ABSTRACT IMMOBILIZATION OF INVERTASE, POLYPHENOL OXIDASE AND GLUCOSE OXIDASE IN CONDUCTING COPOLYMERS OF THIOPHENE-CAPPED POLYTETRAHYDROFURAN AND PYRROLE B&ouml / y&uuml / kbayram, AySe Elif Ph.D., Department of Chemistry Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Levent Toppare January 2005, 123 pages Immobilization of invertase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and glucose oxidase (GOD) enzymes were performed in electrochemically synthesized two types of conducting copolymers. One end and two end thiophene-capped polytetrahydrofuran (TPTHF-1 and TPTHF-2) were copolymerized with pyrrole under conditions of constant potential electrolysis. The copolymers were characterized by thermal, spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Immobilization was carried out via entrapment of enzymes in two types of matrices during the copolymerization of pyrrole with the insulating polymers in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Kinetic parameters: Maximum reaction rate (Vmax) and Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) were determined for the enzyme electrodes. Temperature optimization, pH optimization, operational stability and shelf-life of the enzyme electrodes were investigated. Enzyme electrodes of polyphenol oxidase and glucose oxidase were used to determine the amount of their substrates in samples. Polyphenol oxidase converts mono and diphenols to quinone. Amount of phenolic compounds in two kinds of wines were determined by analyzing the quinone amount. Glucose oxidase converts &amp / #61538 / -D-glucose to D-glucono-1,5-lactone. Glucose amount was determined in two kind of factory-produced orange juices by analyzing D-glucono-1,5-lactone.

The synthesis of high molecular weight copolymer of carbon disulphide (CS2) and propylene oxide (PO) has not reported in literature. In the present work, zinc isopropyl xanthate (Zn(Xt)2) was used as catalyst for the copolymerisation of PO and CS2 into high copolymer. However, the product can be fractionated into high and low molecular weight components. High molecular weight copolymer was rubbery products, but low molecular weight copolymers were oily products containing cyclic dithiocarbonates. Copolymers were characterized by elemental, end group analysis, DSC, TGA, GPC, Light Scattering, UV, IR, NMR spectroscopy, polarized microscopy and refractometry. Copolymerization process was zeroth order with respect to monomers, and its non-terminated but suffered from several types of transfer reactions. As a result of transfer reactions S-(C=S)-S, O-(C=S)-O, O-(C=O)-O groups in the backbone of copolymer and SH groups at the chain terminals and cyclic dithiocarbonates are formed. Apart from SH groups, OH and double bonds were found and their amounts were determined at the chain terminals. Copolymers with high mole fractions of PO units (F1) in the copolymer are crystallized in the shape of Malta&amp / #8217 / s Cross. Melting points of products were obtained from DSC. The F1 values are calculated from elemental analysis as well as zeroth order rate constants and from melting point of the crystals. All three results were in close agreement and changed between 0.9 &amp / #8211 / 0.7. However, these ratios depend on reaction conditions (temperature, catalyst and monomer concentrations, time and dielectric constant of reaction medium). A mechanism for coordination-copolymerization on the basis of above observation was proposed.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asODNs) show strong binding and high selectivity and can be constructed to recognize specific cellular targets such as gene regulated mRNA. Radiolabelled asODNs have the potential to image gene expression through mRNA targeting and could be a valuable tool in the early assessment of outcome to cancer treatment. We have explored the potential of in vivo imaging of p21 gene expression, using fluorine-18 labelled asODNs ([18F]asODNs) and in vitro techniques, recognizing the relationship between the expression of this gene and resistance of cancer cells to radiation therapy. Radiolabelling of fully phosphorothioated, 20-mer ODNs was performed using the [18F]-labelled prosthetic group, 4-N-[18F]fluorobenzyl-2-bromoacetamide ([18F]FBBA). [18F]FBBA was first synthesized in an automated synthesis unit, resulting in a modest radiochemical yield. Methods to improve the yield were investigated using a metal catalyst-assisted borohydride exchange resin. Alkylation of [18F]FBBA to ODN resulted in radiochemical yields of 40%. Cellular uptake and retention studies were performed in human carcinoma cells expressing p21+/+ (HCT116) and the p21 knock-out cell line, 80S4, using both [18F]-labelled antisense and random sequence ODNs. Nonradioactive FBBA-labelled ODNs were used to evaluate the antisense effectiveness and distribution of the FBBA-modified ODNs. In vitro studies demonstrated that FBBA did not interfere with the antisense effect of ODNs against p21 mRNA; however, the probes required a transfection agent to observe an antisense effect. Cell fractionation studies with [18F]ODNs revealed increasing accumulation of liposome-transfected [18F]asODN in the cytoplasm of HCT116 cells over time. A biocompatible spermine-grafted block copolymer (SP) was subsequently evaluated as a potential vector to improve the delivery of [18F]asODN into cells. SP was shown to direct [F]-labelled ODNs to the cytoplasm, whereas naked [F]ODNs remained sequestered in vesicles, and liposome-transfected [F]ODNs localized mostly in the nucleus. Selective uptake and retention of [18F]asODN was observed in p21+/+ cells only when the probe was transfected with SP. Based on these studies, it can be concluded that [18F]asODNs have the potential to image gene expression, however the focus may need to be directed to find an appropriate vector which can rapidly deliver [18F]-labelled asODNs to the target tissue in vivo.

The interaction of materials with biological systems is of critical importance to a vast number of applications from medical implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, blood-contacting devices, cell-culture products, as well as many other products in industries as diverse as agriculture. This thesis describes a method for the modification of biomaterial surfaces and the generation of tissue engineering scaffolds that utilises the self assembly of poly (styrene)-block-poly (ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO) block copolymers. Block copolymers consist of alternating segments of two or more chemically distinct polymers. The salient feature of these materials is their ability to self organise into a wide range of micro-phase separated structures generating patterned surfaces that have domain sizes in the order of 10-100nm. Further, it is also possible to specifically functionalise only one segment of the block copolymer, providing a means to precisely locate specific biological signals within the 10-100nm domains of a nano-patterned surface, formed via the programmed micro-phase separation of the block copolymer system. The density and spatial location of signalling molecules can be controlled by altering several variables, such as block length, block asymmetry, as well as processing parameters, providing the potential to authentically emulate the cellular micro to nano-environment and thus greatly improving on existing biomaterial and tissue engineering technologies. This thesis achieved several aims as outlined below; Developed methods to control the self-assembly of PS-PEO block copolymers and generate nano-patterned surfaces and scaffolds with utility for biomaterials applications. PS-PEO diblock copolymers were blended with polystyrene (PS) homopolymer and spin cast, resulting in the rapid self-assembly of vertically oriented PEO cylinders in a matrix of PS. Due to the kinetically constrained phase-separation of the system, increasing addition of homopolymer is shown to reduce the diameter of the PEO domains. This outcome provides a simple method that requires the adjustment of a single variable to tune the size of vertically oriented PEO domains between 10-100nm. Polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering were manufactured via a method that combines macro-scale temperature induced phase separation with micro-phase separation of block copolymers. The phase behaviour of these polymer-solvent systems is described, and potential mechanisms leading to this spectacular structure formation are presented. The result is highly porous scaffolds with surfaces comprised of nano-scale self-assembled block copolymer domains, representing a significant advance in currently available technologies. Characterised the properties of these unique nano-structured materials as well as their interaction with proteinaceous fluids and cells. Nano-patterned PS-PEO self-assembled surfaces showed a significant reduction in protein adsorption compared to control PS surfaces. The adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells was shown to be significantly affected by the surface coverage of PEO nano-domains formed by copolymer self-assembly. These nano-islands, when presented at high number density (almost 1000 domains per square micron), were shown to completely prevent cellular attachment, even though small amounts of protein were able to bind to the surface. In order to understand the mechanism by which these surfaces resisted protein and cellular adsorption we utilised neutron reflection to study their solvation and swelling properties. The results indicate that the PEO domains are highly solvated in water; however, the PEO chains do not extend into the solvent but remain in their isolated domains. The data supports growing evidence that the key mechanism by which PEO prevents protein adsorption is the blocking of protein adsorption sites. Control the nano-scale presentation of cellular adhesion and other biological molecules via the self-assembly of functionalised PS-PEO block copolymers Precise control over the nano-scale presentation of adhesion molecules and other biological factors represents a new frontier for biomaterials science. Recently, the control of integrin spacing and cellular shape has been shown to affect fundamental biological processes, including differentiation and apoptosis. We present the self-assembly of maleimide functionalised PS-PEO copolymers as a simple, yet highly precise method for controlling the position of cellular adhesion molecules. By controlling the phase separation of the functional PS-PEO block copolymer we alter the nano-scale (on PEO islands of 8-14 nm in size) presentation of the adhesion peptide, GRGDS, decreasing lateral spacing from 62 nm to 44 nm and increasing the number density from ~ 450 to ~ 900 islands per um2. The results indicate that the spreading of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts increases as the spacing between islands of RGD binding peptides decreases. Further, the same functional PS-PEO surfaces were utilised to immobilise poly-histidine tagged proteins and ECM fragments. The technologies developed in this thesis aim to improve on several weaknesses of existing biomaterials, in particular, directing cellular behaviour on surfaces, and within tissue engineering scaffolds, but also, on the prevention of fouling of biomaterials via non-specific protein adsorption. The application of block copolymer self-assembly for biomaterial and tissue engineering systems described in this thesis has great potential as a platform technology for the investigation of fundamental cell-surface and protein-surface interactions as well as for use in existing and emerging biomedical applications.

The interaction of materials with biological systems is of critical importance to a vast number of applications from medical implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, blood-contacting devices, cell-culture products, as well as many other products in industries as diverse as agriculture. This thesis describes a method for the modification of biomaterial surfaces and the generation of tissue engineering scaffolds that utilises the self assembly of poly (styrene)-block-poly (ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO) block copolymers. Block copolymers consist of alternating segments of two or more chemically distinct polymers. The salient feature of these materials is their ability to self organise into a wide range of micro-phase separated structures generating patterned surfaces that have domain sizes in the order of 10-100nm. Further, it is also possible to specifically functionalise only one segment of the block copolymer, providing a means to precisely locate specific biological signals within the 10-100nm domains of a nano-patterned surface, formed via the programmed micro-phase separation of the block copolymer system. The density and spatial location of signalling molecules can be controlled by altering several variables, such as block length, block asymmetry, as well as processing parameters, providing the potential to authentically emulate the cellular micro to nano-environment and thus greatly improving on existing biomaterial and tissue engineering technologies. This thesis achieved several aims as outlined below; Developed methods to control the self-assembly of PS-PEO block copolymers and generate nano-patterned surfaces and scaffolds with utility for biomaterials applications. PS-PEO diblock copolymers were blended with polystyrene (PS) homopolymer and spin cast, resulting in the rapid self-assembly of vertically oriented PEO cylinders in a matrix of PS. Due to the kinetically constrained phase-separation of the system, increasing addition of homopolymer is shown to reduce the diameter of the PEO domains. This outcome provides a simple method that requires the adjustment of a single variable to tune the size of vertically oriented PEO domains between 10-100nm. Polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering were manufactured via a method that combines macro-scale temperature induced phase separation with micro-phase separation of block copolymers. The phase behaviour of these polymer-solvent systems is described, and potential mechanisms leading to this spectacular structure formation are presented. The result is highly porous scaffolds with surfaces comprised of nano-scale self-assembled block copolymer domains, representing a significant advance in currently available technologies. Characterised the properties of these unique nano-structured materials as well as their interaction with proteinaceous fluids and cells. Nano-patterned PS-PEO self-assembled surfaces showed a significant reduction in protein adsorption compared to control PS surfaces. The adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells was shown to be significantly affected by the surface coverage of PEO nano-domains formed by copolymer self-assembly. These nano-islands, when presented at high number density (almost 1000 domains per square micron), were shown to completely prevent cellular attachment, even though small amounts of protein were able to bind to the surface. In order to understand the mechanism by which these surfaces resisted protein and cellular adsorption we utilised neutron reflection to study their solvation and swelling properties. The results indicate that the PEO domains are highly solvated in water; however, the PEO chains do not extend into the solvent but remain in their isolated domains. The data supports growing evidence that the key mechanism by which PEO prevents protein adsorption is the blocking of protein adsorption sites. Control the nano-scale presentation of cellular adhesion and other biological molecules via the self-assembly of functionalised PS-PEO block copolymers Precise control over the nano-scale presentation of adhesion molecules and other biological factors represents a new frontier for biomaterials science. Recently, the control of integrin spacing and cellular shape has been shown to affect fundamental biological processes, including differentiation and apoptosis. We present the self-assembly of maleimide functionalised PS-PEO copolymers as a simple, yet highly precise method for controlling the position of cellular adhesion molecules. By controlling the phase separation of the functional PS-PEO block copolymer we alter the nano-scale (on PEO islands of 8-14 nm in size) presentation of the adhesion peptide, GRGDS, decreasing lateral spacing from 62 nm to 44 nm and increasing the number density from ~ 450 to ~ 900 islands per um2. The results indicate that the spreading of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts increases as the spacing between islands of RGD binding peptides decreases. Further, the same functional PS-PEO surfaces were utilised to immobilise poly-histidine tagged proteins and ECM fragments. The technologies developed in this thesis aim to improve on several weaknesses of existing biomaterials, in particular, directing cellular behaviour on surfaces, and within tissue engineering scaffolds, but also, on the prevention of fouling of biomaterials via non-specific protein adsorption. The application of block copolymer self-assembly for biomaterial and tissue engineering systems described in this thesis has great potential as a platform technology for the investigation of fundamental cell-surface and protein-surface interactions as well as for use in existing and emerging biomedical applications.

The interaction of materials with biological systems is of critical importance to a vast number of applications from medical implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, blood-contacting devices, cell-culture products, as well as many other products in industries as diverse as agriculture. This thesis describes a method for the modification of biomaterial surfaces and the generation of tissue engineering scaffolds that utilises the self assembly of poly (styrene)-block-poly (ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO) block copolymers. Block copolymers consist of alternating segments of two or more chemically distinct polymers. The salient feature of these materials is their ability to self organise into a wide range of micro-phase separated structures generating patterned surfaces that have domain sizes in the order of 10-100nm. Further, it is also possible to specifically functionalise only one segment of the block copolymer, providing a means to precisely locate specific biological signals within the 10-100nm domains of a nano-patterned surface, formed via the programmed micro-phase separation of the block copolymer system. The density and spatial location of signalling molecules can be controlled by altering several variables, such as block length, block asymmetry, as well as processing parameters, providing the potential to authentically emulate the cellular micro to nano-environment and thus greatly improving on existing biomaterial and tissue engineering technologies. This thesis achieved several aims as outlined below; Developed methods to control the self-assembly of PS-PEO block copolymers and generate nano-patterned surfaces and scaffolds with utility for biomaterials applications. PS-PEO diblock copolymers were blended with polystyrene (PS) homopolymer and spin cast, resulting in the rapid self-assembly of vertically oriented PEO cylinders in a matrix of PS. Due to the kinetically constrained phase-separation of the system, increasing addition of homopolymer is shown to reduce the diameter of the PEO domains. This outcome provides a simple method that requires the adjustment of a single variable to tune the size of vertically oriented PEO domains between 10-100nm. Polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering were manufactured via a method that combines macro-scale temperature induced phase separation with micro-phase separation of block copolymers. The phase behaviour of these polymer-solvent systems is described, and potential mechanisms leading to this spectacular structure formation are presented. The result is highly porous scaffolds with surfaces comprised of nano-scale self-assembled block copolymer domains, representing a significant advance in currently available technologies. Characterised the properties of these unique nano-structured materials as well as their interaction with proteinaceous fluids and cells. Nano-patterned PS-PEO self-assembled surfaces showed a significant reduction in protein adsorption compared to control PS surfaces. The adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells was shown to be significantly affected by the surface coverage of PEO nano-domains formed by copolymer self-assembly. These nano-islands, when presented at high number density (almost 1000 domains per square micron), were shown to completely prevent cellular attachment, even though small amounts of protein were able to bind to the surface. In order to understand the mechanism by which these surfaces resisted protein and cellular adsorption we utilised neutron reflection to study their solvation and swelling properties. The results indicate that the PEO domains are highly solvated in water; however, the PEO chains do not extend into the solvent but remain in their isolated domains. The data supports growing evidence that the key mechanism by which PEO prevents protein adsorption is the blocking of protein adsorption sites. Control the nano-scale presentation of cellular adhesion and other biological molecules via the self-assembly of functionalised PS-PEO block copolymers Precise control over the nano-scale presentation of adhesion molecules and other biological factors represents a new frontier for biomaterials science. Recently, the control of integrin spacing and cellular shape has been shown to affect fundamental biological processes, including differentiation and apoptosis. We present the self-assembly of maleimide functionalised PS-PEO copolymers as a simple, yet highly precise method for controlling the position of cellular adhesion molecules. By controlling the phase separation of the functional PS-PEO block copolymer we alter the nano-scale (on PEO islands of 8-14 nm in size) presentation of the adhesion peptide, GRGDS, decreasing lateral spacing from 62 nm to 44 nm and increasing the number density from ~ 450 to ~ 900 islands per um2. The results indicate that the spreading of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts increases as the spacing between islands of RGD binding peptides decreases. Further, the same functional PS-PEO surfaces were utilised to immobilise poly-histidine tagged proteins and ECM fragments. The technologies developed in this thesis aim to improve on several weaknesses of existing biomaterials, in particular, directing cellular behaviour on surfaces, and within tissue engineering scaffolds, but also, on the prevention of fouling of biomaterials via non-specific protein adsorption. The application of block copolymer self-assembly for biomaterial and tissue engineering systems described in this thesis has great potential as a platform technology for the investigation of fundamental cell-surface and protein-surface interactions as well as for use in existing and emerging biomedical applications.

Il n'existe actuellement aucun traitement efficace pour les patients présentant une blessure au niveau de la moelle épinière. Ce triste constat est, en partie, dû à la présente d'une cicatrice empêchant la repousse des tissus. Dans ce contexte, des biomatériaux (composés non-toxiques) pourraient être implantés afin de réduire la cicatrice en formation et de fournir un support de repousse aux fibres nerveuses. Parmi ces biomatériaux, certains semblent induire de nombreuses améliorations chez le rat. Nous avons renforcé ces résultats, à l'aide de techniques électrophysiologiques. De plus, nous avons développé un nouveau matériau dégradable afin de limiter toutes réactions délétères à long terme. Après avoir synthétisé notre matériau, combinant les qualités de dégradabilité de l'acide poly(lactique) et les propriétés mécaniques du poly(méthacrylate d'hydroxyéthyle), nous avons évalué ses différentes caractéristiques et ses effets thérapeutiques. Les résultats obtenus sont encourageants. Il serait maintenant intéressant de coupler notre biomatériau à des molécules bioactives ou à des cellules. / Currently, there is no treatment for patients with spinal cord injury. This pessimistic statement is, in part, due to the presence of a scar that prevents tissue regrowth. In this context, biomaterials (non-toxic compounds) could be implanted in order both to reduce the scar formation and to provide a growth support for nervous fibers. Among those biomaterials, many seem to induce numerous benefic effects in the rat model. We confirmed these data by the use of electrophysiological techniques. In addition, we developed a new degradable material so as to limit any long term deleterious reactions. After having synthesized our material, combining the degradable quality of the poly(lactic acid) and the mechanical properties of the poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), we analyzed its different characteristics and its therapeutic effects. The obtained results are encouraging. Now, it would be interesting to couple bioactive molecules or cells with our biomaterial scaffold.

Les nanoparticules magnétiques sont de nos jours largement exploitées dans le domaine de la recherche pour le biomédical, pour des applications aussi variées que le diagnostic, la thérapeutique ou plus récemment la théranostique. Les nombreuses méthodes de fabrication mises au point à ce jour permettent l’obtention d’une large gamme de nanoparticules en termes de taille, forme, matériaux et donc propriétés magnétiques. Le procédé de fabrication idéal est celui qui permet la fabrication simple, peu coûteuse et à grande échelle de nanoparticules parfaitement monodisperses. En ce sens, le premier volet de la thèse sera consacré à l’étude d’un nouveau procédé de fabrication basé sur la combinaison d’une approche « top-down » et « bottom-up », qui permet d’obtenir des nanoparticules de dispersion en taille très étroite. L’idée est d’exploiter les propriétés d’auto-organisation d’un copolymère dibloc, dont l’une des deux phases peut s’organiser en cylindres verticaux dans la matrice de l’autre phase sous certaines conditions. La gravure sélective des cylindres mène à l’obtention d’un masque de trous dans une matrice de polymère. On peut ensuite déposer le matériau magnétique, puis graver la matrice de polymère pour révéler les nanoparticules attachées au substrat. Si ce procédé est mené sur une couche sacrificielle, les particules peuvent être consécutivement mises en suspension. Les caractéristiques structurales et magnétiques de ces particules obtenues par auto-organisation du copolymère PS-PMMA seront étudiées, montrant que bien que ce procédé de fabrication soit encore à améliorer, il présente des avantages non négligeables en étant versatile, simple à mettre en œuvre et en permettant l’obtention de nanoparticules monodisperses et superparamagnétiques.Dans une seconde partie, un autre domaine biomédical sera abordé : le traitement du cancer. Une méthode nouvelle et alternative aux techniques d’hyperthermie ou de délivrance ciblée de médicaments avait été initiée par l’Argonne National Laboratory en 2010 et reprise à Spintec en 2011 : l’idée est de réactiver l’apoptose (ou mort programmée) de cellules cancéreuses par vibrations magnéto-mécaniques de microparticules magnétiques attachées à leur membrane. Il avait été démontré qu’avec des champs extérieurs aussi faibles que 30mT à 20Hz, des disques de permalloy en configuration magnétique vortex induisent l’apoptose de façon significative. Dans ce contexte et dans l’optique de pouvoir utiliser cette méthode pour des tests cliniques, des microparticules de magnétite, matériau biocompatible, ont été fabriquées par lithographie optique via le même procédé que les disques de permalloy. Leurs propriétés structurales, magnétiques et leur comportement en suspension sont comparés, ainsi que leurs effets sur les cellules in vitro via l’application d’un champ magnétique extérieur. A ce jour, les particules de permalloy sont supérieures en termes d’efficacité sur le déclenchement de l’apoptose des cellules cancéreuses. Certains paramètres du protocole tels que l’amplitude du champ doivent être optimisés pour les particules de magnétite, bien que les premiers effets observés soient encourageants pour la suite. / Magnetic nanoparticles are now used in a wide range of applications such as diagnostic, therapeutics or more recently theranostics. The numerous and diverse fabrication processes allow the fabrication of a wide range of nanoparticles in terms of size, shape, material and magnetic properties. An ideal fabrication process would allow the simple and cheap fabrication of a great quantity of monodisperse nanoparticles. In this objective, the first part of this work will be focused on a new and original fabrication process based on the combination of a “top-down” and “bottom-up” approach. The idea relies on the special auto organization properties of a diblock copolymer: one of the two phases has the ability to self organize into vertical cylinders in the matrix of the other polymer, provided that the annealing conditions are favourable. The selective etching of the cylinders leads to a mask of holes in a polymer matrix. Then, the deposit of a magnetic material and the etching of the polymer matrix leads to the formation of a hexagonal network of nanoparticles attached to the substrate. If the substrate is composed of a sacrificial layer, the nanoparticles can be released in a solution. The structural and magnetic properties of theses nanoparticles fabricated via a PS-PMMA template will be studied. Their characterization will show that the process is still to be optimized but allows already to obtain monodisperse superparamagnetic nanoparticles.A second part focuses on another biomedical applications of magnetic particles: the cancer treatment. A new technique, which is an alternative to the existing methods such as hyperthermia or drug delivery, was first proposed by the Argonne National Laboratory (2010) and taken over at Spintec (2011). The idea is to reactivate the apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells via the magneto mechanical vibrations of magnetic microparticles attached to their membranes. It was proved that weak external magnetic fields (30mT at 20Hz) applied on permalloy disks in a vortex configuration lead to a significant increase of the apoptotic rate of cancer cells. In the objective of making this method possible for clinical applications, biocompatible magnetite microparticles were fabricated via the same fabrication process than the permalloy disks (optic lithography). Their structural and magnetic properties are compared, as well as their behavior in a suspension and their lethal effect on cancer cells via the application of an external magnetic field. For now, the permalloy microdisks provide better results than the magnetite particles. Some parameters of the experimental set up have to be optimized for the magnetite particles, such as the amplitude of the applied magnetic field. However, the first effects observed with the magnetite particles are quite promising.

Introdução: A aplicação clínica de biomateriais está se expandindo para diversas especialidades médicas. Dentre os diversos tipos de biomateriais, os classificados como temporários merecem atenção especial, pois são assimilados pelo organismo após exercerem sua função, evitando, assim, procedimento cirúrgico para sua retirada. O copolímero de poli (ácido láctico-co-glicólico) (PLGA) é um tipo de biomaterial temporário, rotineiramente utilizado na medicina na forma de fios de sutura e implantes ortopédicos. A mistura do PLGA com o poli (isopreno) resulta em uma blenda (PLGA / PI), de alta resistência e tenacidade, que foi desenvolvida pelo Laboratório de Biomateriais do Instituto de Engenharia da UFRGS. Entretanto, não existem estudos “in vivo” testando a reação óssea desta blenda. Objetivo: Testar a histotoxicidade da blenda de PLGA / PI em relação ao biopolímero já consagrado PLGA. Método: Foram utilizados 46 ratos machos wistar (Rattusnorvegicus - linhagem albina), divididos em 2 grupos conforme o material implantado (PLGA ou PLGA / PI) na calota craniana, e subdivididos em tempos de morte (15, 30, 60 e 90 dias). Os procedimentos foram realizados na Unidade de Experimentação Animal (UEA) do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Após a morte, a calota craniana foi retirada, submetida ao exame histopatológico e aplicado o escore de Dadas e cols (14) modificado. Resultados: A diferença da histotoxicidade dos dois materiais não foi significativa nos períodos 15, 30 e 90 dias, porém foi significativa no período 60 dias. Conclusão: A histotoxicidade do PLGA / PI, ao final do estudo (90 dias), foi semelhante ao PLGA, demonstrando equivalência em longo prazo. O período de 60 dias pós-cirúrgico (grupo da blenda) foi o único em que a histotoxicidade mostrou-se significativamente maior. Mais estudos devem ser feitos para melhorar o entendimento desta variação. / Introduction: Clinical application of biomaterials is expanding to various medical specialties. Among the different types of biomaterials, those classified as temporary deserve special attention because they are assimilated by the body after exercising their function, thereby avoiding surgical procedure for their removal. Co-polymer poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a type of temporary biomaterial, routinely used in medicine as suture threads and orthopedic implants. The mixture of PLGA with poly (isoprene) results in a high-strength and thoughness blend (PLGA / PI), developed by the Biomaterials Laboratory of the Engineering Institute/ UFRGS. However, there are no studies “in vivo” testing the bone reaction of that blend. Objective: To Test histotoxicity of PLGA / PI blend over the already established biopolymer, PLGA. Method: Forty six male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus – albino strain), divided into 2 groups according to the material (PLGA or PLGA / PI) implanted in the skull and sub divided into periods of death (15, 30, 60 and 90 days). The procedures were developed in the Animal Experiment Unit (AEU) of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). After death, the skull was removed, submitted to histopathologic examination and the modified Dadas’ et all score was used (14). Results: The histotoxicity difference of the two materials was not significant in the periods of 15, 30 and 90 days, but it was significant in the period of 60 days. Conclusion: At the end of the study (90 days), the PLGA / PI histotoxicity was similar to PLGA, showing longterm equivalence. The 60-day post-surgical period was the only one in which histotoxicity was significantly higher (blend group). More studies shall be done in in order to better understand that variation.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Solar energy generation arises as a result of direct conversion of sunlight into electricity a by solar cell; which is mainly made up of a semiconducting material incorporated into a system. It is emerging as one of the most reliable and cost efficient renewable energy sources. Within the solar field, organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells have proved of being able to have a great impact in the future years; mainly due to the easy processability of the active layer and substrate, their cost effectiveness and above all, a good power conversion efficiency associated to the close 3-dimensional interpenetrating network that is generated from blending donor and acceptor semiconducting materials together in a bulk heterojunction active layer. In this research work, we therefore report on the study of a newly developed organic bulk heterojunction active layer based on a blend of a star-copolymer generation 1 poly(propylenethiophenoimine)-co-poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) (G1PPT-co-PEDOT) as donor material with N,N-diisopropylnaphthalene diimide (NDI) as acceptor material. Both materials were chemically synthesized. The synthesis of G1PPT-co-PEDOT started first by the functionalization of generation 1 poly(propyleneimine) tetramine, G1PPI into G1PPT by condensation reaction in the presence of 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde under Nitrogen gas followed by the copolymerization of G1PPT with ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer in the presence of ammonium persulfate, (NH4)2S2O8 as oxidant. On the other hand, NDI was also synthesized via condensation reaction of 1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxylic dianhydride in the presence of two (2) equivalences of N,N-diisopropylamine at 110 oC overnight in DMF. Both materials were characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Voltammetry, HRSEM microscopy and XRD. Based on the cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis results, we were able to calculate the HOMO, LUMO and band gap energy (Eg) values of both the donor and acceptor to be -4.03 eV, -6.287 eV and 2.25 eV for iii the donor G1PPT-co-PEDOT respectively and -4.302 eV, -7.572 eV and 3.27 eV for the acceptor respectively. From these results, the energy diagram for both donor and acceptor was drawn and it comes out that the separation between the HOMO of the donor and the LUMO of the acceptor ΔEg = 1.985 eV, the ideal value for a good donor-acceptor combination. Also the offset energy that is, the energy difference between the LUMO of the donor and the LUMO of the acceptor is 0.302 eV.