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Recovering deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) from items of evidence can provide critical information in criminal cases. Since the development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and use of short tandem repeats (STR) to create unique profiles from an individual’s genome1, sampling items of evidence for the presence of DNA has become routine. Biological evidentiary specimens are commonly collected at crime scenes as well as sampled from collected items of interest by using a cotton swab which can then be easily stored and tested as needed. However, even with modern advances in technology and methods, large amounts of DNA can be either lost throughout processing or remain on the substrate used for collection of the sample, such as a cotton swab2. While many of the downstream processes of evidence evaluation have been vastly improved through the use of automated procedures, engineered buffers, and commercially available extraction kits, the front-end procedures are typically more technician dependent; it is an area in which opportunities to fine-tune techniques remain. The most recent change to generalized stain recovery occurred after Sweet et al. achieved an increased efficiency of recovery by using what they referred to as the “double swab technique”. The classic method of collection before this time used a single, wet cotton swab. Based on a need to increase the effective collection of DNA from saliva samples, the double swab method was developed. The classic method was modified by using a second, dry swab to collect remaining moisture deposited by the first, wet swab3. To continue the effort to maximize cellular and DNA recovery from cotton swabs the use of trehalose in the cotton swab wetting solution was explored. D-(+)-Trehalose dihydrate is a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of two alpha glucose molecules. An alpha, alpha-1, 1 bond connects the two molecules which lends high resistance to acid hydrolysis, giving the molecule unique properties. Specifically, these properties allow the compound to maintain stability even during exposure to high temperatures and in acidic conditions4,5. In nature, trehalose can be found in plants and small organisms where it is thought to act as a protectant against fluctuations in moisture and temperature. Synthesis and release of trehalose by lower life forms during stressed states shows protective properties to cellular integrity by inhibiting protein denaturation6. The objectives of this study are to investigate the use of trehalose as an additive in DNA collection processes. The experiments examine the ability of trehalose to increase efficiency of cellular release from cotton swabs during the elution step and compares trehalose to other common buffer additives, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), when utilized as a pre-treatment or moistening agent on the cotton swab. Two procedures were developed to test the ability of trehalose to increase efficiency of cellular and DNA release from cotton swabs. The first procedure tested trehalose at 0.2 molar (M) and 1 M concentrations as the incubating solution over1 hour and 18 hour time periods after which the cotton swab was eluted using a spin-x insert and centrifugation. Both eluate and cotton swab were then processed using ZyGEM direct lysis and quantified. Quantification results of the eluate and swabs incubated in trehalose solution were not significantly different from controls. However, it is apparent that a large portion of deposited DNA remained on the swabs even after elution and ZyGEM direct lysis. The second procedure tested trehalose against BSA and SDS as treatments to cotton swabs before DNA collection. A pre-treated group (solution was applied to the swab and dried overnight; DNA was deposited to the dried swab) and a moist group (solution was applied and DNA deposited immediately) were tested after deposition of a set volume of saliva cell suspension. Quantification and amplification results of SDS treated samples indicated significant differences of DNA recovery and average peak height of profiles compared to water and buffer controls. Trehalose samples did have some significant improvement in DNA yield; however, the addition of trehalose as a moistening agent for cotton swabs does not prove to be of forensic value.

<p><i>Colletotrichum sublineolum</i> is the causal agent of sorghum anthracnose, a very common and destructive fungal disease in warm and humid areas, especially in West and Central Africa. Use of host plant resistance is considered as the most important and effective control option for sorghum diseases. To achieve this goal, identification and mapping resistance genes is essential. In this study, we used an isolate of <i>C.</i> <i>sublineolum</i>, CsGL1, to screen our sorghum germplasm and identified a resistant inbred line, P9830. We developed a mapping population from a cross between P9830 and a susceptible line, TAM428, for this research. The population was advanced to the F₆ generation. Progenies were phenotyped at F₂, F₃ and F₆ generations for disease resistance against the pathogen, CsGL1. In the F₂ generation, 460 individuals showed resistance and 149 individuals showed susceptibility to CsGL1. This result fits the 3:1 segregation pattern expected for resistance controlled by a single gene. Bulked segregant analysis with next generation sequencing was used on selected F₆ recombinant inbred lines. A significant peak containing 153 SNPs was observed on the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 8. To verify resistance to CsGL1 was controlled by genes in this region, indel and SNP markers were used between 59.4Mbp and 60.6Mbp on chromosome 8 to fine map the resistance locus. One SNP marker located in the gene <i>Sobic.008G166400</i> co-segregated with resistance, and another two indel markers were discovered to be tightly linked to the resistance locus. These three PCR-based SNP markers would be useful for marker-assisted selection for improving anthracnose resistance against CsGL1. Two candidate genes, <i>Sobic.008G166400</i> and <i>Sobic.008G166550</i>, were found in the locus. Both of the genes encode LRR proteins implicated in plant disease defense response. The identity of DNA sequence between these two candidate genes is 94.1%, possibly the result of tandem duplication. Another possible ortholog in the region is <i>Sobic.008G167500</i>. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression level of <i>Sobic.008G166400</i> didn’t change significantly in a resistant RIL, 17-12 but was induced in a susceptible RIL, 13-31, after CsGL1 infection. In conclusion, we mapped two candidate genes conferring resistant to CsGL1 on chromosome 8, and <i>Sobic.008G166400</i> is more likely of the two to be determined as the gene controlling resistance to CsGL1. </p>

Benzoyl peroxide (BP), used to bleach annatto in cheese whey, was encapsulated within the hydrophobic dispersed phase (phi) of nanoemulsions (NEs) to minimize its degradation and extend its efficacy to minimized usage levels. Three purified, saturated short-chain fatty acids of varying chain lengths: butyric (C4), hexanoic (C6) and octanoic (C8) acid, were chosen as the phi to completely dissolve various concentrations of BP. Stabilization was achieved with different concentrations and combinations of primary emulsifier (E), bovine serum albumin, and coemulsifier (CE), Tween 20. Different ultra-high pressures (UHP) were used to generate a stable NE. The best result was made by keeping these parameters: UHP 210 MPa/phi fraction 4x10-3/ BP 0.04% (w/v) constant, E (without CE) concentration of 0.04% (w/v) for both C4 and C6 or 0.6% (w/v) for C8. Annatto color reduction by 90% was achieved with C4-system using only half the typical concentration of BP used by the industry.

Hidrogéis são membranas formadas pela reticulação de cadeias poliméricas, empregados na área farmacêutica como produtos biomédicos. Dentre os principais polímeros selecionados para a síntese de hidrogéis, destaca-se a poliacrilamida (PAAM) devido às suas propriedades como hidrofilicidade e alto grau de intumescimento. Proteínas terapêuticas e enzimas são veiculadas em hidrogéis como carreadores de fármaco ou como dispositivos para tratamento de feridas e escaras na pele. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a síntese de uma membrana à base de PAAM favorável para veiculação de proteínas. As proteínas empregadas foram papaína e albumina de soro bovino (BSA) e as etapas do processo englobaram síntese da membrana, adição das proteínas no sistema, irradiação em condições específicas e caracterização da membrana. Ao utilizar temperaturas criogênicas na síntese e na irradiação das amostras, houve predomínio de reticulação da cadeia polimérica, fato que não ocorria em temperatura ambiente. As membranas foram obtidas com incorporação dos ativos na concentração de 0,2 a 1% (p/p), obtendo-se concentração de PAAM entre 4% a 10% (p/p), as quais receberam irradiação com raios gama provenientes de uma fonte 60Co, na dose de 25 kGy. Nas condições realizadas, as membranas não apresentaram citotoxicidade nem adesão celular, o perfil de liberação das proteínas foi adequado, a papaína manteve sua bioatividade preservada apesar do decaimento biológico e, segundo estudos de carga das moléculas, a membrana possui maior afinidade com a papaína, liberando-a mais lentamente. Desta forma, o método proposto e as membranas obtidas foram apropriados para a obtenção de um biomaterial. / The use of hydrogels for biomedical purposes has been extensively investigated. Polyacrylamide (PAAM) is widely used due to properties such as hydrophilicity and swelling degree. Pharmaceutical proteins correspond to highly active substances which may be applied for distinct purposes. This work concerns the development of radio-synthesized hydrogel for protein release using papain and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model proteins. The polymer was solubilized (1% w/v) in water and lyophilized. The proteins were incorporated into the lyophilized polymer and the hydrogels were produced by simultaneous crosslinking and sterilization using gamma radiation at 25 kGy under frozen conditions. The produced systems were characterized in terms of swelling degree, gel fraction, crosslinking density, fluid handling capacity, determination pH at point of polymer zero charge and evaluated according to protein release, bioactivity, cytotoxicity and cell adhesion. The hydrogels developed presented different properties as a function of polymer concentration and the optimized results were found for the samples containing 4-10% polyacrylamide. Protein release was controlled by the electrostatic affinity of acrylic moieties of polymer and proteins. This selection was based on the release of the proteins during the experiment period (up to 50 hours), maintenance of enzyme activity and the nanostructure developed. The system was suitable for protein loading and release and according to the cytotoxic assay and cell adhesion it was also adequate for biomedical purposes and this method was able to generate a matrix to protein release.

Dans ce travail, nous avons cherché à mettre en évidence l'influence de la méthode de préparation de films minces de polymère pour la biofonctionnalisation de surfaces planes. Dans un premier temps, un polymère réactif, le poly(méthacrylate de glycidyle) p(GMA) a été choisi et sa capacité de fixation vis-à-vis d'une biomolécule modèle l'albumine de sérum bovin a été étudiée. Deux stratégies principales de préparation du film polymère ont été utilisées : la technique du " grafting onto " et celle du grafting from " avec deux voies de synthèse : la polymérisation radicalaire classique (PRC) avec l'amorceur en solution et la polymérisation initiée à partir de la surface avec un amorceur photochimique. Il a été montré que la méthode du " grafting from " permettait l'obtention de films d'épaisseur plus élevées que la technique du " grafting onto " avec une meilleure capacité de fixation de biomolécules de BSA. Ces films de p(GMA) se sont révélés relativement hydrophobes, ce qui nous incités à analyser l'influence de la balance hydrophobe/hydrophile des interfaces sur leurs propriétés, dans un second temps. Par la préparation de films copolymères poly (GMA-co-acrylamide) et poly(GMA-co-méthacrylate de glycérol) et la modification des films de poly(GMA) par de l'éthanolamine, l'influence de l'hydrophilie du film sur la capacité de fixation en molécules de BSA et l'activité de reconnaissance moléculaire de celles-ci ont été évaluées. Il a été démontré que par un choix judicieux de la méthode d'hydrophilisation du film polymère, il est possible de réduire considérablement l'adsorption non-spécifique de biomolécules d'où l'obtention de films polymères bioinertes. De plus, les résultats préliminaires ont montré qu'il est possible d'améliorer sensiblement la capacité de reconnaissance moléculaire entre la BSA et son anticorps l'anti-BSA.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:15:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jorge Luiz Vieira dos Anjos.pdf: 4028971 bytes, checksum: 465f3f841d85c1929df7648b16aeb163 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-02 / Human plasma contains primarily large proteins, ranging in composition and concentration as the individual's physiological state. Among these proteins, albumin and low density lipoprotein (LDL) have been widely studied. The albumin (the most abundant protein in blood plasma) is responsible for important functions in the human body due to its excellent ability to bind and transport small molecules. In turn, the LDL (responsible for transporting cholesterol to the cells) in its oxidized form is directly associated with atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular disease. In the first part of this work, the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with the ionic surfactants sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (HPS) was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin label covalently bound to the single free thiol group of the protein. In the second part was studied the oxidation of human LDL by copper ions and also the antioxidant potential of polyphenols resveratrol, (+)-catechin and quercetin, using the EPR of a spin label, derived from stearic acid (5-DSA), and the method malondialdehyde content (MDA). Part I: The dynamics of the BSA and the thermodynamic parameters for transferring the nitroxide side chain from the more motionally restricted to the less restricted component were monitored through EPR spectra simulation. Whereas SDS and CTAC showed similar increases in the dynamics of the protein backbone for all concentrations used, HPS presented a smaller effect at concentrations above 1.5mM. At 10mM of surfactants and 0.15 mM BSA, the standard Gibbs free energy change was consistent with protein backbone conformations more expanded and exposed to the solvent, but with a less pronounced effect for HPS. In the presence of the surfactants, the enthalpy change, related to the energy required to dissociate the nitroxide side chain from the protein, was greater, suggesting a lower water activity. The nitroxide side chain also detected a higher viscosity environment in the vicinity of the Mal-5 induced by the addition of the surfactants. The results suggest that the surfactant-BSA interaction, at higher surfactant concentration, is affected by the affinities of the surfactant to its own micelles and micelle-like aggregates. Complementary DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) data suggests that the temperature induced changes monitored by the Mal-5 reflects local changes in the vicinity of Cys-34 BSA residue. Part II: The oxidative process induced by copper ions results in lipid peroxidation of LDL (evidenced by high concentration of MDA) could also be monitored by the decrease in the dynamics of 5-DSA, reflected in increased spectral parameter 2A//. The oxidation of LDL resulted in increased energy barrier that the spin labels must overcome to achieve higher degrees of motion. All polyphenols studied were able to protect LDL completely against oxidation for concentrations from 30 &#61549;M, whereas the protection provided by the Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) occurred only partially. This result, based on data from the literature, was attributed to the ability of polyphenols act as scavenger and chelating agents, while the BHT acts just like scavenger due the presence of only a single hydroxyl group in its molecule. / O plasma humano contém principalmente grandes proteínas, com variação na composição e concentração conforme o estado fisiológico do individuo. Entre essas proteínas, a albumina e a lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) têm sido amplamente estudadas. A albumina (proteína mais abundante do plasma sanguíneo) é a responsável por importantes funções no organismo humano devido a sua excelente capacidade de se ligar e transportar pequenas moléculas. Por sua vez, a LDL (responsável pelo transporte de colesterol para as células) em sua forma oxidada está diretamente associada à aterosclerose, principal causa de doenças cardiovasculares. Na primeira parte deste trabalho, a interação da albumina de soro bovino (BSA) com os surfactantes iônicos dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS), cloreto de cetiltrimetilamônio (CTAC) e N-hexadecil-N,N, dimetil-3-3amônio-1-propano sulfonato (HPS) foi estudada através da espectroscopia de ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) do marcador de spin Mal-5 ligado covalentemente na cadeia lateral do resíduo Cys-34 da BSA. Na segunda parte foi estudada a oxidação da LDL humana por íons de cobre e também o potencial antioxidante dos polifenóis resveratrol, (+)-catequina e quercetina, usando a RPE de um marcador de spin derivado do ácido esteárico (5-DSA) e o método de formação de malondialdeído (MDA). Parte I: A dinâmica da BSA e os parâmetros termodinâmicos para transferir a cadeia lateral do nitróxido da componente de movimento mais restrito para a componente menos restrita foram monitorados através da simulação dos espectros de RPE. Enquanto o SDS e o CTAC mostraram efeitos similares na dinâmica da proteína para todas as concentrações usadas, o HPS apresentou menor efeito em concentrações acima de 1,5 mM. Em 10 mM de surfactantes e 0,15 mM de BSA, a variação da energia livre padrão de Gibbs foi consistente com a conformação da cadeia proteica mais expandida e mais exposta ao solvente, mas com um efeito menos pronunciado para o HPS. Na presença dos surfactantes, a variação de entalpia, relacionada a energia necessária para dissociar a cadeia lateral do nitróxido da proteína, foi grande, sugerindo uma menor atividade da água. A cadeia lateral do nitróxido também detectou um ambiente com maior viscosidade nas vizinhanças do Mal-5 induzida pela adição dos surfactantes. Os resultados sugerem que a interação surfactante-BSA, em altas concentrações, é afetada pela afinidade do surfactante por suas próprias micelas e agregados micelares incorporados na proteína. Complementarmente, dados obtidos com DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) sugerem que as mudanças induzidas pela temperatura que são monitoradas pelo Mal-5 são mudanças locais na vizinhança do único resíduo Cys-34 da BSA. Parte II: O processo oxidativo induzido pelos íons de cobre resulta na peroxidação dos lipídios da LDL (evidenciado pela elevação da concentração de MDA) também pôde ser monitorado pela diminuição na dinâmica do marcador de spin 5-DSA refletida no aumento do parâmetro espectral 2A//. A oxidação da LDL acarretou no aumento da barreira da energia que os marcadores de spin precisam superar para alcançar graus superiores de movimento. Todos os polifenóis estudados foram capazes de proteger completamente a LDL contra a oxidação em concentrações a partir de 30 &#61549;M, enquanto que a proteção fornecida pelo butil-hidroxi-tolueno (BHT) se deu apenas parcialmente. Este resultado, baseado em dados da literatura, foi atribuído à capacidade dos polifenóis atuarem tanto como scavenger quanto como quelantes, ao passo que o BHT é capaz de atuar apenas como scavenger devido à presença de apenas uma única hidroxila em sua molécula.

Hidrogéis são membranas formadas pela reticulação de cadeias poliméricas, empregados na área farmacêutica como produtos biomédicos. Dentre os principais polímeros selecionados para a síntese de hidrogéis, destaca-se a poliacrilamida (PAAM) devido às suas propriedades como hidrofilicidade e alto grau de intumescimento. Proteínas terapêuticas e enzimas são veiculadas em hidrogéis como carreadores de fármaco ou como dispositivos para tratamento de feridas e escaras na pele. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a síntese de uma membrana à base de PAAM favorável para veiculação de proteínas. As proteínas empregadas foram papaína e albumina de soro bovino (BSA) e as etapas do processo englobaram síntese da membrana, adição das proteínas no sistema, irradiação em condições específicas e caracterização da membrana. Ao utilizar temperaturas criogênicas na síntese e na irradiação das amostras, houve predomínio de reticulação da cadeia polimérica, fato que não ocorria em temperatura ambiente. As membranas foram obtidas com incorporação dos ativos na concentração de 0,2 a 1% (p/p), obtendo-se concentração de PAAM entre 4% a 10% (p/p), as quais receberam irradiação com raios gama provenientes de uma fonte 60Co, na dose de 25 kGy. Nas condições realizadas, as membranas não apresentaram citotoxicidade nem adesão celular, o perfil de liberação das proteínas foi adequado, a papaína manteve sua bioatividade preservada apesar do decaimento biológico e, segundo estudos de carga das moléculas, a membrana possui maior afinidade com a papaína, liberando-a mais lentamente. Desta forma, o método proposto e as membranas obtidas foram apropriados para a obtenção de um biomaterial. / The use of hydrogels for biomedical purposes has been extensively investigated. Polyacrylamide (PAAM) is widely used due to properties such as hydrophilicity and swelling degree. Pharmaceutical proteins correspond to highly active substances which may be applied for distinct purposes. This work concerns the development of radio-synthesized hydrogel for protein release using papain and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model proteins. The polymer was solubilized (1% w/v) in water and lyophilized. The proteins were incorporated into the lyophilized polymer and the hydrogels were produced by simultaneous crosslinking and sterilization using gamma radiation at 25 kGy under frozen conditions. The produced systems were characterized in terms of swelling degree, gel fraction, crosslinking density, fluid handling capacity, determination pH at point of polymer zero charge and evaluated according to protein release, bioactivity, cytotoxicity and cell adhesion. The hydrogels developed presented different properties as a function of polymer concentration and the optimized results were found for the samples containing 4-10% polyacrylamide. Protein release was controlled by the electrostatic affinity of acrylic moieties of polymer and proteins. This selection was based on the release of the proteins during the experiment period (up to 50 hours), maintenance of enzyme activity and the nanostructure developed. The system was suitable for protein loading and release and according to the cytotoxic assay and cell adhesion it was also adequate for biomedical purposes and this method was able to generate a matrix to protein release.

Vacuum deposition techniques like thermal evaporation and CVD with their precise layer control and high layer purity often cannot be applied for the deposition of chemical or biological molecules. The molecules are usually decomposed by heat. To overcome this problem, the Electrospray ionization (ESI) process known from mass spectroscopy is employed to transfer molecules into vacuum and to deposit them on a substrate. In this work, a homemade ESI tool was used to deposit BSA (Bovine serum albumin) layers with high deposition rates. Solutions with different concentrations of BSA were prepared using a methanol:water (MeOH:H2O) mixture (1:1) as solvent. The influence of the substrate distance on the deposition rate and on the transmission current was analyzed. Furthermore, the layer thickness distribution and layer adhesion were investigated.

L’étude des organismes vivants, la biologie, s’étend sur de nombreux domaines et notamment s’applique à comprendre le fonctionnement des êtres vivants. Les organismes les plus complexes comme les êtres Humains possèdent plusieurs niveaux d’organisation : ils sont constitués successivement d’organes, de tissus, de cellules, de biomolécules. On trouve plusieurs types de biomolécules dont les protéines, qui sont comme des minuscules outils qui permettent aux cellules de vivre et d’interagir avec leur environnement. Pour cela, les protéines doivent entrer en contact les unes avec les autres de manière très précise et déterminée. Cette thèse teste l’existence de forces électrodynamiques de longue portée qui leur permettraient d’interagir de manière rapide et guidée, via l’étude de l’absorption ou l’émission de ce type d’onde par des protéines, puis la diffusion de ces protéines en solution pour observer leur comportement. / The study of living organisms, biology, extends over many fields and in particular, applies to understanding the functioning of living beings. The most complex organisms, such as human beings, have several levels of organization: they are made up successively of organs, tissues, cells, and biomolecules. There are several types of biomolecules including proteins, which are like tiny tools that allow cells to live and interact with their environment. To do this, proteins must come into contact with each other in a very precise and determined way. This thesis tests the existence of long-range electrodynamic forces which would allow them to interact in a rapid and guided way, by studying the absorption or emission of this type of wave by proteins, then the diffusion of these proteins in solution to observe their behavior.