O processo de extração do óleo de mamona gera, como subproduto, uma torta rica em proteínas, que tem sido utilizada como adubo e contra fitonematóide, devido à sua toxicidade. Entretanto, as proteínas da torta de mamona são ricas em aminoácidos que permitem modificação química com aldeídos bifuncionais, como o glutaraldeído e o glioxal, o que pode ser interessante para a produção de filmes biodegradáveis com propriedades físicas adequadas ao emprego na agricultura. Assim, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi a produção e caracterização de filmes à base de proteínas extraídas da torta de mamona e reticuladas com glioxal ou glutaraldeído e plastificados com glicerol. Especificamente, estudaram-se o efeito da concentração de proteína e do tipo de reticulante, e o efeito da concentração do reticulante sobre algumas propriedades dos filmes. Os filmes foram produzidos com uma técnica conhecida como tipo \"casting\", que consiste na desidratação de uma solução filmogênica (SF). Os filmes foram submetidos a testes para determinação da umidade, espessura, propriedades mecânicas (testes de tração e perfuração), permeabilidade ao vapor de água, solubilidade em água, cor, opacidade, brilho, além da microestrutura, por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A concentração da proteína e o tipo de reticulante não influenciaram a umidade, espessura, microestrutura e propriedades óticas. Mas, de maneira geral, os filmes produzidos com o glioxal apresentaram melhores propriedades mecânicas e menor solubilidade em água que aqueles produzidos com glutaraldeído, sendo que a concentração de 6g de proteínas/100g de SF foi a formulação que apresentou os melhores resultados para os testes de tração e de solubilidade em água. Este resultado é muito importante para o emprego dos filmes na agricultura. Por outro lado, a concentração do glioxal não teve efeito sobre a umidade, espessura, propriedades óticas, microestrutura e nem sobre a permeabilidade ao vapor de água, influenciando apenas a solubilidade e as propriedades mecânicas. O teor de glioxal que proporcionou melhores propriedades mecânicas e baixa solubilidade em água foi de 5g/100g de proteínas. Filmes produzidos nessas melhores condições foram submetidos a análises complementares envolvendo testes de hidrofobicidade, propriedades térmicas, espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, isoterma de sorção e biodegradabilidade. Finalmente, pode-se concluir que as proteínas da torta de mamona são capazes de formar uma matriz bem estruturada e que suas propriedades podem ser melhoradas com a adição de glioxal. / The extraction process of castor oil produces, as a co-product, a cake rich in proteins which has been used as a fertilizer and against plant parasitic nematode, because of its toxicity. However, the proteins of castor bean cake are rich in amino acids which allow chemical modification with bifunctional aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde and glioxal. This may be interesting for the production of biodegradable films with adequate physical properties to the use in agriculture. The objective of this work was the production and characterization of films based on proteins extracted from the castor bean cake and crosslinked with glyoxal or glutaraldehyde and plasticized with glycerol. Specifically, we studied the effect of protein concentration and type of crosslinker and the effect of the crosslinker concentration on some properties of the films. The films were produced with a technique known as \"casting\", which consists of drying a film solution (FS). The films were tested for determination of moisture content, thickness, mechanical properties (tensile and puncture tests), water vapor permeability, water solubility, color, opacity, gloss, and the microstructure by scanning electron microscopy. The protein concentration and type of crosslinking did not affect the moisture content, thickness, microstructure and optical properties. But, in general, films made with glyoxal showed improved mechanical properties and lower water solubility than those produced using glutaraldehyde. And, the concentration of 6g proteins/100 g of FS was the formulation that presented the best results for the tensile tests and water solubility. This result is very important for the use of films in agriculture. Moreover, the concentration of glyoxal had no effect on the moisture content, thickness, optical properties, or on the microstructure and permeability to water vapor, influencing only the solubility and mechanical properties. The concentration of glyoxal that provided the best mechanical properties and low water solubility of proteins was 5g/100g of gelatin. Films produced in the best conditions were subjected to further analyzes involving tests of hydrophobicity, thermal properties, spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water vapor sorption isotherm and biodegradability. Finally, it can be concluded that the protein of castor bean cake are capable of forming a matrix structured and that their properties can be improved with the addition of glyoxal.

During embryonal development, axons of newly differentiated neurons need to properly interconnect and create a functional neuronal network. To achieve this, the cell requires a growth cone. The growth cone is a highly dynamic structure at the end of growing axons that serves both as the navigator and the propeller. Crosstalk between actin and microtubules is vital for proper axonal pathfinding. But the exact mechanism of this cooperation remains unknown. This diploma thesis investigates the possible role of a candidate scaffolding protein called anillin in this process. Anillin has been studied in two human cell lines. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line was used for overexpression and siRNA knock-down experiments. Anillin overexpression led to perturbed neurite morphology and growth cone dynamics in SH-SY5Y cells, whereas cells with lower anillin expression had fewer neurites. Next, neurons differentiated from human iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) expressing endogenous fluorescently tagged anillin were studied. Local dynamic high concentration spots of anillin have been observed at the base of cell protrusions of differentiating neurons. These anillin flares appeared during cell migration, early neurite initiation, and in newly created growth cones. These results suggest that anillin plays a...

Silicone release liners are silicone coatings on top of papers or films that are used in the adhesives industry to prevent adhesion before the final use of the adhesive e.g. labels. The process of production of release liners involves the casting of molten polysiloxanes on top of the substrates that crosslink by hydrosilylation reaction forming silicone networks. The quality of the release liner can be assessed by diverse methods usually performed when the coating process has been finished. Rarely an online control of the reaction is possible. Fluorescence spectroscopy was found to be a non-invasive useful method to control the reaction during the whole process by introducing very small concentration of fluorescent molecules in the polymer formulations; those fluorophores are sensitive to environmental changes as the silicone polymer molecules crosslink. In response to that stimulus, the fluorescence intensity varies along the time upon reaction allowing the identification of the gel point and further modifications or molecules rearrangements in a post-curing stage within weeks that are non-observable with conventional quality control methods. It was found that the fluorescent molecules do not require to be attached covalently to the polysiloxanes, thus fluorescence spectroscopy is a simple method to implement for controlling the production of silicone coatings. Moreover, the characterization of several silicone formulations was performed to find the optimal conditions for the production of release liners and to understand the effect of every component in the formulation on the performance of the silicones. The kinetics of the reaction was also studied and even a mechanism for the hydrosilylation reaction was proposed.

Cette thèse présente une contribution originale à la compréhension et la maîtrise des mécanismes physico-chimiques qui contrôlent l’élaboration d’un nouveau matériau polymère biphasique de type Super-TPV (thermoplastique vulcanisé) contenant une phase réticulée par le procédé d’extrusion réactive. La phase caoutchoutique est constituée d’un Vinyl-PDMS de haute masse molaire qui est réticulé dynamiquement avec une matrice thermoplastique PA12 lors du procédé de mise en œuvre à l’état fondu (T≈200°C). Le premier des quatre chapitres de ce mémoire est consacré à une étude bibliographique des différents aspects fondamentaux de la réticulation radicalaire des silicones. Dans le chapitre 2, nous avons étudié le processus de réticulation radicalaire du PDMS en fonction de la température (T>160°C). Le peroxyde de dicumyle (DCP) a été utilisé comme amorceur de la réaction. Pour tenter de contrôler la réaction de réticulation à ces températures élevées, le tétraméthylpipéridyloxyde (TEMPO) a été utilisé. Nous avons ainsi montré que le temps à la transition sol-gel viscoélastique augmente en fonction de la concentration de l’inhibiteur. Des études en RMN, DSC et TGA-MS ont montré que le mécanisme à l’origine de ce temps d’inhibition est le greffage des radicaux nitroxyles sur la chaine polymère silicone. Dans le chapitre 3, un modèle original a été développé avec succès pour décrire la rhéocinétique de la réticulation radicalaire contrôlée du PDMS. Cette modélisation est basée sur le couplage de la cinétique des macro-radicaux PDMS recombinés [Rcc(t)] et la variation des modules complexes de cisaillement (G'(t) et de G"(t)). Finalement, dans le chapitre 4 ces études fondamentales ont été développées à l’élaboration d’un TPV basé sur la réticulation radicalaire de la gomme silicone dans une matrice PA12. Nous avons alors montré que l'addition du TEMPO permet d’élaborer par un procédé dynamique un nouveau Super-TPV ayant une structure et une morphologie contrôlée. / The control of macromolecular structure has recently become an important topic of polymer science from both an academic and an industrial point of view. Indeed, free-radical crosslinking of Polydimethyl-vinylmethyl-siloxane (vinyl-PDMS) rubber by organic peroxide suffers from premature crosslinking at high temperatures, which is called scorching. Consequently, the basic aim of the investigations described in this thesis is to widen and explore the network topology–crosslinking kinetics relationships and find a novel way to control free-radical crosslinking chemistry and topological parameters of final PDMS networks. The work is primarily focused on the extensive study of the crosslinking control of PDMS rubber at high temperatures. A novel composition using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) for scorch delay and control of the final network topology of the PDMS has been proposed. The work specified in this thesis is therefore directed to find a proper [TEMPO]/[DCP] ratio provided the development of a new biphasic material such as PA12/PDMS blend type TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizated). For this purpose a new method based on the relationship between the kinetics of the macro-radicals coupling [Rcc(t)] was derived from a fundamental kinetic model and the viscoelastic changes of the complex shear modulus (G’(t) and G”(t)). As a main result, the rheological modelling shows that this new method accurately predicts the time variation of complex shear modulus at any temperature and [TEMPO]/[DCP] ratio. Interestingly, addition of TEMPO to the TPV novel composition provided the PA12/PDMS blend compatibilization in the dynamic process and gives a new material having a controlled structure and morphology. A better insight in understanding the blend composition and the morphology development relationships is aimed at.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The proteasome is responsible for breaking down the majority of the proteins in the cell. However, a complete understanding of how this large multi-subunit protease is assembled is currently lacking. Proper and timely assembly of the proteasome is critical for the functioning of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, defects in which have been associated with several different cancers. A recently discovered heterodimeric proteasome assembly chaperone, Pba1p-Pba2p, has been suggested to prevent the assembly process from straying off path. Pba1p-Pba2p associates with proteasomal assembly intermediates via C-terminal HbYX motifs. The HbYX motif is a tri-peptide sequence containing a hydrophobic residue (Hb) followed by a tyrosine (Y), then any amino acid (X). This motif was originally identified in proteasomal activators, and shown to mediate the association of activators with the proteasome by inserting into intersubunit pockets on either end of the proteasome. There are seven unique intersubunit binding pockets, located between neighboring α subunits on the proteasome, to which a HbYX-containing protein can bind; which of these pockets Pba1p-Pba2p binds to remains elusive. I attempted to identify where Pba1p and Pba2p bind via a crosslinking approach. Specific residues were mutagenized to cysteines on Pba1p, Pba2p, and the individual α subunits in order to generate crosslinkable species. By exposing yeast cells expressing these crosslinkable proteins to mild oxidizing conditions, I attempted to trap the Pba1p and Pba2p α intersubunit pocket interactions. In order to optimize crosslinking conditions, the assay was modified several ways. Additionally, measures were taken to increase detection of the crosslinked species via immunoblotting. Despite the efforts to improve the crosslinking and detection, I was unable to successfully detect a crosslinked species. However, crosslinking is a reasonable method to identify the Pba1p and Pba2p proteasomal binding sites, having been successfully used to identify binding sites for other HbYX-motif-containing proteins; further assay optimization should yield Pba1p and Pba2p proteasomal crosslinks.

Silicone polymers and network-materials have proven extremely useful in a variety of applications owing to their superb properties when compared to carbon-based polymers. Polysiloxanes containing functional groups other than simple alkyl moieties have allowed for further manipulations of pendant groups along the polymer backbone leading to a greater range of possible chemical transformations, as well as changes in physical/interfacial properties. One aspect of functional polymers that has yet to be explored with respect to primarily silicone-based systems is that of stimuli-responsive materials. In order for this unique application to work, silicones must be functionalized with a group or groups that can influence the polymer’s properties based on that group’s response to specific external stimuli. Boronic acids represent one such group, wherein the most common stimuli used to affect changes in ionization state and solubility are pH and diol-binding. Boronic acids are also capable of forming weak hydrogen-bonded dimers with other boronic acids, and dynamic covalent bonds with Lewis bases. It is proposed that the covalent attachment of boronic acids and their derivatives onto silicones could lead to stimuli-responsive silicone materials. Herein, the synthesis of silicone-boronic acids and their protected boronic esters is described. The simple two-step method involving boronic acid protection followed by hydrosilylation has led to a variety of molecules differing in molecular weight and three-dimensional geometry through the use of commercially available hydride-functional silicones. Initial results regarding saccharide binding selectivity and the impacts on silicone solubility are provided. The unique interfacial behaviour of silicone-boronic esters and their propensity to form self-assembled, crosslinked films at an air/water interface are also reported. Using several different diol protecting groups and a variety of aqueous sub-phases, the mechanism for changes in physical properties as well as crosslinking were revealed. Finally, the production of new thermoplastic silicone elastomers from silicone-boronic esters and amine-containing molecules is discussed. The Lewis acid/Lewis base complexation that occurs between nitrogen and boron can provide enough strength to produce robust, yet recyclable, silicone elastomers without the use of catalyst or solvent. Elastomers can be easily dissolved and reformed through the introduction and removal of a mono-functional Lewis base. The impact of crosslink density, controlled by the quantities and molecular weights of each polymer component used, on physical characteristics is reported. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Networks of crosslinked keratin filaments are abundant in epithelial cells and tissues, providing resilience against mechanical forces and ensuring cellular integrity. Although studies of in vitro models of reconstituted keratin networks have revealed important mechanical aspects, the mechanical properties of crosslinked keratin structures remain poorly understood. Here, we exploited the power of electron beam irradiation (EBI) to crosslink in vitro networks of soft epithelial keratins 8 and 18 (k8–k18) filaments with different irradiation doses (30 kGy, 50 kGy, 80 kGy, 100 kGy, and 150 kGy). We combined bulk shear rheology with confocal microscopy to investigate the impact of crosslinking on the mechanical and structural properties of the resultant keratin gels. We found that irradiated keratin gels display higher linear elastic modulus than the unirradiated, entangled networks at all doses tested. However, at the high doses (80 kGy, 100 kGy, and 150 kGy), we observed a remarkable drop in the elastic modulus compared to 50 kGy. Intriguingly, the irradiation drastically changed the behavior for large, nonlinear deformations. While untreated keratin networks displayed a strong strain stiffening, increasing irradiation doses shifted the system to a strain softening behavior. In agreement with the rheological behavior in the linear regime, the confocal microscopy images revealed fully isotropic networks with high percolation in 30 kGy and 50 kGy-treated keratin samples, while irradiation with 100 kGy induced the formation of thick bundles and clusters. Our results demonstrate the impact of permanent crosslinking on k8–k18 mechanics and provide new insights into the potential contribution of intracellular covalent crosslinking to the loss of mechanical resilience in some human keratin diseases. These insights will also provide inspiration for the synthesis of new keratin-based biomaterials.

Many biological functions of peptides are mediated through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Upon ligand binding, GPCRs undergo conformational changes that facilitate the binding and activation of multiple effectors. GPCRs regulate nearly all physiological processes and are a favorite pharmacological target. In particular, drugs are sought after that elicit the recruitment of selected effectors only (biased ligands). Understanding how ligands bind to GPCRs and which conformational changes they induce is a fundamental step toward the development of more efficient and specific drugs. Moreover, it is emerging that the dynamic of the ligand–receptor interaction contributes to the specificity of both ligand recognition and effector recruitment, an aspect that is missing in structural snapshots from crystallography. We describe here biochemical and biophysical techniques to address ligand–receptor interactions in their structural and dynamic aspects, which include mutagenesis, crosslinking, spectroscopic techniques, and mass-spectrometry profiling. With a main focus on peptide receptors, we present methods to unveil the ligand–receptor contact interface and methods that address conformational changes both in the ligand and the GPCR. The presented studies highlight a wide structural heterogeneity among peptide receptors, reveal distinct structural changes occurring during ligand binding and a surprisingly high dynamics of the ligand–GPCR complexes.

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