Metal ions and complexes utilized as cleavage agents have influenced many synthetic approaches of scientists to assist in the cleavage and transformation of biomolecules. These metal-based synthetic cleavage agents have potential applications in biotechnology or as molecular therapeutic agents. Herein, we have examined Ce(IV) metal ion and complexes as acidic hydrolytic agents in lipid hydrolysis reactions (Chapter 2 and 3), and a copper(II) complex that photo-oxidizes DNA upon exposure to ultraviolet light (Chapter 4). In Chapter 2 we examined the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin vesicles by Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6 (Ce(IV)) and compared the results to twelve d- and f-block metal salts, hydrolysis of mixed lipid vesicles and mixed micelles of sphingomyelin by Ce(IV), and hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine vesicles by Ce(IV), using either MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or colorimetric assays. In Chapter 3, we described the study of a Ce(IV) complex based on 1,3-bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane as a potential acidic hydrolytic agent of phospholipids using colorimetric assays and NMR spectroscopy. The hydrolytic agent provided markedly enhance hydrolysis at lysosomal pH (~ 4.8), but suppress hydrolysis when pH was raised to near-neutral pH (~ 7.2). This was due to the pKa values of the donor atoms of the ligand, in which the metal’s electrophilicity was reduced to a greater extent at ~ pH 7.2 compared to ~ pH 4.8. Chapter 4 describes the synthesis and study of a Cu(II) complex based on a hexaazatriphenylene derivative for photo-assisted cleavage of double-helical DNA. Scavenger and chemical assays suggested the formation of DNA damaging reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, in the photocleavage reactions. Thermal denaturation and UV-vis absorption studies suggested that the Cu(II) complex binds in a non-intercalative fashion to duplex DNA.

A fundamental analysis performed at LKAB is the determination of the iron (II) content of the company’s iron ore products. Currently, a redox titration method using potassium dichromate as the titrator is used to determine this content. However, LKAB is considering replacing its current method due to the titrator’s harmful effects on the health and the environment. The purpose of this study is to compare different redox titration methodsvalidation parameters, to find the most suitable method for the determination of the iron (II) content. The titrators in focus for this study is potassium dichromate, cerium (IV) sulphate and potassium permanganate. Several experiments were performed to compare the three titration methods. The validation parameters determined for each method were precision, accuracy, linearity, LOD, LOQ and robustness. The titration error was also calculated. The results showed that the redox titration with potassium dichromate as the titrator had the highest accuracy at 98.95 %, while the redox titration with cerium (IV) sulphate as the titrator had the best precision at 0.099 % (for samples with a similar matrix as LKAB’s iron ore products). Based on the acquired results, it was concluded that LKAB’s current method is the most suitable for the determination of the iron (II) content in LKAB’s iron ore products. The redox titration method using cerium (IV) sulphate as a titrator is a good competitor, butdue to the method’s slightly inferior accuracy and vague end point, it fails to outcompeteLKAB’s current method. / En grundläggande analys som utförs på LKAB är fastställandet av järn (II)-halten i företagets järnmalmsprodukter. För närvarande används en redox-titreringsmetod med kaliumdikromat som titrator för bestämmelsen av denna halt. LKAB överväger dock att byta ut sin nuvarande metod på grund av titratorns hälso- och miljöfarliga effekter. Syftet med denna studie är att jämföra olika redox-titreringsmetoders valideringsparametrar, för att hitta den mest lämpligaste metoden för fastställandet av järn (II)-halten. De titratorer som studeras är kaliumdikromat, cerium (IV) sulfat och kaliumpermanganat. Flertalet experiment utfördes, för att kunna jämföra de tre titreringsmetoderna med varandra. De valideringsparametrar som bestämdes för vardera metoden var precision, noggrannhet, linjäritet, LOD, LOQ och robusthet. Titrerfelet beräknades också. Resultaten visade att redox-titrering med kalimdikromat som titrator hade högst noggrannhet på 98,95 %, medan redox-titrering med cerium (IV) sulfat som titrator hade bäst precision på 0,099 % (för prover med liknande matris som LKAB:s järnmalmsprodukter). Utifrån de resultat som erhölls så drogs slutsatsen att LKAB:s nuvarande metod är den mest lämpligaste för fastställandet av järn (II)-halten i företagets järnmalmsprodukter. Redox-titreringsmetoden med cerium (IV) sulfat som titrator är en bra konkurrent, men på grund av metodens något sämre noggrannhet och otydligare slutpunkt så misslyckas den med att konkurrera ut LKAB:s nuvarande metod.

Facile, one-step synthesis of self-assembling, cationic block copolymers of poly(2-N-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) and PEO-PPO-PEO (Pluronic®) is developed. The copolymers are obtained via free-radical polymerization of DMAEMA initiated by Pluronic-radicals generated by cerium (IV). The copolymers possess surface activity, are polycationic at pH<7.1, and self-assemble into micelle-like aggregates when neutralized. Potential applications of the novel copolymers for DNA transfection in gene therapy are discussed. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) has a major application as an indoor wood adhesive. Low water stability is however, one of the greatest drawbacks of PVAc. By grafting PVAc from a chitosan (CS) backbone (CS-graft- PVAc) water stability of adhesive is increased while good mechanical and adhesive properties are retained. Simultaneously the percentage of bio-based content is increased. This work investigates the proposed re- action mechanisms between chitosan and cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) which is used as an initiator for the grafting reaction. Litera- ture studies showed one dominating reaction mechanism and some not as common. The reaction mechanisms and their shortcomings are pre- sented and discussed in the report. / Poly(vinyl acetat)(PVAc) har ett stort användningsområde som ett trälim för möbler som ska användas inomhus. Den dåliga vatten stabiliteten är ett av de största problemen för användning av PVAc. Genom att ympa PVAc med chitosan(CS) (CS-graft-PVAc) kan vatten stabiliteten ökas samtidigt som en god limfunktion finns kvar och delen fossilbaserad monomer blir mindre och byts ut mot en biobaserad polymer. I detta arbete undersöks de föreslagna reaktionsmekanismerna mellan CS och cerium(IV) ammonium nitrat(CAN) som används som en katalysator för att grafta PVAc med CS. Litteraturstudier visade en dominerade reaktionsmekanism och några mindre förekommande. Reaktionsmekanis- merna och eventuella tillkortakommanden som finns gällande hur de fortlöper presenteras och diskuteras i detta arbete.

Atualmente o aço galvannealed é submetido à fosfatização e/ou cromatização como pré-tratamento superficial; no entanto, por questões econômicas e ambientais, estuda-se a viabilidade de utilizar os silanos como pré-tratamento alternativo. Os silanos são moléculas organofuncionais conhecidas por atuar como agentes de ligação entre superfícies orgânicas e inorgânicas, promotores de adesão em sistemas de pintura e também por fornecerem proteção contra a corrosão. A proteção à corrosão depende principalmente do silano a ser utilizado, das condições de hidrólise e de cura. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar as condições de hidrólise através de um projeto estatístico de experimentos e o efeito na proteção contra corrosão, de um agente promotor de polimerização redox (íons de cério IV) ou de um inibidor de corrosão (íons de cério III) aplicado aos filmes de silanos (bis-silano funcional: bis-1,2- [(trietoxisilil)propil] tetrasulfeto (BTESPT) e bis-(g-trimetoxysililpropil)amina (BTSPA)) obtidos em 1%, 2% ou 3% de concentração de silano em massa de solução solvente água/etanol (50/50%), nos pHs 4,0, 5,0, 6,5 e 9,0, depositados sobre o aço galvannealed. A natureza porosa natural da superfície desse aço, consequência do tratamento térmico do revestimento de zinco, leva à necessidade de tempos maiores de imersão do metal na solução hidrolizada do silano para que seja completamente molhada levando à formação de um filme compacto e homogêneo. A adição de nanopartículas de sílica também foi estudada variando sua concentração nos filmes. A aplicação dos filmes sobre a superfície metálica foi feita pelo processo de dip-coating. Os filmes foram obtidos em mono e bi-camadas. As condições de cura, em estufa, para a mono camada foram à temperatura de 150ºC por 40 minutos. As condições de cura, em estufa, para a bi-camada foram: primeira camada à temperatura de 150ºC por 20 minutos e segunda camada à temperatura de 150ºC por 40 minutos. Os estudos eletroquímicos foram realizados utilizando medidas de técnica de varredura do eletrodo vibratório (SVET) e de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS), medidas de resistência de polarização linear (Rp) e curva de polarização potenciodinâmicas, obtidas respectivamente, em solução aerada de NaCl 0,05 mo.L-1 e 0,1 mol L-1. A caracterização química dos filmes foi feita através das técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho (IR) e micro Raman. A caracterização física das amostras foi analisada por medida da viscosidade cinemática. Foram obtidas medidas de ângulo de contato para caracterizar a hidrofobicidade da superfície do metal recoberto pelo filme de polissilanos modificados. As imagens de microscopias óptica, eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e de força atômica (AFM) foram obtidas para conhecer a morfologia do filme e dispersão (homogeneidade) das nanopartículas de sílica no filme. Os resultados mostraram que tanto para o filme de BTSPA como de BTESPT o pH ideal para a obtenção de um filme mais resistente à corrosão foi o pH 4,0. As análises físico-químicas mostram que a adição de íons Ce (III) ou íons Ce (IV) melhoram as propriedades protetoras e reticulação dos filmes, respectivamente, formando um filme mais homogêneo e compacto. As caracterizações morfológicas mostraram que as nanopartículas de sílica, quando em excesso, formam aglomerados na superfície porosa do galvannealed, promovendo trincas e diminuindo as propriedades anticorrosivas dos filmes. / Currently, galvannealed carbon steel has been submitted to phosphatizing and/or chromatizing as surface pre-treatment; however, for economic and environmental issues, the viability to use silanes as an alternative pre-treatment has been studied. The silanes are organofunctionals molecules known for acting as coupling agents, adhesion promoters in paintings as well as for supplying protection against corrosion. The protection against corrosion depends mainly on the silane to be used, cure and hydrolysis conditions. The aim of this work is to study the conditions of the hydrolysis by a statistical project of experiments and the effect on corrosion protection, of either redox polymerization agent(ions of cerium IV) or a corrosion inhibitor (ions of cerium III) added to silane films (bis-functional silane: bis-[trimethoxysililpropyl]amine (BTSPA) and bis-1.2- [triethoxysilylpropyl]tetrasulfide (BTESPT)) obtained at silane concentration of 1%, 2% or 3% in mass of the solvent solution (50/50%) at pHs 4,0, 5,0, 6,5 and 9,0, deposited on galvannealed steel. The natural porous nature of the galvannealed steel surface as a results of thethermal annealing treatment o the zinc coating leads to higher needed immersion times inthe hydrolised silane solution in order to promote a complete wetting of the surface to reach a compact and homogeneous film. The addition of silica nanoparticles was also studied at different concentrationsin the films. The samples of galvannealed steel were immersed in the hydrolysis solution by dip-coating process. The films were obtained in mono and double layers. The cure conditions for the monolayer were obtained at temperature of 150ºC for 40 minutes. The cure conditions for the double layer were obtained: at temperature of 150ºC for 20 minutes for the first layer and at temperature of 150ºC for 40 minutes for the second layer. The electrochemical studies were performed using the scanning vibrate technique (SVET), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (Rp) and potenciodinamyc polarization curves, all measurements were obtained in aerated NaCl 0.1mol.L-1or 0.05 mol.L-1solution . The chemical properties of the films were analyzed by infrared (IR) and micro Ramanspectroscopies. The physical characterization of samples was performed by measuring the kinematic viscosity. The contact angle measurements were obtained in order to characterize the hydrophobicity of the silane film coated metal surface. The images from optical y, scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopies (AFM) were performed to characterize the morphology of the film and/or the dispersion of silica nanoparticles in the film. The results showed that for BTSPA as well as for BTESPT the ideal pH to obtain a more corrosion resistant silane film is pH 4.0. The physico-chemical analysis showed that the addition of cerium (III) or cerium (IV) ions increases the cross linking of the film, and the film obtained was more homogeneous, compact and corrosion resistant. The morphological characterization showed that in the porous of galvannealed surface silica nanoparticles agglomerated, consequently promoting cracks and the decrease of anti-corrisive properties of the films.

In Chapter I is a general description of novel metal complexes which hydrolytically cleave peptides, proteins, DNA, and other biological molecules. These reagents are becoming the more important as potential therapeutic agents. A panel of ligands was investigated for coordination to ZrIV and other metals in groups 4, 5, and 6 to effect the greatest degree of hydrolysis. Chapter II describes a ZrIV complex which is capable of hydrolyzing a 30 amino acid peptide, insulin chain B, with amino acid specificity. Oxidized insulin chain B peptide was hydrolyzed after only 4 h of treatment at pH 7.0 and 60 °C using ZrCl4 in the presence of 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6. MALDI-TOF and ESI LC-MS mass spectra indicated that insulin chain B was hydrolyzed by ZrIV at the Gly8-Ser9, Ser9-His10, and Gly20-Glu21 amide bonds within the oligopeptide. To our surprise, the cysteine sulfonic acid sequences Cys(SO3H)7-Gly8 and Cys(SO3H)19-Gly20 were also cleaved. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first example of metal-assisted hydrolysis of a Cys(SO3H)-Xaa amide bond. This is significant in light of the fact that cysteine sulfonic acid formation in proteins is triggered by oxidative stress and has been associated with amyloid fibril formation, Parkinson’s disease, and other deleterious, physiological processes. Chapter III describes the metal-assisted hydrolysis of sphingomyelin which is a principle phospholipid component of animal cell membranes. The sphingomyelin assays showed evidence of metal-assisted hydrolysis after 20 h of treatment at lysosomal pH 4.8 and cytosolic pH 7.0 at both physiological temperature 37 °C and 60 °C. The metal ion CeIV was the most reactive, followed by ZrIV, and then HfIV. The goal of this work is to develop metal-based reagents to reverse the lethal build-up of sphingomyelin that occurs in lysosomes of patients suffering from Niemann-Pick disease.

Atualmente o aço galvannealed é submetido à fosfatização e/ou cromatização como pré-tratamento superficial; no entanto, por questões econômicas e ambientais, estuda-se a viabilidade de utilizar os silanos como pré-tratamento alternativo. Os silanos são moléculas organofuncionais conhecidas por atuar como agentes de ligação entre superfícies orgânicas e inorgânicas, promotores de adesão em sistemas de pintura e também por fornecerem proteção contra a corrosão. A proteção à corrosão depende principalmente do silano a ser utilizado, das condições de hidrólise e de cura. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar as condições de hidrólise através de um projeto estatístico de experimentos e o efeito na proteção contra corrosão, de um agente promotor de polimerização redox (íons de cério IV) ou de um inibidor de corrosão (íons de cério III) aplicado aos filmes de silanos (bis-silano funcional: bis-1,2- [(trietoxisilil)propil] tetrasulfeto (BTESPT) e bis-(g-trimetoxysililpropil)amina (BTSPA)) obtidos em 1%, 2% ou 3% de concentração de silano em massa de solução solvente água/etanol (50/50%), nos pHs 4,0, 5,0, 6,5 e 9,0, depositados sobre o aço galvannealed. A natureza porosa natural da superfície desse aço, consequência do tratamento térmico do revestimento de zinco, leva à necessidade de tempos maiores de imersão do metal na solução hidrolizada do silano para que seja completamente molhada levando à formação de um filme compacto e homogêneo. A adição de nanopartículas de sílica também foi estudada variando sua concentração nos filmes. A aplicação dos filmes sobre a superfície metálica foi feita pelo processo de dip-coating. Os filmes foram obtidos em mono e bi-camadas. As condições de cura, em estufa, para a mono camada foram à temperatura de 150ºC por 40 minutos. As condições de cura, em estufa, para a bi-camada foram: primeira camada à temperatura de 150ºC por 20 minutos e segunda camada à temperatura de 150ºC por 40 minutos. Os estudos eletroquímicos foram realizados utilizando medidas de técnica de varredura do eletrodo vibratório (SVET) e de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS), medidas de resistência de polarização linear (Rp) e curva de polarização potenciodinâmicas, obtidas respectivamente, em solução aerada de NaCl 0,05 mo.L-1 e 0,1 mol L-1. A caracterização química dos filmes foi feita através das técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho (IR) e micro Raman. A caracterização física das amostras foi analisada por medida da viscosidade cinemática. Foram obtidas medidas de ângulo de contato para caracterizar a hidrofobicidade da superfície do metal recoberto pelo filme de polissilanos modificados. As imagens de microscopias óptica, eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e de força atômica (AFM) foram obtidas para conhecer a morfologia do filme e dispersão (homogeneidade) das nanopartículas de sílica no filme. Os resultados mostraram que tanto para o filme de BTSPA como de BTESPT o pH ideal para a obtenção de um filme mais resistente à corrosão foi o pH 4,0. As análises físico-químicas mostram que a adição de íons Ce (III) ou íons Ce (IV) melhoram as propriedades protetoras e reticulação dos filmes, respectivamente, formando um filme mais homogêneo e compacto. As caracterizações morfológicas mostraram que as nanopartículas de sílica, quando em excesso, formam aglomerados na superfície porosa do galvannealed, promovendo trincas e diminuindo as propriedades anticorrosivas dos filmes. / Currently, galvannealed carbon steel has been submitted to phosphatizing and/or chromatizing as surface pre-treatment; however, for economic and environmental issues, the viability to use silanes as an alternative pre-treatment has been studied. The silanes are organofunctionals molecules known for acting as coupling agents, adhesion promoters in paintings as well as for supplying protection against corrosion. The protection against corrosion depends mainly on the silane to be used, cure and hydrolysis conditions. The aim of this work is to study the conditions of the hydrolysis by a statistical project of experiments and the effect on corrosion protection, of either redox polymerization agent(ions of cerium IV) or a corrosion inhibitor (ions of cerium III) added to silane films (bis-functional silane: bis-[trimethoxysililpropyl]amine (BTSPA) and bis-1.2- [triethoxysilylpropyl]tetrasulfide (BTESPT)) obtained at silane concentration of 1%, 2% or 3% in mass of the solvent solution (50/50%) at pHs 4,0, 5,0, 6,5 and 9,0, deposited on galvannealed steel. The natural porous nature of the galvannealed steel surface as a results of thethermal annealing treatment o the zinc coating leads to higher needed immersion times inthe hydrolised silane solution in order to promote a complete wetting of the surface to reach a compact and homogeneous film. The addition of silica nanoparticles was also studied at different concentrationsin the films. The samples of galvannealed steel were immersed in the hydrolysis solution by dip-coating process. The films were obtained in mono and double layers. The cure conditions for the monolayer were obtained at temperature of 150ºC for 40 minutes. The cure conditions for the double layer were obtained: at temperature of 150ºC for 20 minutes for the first layer and at temperature of 150ºC for 40 minutes for the second layer. The electrochemical studies were performed using the scanning vibrate technique (SVET), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (Rp) and potenciodinamyc polarization curves, all measurements were obtained in aerated NaCl 0.1mol.L-1or 0.05 mol.L-1solution . The chemical properties of the films were analyzed by infrared (IR) and micro Ramanspectroscopies. The physical characterization of samples was performed by measuring the kinematic viscosity. The contact angle measurements were obtained in order to characterize the hydrophobicity of the silane film coated metal surface. The images from optical y, scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopies (AFM) were performed to characterize the morphology of the film and/or the dispersion of silica nanoparticles in the film. The results showed that for BTSPA as well as for BTESPT the ideal pH to obtain a more corrosion resistant silane film is pH 4.0. The physico-chemical analysis showed that the addition of cerium (III) or cerium (IV) ions increases the cross linking of the film, and the film obtained was more homogeneous, compact and corrosion resistant. The morphological characterization showed that in the porous of galvannealed surface silica nanoparticles agglomerated, consequently promoting cracks and the decrease of anti-corrisive properties of the films.