One major disadvantage of nucleic acid delivery systems is the low transfection or transduction efficiency of large-sized plasmids into cells. In this communication, we demonstrate the efficient transfection of a 15.5 kb green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused HIV-1 molecular clone with a nucleic acid delivery system prepared from the highly potent peptide-mimicking cationic lipid OH4 in a mixture with the phospholipid DOPE (co-lipid). For the transfection, liposomes were loaded using a large-sized plasmid (15.5 kb), which encodes a replication-competent HIV type 1 molecular clone that carries a Gag-internal green fluorescent protein (HIV-1 JR-FL Gag-iGFP). The particle size and charge of the generated nanocarriers with 15.5 kb were compared to those of a standardized 4.7 kb plasmid formulation. Stable, small-sized lipoplexes could be generated independently of the length of the used DNA. The transfer of fluorescently labeled pDNA-HIV1-Gag-iGFP in HEK293T cells was monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy (cLSM). After efficient plasmid delivery, virus particles were detectable as budding structures on the plasma membrane. Moreover, we observed a randomized distribution of fluorescently labeled lipids over the plasma membrane. Obviously, a significant exchange of lipids between the drug delivery system and the cellular membranes occurs, which hints toward a fusion process. The mechanism of membrane fusion for the internalization of lipid-based drug delivery systems into cells is still a frequently discussed topic.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous and display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that can control bacterial colonization of surfaces. Ceragenins are small-molecule mimics of AMPs and have several advantages over AMPs, including cost of manufacture and stability. A ceragenin, CSA-120, modified with an acrylamide group was directly incorporated into fluoropolymer coatings as a means of inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation. The ceragenin-containing coatings displayed improved performance. By conjugating a copper chelating group to the ceragenin, chelation of 64Cu by the conjugate was effective and provided a stable complex that allowed in vivo imaging. This conjugate may provide a means of identifying infection sites in patients presenting general signs of infection without localized symptoms. A combination nanoparticle comprised of a maghemite core for enhanced T2 MRI contrast diagnostics, a colloidal silver shell acting as an antimicrobial and therapeutic vehicle, and a ceragenin (CSA- 124) surfactant providing microbial adhesion was synthesized and characterized by multiple methods. Silver nanoparticles conjugated with ceragenin, CSA-124, as a potential Gram-positiveselective antimicrobial were synthesized and termed as CSA-SNPs. Herein, CSA-SNPs are characterized using multiple methods and the antimicrobial properties are determined through minimum inhibitory concentration/minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) and time-kill study. Prostanoids are a natural subclass of eicosanoids generated mainly from metabolic oxidation of arachidonic acid. Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (cyPGs) contain a highly reactive α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group in their cyclopentenone ring and possess three main potentially therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antiviral. We designed and synthesized EC and its derivatives in reducing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-12. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells are unique innate-like T cells and play a key role in host defense against bacterial and fungal infection as well as in human autoimmune diseases. The MAIT cells are activated through T-cell receptor αβ chain (TCR-αβ) binding with the MR1-ligand, which is vitamin B metabolites presented on MR1. Rribityllumazines, one of important MR1-ligand was synthesized in my study.

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This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of functional poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) containing homo- and block copolymers that are potential materials for membrane-based water purification and gas separation, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging and tissue engineering applications. The polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) was investigated with regard to the effects of initiator structures and reaction parameters such as polymerization time and temperature on molecular weight control and molecular weight distribution, endgroup functionality, living characteristics, and mechanism and kinetics. The structure of initiators was shown to significantly affect the molecular weight control and molecular weight distribution of PEtOx oligomers. Methyl triflate initiated polymerizations were found to result in oligomers with low polydispersity (PDI) values around 1.10-1.15 and symmetrical chromatograms were obtained via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) studies with the use of refractive index, light scattering and viscosity detectors. However, EtOx polymerizations initiated by halide containing initiators such as benzyl chloride, dibromo- and diiodo-p-xylene, and vinylsilylpropyl iodides yielded PEtOx oligomers with higher PDI values ~ 1.30-1.40. Higher molecular weight distributions can be attributed to the presence of covalent species during polymerization and slower initiation rate as evidenced by kinetic studies when compared to PEtOx prepared from methyl triflate initiators. In all cases, termination reactions with aliphatic cyclic amines were quantitative. Mono- and diamine functional PEtOx oligomers with controlled molecular weight and excellent end-group functionality may be used as prepolymers for incorporation into multiblock and graft copolymer and crosslinked structures for a variety of applications such as membranes and hydrogels for tissue engineering matrices. Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) containing block copolymers were prepared using the macroinitiator method. First, amphiphilic triblock copolymers with hydrophobic poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PSF) central block and hydrophilic PEtOx side blocks were synthesized via polymerization of EtOx sequences from tosylate functional telechelic PSF macroinitiators. PSFs are well-known engineering thermoplastics with excellent resistance to hydrolysis and oxidation, as well as displaying good mechanical properties, thermal stability and toughness. Phenol functional PSFs were prepared via step-growth polymerization of dichlorodiphenylsulfone and bisphenol-A (slight excess) monomers. Phenolic chain ends were then converted to aliphatic hydroxyethyl endgroups by reaction with ethylene carbonate. Upon treatment with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, tosylate functional PSF macroinitiators were prepared. PEtOx-b-PSF-b-PEtOx triblock copolymers (pendent acyl groups of PEtOx side blocks) were partially hydrolyzed in an acidic medium to introduce random charged poly(ethylene imine) units to prepare ionomer structures that may show good salt rejection, water flux and antibacterial properties for membrane-based water purification applications. Phosphonic acid modified poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEO-b-PEtOx) diblock copolymers were prepared via cationic ring opening polymerization of EtOx monomers from tosylate functional PEO macroinitiators and subsequent functionalization reactions on the polyoxazoline block. Post-modification reactions included controlled partial pendent acyl group hydrolysis under an acidic medium to form the random block copolymers of PEtOx and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), Michael addition of diethylvinyl phosphonate groups to PEI units and hydrolysis of the ethyl groups on the phosphonates to yield pendent phosphonic acid groups on the polyoxazoline block. After each step of functionalization reactions, structures and compositions were confirmed utilizing 1H NMR and the degree of phosphorylation was found to be > 95%. Both PEO and PEtOx are biocompatible polymers and the anionic quality of the phosphonic acid has the potential to be pH controllable and provide an environment where cationic drugs and contrast agents can be attached. Thus, these polymers have potential as drug carriers and contrast enhancement agents for magnetic resonance imaging applications. / Ph. D.

A range of microgels with two different functionalities were synthesized, and their utility in novel bioapplications was examined. Cationic microgels with varying properties were developed by tuning synthesis conditions. Their size and primary amine content was analyzed, and one microgel system was selected as a model construct. Its primary amine groups were conjugated to two dyes with properties favorable for utilization as contrast agents in photoacoustic imaging. The concentration of contrast agent in single particles was determined. The implications of a high local dye concentration in the generation of high intensity photoacoustic signals, are discussed. The second bioapplication involved the targeted delivery of fibrinolytics to fibrin clots, in order to bring about dissolution of abnormal thrombi. For this purpose, core/shell microgels with carboxylic acid groups in their shells were synthesized in three size ranges. Following this, their dimension based differential localization in and around porous fibrin clots was examined. Fibrin-specific peptides were then conjugated onto the shells of these particles and the conjugates were shown to demonstrate strong interactions with the fibrin clots. The microgels conjugated to the peptide with the highest binding affinity to fibrin, were observed to bring about disruption of fibrin clots, merely through interference in the dynamic interactions among clot fibers, due to the equilibrium nature of the fibrin polymer. The implications of these novel results and future studies required to facilitate a better understanding of the phenomena involved, are discussed.

La2Mo2-yWyO9 (y = 1.0 to 2.0) oxides were synthesized by conventional solid state route and studied by XRD, TC-XRD and DTA. A phase diagram of the series was proposed. The thermodynamically stable phases at room temperature are: for 1.0≤ y ≤1.2 a cubic β-La2Mo2O9 type solid solution, for 1.3≤ y ≤1.575 a biphasic mixture of β-La2Mo2O9 type + α-La2W2O9 type phases, and for 1.6≤ y ≤2.0 a triclinic α-La2W2O9 type solid solution. Inhomogeneous distribution of W is suspected in the biphasic samples. It is clear that the compounds above y =1.2 are not suitable for SOFC applications.Cationic diffusion studies were performed using SIMS on La2Mo2O9 (LMO)/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ (LSM) annealed couples. Rod shaped LaMnO3 grains were observed on LMO pellet and SrMoO4 type phases were seen to be growing on LSM pellet. Hypotheses for possible reaction mechanisms are presented. Bulk diffusion coefficients of Sr and Mn in LMO and of Mo in LSM are extrapolated to be around 1x10-20 cm2.s-1 and 1x10-15 cm2.s-1, respectively, at 800oC. Similar diffusion studies were performed by depositing Mn and Sr cation rich solutions on LMO pellets and Mo rich solution on LSM pellet. Mn solution was observed to be forming, upon annealing, LaMnO3 single crystals on the surface of the LMO pellet. Mo in LSM and Sr in LMO diffusion coefficients appear to be much higher than in LMO/LSM couple experiments, namely around 1-2x10-10cm2.s-1 at 1150°C. Because of the reactivity, LMO/LSM couple is not desirable for SOFC applications, unless an appropriate buffer layer separates them.The stability of LMO and W-LMO was studied under reductive atmospheres. Successive structural changes from LMO to La7Mo7O30 (7730), an amorphous reduced phase La2Mo2O7-δ, and partial decomposition to metallic Mo were observed as a function of oxygen loss. The pO2 stability domain of La2Mo2-yWyO9 did not appear to change with W content, but the reduction kinetics varied with y. At reverse, the stability limit of the 7730 phase was found to be dependent on W content. The amorphous reduced phase can accommodate a wide range of oxygen stoichiometry (7-δ from 6.69 to 6.20), but its stability vs. pO2 is questioned. Resistivity measurements performed on a low compacity crack-free amorphous La2Mo2O7-δ sample showed significant increase in the conductivity (> 1 S.cm-1 at 1000 K) relative to La2Mo2O9, with a pseudo activation energy 0.255eV. It is postulated that n-type electronic conductivity arises from partial reduction of hexavalent Mo6+ to a mixture of Mo3+ and Mo4+.

Cannabinoids (CBs) and particularly CB2 agonists have been shown to reduce pain andinflammation without eliciting any apparent psychotropic effect conversely to CB1agonist compounds. CBs candidates are usually lipophilic non drug-like compoundswith poor bioavailability. To serve the purpose of evaluating new synthetic CB2 agonistsdeveloped by our group, on in vivo neuropathic pain models, an enabling formulationstrategy has been set up and four Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) developed. Forparenteral administration, cyclodextrin (CD)-based inclusion complexes, liposomes andsurfactants/co-solvents micellar solution have been investigated whereas Self-Emulsifying DDS (SEDDS) was selected for oral administration. A pharmacologicalstudy conducted with lead compound MDA7, formulated in CD-based DDS resulted inthe higher antinociceptive activity. A comprehensive study of the inclusion mechanismof MDA7 in the CD supramolecular complexes prepared was carried out. MDA7pharmacokinetic profile was also generated formulated in micellar solution and SEDDS.Besides, cationic polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) have been designed to serve as aprotective DDS for oral administration of a dietary phytocannabinoid CB2 agonist.Studies were undertaken to characterize and evaluate the influence of differentparameters on NCs formation prepared by nanoprecipitation. The cationic NCsdeveloped have been explored for their property to yield proportion of counterioniccondensation in the presence of macrocycles bearing anionic groups such assulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin or to form electrostatic interactions/host-guestcomplexion with cucurbit[n]uril.

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis potentially through interaction with nitric oxide (NO) generated by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway. Although considerable literature supports a pro-atherogenic role for iNOS-induced NO, recent evidence suggest an anti-atherogenic property for this enzyme where iNOS-induced NO attenuates atherosclerotic lesions after immune injury, enhancing endothelial integrity, survival, protecting against OS-induced apoptosis and necrosis. We therefore hypothesize that iNOS may have a cardio-protective role in the atherosclerotic vessel and that under conditions of OS, expression and function of this enzyme may be impaired, thus contributing to the deleterious consequences of OS. Experiments have therefore been conducted to establish whether pro-oxidants regulate iNOS expression/function in rat cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). These cells were induced for 24 hours with LPS and IFN-γ to mimic inflammatory conditions. Oxidative stress inducers may modulate iNOS-induced NO production through alteration of the expression and/or function of the inducible L-arginine-NO pathway. We examined the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), antimycin A and diethyl maleate (DEM) on this pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells. H2O2 had little effect on NO production or L-arginine transport while antimycin A and DEM independently caused a concentration dependent inhibition of both processes. Only DEM induced hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, monitored by western blotting as a marker of OS. The effects of statins on NO synthesis and L-arginine transport in the presence and absence of OS were also investigated. The benefits of statins therapy in cardiovascular medicine are ascribed in part to their lipid-lowering effect by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methoxyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. However, statins may possess anti-inflammatory properties and are able to improve endothelial function, stabilize atherosclerotic plaque, and inhibit platelet aggregation, vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and vessel wall inflammation. These effects may be exerted through novel actions of statins that include interaction with specific signalling pathways in cells which may be associated with the induction of iNOS and/or cationic amino acid transporters (CATs). Thus, we have extended our investigations to include an examination of the effects of statins on both iNOS and CAT function and expression under control conditions and following exposure of cells to OS. Atorvastatin caused a bell shaped response on NO production and iNOS expression and also enhanced L-arginine transport but in a non-concentration dependent manner. Simvastatin only affected NO synthesis without altering transporter activity. Pravastatin was without effect on either system. Further studies demonstrated that that atorvastatin was able to reverse the effects of antimycin A and DEM but only on NO production. These findings confirm that the inducible L-arginine-NO pathway can be downregulated by pro-oxidants. This mechanism may therefore contribute to the deleterious effects observed in disease states associated with OS. Moreover, statins (in particular atorvastatin) appear to be effective in reversing the inhibition of NO production caused by inducers of OS. This, together with the fact that atorvastatin and simvastatin can potentiate iNOS-induced NO production and indeed L-arginine transport (with atorvastatin), highlights a potential novel mechanism through which the cardio-protective actions of these compounds could be mediated.

This thesis describes strategies for and examples ofcellulose fiber modification.The ability of an engineered biocatalyst, acellulose-binding module fused to theCandida antarcticalipase B, to catalyze ring-openingpolymerization of e-caprolactone in close proximity tocellulose fiber surfaces was explored. The water content in thesystem was found to regulate the polymer molecular weight,whereas the temperature primarily influenced the reaction rate.The hydrophobicity of the cellulose sample increased as aresult of the presence of surface-deposited polyester. A two-step enzymatic method was also investigated. Here,Candida antarctica lipase B catalyzed the acylation ofxyloglucan oligosaccharides.The modified carbohydrates werethen incorporated into longer xyloglucan molecules through theaction of a xyloglucan endotransglycosylase. The modifiedxyloglucan chains were finally deposited on a cellulosesubstrate. The action ofCandida antarcticalipase B was further investigated inthe copolymerization of e-caprolactone and D,L-lactide.Copolymerizations with different e-caprolactone-to-D,L-lactideratios were carried out. Initially, the polymerization wasslowed by the presence of D,L-lactide. During this stage,D,L-lactide was consumed more rapidly than ε-caprolactoneand the incorporation occurred dimer-wise with regard to thelactic acid units. Morphological studies on wood fibers were conducted using asol-gel mineralization method. The replicas produced werestudied, without additional sample preparation, by electronmicroscopy and nitrogen adsorption. Information concerning thestructure and accessibility of the porous fiber wall wasobtained. Studies of never-dried kraft pulp casts revealedmicro-cavities and cellulose fibrils with mean widths of 4.7(±2) and 3.6 (±1) nm, respectively. Finally, cationic catalysis by simple carboxylic acids wasstudied. L-Lactic acid was shown to catalyze the ring-openingpolymerization of ε-caprolactone in bulk at 120 °C.The reaction was initiated with methylß-D-glucopyranoside, sucrose or raffinose, which resultedin carbohydrate-functionalized polyesters. The regioselectivityof the acylation was well in agreement with the correspondinglipase-catalyzed reaction. The polymerization was alsoinitiated with a hexahydroxy-functional compound, whichresulted in a dendrimer-like star polymer. The L-lactic acidwas readily recycled, which made consecutive reactions usingthe same catalyst possible. Keywords:Candida antarcticalipase B, cationic catalysis,cellulose-binding module, dendrimer, enzymatic polymerization,fiber modification, silica-cast replica, sol-gelmineralization, organocatalysis, xyloglucanendotransglycosylase