La capacité à incorporer le diclofenac de sodium (DFS) ou des composés à base de platine comme le cisplatine (CisPt), le sel de Zeise ou le tétrachlorure de platine IV (PtCl₄) au sein des matrices hybrides basées sur les chaînes polyéther de caractère hydrophilique (PEO) ou hydrophobique (PPO) et utilisant comme points de réticulation des nodules de type siloxane a été étudiée. Ces composés d’intérêt académique possèdent des applications dans le traitement du cancer (cipslatine) ou en catalyse (sel de Zeise). Dans les matrices avec DFS la diminution de la température de fusion de l'hybride PEO1900 semi- cristallin et la réduction des valeurs de Tg associés aux mesures Raman confirment l'existence d'interactions entre le DFS et les chaînes PEO de la matrice hybride. La coexistence dans l’hybride de phase amorphe et cristalline a été clairement démontrée par la libération bimodale du médicament pour PEO1900 matrice.Les quantités optimales pour avoir une matrice homogène incorporant le CisPt sont 5.4 % m/m avec PEO1900 et 1.8% m/m avec PPO2000. Les mesures EXAFS et Raman convergent vers une préservation de la structure locale du CisPt dans les matrices. Les mesures de SAXS montrent que l’intensité du pic de corrélation entre nœuds de réticulation de type siloxane est affectée par l’incorporation du CisPt dans la matrice en diminuant d’intensité sans changer de position. Ce résultat est interprété par le remplissage de l’espace entre les nœuds par le CisPt. Les profils de libération des matrices PEO1900 montrent que la libération est indépendante de la concentration en CisPt et que le gonflement de la matrice est le mécanisme dominant permettant d’expliquer la cinétique de libération.Pour les hybrides incorporant PtCl₄, il a été montré la coexistence de deux entités de Pt, une espèce Pt(II) et une espèce Pt(IV). L’espèce Pt(II) est identifiée comme (PtCl₄)²⁻ alors que l’espèce Pt(IV) est PtCl₄ dissout dans la matrice. Le rapport entre espèces Pt(II) et Pt(IV) change avec la matrice : L’espèce Pt(II) est dominante pour les matrices à base de PEO alors que les proportions Pt(II) et Pt(IV) sont quasi équivalentes pour les matrices à base de PPO. Il est proposé que l’espèce (PtCl₄)²⁻ interagisse avec les groupements urée localisés en bout de chaînes ainsi qu’avec les chaînes polymériques par les groupements éther. Ces interactions sont favorisées par le caractère anionique de l’espèce Pt(II). L’espèce neutre PtCl₄ interagit avec la matrice de la même façon que le CisPt, ie en remplissant l’espace libre laissé par les chaînes polymériques. Lors des tests de libération, l’espèce neutre est facilement libérée en solution aqueuse, l’espèce anionique Pt(II) restant emprisonnée.Tout comme PtCl₄, le sel de Zeise se montre soluble dans les matrices hybrides et permet l'obtention d'échantillons homogènes et transparents. L’EXAFS et la spectroscopie Raman montrent que si les liaisons Pt-Cl des échantillons hybrides sont identiques à celles caractérisant le sel de Zeise, les vibrations Pt-C₂H₄ ne sont mises en évidence dans les échantillons qu’après une période de vieillissement. Pour la matrice hybride PEO1900 avec sel de Zeise, la formation de platine métallique au cours du processus de libération a été mise en évidence.L’analyse structurale des matrices incorporant différentes molécules de platine et la corrélation des résultats obtenus avec les tests de libération montrent que l’interaction faible avec la matrice des molécules neutres comme le CisPt est responsable d’une libération contrôlée par les propriétés de la matrice vis-à-vis du gonflement. L’incorporation d’espèces de Pt anioniques, comme (PtCl₄)²⁻ ou le sel de Zeise, conduit à des échantillons pour lesquelles les quantités d’espèces Pt libérées sont notablement plus faibles comparativement au CisPt. Les fortes interactions de la matrice avec les espèces anioniques sont responsables des difficultés rencontrées pour les libérer en solution. / The capacity of hydrophilic (POE) or hydrophobic (POP) siloxane-polyether hybrid matrixes to incorporate platinum based compounds like platinum (IV) tetrachloride (PtCl₄), cisplatin (CisPt), Zeise salt and sodium diclofenac (SDF) was studied. These compounds present academic interest and are applied in cancer disease treatment (CisPt) or catalysis (Zeise salt).The decrease in melting temperature of the semi-crystalline POE1900 hybrid and the decrease of the Tg values together with the Raman results confirm the interactions between SDF and the POE chains of the hybrid matrix. The coexistence of a crystalline and amorphous hybrid phase was clearly evinced by the bimodal drug release pattern achieved for the POE1900 matrix. Optimum amounts for the preparation of homogeneous matrix with CisPt are 5.4% m/m and with PEO1900 1.8% m/m with PPO2000. The local structure of CisPt inside the matrices is preserved. SAXS measurements show that the intensity of the correlation peak between siloxane crosslinks is affected by the CisPt incorporation in the matrix. The observed decrease in intensity without shift in position is interpreted as resulting from the filling of the space between the SiO2 nodes by CisPt. The release profiles of PEO1900 matrices show that the release is independent of the CisPt concentration and that the swelling of the matrix is the dominant process for explaining the release mechanism.For hybrids incorporating (PtCl₄), it has been shown the existence of two Pt entities, a Pt(II) species and a Pt (IV) ones. The Pt(II) species is identified as(PtCl₄)²⁻ whereas the Pt(IV) species is (PtCl₄) dissolved in the matrix. The ratio of Pt(II) and Pt(IV) species is dependent on the matrix nature: The Pt(II) species is dominant for the PEO-based matrices whereas Pt(II) and Pt(IV) proportions are almost equal for matrices based on PPO. It is proposed that the (PtCl₄)²⁻ species interact with the urea groups located at the ends of the polymeric chain and with the by ether groups of the polymer chains. These interactions are facilitated by the anionic nature of the species Pt(II). The neutral species PtCl₄ interact with the matrix in the same way that the CisPt, ie by filling the empty space between the polymer chains. During release essays, the neutral PtCl₄ species is easily released in aqueous solution, the anionic Pt (II) species remaining embedded inside the matrix. As PtCl₄, the Zeise salt is soluble in matrixes giving rise to homogeneous and transparent samples. Raman spectroscopy and EXAFS show that if the Pt-Cl bonds of the hybrid are identical to those found in the Zeise salt,Pt-C₂H₄ vibrations are only identified in the samples after a ageing period. For PEO1900 hybrid matrix loaded with Zeise salt, the formation of metallic platinum was observed during the release essays.The correlation of the structural results gained on the matrices incorporating different platinum molecules with the results of the release assays evidences that the weak interaction of neutral molecules with the matrix is responsible to the fact that the release of CisPt is mainly controlled by the swelling properties of the matrix. The incorporation of anionic Pt species, as (PtCl₄)²⁻ or Zeise salt, gives rise to samples for which the amount of released Pt species are significantly lower than the one obtained for hybrids loaded with CisPt. The strong interactions between the matrix and the anionic species are responsible for the fact that the anionic species is not easily released in solution.

Visando à obtenção de biomateriais que atuem como suporte que direcione e auxilie o processo de regeneração tecidual, materiais poliméricos naturais como a quitosana e o colágeno têm sido estudados. A utilização da quitosana e do colágeno se baseia em propriedades como: biocompatibilidade, ação antimicrobiana, capacidade de ativar macrófagos, estimular a proliferação celular e baixa antigenicidade. Também se tem buscado a utilização de fitoterápicos como, por exemplo, o extrato de semente de uva que no processo de cicatrização tecidual, atua estimulando o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (angiogênese) e proliferação de fibroblastos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo o preparo e caracterização de esponjas de quitosana/colágeno e quitosana/colágeno/glicerol (1:1) e (1:2) contendo extrato de semente de uva. A caracterização foi feita por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho (FTIR), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), absorção de tampão fosfato salino (PBS) e liberação in vitro do extrato de semente de uva. Estudos de DSC mostraram que ocorre um aumento na temperatura de desnaturação do colágeno com o aumento da concentração do extrato, indicando um efeito de reticulação que é mais pronunciado nas esponjas (1:2) e na presença de glicerol. Os espectros FTIR mostraram que ocorre um deslocamento das bandas de amida I e II devido à interferência do anel aromático presente no extrato. O aumento da proporção de colágeno, de extrato e a adição do glicerol contribuíram para o aumento no número e diâmetro dos poros das esponjas, observados por MEV. A presença do extrato aumenta a capacidade de absorção de PBS das esponjas, o aumento da concentração de extrato aumenta a velocidade de absorção, mas diminui sua capacidade de absorção. Ensaios de liberação in vitro mostraram que as quantidades de extrato liberado em meio PBS aumentaram até as primeiras 24 h. A maior porcentagem de liberação ocorreu para a esponja Q1C2E2 (44%). A presença do glicerol influiu na liberação do extrato, diminuindo-a. Os valores de n mostraram que a liberação do extrato ocorreu por difusão, no qual os valores estão próximos 0,5 caracterizando um mecanismo de transporte Fickiano, exceto para as esponjas Q1C1E05 e Q1C2GE05, sendo por transporte anômalo (0,5<n<0,89). / Aiming to obtain biomaterials that act as a support to direct and assist the process of tissue regeneration, natural polymeric materials such as collagen and chitosan have been used. The use of chitosan and collagen is based on properties such as biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, low antigenicity, ability to activate macrophages and stimulate cell proliferation. The use of herbal medicines, for example, grape seed extract in the process of tissue healing, acts by stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor (angiogenesis) and fibroblast proliferation. This work aimed to the preparation and characterization of chitosan/collagen and chitosan/collagen/glycerol sponges (1:1) and (1:2) containing grape seed extract. The characterization was made by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and in vitro release of grape seed extract. DSC studies have shown that there is an increase in denaturation temperature of collagen with increasing extract concentration, indicating a crosslinking effect that is more pronounced in the sponges (1:2) in the presence of glycerol. The FTIR spectra show that there is a displacement of bands I and amide II due to interference of the aromatic ring present in the extract. Increasing the proportion of collagen, extract and addition of glycerol contributed to the increase in the number and diameter of the pores of the sponges, observed by SEM. The presence of the extract increases the absorption capacity of PBS in the sponges, the concentration of the extract increases the absorption rate, but decreases its absorbent capacity. In vitro release tests showed that the released amounts of extract increased up to 24 h. The highest percentage of release was observed for the sponge Q1C2E2 (44%). The presence of glycerol influenced the release of the extract, decreasing it. The values of n showed that the release occurred by diffusion of the extract, in which the values are close to 0.5 featuring a Fickian transport mechanism, except for the sponges Q1C1E05 and Q1C2GE05, that occurred by anomalous transport (0.5 <n<0.89).

O uso de materiais de revestimento na agricultura se constitui em uma das mais importantes aplicações de polímeros, principalmente, no encapsulamento da ureia. Devido a seu elevado conteúdo de nitrogênio entre 44 a 46 % em massa, a ureia leva muita vantagem na adubação nitrogenada. A escolha recaiu sobre um sistema polimérico acrilato incorporando vinhaça, melaço e carbonato de cálcio (aditivo inorgânico), sendo o foco deste sistema reter e liberar, controladamente, os nutrientes. Foram feitos bio-ensaios usando três tipos de fertilizantes ureia, material comercial e ureia revestida, sendo possível avaliar o filme como um sistema de revestimento bastante eficaz. Para determinar a quantidade de íon amônio (NH4+), empregaram-se técnicas de análise simples como a micro-destilação e micro-volumetria. Além disso, foi aplicado métodos instrumentais FTIR, TG, DTG, DSC, MEV e EDX para caracterizar a estrutura e morfologia do material polimérico. Os resultados mostraram que a presença do composto inorgânico (CaCO3) no compósito, tem um papel relevante na estrutura aniônica do polímero-base, este atua na retenção de cargas opostas por interações eletrostáticas, controlando a taxa de liberação de nitrogênio como íon amônio, mostrando que o polímero revestido presenta melhor eficiência e desempenho na liberação em quanto ao polímero comercial e a ureia. A opção pela investigação de fertilizantes revestidos foi devido à relevância do tema e do impacto na sustentabilidade ambiental e econômica. / The use of coating materials in agriculture constitutes one of the most important applications of polymers, mainly in the encapsulation of urea. Due to its high nitrogen content between 44-46% by weight, urea takes much advantage in nitrogen fertilization. The choice fell on a polymeric acrylate system incorporating vine, molasses and calcium carbonate (inorganic additive), the center of this system hold and release controlled nutrients. Bioassays were performed using three types of fertilizer urea, commercial material and coated urea being possible to evaluate the film as a very effective coating system. To determine the amount of ammonium ion (NH4+) simple analysis techniques, such as micro-distillation and micro-volumetric were employed. In addition, instrumental methods, including FTIR, TG, DTG, DSC, MEV and EDX were applied to characterize the structure and morphology of the polymeric material. The results showed that the presence of the inorganic compound (CaCO3) in the composite plays an important role in the structure of anionic polymer base, it acts on the retention of opposite charge by electrostatic interaction by controlling the release rate of nitrogen as ammonium ion, showing the improved efficiency and performance of coated polymer in the release compared to the commercial polymer and the urea. The option for the investigation of coated fertilizers was due to the relevance of the issue and the impact on economic and environmental sustainability.

No description available.

Les systèmes à libération prolongée de principe actif constituent un enjeu thérapeutique dans le domaine pharmaceutique et vétérinaire. Ces systèmes présentent différents avantages comme une réduction de la fréquence d’administration permettant une meilleure observance du traitement ainsi qu’un apport optimisé de la dose thérapeutique. Des systèmes à base de principe actif hydrophobe, de polymère et de composé hydrosoluble, ont été élaborés selon différents procédés et ont été caractérisés. Les relations structure/fonctionnalité des différents systèmes ont été mises en évidences grâce à différentes techniques comme la spectroscopie Raman. Les structures, les mécanismes et le temps de libération de l’actif diffèrent selon la nature du polymère, la formulation et la technique de mise en forme. Ce travail fournit des éléments de compréhension et des outils méthodologiques utiles pour le développement de nouvelles formes galéniques à base de polymères biocompatibles, modulables en termes de taille, de temps de libération et de cible thérapeutique. / Controlled release systems are a therapeutic challenge in the pharmaceutical and veterinary. These systems give advantages such as reduced frequency of administration for better observance and an optimized intake of the therapeutic dose. Systems based on hydrophobic active ingredient, polymer and water soluble compound, have been developed by various methods and have been characterized. The structure / functionality have been put into evidence through various techniques such as Raman spectroscopy. The structures, mechanisms and the release time depending on the type of polymer, formulation and shaping technique. This work provides elements of understanding and useful methodological tools for the development of new formulations based on polymeric matrix system, flexible in terms of size, time of liberation and therapeutic target.

O uso de materiais de revestimento na agricultura se constitui em uma das mais importantes aplicações de polímeros, principalmente, no encapsulamento da ureia. Devido a seu elevado conteúdo de nitrogênio entre 44 a 46 % em massa, a ureia leva muita vantagem na adubação nitrogenada. A escolha recaiu sobre um sistema polimérico acrilato incorporando vinhaça, melaço e carbonato de cálcio (aditivo inorgânico), sendo o foco deste sistema reter e liberar, controladamente, os nutrientes. Foram feitos bio-ensaios usando três tipos de fertilizantes ureia, material comercial e ureia revestida, sendo possível avaliar o filme como um sistema de revestimento bastante eficaz. Para determinar a quantidade de íon amônio (NH4+), empregaram-se técnicas de análise simples como a micro-destilação e micro-volumetria. Além disso, foi aplicado métodos instrumentais FTIR, TG, DTG, DSC, MEV e EDX para caracterizar a estrutura e morfologia do material polimérico. Os resultados mostraram que a presença do composto inorgânico (CaCO3) no compósito, tem um papel relevante na estrutura aniônica do polímero-base, este atua na retenção de cargas opostas por interações eletrostáticas, controlando a taxa de liberação de nitrogênio como íon amônio, mostrando que o polímero revestido presenta melhor eficiência e desempenho na liberação em quanto ao polímero comercial e a ureia. A opção pela investigação de fertilizantes revestidos foi devido à relevância do tema e do impacto na sustentabilidade ambiental e econômica. / The use of coating materials in agriculture constitutes one of the most important applications of polymers, mainly in the encapsulation of urea. Due to its high nitrogen content between 44-46% by weight, urea takes much advantage in nitrogen fertilization. The choice fell on a polymeric acrylate system incorporating vine, molasses and calcium carbonate (inorganic additive), the center of this system hold and release controlled nutrients. Bioassays were performed using three types of fertilizer urea, commercial material and coated urea being possible to evaluate the film as a very effective coating system. To determine the amount of ammonium ion (NH4+) simple analysis techniques, such as micro-distillation and micro-volumetric were employed. In addition, instrumental methods, including FTIR, TG, DTG, DSC, MEV and EDX were applied to characterize the structure and morphology of the polymeric material. The results showed that the presence of the inorganic compound (CaCO3) in the composite plays an important role in the structure of anionic polymer base, it acts on the retention of opposite charge by electrostatic interaction by controlling the release rate of nitrogen as ammonium ion, showing the improved efficiency and performance of coated polymer in the release compared to the commercial polymer and the urea. The option for the investigation of coated fertilizers was due to the relevance of the issue and the impact on economic and environmental sustainability.

Polímeros naturais têm sido amplamente utilizados como excipientes farmacêuticos, principalmente por serem biocompatíveis e renováveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a aplicação da resina poliuretânica derivada do óleo de mamona (RPDOM) em formas farmacêuticas gastrorretentivas de liberação controlada. O trabalho aqui apresentado está dividido em quatro capítulos. O capítulo 1 trata-se de uma visão geral sobre a aplicação dos poliuretanos como sistemas de liberação de fármacos, enfatizando os estudos contendo poliuretanos do óleo de mamona. O capítulo 2 trata-se de uma revisão sistemática sobre sistemas gastrorretentivos de liberação de fármacos. O capítulo 3 trata do desenvolvimento e da caracterização da RPDOM contendo fármaco na sua matriz. Domperidona e cloridrato de verapamil foram escolhidos como fármacos modelos devido ao potencial uso desses em formulações gastrorretentivas. Os estudos físico-químicos mostraram que parte da domperidona interagiu quimicamente com a RPDOM. Visto que não é possível a quebra dessa ligação química durante o estudo de dissolução, parte do fármaco ficou indisponível para liberação. Por outro lado, o verapamil foi incorporado com sucesso na RPDOM pelo método de evaporação do solvente. O verapamil interagiu através de forças intermoleculares com o polímero e esse sistema mostrou um promissor perfil de dissolução. O capítulo 4 trata do desenvolvimento de matrizes monolíticas flutuantes, contendo verapamil como fármaco modelo, espuma de polipropileno como excipiente de baixa densidade e um blend da RPDOM e da celulose microcristalina como sistema matricial. A capacidade de flutuação in vitro das matrizes e o controle da liberação do fármaco foram demonstrados. Por fim, a RPDOM mostrou-se um polímero promissor para o uso em sistemas de liberação controlada de fármacos devido a sua hidrofobicidade e para o uso em sistemas gastrorretentivos flutuantes devido à sua baixa densidade. / Natural polymers have been extensively used as pharmaceutical excipients mainly due to their biocompatibility and renewability. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of polyurethane resin from castor oil (PU) in controlled release gastroretentive dosage forms. The work presented herein is divided in four chapters. Chapter 1 is an overview of the application of polyurethanes as drug delivery systems, emphasizing studies containing castor oil-based polyurethanes. Chapter 2 is a systematic review of gastroretentive drug delivery systems. Chapter 3 is about the development and characterization of the PU containing drug in its matrix. Domperidone and verapamil hydrochloride were chosen as model drugs due to their potential use in gastroretentive formulations. Physicochemical studies showed that part of domperidone interacted chemically with PU. Since it is not possible a cleavage of the chemical bond between domperidone and the polyurethane during the dissolution study, part of the drug was not available for release. On the other hand, verapamil was successfully incorporated into PU by solvent evaporation method. Verapamil interacted by intermolecular forces with the polymer and this system showed a promising drug dissolution profile. Chapter 4 shows the development of floating monolithic matrices, containing verapamil as model drug, polypropylene foam as low-density excipient and a blend of PU and microcrystalline cellulose as matrix-forming polymers. The in vitro buoyancy capability of the matrices and the ability to control drug release were demonstrated. Finally, PU proved to be a potential polymer to be used in controlled drug delivery systems due to its hydrophobicity and in gastroretentive floating systems due to its low density.

O nitrogênio é um dos nutrientes mais importante para o desenvolvimento vegetal e o mais aplicado em diversos cultivos agrícolas. Dentre as fontes nitrogenadas disponíveis, a ureia se destaca pela alta concentração de nitrogênio que remete a diversas vantagens econômicas e operacionais no sistema de produção agrícola. Porém, além da alta propensão a perdas, principalmente por volatilização do gás amônia, tem-se a necessidade do aumento da produtividade de modo ao suprimento da demanda crescente de alimentos, fibras e energia. Considerando estes fatores, uma nova vertente de pesquisa está voltada a aplicação de tecnologias à ureia, os fertilizantes com tecnologia agregada, estes vêm se destacando e disponibilizando alternativas de novos produtos no mercado. Com base no exposto, buscou-se elucidar os seguintes questionamentos: As novas tecnologias aplicadas a ureia possibilitam a redução de perdas por volatilização? As novas tecnologias aplicadas a ureia modificam suas transformações inorgânicas e orgânicas no solo e, em caso de modificação, estas são positivas? O uso de tecnologias aplicadas à ureia reflete em maior longevidade na liberação do nutriente ao solo e, em caso positivo, esta longevidade é vantajosa? A combinação entre produtos de ureia convencional e com tecnologia agregada, pode trazer mais benefícios à cultura do milho do que a aplicação destes isoladamente? A substituição do uso/aplicação da ureia em sua forma tradicional pela ureia com tecnologia agregada, na cultura do milho, é viável economicamente ao produtor? Para responder a estes questionamentos, foram conduzidos três experimentos: análise das frações do nitrogênio provenientes da ureia com inibidores de urease; caracterização da dinâmica de liberação e longevidade de fertilizantes recobertos com polímero e enxofre e; análise da produtividade da cultura do milho submetida a adubação com ureia recoberta com polímero e enxofre. O primeiro experimento permitiu concluir que o uso dos inibidores de urease tem potencial para a redução das perdas por volatilização da amônia, foi possível verificar as transformações sofridas pelo nitrogênio desde a aplicação do grânulo até a disponibilidade das formas minerais, passando a incorporação do nutriente na matéria orgânica. No segundo experimento concluiu-se que os fertilizantes recobertos com polímero e enxofre possuem dinâmica exponencial de liberação, o recobrimento é dependente da temperatura, umidade do solo, tipo de material de recobrimento e processo de recobrimento (espessura), que afetam diretamente a liberação e longevidade destes fertilizantes. O último experimento mostrou que uso dos fertilizantes recobertos com polímero e enxofre aumenta a produtividade, os parâmetros biométricos, os parâmetros nutricionais e a qualidade do grão da cultura do milho. As combinações realizadas entre os produtos recobertos com a ureia convencional são alternativas para o aumento da produtividade resultando em valores superiores a aplicação dos insumos de forma isolada. A combinações de produtos recobertos com a ureia convencional é opção para a redução do investimento e, consequentemente, custo de produção resultante da adoção destas novas tecnologias. / Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrient for plant development and the most applied nutrient in several agricultural crops. Among the available nitrogen sources, urea differ due to the high concentration of nitrogen that result to several economic and operational advantages in the agricultural production system. However, in addition to the high propensity for losses, mainly due to the ammonia volatilization, the need to increase yield in order to supply the growing demand for food, fiber and energy emerge. Considering these factors, a new research area is focused to aggregate technologies to the urea, they call fertilizers with aggregate technology, this type of fertilizers emerges and brings new alternatives about new products available in the market. Based on the above, it was tried to answer the following questions: Does the new technologies applied to urea fertilizer enable the reduction of losses by volatilization? The new technologies applied to urea modify their inorganic and organic transformations in the soil and, if modified, are these positive? Does the use of technologies applied to urea reflect in a longer longevity in the release of the nutrient to the soil and, if so, is this longevity advantageous? Can the combination of conventional urea and aggregate technology products brings more benefits to cons than the application of these alone? Is the substitution of urea in its traditional form by urea with aggregate technology in the maize crop economically viable to the producer? In order to answer these questions, three experiments were conducted: analysis of nitrogen fractions from urea and urea mixed with inhibitors; Dynamics of release and longevity of polymer sulfurcoated fertilizers; Analysis of maize yield submitted to fertilization with polymer and sulfur coated urea. The first experiment allowed concluding that the use of the urea inhibitors has potential to reduce losses by ammonia volatilization, it was possible to verify all the changes undergone by the nitrogen fertilization since the granule until the availability of the mineral forms, including the immobilization of the nutrient in organic matter. In the second experiment, it was concluded that the polymer and sulfur coated fertilizers have exponential dynamics of release, the coating depends on the temperature, soil moisture, type of coating material and coating process (thickness), which directly affects the release and longevity of these fertilizers. The last experiment showed that the use of the coated fertilizers with polymer and sulfur increases the yield, the biometric parameters, the leaf concentration and the quality of grain to the maize crop. The combinations performed between the coated products with conventional urea are alternatives for increasing the yield resulting in higher application values of the inputs in an isolated way. Combinations of coated products with conventional urea is an alternative to reduce investment and consequently the production costs, it will result the adoption of these new technologies.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States accounting for 9-12% of all cases of blindness. Currently, the front line treatment for glaucoma are prostaglandins that may have to be taken up to several times a day. Even with proper treatment, roughly 11% of the patients using the treatment are non-compliant and lose their vision. In this project, ForSight Laboratories has developed a pharmaceutical drug delivering implant with the capability of sustaining long-term release of a prostaglandin as a new way to treat the condition. This project reports the product development of a polymer drug matrix with a controlled release in order to better treat glaucoma. Accompanying product development, a mathematical model was created in order to strengthen the understanding of the dosage profile and to predict long term dosages.

Introduction: Embolic agents are used to block blood flow of hypervascular tumours, ultimately resulting in target tissue necrosis. However, this therapy is limited by the formation of new blood vessels within the tumour, a process known as angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis led to the discovery of anti-angiogenic factors, large molecular weight proteins that can block the angiogenic process. The aim of this research is development of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solutions that cross-link in situ to form a hydrogel that functions as an embolic agent for delivery of macromolecular drugs. Methods: PVA (14 kDa, 83% hydrolysed), functionalised by 7 acrylamide groups per chain, was used to prepare 10, 15, and 20wt% non-degradable hydrogels, cured by UV or redox initiation. Structural properties were characterised and the release of FITCDextran (20kDa) was quantified. Degradable networks were then prepared by attaching to PVA (83% and 98 % hydrolysed) ester linkages with an acrylate end group. The effect on degradation profiles was assessed by varying parameters such as macromer concentration, cross-linking density, polymer backbone and curing method. To further enhance the technology, radiopaque degradable PVA was synthesised, and degradation profiles were determined. Cell growth inhibition of modified PVA and degradable products were also investigated. Results: Redox initiation resulted in non-degradable PVA networks of well-controlled structural properties. Increasing the solid content from 10 to 20wt% prolonged the release time from few hours to ~ 2 days but had no effect on the percent release, with only a maximum release of 65% achieved. Ester attachment to the PVA allowed flexibility in designing networks of variable swelling behaviors and degradation times allowing ease of tailoring for specific clinical requirements. Synthesis of radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels was successful without affecting the polymer solubility in water or its ability to polymerize by redox. This suggested that this novel hydrogel is a potential liquid embolic with enhanced X-ray visibility. Degradable products had negligible cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Novel non-degradable and radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels cured by redox initiation were developed in this research. The developed PVA hydrogels showed characteristics in vitro that are desirable for the in vivo application as release systems for anti-angiogenic factors.