissance en monocouche des cellules endothéliales sur la paroi des prothèses vasculaires est une des causes d’échec de leur implantation chez l’humain. Des études précédentes ont montré que le recouvrement de ces prothèses par un échafaudage de nanofibres d’acide polylactique (PLA), fabriqué par un système de filage par jet d’air innovant, peut être utilisé pour promouvoir la croissance des cellules endothéliales de façon adéquate. Ainsi, le caractère dégradable d’un matériau comme le PLA permettrait son remplacement graduel par la matrice extra-cellulaire produite par les cellules. D’autre part, la réussite d’une transition entre les nanofibres dégradables et la matrice extra-cellulaire nécessite un remplacement contrôlé et approprié. Or, la dégradation des nanofibres de PLA, dépendant de ses séquences stéréochimiques, est généralement trop longue et peut induire une cytotoxicité relative pendant sa dégradation. Dans ce contexte, les études de cette thèse ont pour objectifs de mieux comprendre la formation des fibres lors du filage, d’optimiser la fabrication des échafaudages permettant ainsi la création de nanofibres d’autres polymères, puis, de concevoir des nanofibres provenant d’un polymère mieux adapté à nos besoins, d’évaluer leur mécanisme de dégradation et sa cytotoxicité durant sa dégradation. Les travaux d’optimisation du système de filage ont démontré que la concentration avec un effet prépondérant. Ainsi, la mesure de la viscosité permet de trouver les paramètres adéquats pour le filage de polymère. Ensuite, un poly(L-lactide) semi-cristallin (PLLA) et un terpolymère de poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) dédié pour des applications vasculaires ont été synthétisés et filés par jet d’air. Ces échantillons ont été dégradés en solution aqueuse et caractérisés par des méthodes physico-chimiques afin de mieux comprendre leurs mécanismes de dégradation et mis en présence de cellules endothéliales pour évaluer leur cytotoxicité. La comparaison entre les échafaudages des deux polymères a montré des comportements singuliers en dégradation, dépendants des caractéristiques thermiques des polymères. De plus, ces mécanismes de dégradation des nanofibres ont une influence directe sur la sensibilité des cellules endothéliales face aux produits de dégradation. En conclusion, ces travaux de doctorat présentent une solution prometteuse pour améliorer les prothèses vasculaires et qui pourrait être appliquée pour résoudre plusieurs problématiques en médecine régénératrice. / The absence of neo-endothelium on the intimal surface of vascular substitutes is known to be one cause of failure upon implantation of these prostheses in humans. Previous studies have shown that the coating of these substitutes with a nanofiber scaffold, made with an innovative air spinning device, can be used to promote a suitable endothelial cells growth. On one hand, the degradable feature of material as PLA enable the progressive replacement of the scaffold by the extracellular matrix of cells. On the other hand, the success of this replacement between degradable nanofibers and the extracellular matrix requires to be appropriate and controlled. Yet, the PLA nanofiber degradation process, which depends on its stereosequences, is generally too long for this application and could involve cell sensitivity during the degradation. In this context, studies from this thesis aim to understand the fibers formation during spinning, optimizing the scaffold fabrication as well as to promote the making of novel polymer scaffolds, then, design solution to polymeric nanofiber scaffolds for vascular application, evaluate its degradation mechanism and cytotoxicity during degradation process. The work on spinning device optimisation has demonstrated that the concentration had a dominant effect. Thus, viscosity measurements enable to find suitable parameters for polymer spinning. Then, a semi-cristalline poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and a poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) terpolymer specifically made for vascular application have been synthesized and air-spun. These samples were degraded in aqueous solution and characterized by physical and chemical methods to better understand their degradation mechanisms and seeded with endothelial cells to evaluate their cytotoxicity. The comparison between the two polymers scaffolds have shown surprising degradation behaviors depending on thermal properties of polymers. Moreover, these nanofiber degradation mechanisms have a direct influence on endothelial cells sensitivity with degradation by-products. To conclude, these works of doctorate display a promising solution to improve vascular prostheses and which could be applied to solve several issues in regenerative medicine field.

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó para validar la necesidad de la población de Lima de contar con un coach de la salud que le brinde asesoramiento para cuidar su salud a través de la alimentación. Necesidad que surge a causa de problemática actual sobre obesidad y sobrepeso que la población peruana viene enfrentando por los malos hábitos de alimentación y la falta de ejercicios en su rutina de vida por un factor tiempo. Luego de haber recabado información necesaria se elabora el presente trabajo de investigación con la finalidad de poner en marcha un proyecto empresarial para la creación de una empresa que brinda el servicio de asesoramiento nutricional que está estrechamente relacionado con el bienestar del individuo, el equilibrio, la atención plena y la eficiencia de sus metas personales. Para el desarrollo de este proyecto se realizó entrevistas de profundidad con la finalidad de delimitar nuestro segmento objetivo. La metodología que se ha implementado, han sido las entrevistas cualitativas abiertas, a personas que ya cuentan con estilo de vida sano, segmento al que atenderá Life Coaching. Los resultados de las entrevistas efectuadas nos muestra que existe un mercado potencia interesado en nuestra idea de negocio. Para la viabilidad de este proyecto se requiere de una inversión inicial de S/ 57,595,00 soles que será financiado por un Angel Investor. Del análisis financiero efectuado nos arroja que la Tasa Interna de Retorno es del 145% con un Valor Actual Neto de S/ 143,749.68 soles. Estos resultados nos muestran que el proyecto analizado devuelve el capital invertido más una ganancia de S/ de 143,749.68 soles. Por lo antes señalado este trabajo de investigación nos indica que el proyecto de negocio es viable y rentable. / The present research work was conducted to validate the need of the population of Lima to have a health coach to provide advice to take care of their health through food. Need that arises because of current problems about obsessiveness and overweight that the Peruvian population has been facing due to poor eating habits and lack of exercises in their routine for a time. After having gathered the necessary information, the present research work is chosen in order to start up a business project for the creation of a company that provides the nutritional advice service that is closely related to the wellbeing of the individual, the balance, the full attention and the efficiency of your personal goals. For the development of this project, in-depth interviews were conducted in order to define our target segment. The methodology that has been implemented has been qualitative open interviews, to people who already have a healthy lifestyle, a segment that Life Coaching will attend. The results of the interviews carried out show us that there is a potential market interested in our business idea. For the viability of this project, an initial investment of S / 57,595.00 soles will be required and will be financed by Angel Investor. From the financial analysis carried out, we find that the Internal Rate of Return is 145% with a Net Present Value of S / 143,749.68 soles. These results show us that the project analyzed returns the capital invested plus a profit of S/. 143,749.68 soles. As indicated earlier this research work indicates that the business project is viable and profitable. / Trabajo de investigación

A capacidade de B. sacchari acumular poli-3-hidroxibutirato-co-3-hidroxihexanoato (P3HB-co-3HHx) foi confirmada, com até 2 mol% de 3HHx no PHA total (<10% do 3HHx máximo teórico a partir do ácido), indicando flexibilidade da PHA sintase por substratos, porém alta eficiência nas vias catabólicas do hexanoato. Análise da estabilidade térmica do PHA indicou uma temperatura de degradação reduzida, compatível com a presença de unidades 3HHx. Mutantes incapazes de crescer em ácido hexanóico foram obtidos com UV e transposon mini-Tn5, que ainda acumulavam 3HHx a partir de hexanoato mas com redução na capacidade do acúmulo de 3HB e 3HHx. Foram construídos recombinantes abrigando o gene phaB (codificador de 3-cetoacil-CoA redutase) de Ralstonia eutropha ou phaJ1 e phaJ2 (codificadores de enoil-CoA hidratases R-específicas) de Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A expressão de phaB ou phaJ1 aumentou a canalização de 3HB para a PHA sintase, apesar de não aumentar as frações de 3HHx. Monômeros de 3HHx e 3HO foram detectados a partir de ácidos butírico e octanóico, respectivamente. / The ability of B. sacchari to accumulate poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (P3HB-co-3HHx) from glucose and hexanoic acid was confirmed. 3HHx content was up to 2 mol% of PHA (<10% of the maximum theoretical 3HHx from the acid), indicating a substrate flexibility of B. sacchari PHA synthase, but high efficiency of hexanoate catabolic pathways. Thermal stability analysis of the copolymer indicated a reduced degradation temperature compatible with 3HHx units. Mutants unable to grow on hexanoic acid were obtained with UV and mini-Tn5 transposon. They still accumulated 3HHx from hexanoate, but the ability to accumulate 3HB and 3HHx was reduced. Recombinants harboring the Ralstonia eutropha phaB (encoding 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductase) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa phaJ1 and phaJ4 genes (encoding R-specific enoyl-CoA hydratases) were constructed. Expression of both phaB and phaJ1 increased the channeling of 3HB to the PHA synthase, despite no increase on 3HHx fraction was observed. 3HHx and 3HO monomers were detected from butyric and octanoic acids, respectively.

O processo de micrencapsulação de proteínas em microesferas (MS) de PLGA [poli (ácido lactico-co-glicolico)] é fácil de fazer e é uma ferramenta útil para melhorar tanto uma formulação quanto para aumentar a atividade imunológica de vacinas de novas gerações. A MS-PLGA têm caráter adjuvante porque é um sistema particulado e, além disto, controla a liberação do antígeno. O escopo desta tese foi o de dar uma nova roupagem para um antígeno vacinal tradicional e muito bem estudado- o toxoide diftérico (Dtxd). Estudaram-se a produção de MS de tamanho desejado; os mecanismos que controlam danos nas proteínas durante o processo de micrencapsulação; a produção de microesferas com características de liberações em tempos distintos e ensaios biológicos. O tamanho de MS é um determinante fundamental para controlar a velocidade de liberação de um soluto. Para se produzir MS com tamanhos controlados usou-se um desenho fatorial experimental com três fatores distintos e três pontos centrais, para se determinar a influência das variáveis (concentração de poli álcool vinílico; velocidade de agitação e relação fase dispersa/fase contínua) na determinação do tamanho das MS. Foram obtidas MS esféricas e lisas de 4- 15 &#181;m de diâmetro. Estes resultados abrem a possibilidade de se formular PLGA-MS com tamanhos planejados através de um mínimo de experimentos. O mecanismo de danos conformacionais nas proteínas nas várias fases do processo de produção de PLGA-MS é ainda uma questão em aberto. Usaram-se várias técnicas biofísicas (HPLC, espectroscopias no uv, fluorescência e CD) além de ELISA para se testar a interferência dos sais da série de Hofmeister sobre a solubilidade e estabilidade da proteína durante a emulsificação e do contacto com a interface água/cloreto de metileno (primeira etapa do processo de preparação de MS). Estudaram-se também a influência de oligômeros de PLGA e SDS sobre a estrutura da proteína no meio de liberação (etapa de liberação do soluto). A emulsificação de Dtxd na presença de Mg2+ induziu agregação protéica, com exposição de resíduos hidrofóbicos para o meio; variações no ângulo diédrico do S-S proteico e perda de identidade imunológica. Esta agregação foi quase abolida pelo caotrópico SCN- (toxicidade = 30 g/ homem adulto de 70 kg). A conformação \"nativa\" do Dtxd e sua atividade biológica foram protegidas pelo KSCN. Os oligômeros de PLGA e o SDS induziram uma conformação de Dtxd nova. A adição de KSCN na fase aquosa aumentou a eficiência de encapsulação de Dtxd pela PLGA-MS em 20 %. Esta foi a solução mais simples quando comparada com aquelas descritas na literatura. Produziram-se seis formulações diferentes (diferentes massas molares e carboximetilações do PLGA) com pelo menos três cinéticas de liberações distintas. Imunizaram-se camundongos com 5 &#181;g de Dtxd encapsulado em MS-PLGA usando-se dois polímeros de 12 kDa (-COOH livre ou metilado) e um outro de 63 kDa (metilado). O padrão de resposta e a maturidade imunológicas foram medidos por titulações de IgG1 e IgG2a. Mantiveram-se os mesmos padrões de resposta humoral (desejável). Menores quantidades de antígenos foram necessárias para se obter os mesmos benefícios gerados pela vacina tradicional de Dtxd. Aumentaram-se a produção e a seletividade de anticorpos através de duas manipulações simples: a formulação e o tempo da aplicação da dose de reforço. Estes resultados colocam estas formulações na área de vacinas de sucesso uma vez que também foram obtidas memórias imunológicas. / The protein microencapsulation within microspheres (MS) of PLGA (Poly-lactide-co-glycolide) is easy to do and, it is a useful tool to enhance formulation and immunologic performances for new generation vaccines. MS-PLGA has adjuvant character because it is a particulate system and can control the antigen release. The question addressed in this thesis was to give this new dress for the traditional and well studied vaccine antigen - the diphtheria toxoid (Dtxd). The steps of MS control size production; mechanism to control protein damages; MS production with different polymers and biological assay were addressed here. MS size is a primary determinant of solute release velocity. A full factorial experimental design 23 with triplicate at the central point was used to determine the influence of variables (polyvinyl alcohol concentration, stirring velocity and the relationship between dispersed /continuous phase) on MS size. Uniformly spherical and smooth microspheres (4 - 15 &#181;m of diameter) were obtained. These results open the possibility of formulating PLGA microspheres with custom sizes performing a minimum of experiments as required for specific applications. It stills an open question to detail the conformational mechanism of protein damages during the various steps of the PLGA microencapsulation process. Various techniques (HPLC gel filtration, ELISA, Fluorescence, UV and Circular dichroism spectroscopies) were tested on the interference of the Hofmeister ion series over protein solubility and stability during the emulsification and contact with the interface water/CH2Cl2 interface (First step on MS preparation). The interference of SDS and PLGA olygomers over protein structure in the liberation media was also studied (solute liberation step). The Dtxd emulsification in the presence of Mg2+ was followed by protein aggregation, with exposition of hydrophobic residues and changes on the dihedral S-S protein angle and loses on immunological identity. This aggregation is 95% avoided by the chaotropic and little toxic salt KSCN (30g/ adult human of 70 kg). All the \"native\" Dtxd conformation and biological properties were maintained by KSCN. MS with different liberation kinetics profile and different erosion characteristics were obtained by using six different polymers. The SDS and PLGA olygomers exerted a generation of new Dtxd molecular organization. The KSCN increased Dtxd encapsulation within PLGA-MS in more than 20 %. This was the simplest solution used to solve protein aggregation compared with others solutions used in the literature. The six different formulations produced (differing in molar mass and carboxymethylation) produced, at least, three different Dtxd liberation profiles. Mice were primed with 5 µg of Dtxd microencapsulated within MS prepared with 12 kDa (ended carboxymethylated or free PLGA) and with 63 kDa (methylated) PLGA. The response patterns and the immune maturity were measured by IgG1 and IgG2a titrations. The humoral pattern was maintained, but fewer antigens were needed to obtain the same traditional Dtxd vaccine benefits. The simple change on Dtxd-PLGA formulation and timing of the booster enhanced both, antibody production and selectivity. An immunological memory was also obtained, putting so, these formulations in the field of successful vaccine.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a síntese e propriedades do copolímero poli(l,l-lactídeo-stat-e-caprolactona)-bloco-poli(óxido de etileno)-bloco-poli(l,l-lactideostat-e-caprolactona). Poli(óxido de etileno) de massa molar 20.000 u.m.a. e poli(óxido de etileno) modificado, preparado a partir de poli(glicol etilênico) de massa molar 4.000 u.m.a., foram selecionados para o processo da síntese. A reação foi feita pela polimerização por abertura de anel em massa a 120ºC usando octoanato de estanho como iniciador. A composição química de cada amostra foi determinada com auxílio de RMN-1H e RMN-13C e suas propriedades mecânicas foram verificadas e comparadas utilizando análises térmicas como DMTA, DSC, TG e a aplicação da MEV como análise complementar. A observação pelas fotos de MOLP permitiu a visualização do comportamento de nucleação dos copolímeros e as características de sua cristalinidade. Seu grau de cristalinidade e as fases cristalinas foram identificados por difração de raios X (WAXS). A biocompatibilidade do material também foi examinada pela cultura de células. Os resultados de caracterização indicam o sucesso da copolimerização, as propriedades elastoméricas e, sua não citotoxidade comprovaram a possibilidade do uso destes copolímeros como biomateriais. Contudo, o tempo prolongado de reação e baixa incorporação do monômero lactídeo ainda são questões a serem melhoradas para a viabilização do copolímero como material de implante na área biomédica. / This work includes the study of the synthesis and characterization of the copolymer poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone)-b-PEG-b-poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone). Poly (ethylene oxide) with molar weight 20.000 and poly(ethylene oxide) modified, prepared from poly(ethylene oxide) with molar weight 4000 have been selected for this synthesis process. The reaction was done by ring-opening bulk polymerization, using stannous octoate as initiator at 120ºC. The chemical composition of samples were determined by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and their mechanical properties were verified using thermal analyses like DMTA, DSC and TG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied as a complementary analysis. The pictures of polarizing optical microscopy showed us the copolymer\'s nucleation behaviors and their respective crystallization. The degrees of crystallinity and phase of copolymers were determined by WAXS. The biocompatibility of the copolymer was examined by cell cultivation test. The result of these analyses above indicated the success of synthesis. Their rubbery properties and non-toxicity allowed their application as biomaterial. However, the long reaction time and low incorporation of monomer of lactide might to be improved to increase its potential use in biomedical area in the future.

Ce doctorat portait sur le développement de nanoparticules (NPs) photosensibles constituées d’un cœur photolysablepoly(acrylate d'o-nitrobenzyle) (polymère hydrophobe biocompatible - PANB) et d’une couronne basée sur un dérivé du dextrane (polysaccharide bactérien, hydrophile et biodégradable). Dans un premier temps, le PANB-N3 a été synthétisé par i) polymérisation radicalaire contrôlée (SET-LRP) de l’acrylate d’o-nitrobenzyle puis ii) modification chimique de l’extrémité de chaîne par une fonction azoture. En parallèle, le dextrane a été hydrophobisé par quelques chaînes grasses dotées d’un groupe alcyne (obtention du DexAlcyne-15). Ces polymères précurseurs peuvent alors réagir par chimie click CuAAC (Cycloaddition azide-alcyne catalysée par Cu(I)) pour engendrer divers glycopolymères greffés Dex-g-PANB. Dans un deuxième temps, les NPs ont été formulées par deux procédés puis caractérisées en termes de taille, recouvrement en dextrane (quantité par gramme de PANB, épaisseur de la couche surfacique) et stabilité colloïdale en milieu salin, en présence de tensioactif compétitif ou dans un milieu de culture (DMEM). Le procédé de nanoprécipitation a été appliqué aux Dex-g-PANB présentant de fortes fractions massiques en PANB (>40%) alors que le procédé d’émulsion-évaporation de solvant organique a été mis en œuvre en utilisant le DexAlcyne-15 comme tensioactif hydrosoluble et le PANB-N3 comme matériau hydrophobe. Grâce à leurs fonctionnalités complémentaires, une réaction CuAAC peut (ou non) avoir lieu à l’interface liquide/liquide pendant l’élaboration des NPs et conduire à l’obtention de NPs « non clickées » ou « clickées ». Enfin, le caractère photosensible des NPs a été validé par irradiation UV en observant une disparition progressive des NPs résultant de la photolyse des PANB. Afin d’utiliser ces NPs comme systèmes stimulables de délivrance de médicaments, un anticancéreux (Doxorubicine - Dox) a été encapsulé au sein des NPs, pendant leur élaboration. Cette encapsulation a été optimisée et les NPs chargées de DOX ont été caractérisées en termes de taille et d’efficacité d’encapsulation. La libération de la DOX hors des NPs a ensuite été suivie par simple diffusion, ou provoquéepar irradiation UV. Enfin, le potentiel biologique de ces NPs a été évalué vis-à-vis d’une lignée cellulaire tumorale humaine d'origine intestinale isolée d'un adénocarcinome colique (Caco-2). Après vérification de leur biocompatibilité et de la résistance des Caco-2 aux irradiations UV, nous avons pu montrer que les NPs chargées pouvaient libérer suffisamment de DOX en seulement 30 secondes d’irradiation (puissane: 54mW/cm2) pour éradiquer plus de 50% de ces cellules cancéreuses. / This work was focused on the development of light-sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) based on a photodegradable poly(o-nitrobenzyl acrylate) core(PNBA, hydrophobic and biocompatible polymer) and a dextran derivative shell (dextran is a biodegradable and hydrophilic bacterial polysaccharide). Firstly, PNBA-N3 was synthesized by i) Single-Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP) of o-nitrobenzyl acrylate then ii) introduction of one azide end-function. In the same time, DexAlkyne-15 carrying several alkyne groups was produced by hydrophobization of dextran. Such DexAlkyne-15 and PNBA-N3 can react by CuAAC (Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition) click chemistry leading to Dex-g-PNBA glycopolymers with various macromolecular parameters. Secondly, NPs were produced by comparing two processes then characterized in terms of size, dextran amount, shell thickness and colloidal stability in NaCl or cell culture media, or in presence of one strong surfactant. On one hand, NPs were made by nanoprecipitation of Dex-g-PNBA exhibiting high PNBA weight fractions (>40 %). On the other hand, NPs were produced by emulsion-evaporation of the organic solvent using DexAlkyne-15 as water-soluble surfactant and PNBA-N3 as hydrophobic materials. In this case, in situ CuAAC occurred (or not) at the liquid/liquid interface during the NPs formulation, leading to “clicked” and “not-clicked” NPs. Finally, NPs disruption was studied by UV irradiation according the PNBA chains photolysis. To use such NPs as smart drug delivery systems, Doxorubicin (DOX - an anticancer agent), was loaded inside the NPs during their elaboration. The experimental conditions were optimized to enhance the DOX encapsulation. The kinetics release of encapsulated DOX were studied by diffusion or under UV irradiation. Finally, the biological potential of these NPs was estimated towards Caco-2 (continuous line of heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells). After checking the NPs biocompatibility and theCaco-2 strength under UV irradiation, we proved that such loaded NPs can release enough DOX under 30 second irradiation (power: 54mW/cm2) to decrease the Caco-2 viability about more than 50%.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden zwei neuartige biodegradierbare Nanopartikel (NP)-Typen definierter Größe auf ihre Eignung als Wirkstofftransporter für die Verwendung in der Photodynamischen Therapie (PDT) untersucht. Die Verwendung biodegradierbarer NP als Wirkstofftransporter in der PDT ist ein vielversprechender neuer Ansatz, der im Rahmen dieser Arbeit erstmalig untersucht wurde. Die in dieser Arbeit untersuchten NP bestehen aus humanem Serumalbumin (HSA), beziehungsweise Polylactid-co-Glycolid (PLGA) und wurden mit den Photosensibilisatoren (PS) Phäophorbid a (Pheo), Meta-Tetra (Hydroxy-Phenyl)- Porphyrin (mTHPP) oder Meta-Tetra (Hydroxy-Phenyl)-Chlorin (mTHPC) beladen. Es wurden die endozytotische Aufnahme, der lysosomale Abbau der NP und die intrazelluläre Freisetzung der PS in Abhängigkeit von der Inkubationszeit in vitro an humanen Krebszellen untersucht. Um die Effizienz der Photosensibilisierung durch die mit PS beladenen NP zu bestimmen, wurden die Phototoxizität und die intrazelluläre Singulettsauerstoffgenerierung bestimmt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass sowohl HSA- als auch PLGA-NP das Potential besitzen als Wirkstofftransporter in der PDT Verwendung zu finden. Insbesondere mTHPC-beladene NP wirken durch starke intrazelluläre Singulettsauerstoffgenerierung sehr phototoxisch. Die Experimente zeigen, dass die intrazelluläre PS-Konzentration geringeren Einfluss auf die Effizienz der Photosensibilisierung hat als die Freisetzung der PS und deren intrazelluläre Lokalisation. Die Biodegradierbarkeit von HSA und PLGA ermöglicht einen schnellen Abbau. Dadurch kann bereits bei sehr geringen intrazellulären PS-Konzentrationen hohe Phototoxizität erreicht werden. Der Fokus bei der Optimierung sollte einerseits in einer stabilen Verbindung zwischen PS und NP liegen, andererseits in einer effizienten Freisetzung nach der zellulären Aufnahme. Deshalb sind biodegradierbare Polymere sehr vielversprechende Materialien für die Entwicklung von PS-NP-Transportsystemen. / In the present study, two novel biodegradable nanoparticle (NP) types with a defined size were examined for their suitability as drug delivery systems for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). NP drug transporters already found a successful application in chemotherapy but the use of biodegradable NP in PDT is a new promising challenge. The investigated NP consist of human serum albumin (HSA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and were loaded with the photosensitizers (PS) pheophorbide a (Pheo), meta-tetra(hydroxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (mTHPP) or meta- tetra(hydroxy-phenyl)-chlorin(mTHPC). The endocytotic intracellular uptake and the time dependent drug release caused by decomposition of the biodegradable PS loaded nanoparticles were studied in vitro on Jurkat cells in suspension. The phototoxicity as well as the intracellular singlet oxygen generation was investigated for different incubation times. It was shown that both, HSA and PLGA NPs are promising carriers for PDT agents regarding uptake and phototoxicity. Especially the mTHPC loaded NPs show a very efficient phototoxicity caused by a very high singlet oxygen generation after the release of the PSs. The experiments show that the overall intracellular PS concentration is of less importance for the efficiency of the photosensitization compared to the amount of intracellular drug release and the intracellular localisation of the PS molecules. The biodegradability of the HSA and PLGA nanoparticles enables a fast intracellular drug release that causes high phototoxicity even for very low intracellular PS concentrations. Thus, the strategy for efficient PS loaded NP carriers is not a maximum loading. The main challenge is to create carriers with highly stable PS NP bonding to prevent any drug release before intracellular uptake combined with the ability of a complete drug release inside the target cells. Thus, biodegradable polymers are very promising materials for the design of NP-PS delivery systems

O alto nível de poluição gerado pelo descarte inadequado de materiais poliméricos vem motivando pesquisas por sistemas e técnicas ambientalmente corretos, tais como a aplicação de polímeros biodegradáveis e a substituição dos sistemas de pintura à base de solventes por aqueles com alto teor de sólidos, à base de água ou, praticamente isentos de compostos orgânicos voláteis (VOCs) e curáveis por radiação. Todavia, os revestimentos poliméricos curados são insolúveis e infusíveis, aumentando o grau de complexidade do seu reprocessamento, da sua reciclagem e da degradação desejável. Assim, este trabalho apresenta, como objeto de contribuição científica, a obtenção de tintas modificadas com agentes pró-degradantes, curadas por reações químicas induzidas por radiação ultravioleta ou feixe de elétrons (UV/EB), para impressão em embalagens plásticas, biodegradáveis ou não, para produtos de baixa vida útil. Foram estudadas combinações de seis revestimentos, sendo um verniz não pigmentado e cinco tintas nas cores amarela, azul, branca, preta e vermelha; três agentes pró-degradantes (estearatos de cobalto, cério e manganês), cinco substratos poliméricos (Ecobras®, polietileno de baixa densidade e suas respectivas modificações com os agentes pró-degradantes). Os revestimentos foram aplicados nos substratos e curados por radiação UV ou EB, resultando em 180 amostras. Estes materiais foram, então, expostos ao envelhecimento acelerado em câmara tipo QUV e à compostagem em ambiente natural. De modo a se compreender o efeito dos revestimentos poliméricos no processo de degradação das amostras, foram selecionadas aquelas com valores extremos de grau de conversão, a saber: amarela e preta, as quais foram expostas à compostagem em ambiente controlado via respirometria, reduzindo de 180 para 16 o número de amostras. O composto orgânico gerado pelo processo de biodegradação foi analisado por testes de ecotoxicidade. Foi observado que a camada de revestimento atua como barreira que inibe a degradação do plástico quando exposto às intempéries. Adicionalmente, constatou-se que quanto maior o grau de conversão das formulações pigmentadas pastosas em sólidas durante a cura por radiação ultravioleta, maior foi sua mineralização em ambiente de compostagem. As amostras curadas por EB apresentaram menor taxa de biodegradação do que as curadas por UV. Isso se deu em virtude da rede de ligações cruzadas entre as cadeias poliméticas, geradas na cura por EB. A adição dos agentes pró-degradantes promoveu uma aceleração no processo de degradação, ocasionando, inclusive, a migração do íon metálico para o meio, porém sem afetar a qualidade do meio de compostagem. / The high level of pollution generated by the inadequate disposal of polymeric materials has motivated the search for environmentally friendly systems and techniques such as the application of biodegradable polymers and the replacement of the solvent-based paint systems by those with high solids content, based water or cured by radiation, practically free of volatile organic compounds. However, the cured polymer coatings are neither soluble nor molten, increasing the complexity of the reprocessing, recycling and degradation. Thus, this work aimed to develop print inks modified with pro-degrading agents, cured by ultraviolet radiation or electron beam, for printing or decoration in plastic packaging products of short lifetime, which are biodegradable or not. Six coatings (varnish and inks in five colors: yellow, blue, white, black and red), three pro-degrading agents (cobalt stearate, cerium stearate and manganese stearate), five polymeric substrates (Ecobras®, low density polyethylene and its respective modifications with pro-degrading agents). The coatings were applied to the substrates and cured by ultraviolet radiation or electron beam, resulting in 180 samples. These materials were then exposed to accelerated aging chamber, type \"QUV\", and composting in natural environment. In order to assess the effects of the polymer coatings on the degradation process of the specimens, only the yellow and black samples were exposed to a controlled composting environment via respirometry, reducing to 16 the number of samples. The organic compound generated by the biodegradation process was analyzed by the ecotoxicity tests. It was observed that the coating layer acted as a barrier that inhibits degradation of the plastic when exposed to weathering. The addition of pro-degrading agents promoted acceleration in the degradation process, promoting the migration of the metal ion to the medium without affecting the final quality of the organic compost.

O alto nível de poluição gerado pelo descarte inadequado de materiais poliméricos vem motivando pesquisas por sistemas e técnicas ambientalmente corretos, tais como a aplicação de polímeros biodegradáveis e a substituição dos sistemas de pintura à base de solventes por aqueles com alto teor de sólidos, à base de água ou, praticamente isentos de compostos orgânicos voláteis (VOCs) e curáveis por radiação. Todavia, os revestimentos poliméricos curados são insolúveis e infusíveis, aumentando o grau de complexidade do seu reprocessamento, da sua reciclagem e da degradação desejável. Assim, este trabalho apresenta, como objeto de contribuição científica, a obtenção de tintas modificadas com agentes pró-degradantes, curadas por reações químicas induzidas por radiação ultravioleta ou feixe de elétrons (UV/EB), para impressão em embalagens plásticas, biodegradáveis ou não, para produtos de baixa vida útil. Foram estudadas combinações de seis revestimentos, sendo um verniz não pigmentado e cinco tintas nas cores amarela, azul, branca, preta e vermelha; três agentes pró-degradantes (estearatos de cobalto, cério e manganês), cinco substratos poliméricos (Ecobras®, polietileno de baixa densidade e suas respectivas modificações com os agentes pró-degradantes). Os revestimentos foram aplicados nos substratos e curados por radiação UV ou EB, resultando em 180 amostras. Estes materiais foram, então, expostos ao envelhecimento acelerado em câmara tipo QUV e à compostagem em ambiente natural. De modo a se compreender o efeito dos revestimentos poliméricos no processo de degradação das amostras, foram selecionadas aquelas com valores extremos de grau de conversão, a saber: amarela e preta, as quais foram expostas à compostagem em ambiente controlado via respirometria, reduzindo de 180 para 16 o número de amostras. O composto orgânico gerado pelo processo de biodegradação foi analisado por testes de ecotoxicidade. Foi observado que a camada de revestimento atua como barreira que inibe a degradação do plástico quando exposto às intempéries. Adicionalmente, constatou-se que quanto maior o grau de conversão das formulações pigmentadas pastosas em sólidas durante a cura por radiação ultravioleta, maior foi sua mineralização em ambiente de compostagem. As amostras curadas por EB apresentaram menor taxa de biodegradação do que as curadas por UV. Isso se deu em virtude da rede de ligações cruzadas entre as cadeias poliméticas, geradas na cura por EB. A adição dos agentes pró-degradantes promoveu uma aceleração no processo de degradação, ocasionando, inclusive, a migração do íon metálico para o meio, porém sem afetar a qualidade do meio de compostagem. / The high level of pollution generated by the inadequate disposal of polymeric materials has motivated the search for environmentally friendly systems and techniques such as the application of biodegradable polymers and the replacement of the solvent-based paint systems by those with high solids content, based water or cured by radiation, practically free of volatile organic compounds. However, the cured polymer coatings are neither soluble nor molten, increasing the complexity of the reprocessing, recycling and degradation. Thus, this work aimed to develop print inks modified with pro-degrading agents, cured by ultraviolet radiation or electron beam, for printing or decoration in plastic packaging products of short lifetime, which are biodegradable or not. Six coatings (varnish and inks in five colors: yellow, blue, white, black and red), three pro-degrading agents (cobalt stearate, cerium stearate and manganese stearate), five polymeric substrates (Ecobras®, low density polyethylene and its respective modifications with pro-degrading agents). The coatings were applied to the substrates and cured by ultraviolet radiation or electron beam, resulting in 180 samples. These materials were then exposed to accelerated aging chamber, type \"QUV\", and composting in natural environment. In order to assess the effects of the polymer coatings on the degradation process of the specimens, only the yellow and black samples were exposed to a controlled composting environment via respirometry, reducing to 16 the number of samples. The organic compound generated by the biodegradation process was analyzed by the ecotoxicity tests. It was observed that the coating layer acted as a barrier that inhibits degradation of the plastic when exposed to weathering. The addition of pro-degrading agents promoted acceleration in the degradation process, promoting the migration of the metal ion to the medium without affecting the final quality of the organic compost.

O sistema de mobilização intracelular de poli-3-hidroxibutirato (P3HB) em Burkholderia sacchari foi analisado. A busca em genomas de Burkholderia spp. identificou duas oligômero hidrolases (PhaY1 e PhaY2) e pelo menos três P3HB despolimerases intracelulares (PhaZa1, PhaZa2 e PhaZd1). Mutantes de B. sacchari afetados na mobilização de P3HB e complementados com genes de Ralstonia eutropha apresentaram um aumento expressivo nas taxas de mobilização de P3HB, especialmente quando o gene phaZa1 foi superexpresso. A superexpressão dos genes phaZa2 ou phaZa3 também conduziu a aumentos nas taxas de mobilização embora em um grau menor que os valores obtidos com phaZa1. Dois mutantes afetados na mobilização de P3HB foram obtidos utilizando o transposon mini-Tn5 (NAM03 e NAM04). NAM03 apresentou interrupção em gene que codifica uma P3HB despolimerase intracelular (PhaZa1). NAM04 apresentou interrupção em gene anotado como serino peptidase LonA. Este pode representar um ativador da mobilização ou uma nova P3HB despolimerase intracelular. / The intracellular poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) mobilization system in Burkholderia sacchari was analyzed. A search in Burkholderia spp. genomes identified two oligomer hydrolases (PhaY1 and PhaY2) and at least three intracellular P3HB depolymerase (PhaZa1, PhaZa2 e PhaZd1). B. sacchari mutants affected on P3HB mobilization and complemented by Ralstonia eutropha genes showed an expressive increase on P3HB mobilization rates, especially when phaZa1 was overexpressed. The overexpression of phaZa2 or phaZa3 also increased the mobilization rates though to a lesser extent than phaZa1. Two mutants affected on P3HB mobilization were obtained using the transposon mini-Tn5 (NAM03 and NAM04) .NAM03 was disrupted in a gene encoding an intracellular P3HB depolymerase (PhaZa1). NAM04 was disrupted in a gene annotated as a serine peptidase LonA. This could be a mobilization activator or a new intracellular P3HB depolymerase.