Este trabalho descreve as ocorrências naturais de flavonóides, cumarinas e benzofuranos na família de plantas, Asteraceae / Compositae. Tem como objetivo principal classificar os referidos metabólitos secundários como possíveis marcadores quimiotaxonômicos da família bem como fazer previsões de suas ocorrências naquela. Para sua realização, foi montado um banco de dados de ocorrências desses produtos naturais a partir da literatura especializada. Os números de ocorrências das três classes químicas (flavonóides, 4369;cumarinas, 961; benzofuranos, 628) foram avaliados através de programas computacionais. Com estes foram feitas matrizes de correlações, regressões lineares múltiplas, e gráficos variados. Foram também correlacionados os números de oxidação (NOXs) médios de cada classe química (exceto os dos benzofuranos, devido a algumas dúvidas suscitadas de sua rota biogenética) com a finalidade de estudos de passos evolutivos de táxons. Os resultados do estudo apontam alguns esqueletos carbônicos de cumarinas e benzofuranos que podem provavelmente servir como marcadores químicos em nível de tribos e subtribos da família. Quanto aos flavonóides, já são considerados, em nível infrafamiliar, como marcadores químicos alguns tipos de esqueletos carbônicos com padrões de substituição mais específicos. Foram montadas algumas equações empíricas capazes de prever ocorrências e NOXs das classes químicas envolvidas neste trabalho para as tribos e subtribos da família, com um grau de confiabilidade de 95%. Para este estudo usou-se como base taxonômica a classificação de Asteraceae mais recente de Bremer (1994). / This work describes the natural occurrences of flavonoids, coumarins and benzofurans in the family of plants, Asteraceae / Compositae. It has as main purpose to classify the referred secondary metabolites as possible chemotaxonomic markers of the family as well as to do predictions of occurrences of the latter. For its accomplishment, a database of occurrences of those natural products was set up from the specialized literature. The numbers of occurrences of the three chemical classes (flavonoids, 4369; coumarins, 961; benzofurans, 628) were appraised with use of statistical computacional programs. With aid of these were made correlation matrices of the occurrences, multiple linear regressions, numerous diverse diagrams. The average oxidation numbers (OXNs) of each chemical class (except the ones of the benzofurans, due to some doubts raised on their biogenetical route) were also correlated with the purpose of studies on evolutionary steps of the taxa. The results of the study point some carbon skeletons of coumarins and benzofurans that can probably serve as chemical markers at tribe and subtribe levels of the family. In relation to the flavonoids, these are already considered, at infrafamilial level, as chemical markers, especially some types of carbon skeletons bearing more specific substitution patterns. Were also mounted some empirical equations capable of predicting occurrences and average OXNs of the chemical classes involved in this work for the tribes and subtribes of the family, with a 95% reliability degree. For this work was also ulilized as taxonomic base the most recent classification of the Asteraceae of Bremer (1994a).

The thesis entitled “Intermolecular Interactions in Molecular Crystals: Quantitative Estimates from Experimental and Theoretical Charge Densities” consists of four chapters and an Appendix. Chapter 1 highlights the principles of crystal engineering from charge density point of view. Chapter 2 (Section I - III) deals with the evaluation of weak intermolecular interactions and in particular related to the features of concomitant polymorphism. Chapter 3 describes the co-operative role of weak interactions in the presence of strong hydrogen bonds in small bioactive molecules in terms of topological properties. Chapter 4 unravels the inter-ion interactions in terms of charge density features in an ionic salt. The general conclusions of the works presented in this thesis are provided at the end of the chapters. Appendix A explores the varieties of hydrogen bonds in a simple molecule. Identification of intermolecular interactions based purely on distance-angle criteria is inadequate and in the context of ‘quantitative crystal engineering’, recognition of critical points in terms of charge density distribution becomes extremely relevant to justify the occurrence of any interaction in the intermolecular space. The results from single crystal X-ray diffraction data at 90K (compound in chapter 4 at 113K) have been compared with those from periodic theoretical calculations via DFT method at high-level basis set (B3LYP/6-31G**) in order to establish a common platform between theory and experiment. Chapter 1 gives a brief review on crystal engineering to analyze intermolecular interactions along with the description of both experimental and theoretical approaches used in the analysis of charge densities in molecular crystals. The eight of Koch and Popelier’s criteria, defined using the theory of “Atoms in Molecules”, to characterize hydrogen bonds have also been discussed in detail. Chapter 2 (I) presents the charge density analysis in coumarin, 1-thiocoumarin, and 3-acetylcoumarin. Coumarin has been extensively studied as it finds applications in several areas of synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and photochemistry. The packing of molecules in the crystal lattice is governed by weak C−HLO and C−HLπ interactions only. The variations in charge density properties and derived local energy densities have been investigated in these regions of intermolecular interactions. The lacuna of the identification of a lower limit for the hydrogen bond formation has been addressed in terms of all eight of Koch and Popelier’s criteria, to bring out the distinguishing features between a hydrogen bond (C−HLO) and a van der Waals interaction (C−HLπ) for the first time. Chapter 2 (II) highlights the nature of intermolecular interactions involving sulfur in 1-thiocoumarin, 2-thiocoumarin, and dithiocoumarin. These compounds pack in the crystal lattice mainly via weak C−HLS and SLS interactions. The analysis of experimental and theoretical charge densities clearly categorizes these interactions as pure van der Waals in nature. The distribution of charge densities in the vicinity of the S atom has been analyzed to get better insights into the nature of sulfur in different environments. Chapter 2 (III) provides a detailed investigation of the charge density distribution in concomitant polymorphs of 3-acetylcoumarin. The electron density maps in the two forms demonstrate the differences in the nature of the charge density distribution particularly in the features associated with C−HLO and C−HLπ interactions. The net charges derived based on the population analysis via multipole refinement and also the charges evaluated via integration over the atomic basins and the molecular dipole moments show significant differences. The lattice energies calculated from experimental charge density approach clearly suggest that form A is thermodynamically stable compared to form B. Mapping of electrostatic potential over the molecular surfaces also bring out the differences between the two forms. Chapter 3 describes the analysis of charge density distribution in three small bioactive molecules, 2-thiouracil, cytosine monohydrate, and salicylic acid. These molecules pack in the crystal lattice via strong hydrogen bonds, such as N−HLO, N−HLS, and O−HLO. In spite of the presence of such strong hydrogen bonds, the weak interactions like C−HLO and C−HLS also contribute in tandem to the packing features. The distribution of charge densities in intermolecular space provides a quantitative comparison on the strength of both strong and weak interactions. The variations in electronegativity associated with the S, O, and N atoms are clearly seen in the electrostatic potential maps over the molecular surfaces. Chapter 4 deals with study of intermolecular interactions in N,N,N´N´-tetramethylethlenediammonium dithiocyanate, analyzed based on experimental charge densities from X-ray diffraction data at 113 K and compared with theoretical charge densities. The packing in the crystal lattice is governed mainly by a strong N+−H…N− hydrogen bond along with several weak interactions such as C−HLS, C−HLN, and C−HLπ. The charge density distribution in the region of inter-ionic interaction is also highlighted and the electrostatic potential map clearly provides the insights in to its interacting feature. Appendix A describes the experimental and theoretical charge density studies in 1-formyl-3-thiosemicarbazide and the assessment of five varieties of hydrogen bonds.

O crescente aumento da tolerância aos fungicidas atualmente utilizados é um dos principais problemas tanto na área clínica quanto na agrícola e tem estimulado o desenvolvimento de estratégias alternativas para o controle de fungos patogênicos, tais como o tratamento fotodinâmico antimicrobiano (TFA), que pode utilizar fotossensibilizadores (FS) de origem natural ou sintética. Alguns FS, como as cumarinas e furanocumarinas, são produzidos por espécies de Citrus como limão Tahiti (Citrus latifolia) e toranjas (Citrus paradisi). O presente estudo investigou o TFA in vitro de conídios do fungo fitopatogênico Colletotrichum acutatum com: (1) o corante fenotiazínico azul de metileno (MB), (2) uma furanocumarina comercial, 8-metoxipsoraleno (8-MOP), (3) uma cumarina comercial, (2H-chromen-2-one), (4) a cumarina 5,7-dimetoxicumarina extraída no presente trabalho a partir de óleo da casca do limão Tahiti, (5) a cumarina 7-hidroxicumarina extraída no presente trabalho a partir de óleo essencial de toranja rubi, (6) duas frações extraídas por De Menezes e colaboradores (2014a) a partir de um resíduo da indústria citrícola, uma delas constituída pela furanocumarina isopimpinelina e outra constituída por uma mistura das cumarinas 7-metoxicumarina e 5,7-dimetoxicumarina (3:1), (7) cinco extratos brutos obtidos a partir de óleos da casca e essencial de limão Tahiti e óleos essenciais de toranjas rubi e branca. Com exceção do extrato bruto obtido do óleo essencial de toranja branca, todos os demais extratos apresentaram cumarinas e/ou furanocumarinas em sua composição. As suspensões de conídios foram tratadas com os diferentes compostos (50 ?M para os compostos comerciais e as frações puras e 12,5 mg L-1 para os extratos e a mistura) e expostas à radiação solar por 1 h. O MB foi exposto à radiação solar por 30 min, 1 e 2 h. Determinou-se o efeito do tratamento fotodinâmico em folhas de mudas de laranja Valencia (Citrus sinensis) com (1) 8-MOP, (2) mistura de cumarinas, (3) 5,7-dimetoxicumarina e (4) o extrato bruto de limão Tahiti. Adicionalmente, experimentos para avaliar a estabilidade do 8-MOP exposto à radiação solar por até 12 h foram realizados. Nesses experimentos, soluções de 8-MOP (50 ?M) foram expostas à radiação solar e alíquotas foram retiradas após os diferentes tempos de exposição. Após as exposições, estudos de espectroscopia de absorção no UV e emissão de fluorescência foram realizados, além da realização de experimentos para avaliar a eficácia do TFA com os FS previamente expostos à radiação solar por 6 e 12 h. Os TFA mais eficazes foram com o MB, 8-MOP (ambos 50 ?M), a mistura de cumarinas e um dos extratos brutos obtidos de limão Tahiti (ambos 12,5 mg L-1), que mataram 99,998%, 99,378%, 99,336% e 65,049% dos conídios, respectivamente, após 1 h de exposição à radiação solar. Nenhum dano nas folhas de laranja foi observado após o TFA com os compostos. Os espectros de absorção e emissão de fluorescência das soluções de 8-MOP expostas à radiação solar mostraram fotodegradação do composto após 12 h de exposição. Entretanto, as soluções de 8-MOP expostas por 6 e por 12 h ainda foram capazes de matar 99,978% e 95,591% dos conídios de C. acutatum, respectivamente / Increasing tolerance to currently used fungicides is a major problem both in clinical and agricultural areas and has stimulated the development of alternative strategies to control pathogenic fungi such as the antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (APDT), that can use natural or synthetic photosensitizers (PS). Some PS, such as coumarins and furocoumarins are produced by Citrus species such Tahiti acid lime (Citrus latifolia) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). This study investigated the in vitro APDT of conidia of the plant-pathogenic fungi C. acutatum with: (1) the phenothiazinium dye methylene blue (MB), (2) commercial furocoumarin, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), (3) commercial coumarin (2H-chromen-2-one), (4) coumarin 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, extracted in this study from Tahiti lime peel oil, (5) coumarin 7-hidroxycoumarina, extracted in this study from ruby grapefruit essential oil, (6) two fractions extracted by De Menezes et al (2014a) from a Citrus industry residue, one of them constituted by the furocoumarin isopimpinellin, and the other constituted by the mixture of coumarins 7-methoxycoumarin and 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (3:1), (7) five crude extracts obtained from Tahiti lime peel or essential oil and ruby and white grapefruit essential oil. Except the extract from the white grapefruit, all the others presented coumarins and/or furocoumarins in their composition. Conidial suspentions were treated with the different PS (50 ?M for commercial and pure compounds and 12.5 mg L-1 for the extracts and the mixture) and exposed to solar radiation for 1 h. The MB was exposed to solar radiation for 30 min, 1 and 2 h. The APDT effect on the leaves of Valencia orange trees (Citrus sinensis) with (1) 8-MOP, (2) the mixture of coumarins, (3) 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, and (4) the most efective extract from Tahiti lime were determined. Additionally, experiments to assess the 8-MOP stability after exposure to solar radiation for 12 h were realized. 8-MOP solutions (50 ?M) were exposed under solar radiation and rates were removed after different times of exposition. After the expositions, absorption spectroscopic studies in UV and fluorescence emission were realized, as well as holding the realization of experiments of APDT efficacy evaluation after 6 and 12 h to exposure under solar radiation. The more effective treatments were with MB, 8-MOP (both 50 ?M), the coumarins mixture and one of the extracts from Tahiti lime (both 12.5 mg L-1), killing at least 99,998%, 99,378%, 99,336% and 65,049% of the conidia, respectively after 1 h under solar radiation. No damage to orange tree leaves was observed after APDT with any of the compounds. The absorption and fluorescence intensity spectra showed the 8-MOP photodegradation after 12 h of exposition, although the 8-MOP solutions exposed under solar radiation for 6 and 12 h still killed at least 99,978% and 95,591% of the C. acutatum conidia, respectively

Les coumarines et furocoumarines sont des phytoalexines synthétisées par certaines familles de plantes (ex : Rutacées dont font partie les agrumes), pour se défendre contre les bioagresseurs. Les furocoumarines peuvent être toxiques pour l’homme, lorsqu’elles sont combinées à certains médicaments : c’est l’effet pomelo. Aujourd’hui, la plupart des cytochromes P450 impliqués dans la synthèse des furocoumarines chez les Apiacées, ont déjà été caractérisés. En revanche, malgré l’importance économique des agrumes, nous en savons très peu sur la voie de biosynthèse des coumarines et furocoumarines chez ces plantes. Dans ce travail, nous avons créé, optimisé et validé une méthode d’analyse en chromatographie liquide à ultra haute performance couplée à un spectromètre de masse (UPLC-MS), pour identifier et quantifier 28 coumarines et furocoumarines dans la peau et la pulpe d’agrumes. Cette méthode nous a permis de chémotyper 62 variétés d’agrumes, distinguées par leur faible ou forte capacité de production de ces composés. En parallèle, un travail de bioinformatique sur des banques publiques d’ADN génomique d’agrumes, a permis d’identifier sept gènes présentant de fortes homologies de séquences avec ceux intervenant dans la synthèse des furocoumarines chez Pastinaca sativa (CYP71) et chez Arabidopsis thaliana (CYP82). Une analyse quantitative de leur niveau d’expression chez des agrumes, a montré que quatre d’entre eux étaient plus fortement exprimés chez les fruits fortement producteurs de coumarines et furocoumarines. Le clonage de ces gènes et leur expression hétérologue chez la levure, a révélé la fonction de CYP82D64 de pomelo et de Combava, qui hydroxyle la xanthotoxine pour donner la 5-hydroxy-xanthotoxine. La synthèse des coumarines et furocoumarines chez les agrumes, ainsi mieux appréhendée, nous a permis de proposer un schéma de sélection variétale visant à abaisser les taux de ces composés chez les Citrus. Nous avons aussi montré l’évolution convergente des CYP71 et CYP82 dans leur synthèse chez les Apiacées et les Rutacées respectivement. La découverte du premier cytochrome P450 de Citrus intervenant dans la production de ces composés, ouvre de nouvelles perspectives quant à l’élucidation de leur voie de biosynthèse chez les agrumes / Coumarins and furanocoumarins are phytoalexines synthesized by some plant families (e.g. Rutaceæ that include citrus), to defend themselves against bioaggressors. Furanocoumarins can be toxic for humans, when combined with some drugs: this is the grapefruit juice effect. Nowadays, most of the cytochrome P450s involved in the furanocoumarin synthesis in Apiaceæ, have already been characterized. However, despite the economical importance of citrus, a little is known about the coumarins and furanocoumarins pathway in these plants. In this work, we created, optimized and validated an analytical method by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), to identify and quantitate 28 coumarins and furanocoumarins in citrus peel and pulp. This method allowed us to chemotype 62 citrus varieties, distinguished by their low or high capacity to produce these compounds. In parallel, a bioinformatic work on public banks of genomic DNA from citrus, allowed to identify seven genes with high sequence homologies with those involved in the synthesis of furanocoumarins in Pastinaca sativa (CYP71) and in Arabidopsis thaliana (CYP82). A quantitative analysis of their expression level in citrus showed that four of them were more expressed in high coumarins and furanocoumarins producing fruits. The cloning of these genes and their heterologous expression in yeast, revealed the function of grapefruit and Combava CYP82D64, which catalyzes the hydroxylation of xanthotoxin in 5-hydroxy-xanthotoxin. The synthesis of coumarins and furanocoumarins in citrus, then better apprehended, allowed us to propose a breeding scheme aiming at decreasing the levels of these compounds in Citrus. We also showed the convergent evolution of CYP71 and CYP82 in their synthesis in Apiaceæ and in Rutaceæ respectively. The discovery of the first cytochrome P450 from Citrus involved in the production of these compounds, opens up new prospects for the elucidation of their biosynthetic pathway in citrus