Despite the fact that Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 32 present 4 467 enzyme entries, only 14 of them have been characterized structurally. From the ten protein crystal structures deposited for Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703 at PDB just one enzyme is related to the processing of non-digestible sugars and there is no structure of a β-fructofuranosidase. In this research we studied the biochemical properties and the structural features of a recombinant β-fructofuranosidase (BaFFse) from the healthy gut bacteria B. adolescentis ATCC 15703 (gen BAD_1325) heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta. The enzyme was purified by nickel ion affinity chromatography and molecular exclusion chromatography; the purification process was judged by denaturing SDS-PAGE gel. Sucrose was used as a substrate for the enzyme activity assays and the amount of reducing sugars, detected by Dinitrosalycilic acid, was taken as indicator of the optimum conditions of hydrolysis for the enzyme. BaFFase crystal, grown in PEG 8K 25% (w/v) and buffer MES 0.1M pH 6.5, was diffracted at 2.44 Å and processed using the CCP4 program package. The enzyme presented a classical four-stranded five-bladed β-propeller and a C-terminal β-sandwich characteristic from the GH 32 family; however, connected to the β-propeller through a loop of 38 residues, BaFFase also presented an N-terminal β-sandwich domain, which sequence (residues 3-100 from BaFFase) did not match with any protein sequence when aligned against PDB database. Assays with Gel filtration calibration, DLS and SAXS showed that the enzyme was a stable homodimer in solution. Based on the superposition of structures using the a β-fructofuranosidase from B. longum KN29.1 we could deduced the three key aminoacids involved in the transferring of fructosyl moieties by BaFFase. A nucleophile attack is performed by the carboxylate of Asp 131, forming the fructose BaFFase intermediate; Glu 375 donates a proton, acting as an acid base catalyst and Asp 269 stabilizes the transitions state in the fructosyl transferring activity. This is the first GH32 oligomeric enzyme belonging to the bacteria kingdom. We have described a novel additional β-sandwich domain for a GH32 enzyme that increases the region of contact to form a dimer. This is the first β-fructofuranosidase crystal structure from the microorganism B. adolescentis ATCC 15703. / O presente trabalho disserta sobre os estudos das propriedades bioquímicas e as características estruturais de uma β-frutofuranosidase recombinante (BaFFse) da bactéria Bifidobacterium adolescentis ATCC 15703 (gen BAD_1325) presente em intestinos saudáveis. A proteína foi expressa heterologamente em Escherichia coli Rosetta. A enzima foi purificada por cromatografia de afinidade (íons de níquel) e cromatografia de exclusão por massa molecular; o processo de purificação foi avaliado por gel desnaturante tipo SDS-PAGE. A sacarose foi usada como substrato para os ensaios de atividade enzimática e a quantidade de açúcares redutores, detectados por ácido dinitrosalicílico, foi tomada como indicador das condições ótimas de hidrólise para a enzima. Cristais de BaFFase, crescidos em solução contendo PEG 8 k em tampão Hepes pH 6,5, foram difratados a uma resolução de 2,44 Å e processados utilizando o pacote de programas CCP4. A enzima apresentou um clássico enovelamento tipo composto por cinco pás de quatro-fitas β cada e um domínio C-terminal sanduíche-β característico da família GH32; no entanto, ligado ao β-propeller, através de um loop de 38 resíduos, a BaFFase apresentou um inédito domínio N-terminal sanduíche-β (resíduos 3-100 de BaFFase) ainda sem precedentes, quando alinhado contra a base de dados PDB. Ensaios de gel filtração, DLS e SAXS mostraram que a enzima se apresenta como um homodímero estável em solução. Com base na superposição estrutural, utilizando uma β-frutofuranosidase de B. longum KN29.1, foi possível inferir os três aminoácidos essenciais envolvidos na transferência de unidades de frutosil pela BaFFase. Um ataque nucleofílico é realizado pelo grupo carboxílico do Asp131, formando um intermediário frutose-BaFFase; o Glu375 doa um próton, atuando como um catalisador ácido-base e o Asp269 estabiliza o estado transições na atividade de transferência frutose. Um novo domínio sanduíche-β adicional para uma enzima GH32 é descrito. Esse domínio é responsável pelo aumento da região de contato e essencial para a formação do homodímero. Esta é a primeira estrutura cristalina da β-frutofuranosidase do microrganismo B. adolescentis ATCC 15703, além de ser a primeira enzima GH32 descrita neste estado oligomérico pertencente ao reino das bactérias.

A enzima glicossomal gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase (GAPDH) de Tripanosoma cruzi e os mutantes D210L e D210L-G213D foram expressos em E. coli, purificados e submetidos a ensaios de cinética enzimática e de cristalização. A enzima GAPDH tipo selvagem e o mutante D210L-G213D cristalizaram-se no grupo espacial P21 e os cristais apresentaram padrões de difração de raios-X de boa qualidade. A estrutura cristalográfica da enzima tipo selvagem foi determinada a 2.5 e 2.15 A de resolução, a partir de coletas de dados realizadas a 277 e 100 K respectivamente. Os fatores R cristalográficos finais dos refinamentos foram de 16.0% para a estrutura a 277 K e 18.8% para a estrutura a 100 K. A estrutura do mutante GAPDH D210L-G213D foi determinada a 2.15 A de resolução e refinada até um fator R cristalográfico de 18.9%. A comparação entre as estruturas da enzima tipo selvagem determinadas nas duas temperaturas levou a resultados interessantes no que diz respeito ao empacotamento cristalino. O resfriamento dos cristais provocou uma redução no volume da cela unitária de 10.5%, tendo a maior variação ocorrido no parâmetro de rede a (14.5%). A sobreposição das celas unitárias mostrou uma rotação do conteúdo da unidade assimétrica de cerca de 5 graus em torno de um eixo aproximadamente paralelo a b. Por outro lado, a análise das estruturas da enzima tipo selvagem e mutante, juntamente com os parâmetros cinéticos, permitiram a discussão a respeito de alguns detalhes do mecanismo catalítico da enzima, principalmente no que se refere ao papel do resíduo Arg249. Tal resíduo, que apresenta grande mobilidade conformacional de sua cadeia lateral, parece estar envolvido na etapa de reorientação de um dos intermediários durante o processo catalítico. / The glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from Typanosoma cruzi and its mutants D210L and D210L-G213D were expressed in E. coli and purified, followed by kinetic and crystallization assays. Both wild type enzyme and D210L-G213D mutant were crystallized in P21 space group and the crystals presented good X-ray diffraction patterns. The three-dimensional structure of the wild type enzyme was determined at 2.5 and 2.15 A resolution from data collected at 277 and 100 K respectively. The structures were refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 16.0% for data collected at 277 K and 18.8% for those collected at 100 K. Also, the structure of the D210L-G213D mutant was solved at 2.15 A resolution and refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 18.9% with good geometry indicators. Comparison between the wild type enzyme structures solved at both temperatures led to interesting results concerning the crystal packing. Flash-cooled crystals presented a 10.5% shrink in the unit cell volume being the major reduction observed in the parameter a (14.5%). Superposition of the unit cells showed a global rotation of the asyrnmetric unit content of about 5 degrees around an axis approximately parallel to b. On the other hand, the analysis of the wild type and mutant enzyme structures, together with the kinetic parameters, allowed a discussion about some catalytic mecanism details, mainly the role of the Arg249 residue. The results showed that this residue might be involved in the reorientation of one of the intermediates during the catalytic process.

Foi efetuado o estudo cristalográfico do ácido N-acetilantranílico (C9H903N) sendo apresentados os fundamentos teóricos e computacionais para determinar a sua estrutura. Os dados de 899, reflexões independentes, foram obtidos num difratômetro automático CADA KAPPA com radiação ka do cobre e processados pelo conjunto de programas denominado \"STRUCTURE DETERMINATION PACKAGE\", (SDP), desde sua redução ate à conclusão o trabalho; Os cristais do ácido N-acetilantranílico são incolores e em forma de placas retangulares e pertencem ao grupo espacial Fdd2 com a = 10,845 (9) R , b = 30,204 (7) R , c = 10,575 (4) R , a = 3 = y = 90° , V = 3464 (5) R3, d cal = 1,374 a/cm3, d obs 1,36 g/cm 3 , Z = 16 moléculas por cela. As moléculas do ácido N-acetilantranílico são planares e formadas Por um anel benzênico ao qual estão ligados em carbonos adjacentes um grupo carboxila e um radical acetamida. Uma ponte de hidrogênio entre a carboxila e a acetamida fazem a ligação entre as moléculas. As moléculas assim ligadas formam uma cadeia que se desenvolve em planos alternados, aproximadamente (301) e (J01). Cadeias vizinhas desenvolvem-se nos planos (501) e (301) / In this thesis it is intended to study the N-acetyl Anthranilic Acid (C9 H9 O 3 N). Fundamentals of theoretical and computational are presented in order to determine its Structure. Data of 899 independent reflexions were obtained by -using the Automatic Difratometer (CADA KAPPA) with a ka copper radiation. \"STRUCTURE DETERMINATION PACKAGE\" (SDP) Programs were used during - this work. N-Acetyl Anthranilic Acid Crystals are in the form of rectangular plates which are transparent and belong to the spatial groupFdd2 where a = 10.845 (9) R , b = 30.204 (7) R , c 10.575 (4) R , a = 8 = y = 90 0 , V = 3464 (5) g3 , d cal = 1,374 \' g/cm 3 , d obs = 1,36 g/cm3 , Z = 16 molecules by cell. The N-Acetyl Anthranilic Acide Molecules is formed \' by a benzenic ring which is bonded to adjacent carbon, a carboxyl and a acetamide groups. Two molecules are bonded through Hydrogen bridge between the carboxyl and acetamide. The molecules are bonded such a way to form a chain with alternate planes (301) and (301). The neibouring chains are in connection with the first chain formed with the planes (301) \' and (301)

Foram determinadas as estruturas de três complexos de Platina, dois complexos de estanho e um ligante orgânico. AS intensidades das reflexões foram medidas com umdifratômetro CAD-4. As estruturas foram resolvidas por métodos diretos ou pela função de Patterson e refinadas por mínimos quadrados. Bis (fenilsulfonil) etano, C14H14(SO2)2, foi obtido durante as tentativas de sintetizar ligantes para serem usados na complexação com diversos organo-estânicos, o cristal pertence ao sistema moniclínico, P21/n, a= 8,495(3), b= 10,159(1), c= 9,072(1)&#197, &#946= 116,23(2) &#176, V= 702,3(3) &#1973, Z= 2, dcalc= 1,467g.cm-3. Cis-dicloro[meso-1,2-bis(n-propilsulfinil)etano]platina(II), PtCl2. (PrSO)2C2H4, o cristal pertence ao sistema ortorrômbico, P212121, a= 7,360(2), b= 9,793(2), c= 19,369(2)&#197, V= 1396,1(4)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalc= 2,25g.cm-3. Trans-diclorol[(trietilfosfina) (2-metilsulfinil)piridina)]platina(II), Et3PPtCl 2.PySOMe, o cristal pertence ao sistema monoclínico, P21/c, a= 8,067(3), b= 8,5184(9), c= 25,592(3)&#197, &#946= 92,000(9)&#176, V= 1757,6(7)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalç= 1,98g.cm-3. Trans-dicloro [(trietilfosfina)(2-n-propilsulfinil)piridina)]platina(II), Et3PPtCl2.PySOPr, o cristal pertence ao sistema triclínico, P-1, a= 8,254(3), b= 8,377(4), c= 14,531(4)&#197, &#945= 87,14(3), &#946= 82,83(3), &#933= 84,10(3)&#176, V= 991,0(7)&#1973, Z= 2, dcalc= 1,78g.cm-3. Mer-tricloro [(2-metilsulfinil)benzotiazol)]metilestanho(IV), MeSnCl3.BtSOMe)2, o cristal pertence ao sistema monoclínico, C2/c, a= 20,083(2), b= 17,406(1), c= 14,415(2)&#197, &#946= 108,06(3), V= 4790,5(8)&#1973, Z= 8, dcalc= 1,78g.cm-3. Hidroxi cloreto de difenil estanho (IV) + mesobis (fenilsulfinil)metano, SnClOHPh2 + Ph2(SO) 2CH2, o cristal pertence ao sistema monoclínico, P21/c, a= 10,540(3), b= 9,743(1), c= 24,099(7)&#197, &#946= 92,95(2), V= 2471(1)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalç= 1,58g.cm-3 / The structures of three platinum complexes, two organotin compounds and organic ligand were determined. The reflection intensities were measured with a CAD-4 automatic diffractometer. The structures were solved by direct methods or the Patterson function and were refined by least squares method. Bis (phenylsulfonyl)ethane, C14H14(SO2)2, was obtained among attempts to synthesize ligands to be used for complexation with several organotins, the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, P21/n, a= 8,495(3), b= 10,159(1), c= 9,072(1)&#197, &#946= 116,23(2) &#176, V= 702,3(3) &#1973, Z= 2, dcalc= 1,467g.cm-3. Cis-dichloro [ meso 1,2-bis(n-propylsulphinyl)ethane]platinum(II), PtCl2. (PrSO)2C2H4 the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system, P212121, a= 7,360(2), b= 9,793(2), c= 19,369(2)&#197, V= 1396,1(4)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalc= 2,25g.cm-3. Trans-dichloro [(triethylphosphine) (2-methylsulphinyl)pyridine)]platinum(II), Et3PPtCl 2.PySOMe, the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, P21/c, a= 8,067(3), b= 8,5184(9), c= 25,592(3)&#197, &#946= 92,000(9)&#176, V= 1757,6(7)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalç= 1,98g.cm-3. Trans-dichloro [(triethylphosphine) (2-npropylsulphinyl) pyridine)]platinum(II), Et3PPtCl2.PySOPr, the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system, P-1, a= 8,254(3), b= 8,377(4), c= 14,531(4)&#197, &#945= 87,14(3), &#946= 82,83(3), &#933= 84,10(3)&#176, V= 991,0(7)&#1973, Z= 2, dcalc= 1,78g.cm-3. Mer-trichloro[(2-methylsulphinyl)benzothiazole)]methyltin(IV), MeSnCl3.BtSOMe)2 the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, C2/c, a= 20,083(2), b= 17,406(1), c= 14,415(2)&#197, &#946= 108,06(3), V= 4790,5(8)&#1973, Z= 8, dcalc= 1,78g.cm-3. Hidroxe chloride diphenyl tin (IV) + mesobis (phenylsulphinyl)methane, SnClOHPh2 + Ph2(SO) 2CH2 the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, P21/c, a= 10,540(3), b= 9,743(1), c= 24,099(7)&#197, &#946= 92,95(2), V= 2471(1)&#1973, Z= 4, dcalç= 1,58g.cm-3

O termo estrutura cristalina entende-se como um conjunto de átomos periodicamente distribuídos no espaço, formando uma rede. O material composto, osso, contém uma parte orgânica formada por colágeno e uma parte inorgânica formada predominantemente por cristais de hidroxiapatita, que possui fórmula molecular Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 em sua célula unitária. A estrutura cristalina da hidroxiapatita pode indicar a qualidade de ossos trabeculares, pela identificação do tamanho de cristalito, da microdeformação e da proporção de cálcio e fósforo nos três tipos de ossos: normal, osteopênico e osteoporótico. A osteoporose é definida pelo National Institutes of Health como uma desordem esquelética caracterizada pelo comprometimento da resistência óssea e aumento do risco de fratura. Objetiva-se avaliar e caracterizar a estrutura cristalina da matriz inorgânica de ossos secos trabeculares de vértebras de colunas de cadáveres humanos normais, osteopênicos e osteoporóticos por microscopia ótica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectometria de energia dispersiva e difratometria de raios-X, utilizando o método de refinamento de Rietveld, balizando os resultados com os valores de microdureza. Foram utilizados ossos secos trabeculares de vértebras L1 de colunas de nove cadáveres humanos provenientes do Serviço de Verificação de Óbito da capital. Antes da coleta do material, elas foram pré-divididas em três grupos: normal, osteopênico e osteoporótico, através de ultrassonometria de calcâneo. A caracterização dos três tipos de ossos foi feita pelas técnicas de microscopia ótica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, microanálise por espectrometria de energia dispersiva, microdureza e difratometria de raios-X pelo método de pó com aplicação do método de Rietveld. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição dos valores de tamanho do cristalito (de 670 para 213 nanômetros), microdureza (de 30,27 para 21,22 knoop), proporção de cálcio e fósforo (de 2,02 para 1,73), número de trabéculas e densidade óssea e um aumento nos valores de microdeformação (de 5,4 para 16,8), sugerindo uma maior desorganização e fragilidade na estrutura cristalina da hidroxiapatita em ossos osteopênicos e osteoporóticos em relação aos normais. A caracterização microestrutural dos cristais de hidroxiapatita em ossos secos trabeculares permitiu diferenciar os três tipos de ossos (normal, osteopênico e osteoporótico) e complementar a avaliação da osteoporose, com ênfase na qualidade óssea. / The term crystal structure is understood as a set of atoms periodically distributed in space, forming a lattice The composite material, bone, contains a organic part that consists of collagen and a inorganic part that consists predominantly of hydroxyapatite crystals, having molecular formula Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 in its unit cell. The crystal structure of hydroxyapatite can indicate the trabecular bone quality, by the identification of crystallite size, microstrain and ratio of calcium and phosphorus in bones of three types: normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic. Osteoporosis is defined by the National Institutes of Health as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength and increased risk of fracture. The objective is to evaluate and characterize the crystalline structure of the inorganic matrix of dry trabecular bones of vertebral column of normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic human cadavers by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, using the Rietveld refinement method and microhardness. Dried trabecular bone of vertebrae L1 columns of nine human cadavers from the Serviço de Verificação de Óbito of the capital were used. Before sample collection, they were pre-divided into three groups: normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic, through Quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus. The characterization of the three types of bones were made by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, microanalysis by energy dispersive spectrometry, microhardness and powder X-ray diffraction with application of the Rietveld method. The results showed a decrease of the crystallite size (from 670 to 213 nanometers), hardness (from 30,27 to 21,22 knoop), ratio of calcium and phosphorus (from 2,02 to 1,73), trabecular number and bone density and an increase in microstrain values (from 5,4 to 16,8) suggesting greater fragility and disruption in the crystalline structure of hydroxyapatite in osteopenic and osteoporotic bone compared to normal. Microstructural characterization of hydroxyapatite crystals in dry trabecular bone could differentiate the three types of bones (normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic) and supplement assessment of osteoporosis, with an emphasis on bone quality.

O parasita Schistosoma mansoni não possui a via de síntese de bases púricas e depende integralmente da via de salvação de purinas para o seu requerimento de purinas. Uma das enzimas participantes desta via é a Purina Nucleosídeo Fosforilase (PNP) (E.C. 2.4.2.1). A PNP catalisa a fosforólise reversível de nucleosídeos de purina para gerar a base correspondente e ribose-1-fosfato. No Projeto Genoma de Schistosoma mansoni, o gene para esta enzima foi identificado.O cDNA para a PNP de S. mansoni (SmPNP), possui 1055pb e codifica para uma proteína de 287 aminoácidos, que possui 49% de identidade quando comparada a PNP de eritrócitos humana ou de Baco bovino. O gene foi clonado no vetor de expressão pMAL C2G, e expresso na forma de uma proteína de fusão, com MBP (80mg/L). Após a purificação da proteína de fusão, a clivagem proteolítica das duas proteínas foi realizada utilizando-se o Factor Xa. A SmPNP foi então purificada utilizando uma coluna de troca catiônica. Foram determinadas as constantes catalíticas para a fosforólise de inosina pela SmPNP, as quais são 3?M para o KM e 222 s-1para o kcat. O valor para o KM é O menor já descrito para uma PNP de baixa massa molecular. Foram obtidos cristais da SmPNP utilizando 18-24 % de PEG 1500, 20% de glicerol em 32mM de tampão acetato de sódio pH 4,9-5,O. Quando utilizado o aditivo NDSB195 na cristalização da SmPNP a solução de cristalização foi 28-30% de PEG 1500, 20% de glicerol em 32mM de tampão acetato de sódio pH 4,9-5,O. Cinco conjuntos de dados de difração de raios X foram obtidos tanto na presença como na ausência de ligantes. A resolução deste conjuntos de dados variou de 2,75? a 1,75 ?. Todas estas estruturas foram resolvidas pelo método da substituição molecular, sendo que na primeira estrutura resolvida (a 2,75?) foi utilizado a estrutura da PNP bovina como modelo de busca, e na resolução das estruturas subsequentes foi utilizado a estrutura da SmPNP como modelo de busca. A estrutura da SmPNP a 1,75? de resolução foi obtida a partir de um cristal crescido na presença de NDSB 195, e após sua resolução foi encontrado este composto ligado em todos os sítios ativos da SmPNP via a sítio de ligação do fosfato. Foram também obtidas as estruturas da SmPNP na forma apo a 1,9? de resolução e em complexo com fosfato a 2,0? de resolução. Todas as estruturas foram utilizadas na comparação com outras PNPs de baixa massa molecular. Utilizando a estrutura da SmPNP a 1,75? de resolução, foi realizada uma busca por compostos (Virtual Screening) que ligassem a SmPNP. Nesta busca foi utilizando o programa GOLD, utilizando uma base de dados de cerca de 36000 compostos com peso molecular inferior a 280 Da. Vinte e dois compostos foram selecionados com base no escore de docking e pelas interações (pontes de hidrogênio) com os resíduos chave do sítio ativo. Utilizando PNP bovina e a mesma abordagem de docking foram selecionados 19 compostos. Estes compostos foram ensaiados contra a SmPNP e 12 compostos se mostraram capazes de inibir a SmPNP. Um complexo entre a SmPNP e o composto AT2169 (oriundo do VS) foi obtido e refinado. Esta abordagem foi validada utilizando ligantes conhecidos das PNPs. / The parasite Schistosoma mansoni, unlike its mammalian hosts, lacks the \"de novo\" pathway for purine biosynthesis and depends on the salvage pathways for its purine requirements. One component of this pathway is Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase (PNP) (E.C. 2.4.2.1). PNP catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of purine nucleosides to generate the corresponding purine base and ribose 1-phosphate. In the Schistosoma mansoni Genome Project the gene for this enzyme was isolated. The SmPNP cDNA was sequenced, corresponding to 1055 bases that code for a 287 amino acid protein with 49% sequence identity to its human erythrocyte homologue. The SmPNP gene was cloned into the pMAL C2G expression vector and the recombinant fusion protein was produced and purified using an amylose affinity column (approx. 80mg/mL). The fusion protein is composed of a Maltose Binding Protein adjoined to the SmPNP. After cleavage with Factor Xa, the cleavage product was purified using a cation exchange column. The KM and kcat of SmPNP for inosine phosphorolisis was determined to be 3?M and 222 s-1 respectively. This corresponds to the lowest value for KM yet described for a low molecular mass PNP. SmPNP crystals were obtained by the hanging drop method, using 18-24% PEG 1500, 20% glycerol in the presence of 32mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.9-5.0). When NDSB195 was used as an additive in the SmPNP crystallization the solution used was 28-30% PEG 1500, 20% glycerol and 32mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.9-5.O).Five datasets were obtained in the presence and absence of ligands, varying in resolution from 2,75 to 1,75?. All structures were solved by the molecular replacement method. The first structure (at 2,75?) was solved using the bovine PNP as the search model and in the remaining structures the search model was the SmPNP structure itself. The 1,75? structure was obtained from a crystal grow in the presence of the additive NDSB195, and after its determination NDSB195 was observed bound to the SmPNP active site via its phosphate binding site. Structures were also obtained for the apo SmPNP at 1,9? and its complex with phosphate at 2,0? resolution. All structures were used in the comparison with other low molecular mass PNPs. The SmPNP structure at 1,75A resolution was used in the search small molecule ligands, which potentially bind to SmPNP via virtual screening. For this purpose the program Gold together with a database of 36000 compounds with MW lower than 280Da was used. As a result 22 compounds were selected using the docking score and the H-bonding interaction with the key residues of the SmPNP active site. Using the bovine PNP and same docking approach 19 compounds were selected. These 41 compounds were assayed against SmPNP enzyme and 12 compounds were active against the SmPNP. One complex between SmPNP and one of these compound (AT2 169) was obtained and refined. This virtual screening approach was validated using known ligands of PNPs including inosine, guanosine, immucilins, etc.

A enzima glicossomal gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase (GAPDH) de Tripanosoma cruzi e os mutantes D210L e D210L-G213D foram expressos em E. coli, purificados e submetidos a ensaios de cinética enzimática e de cristalização. A enzima GAPDH tipo selvagem e o mutante D210L-G213D cristalizaram-se no grupo espacial P21 e os cristais apresentaram padrões de difração de raios-X de boa qualidade. A estrutura cristalográfica da enzima tipo selvagem foi determinada a 2.5 e 2.15 A de resolução, a partir de coletas de dados realizadas a 277 e 100 K respectivamente. Os fatores R cristalográficos finais dos refinamentos foram de 16.0% para a estrutura a 277 K e 18.8% para a estrutura a 100 K. A estrutura do mutante GAPDH D210L-G213D foi determinada a 2.15 A de resolução e refinada até um fator R cristalográfico de 18.9%. A comparação entre as estruturas da enzima tipo selvagem determinadas nas duas temperaturas levou a resultados interessantes no que diz respeito ao empacotamento cristalino. O resfriamento dos cristais provocou uma redução no volume da cela unitária de 10.5%, tendo a maior variação ocorrido no parâmetro de rede a (14.5%). A sobreposição das celas unitárias mostrou uma rotação do conteúdo da unidade assimétrica de cerca de 5 graus em torno de um eixo aproximadamente paralelo a b. Por outro lado, a análise das estruturas da enzima tipo selvagem e mutante, juntamente com os parâmetros cinéticos, permitiram a discussão a respeito de alguns detalhes do mecanismo catalítico da enzima, principalmente no que se refere ao papel do resíduo Arg249. Tal resíduo, que apresenta grande mobilidade conformacional de sua cadeia lateral, parece estar envolvido na etapa de reorientação de um dos intermediários durante o processo catalítico. / The glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from Typanosoma cruzi and its mutants D210L and D210L-G213D were expressed in E. coli and purified, followed by kinetic and crystallization assays. Both wild type enzyme and D210L-G213D mutant were crystallized in P21 space group and the crystals presented good X-ray diffraction patterns. The three-dimensional structure of the wild type enzyme was determined at 2.5 and 2.15 A resolution from data collected at 277 and 100 K respectively. The structures were refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 16.0% for data collected at 277 K and 18.8% for those collected at 100 K. Also, the structure of the D210L-G213D mutant was solved at 2.15 A resolution and refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 18.9% with good geometry indicators. Comparison between the wild type enzyme structures solved at both temperatures led to interesting results concerning the crystal packing. Flash-cooled crystals presented a 10.5% shrink in the unit cell volume being the major reduction observed in the parameter a (14.5%). Superposition of the unit cells showed a global rotation of the asyrnmetric unit content of about 5 degrees around an axis approximately parallel to b. On the other hand, the analysis of the wild type and mutant enzyme structures, together with the kinetic parameters, allowed a discussion about some catalytic mecanism details, mainly the role of the Arg249 residue. The results showed that this residue might be involved in the reorientation of one of the intermediates during the catalytic process.

Five novel compounds were synthesized and characterized. Crystal structures were determined using Rigaku Mercury 375/MCCD(XtaLAB mini) diffractometer with graphite monochromated MoKα radiation. The crystal structures of [Rh2(NPhCOCH3)4•xNCC6H4R where x = 1 or 2 and R=H, 2-CH3,3-CH3 and 4-CH3 were solved to an R1 value of less than 5 (R1= Σ||Fo| - |Fc|| / Σ |Fo|). In each of the nitrile complexes, the rhodium is five or six coordinate and possesses pseudo D4h symmetry. The complexes were also characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy. [Rh2(CO2CCH3)(PhCOCF3)3] was also synthesized. In this complex, each rhodium atom is six coordinate, thus each rhodium is in an octahedral environment. Details of each synthesized complex are discussed.

The interest in metal-organic materials namely, coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks has risen dramatically over the past few years. To a certain extent this interest is a consequence of the realization chemists have discovered how to play a form of molecular Lego® in which metal cations or metal clusters represent the bricks (or nodes) and organic ligands such as 4,4-bipyridine (bipy) or benzene-dicarboxylate represents the glue (or spacers). The "node-and-spacer" approach to self-assembly can be invoked in such a manner that a plethora of infinite architectures and discrete polyhedra can be generated from geometric principles, some of which are unprecedented in either natural or synthetic materials. The research presented within this dissertation primarily involves the use of coordination chemistry and supramolecular chemistry in the context of synthesizing metal-organic materials and deals with how subtle variations in reactants and procedures can have dramatic effects upon the materials formed. The effect of aromatic guest molecules on the crystal packing of 1D and 2D "metal-4,4`-bipyridine" coordination polymers has been addressed in terms of structural analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The phenomena of supramolecular isomerism resulting from the use of metal-carboxylate clusters as building blocks for a variety of metal-organic materials will be discussed. Finally, an analysis of the Host:Guest and suprasupermolecular properties of discrete nanostructures will be provided.

Puisque cette thèse présente deux études indépendantes sur les nanocristaux de cellulose, le résumé a été divisé en deux sections qui font référence aux chapitres II et III, respectivement.Investigation morphologique et structurelle des nanocristaux de cellulose I et II préparés par hydrolyse à l'acide sulfuriqueLe but du travail de recherche présenté dans le chapitre II était de produire, de caractériser et de comparer les CNC obtenus à partir de la pâte de bois d'eucalyptus en utilisant trois méthodes différentes: i) l'hydrolyse classique à l'acide sulfurique (CN-I), ii) l'hydrolyse acide de la cellulose précédemment mercerisée par traitement alcalin (MCN-II), et iii) la solubilisation de la cellulose dans l'acide sulfurique et la recristallisation subséquente dans l'eau (RCN-II). Les trois types de CNC préparés présentent des morphologies et des structures cristallines différentes. Lorsque les conditions d'hydrolyse acide sont mises en place de telle sorte que les domaines cristallins dans la pâte de bois initial et la cellulose mercerisée (WP et MWP, respectivement) sont préservés (60 wt% H2SO4, 45°C, 50 min), les nanocristaux résultants conservent la nature fibrillaire des fibres d’origine (c'est-à-dire que l'axe de la chaîne est parallèle au grand axe des particules aciculaires) et leur type allomorphe initial (I pour WP et II pour la MWP). Dans les deux cas, les particules sont principalement composées de quelques cristallites élémentaires liées latéralement. Les nanocristaux unitaires dans les CNC préparés à partir de cellulose mercerisée (MCN-II) sont plus courts, mais plus larges que ceux préparés à partir des fibres de cellulose I (CN-I). Si des conditions plus sévères sont considérées (64 wt% H2SO4, 40°C, 20 min), ce qui entraîne la dépolymérisation et la dissolution de la cellulose native, les chaînes courtes recristallisent en rubans de Cell-II lors de la régénération dans l'eau à température ambiante. Dans ces rubans tortueux, l'axe de la chaîne serait perpendiculaire au grand axe du nanocristal et parallèle à son plan basal.La structure moléculaire et cristalline unique des nano-rubans implique qu'un nombre plus élevé d'extrémités de chaîne réductrice sont situées à la surface des particules, ce qui peut être important pour des modifications chimiques subséquentes et pour de potentielles applications spécifiques telles que la biodétection et la bio-imagerie. Donc, cette étude permet de mieux comprendre la structure cristalline et la morphologie de la CNC obtenue par régénération à l'acide sulfurique.Propriétés mécaniques de nanocomposites de caoutchouc naturel renforcé avec des nanocristaux de cellulose à facteur de forme élevé extraits de la coque de sojaDans cette étude, les CNCs ont été isolés des coques de soja à partir d’un traitement par hydrolyse avec de l'acide sulfurique. Ces CNCSH ont été utilisés comme phase de renfort dans une matrice NR par casting à différents taux de charge, à savoir 1, 2.5 et 5% en poids. Les effets des CNCSH sur la structure ainsi que sur les propriétés thermiques et mécaniques du NR ont été étudiés. Par exemple, en ajoutant seulement 2,5% en poids de CNC, le module de conservation en traction du nanocomposite à 25 °C est environ 21 fois plus élevé que celui de la matrice NR non chargée. Cet effet de renfort est supérieur à celui observé pour les CNCs extraits d'autres sources. Il peut être attribué non seulement au facteur de forme élevé de ces CNCs, mais aussi à la rigidité du réseau percolant de nanoparticules formé au sein de la matrice polymère. De plus, il a été constaté que la sédimentation des CNC pendant la mise en œuvre du film nanocomposite par casting joue un rôle crucial sur les propriétés mécaniques. Une contribution importante de ce travail est de mettre en évidence l'importance de la sédimentation des CNCs, pendant l'étape d'évaporation sur les propriétés mécaniques des nanocomposites, ce qui est rarement mentionné dans la littérature. / Since this thesis presents two independent studies on cellulose nanocrystals, the abstract was divided in two sections referring to chapters II and III, respectively.Comprehensive morphological and structural investigation of cellulose I and II nanocrystals prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysisCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced from eucalyptus wood pulp using three different methods: i) classical sulfuric acid hydrolysis (CN-I), ii) acid hydrolysis of cellulose previously mercerized by alkaline treatment (MCN-II), and iii) solubilization of cellulose in sulfuric acid and subsequent recrystallization in water (RCN-II). The three types of CNCs exhibited different morphologies and crystal structures that were characterized using complementary imaging, diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. CN-I corresponded to the type I allomorph of cellulose while MCN-II and RCN-II corresponded to cellulose II. CN-I and MCN-II CNCs were acicular particles composed of a few laterally-bound elementary crystallites. In both cases, the cellulose chains were oriented parallel to the long axis of the particle, although they were parallel in CN-I and antiparallel in MCN-II. RCN-II particles exhibited a slightly tortuous ribbon-like shape and it was shown that the chains lay perpendicular to the particle long axis and parallel to their basal plane. The unique molecular and crystal structure of the RCN-II particles implies that a higher number of reducing chain ends are located at the surface of the particles, which may be important for subsequent chemical modification. While other authors have described nanoparticles prepared by regeneration of short-chain cellulose solutions, no detailed description was proposed in terms of particle morphology, crystal structure and chain orientation. Was provide such a description in the present document.Mechanical properties of natural rubber nanocomposites reinforced with high aspect ratio cellulose nanocrystals isolated from soy hullsCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were isolated from soy hulls by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The resulting CNCs were characterized using TEM, AFM, WAXS, elemental analysis and TGA. The CNCs have a high crystallinity, specific surface area and aspect ratio. The aspect ratio (around 100) is the largest ever reported in the literature for a plant cellulose source. These CNCs were used as a reinforcing phase to prepare nanocomposite films by casting/evaporation using natural rubber as matrix. The mechanical properties were studied in both the linear and non-linear ranges. The reinforcing effect was higher than the one observed for CNCs extracted from other sources. It may be assigned not only to the high aspect ratio of these CNCs but also to the stiffness of the percolating nanoparticle network formed within the polymer matrix. Moreover, the sedimentation of CNCs during the evaporation step was found to play a crucial role on the mechanical properties.