It is generally accepted that populations which experience severe bottlenecks have a reduction in fitness. One of the most frequently reported fitness costs is increased hatching failure in bottlenecked populations of birds. The mechanism responsible for increased hatching failure is unknown. Research on other animals suggest that reduced population numbers cause unavoidable inbreeding that in turn leads to abnormalities in the gametes. In this thesis I examine some of the possible causes for increased hatching failure in severely bottlenecked populations of introduced birds in New Zealand. I look at three traits identified as a cause for infertility or hatching failure previously and determine whether there is a link with the size of a population s bottleneck. It is possible that reduced numbers of sperm reaching the site of fertilisation is a primary cause of hatching failure. I examined the perivitelline membrane of various species of introduced birds and counted the total number of sperm present to compare to how many would be expected in non-bottlenecked species. Although there was no relationship between the size of the bottleneck and the number of sperm present, all species had lower than expected sperm counts. In many species of mammals, a reduction in the quality of sperm is attributed to inbreeding depression bought about by genetic bottlenecks. I next compared the level of sperm abnormalities, variation in midpiece size sperm, and sperm motility with the size of the bottleneck each species passed through when introduced to New Zealand. There was no significant correlation between either the variation in midpiece size or sperm motility with bottleneck size. However, there was a trend for species that passed through more severe bottlenecks to have a slightly higher level of midpiece size and lower motility. Finally, I examined whether there was a link between abnormalities in the eggshell and the size of the respective bottleneck. There was no significant change in eggshell thickness or any change in the number of pores associated bottleneck size. However, there was a decreased number of round pores in severely bottlenecked species, although the consequences of this are unknown. My findings do not directly link a single cause for increased hatching failure in bottlenecked species of birds, but they do highlight the need for monitoring of reproductive traits in endangered species that have experienced a population bottleneck.

Esta tese de doutorado versou sobre a obtenção e caracterização do semicondutor ZnO obtido por biomimetização de membranas da cascas de ovos (MCOs) e a sua aplicação como coletor fotovoltaico do tipo sensibilizado por corante. Na síntese do ZnO, as MCOs foram submergidas em uma solução contendo os íons precursores de Zn. As membranas atuaram como um biotemplate, servindo como base para que o ZnO tivesse sua nucleação e crescimento na forma de nanocristais. Foram investigados dois diferentes precursores de Zn (nitrato de zinco hexahidratado e acetato de zinco dihidratado) e verificou-se a influência do tratamento térmico na formação do ZnO. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua morfologia, área superficial, porosidade e propriedades óticas em função do tratamento térmico praticado. Para efeito de comparação, foi obtido TiO2 por biomimetização de cascas de ovos, além de ZnO por processo de precipitação. As amostras que foram preparadas utilizando o biotemplate apresentaram como características, pequeno tamanho de domínio cristalino e larga área superficial em comparação com as amostras de ZnO preparadas por precipitação. As propriedades óticas e cristalinidade apresentadas pelo ZnO obtido por biomimetização são comparáveis às da fase anatase do TiO2 e portanto compatíveis com a aplicação em células fotovoltaicas sensibilizadas por corante (DSSC – Dye sensitized solar cells). Para a formação de um filme fino e poroso, o ZnO obtido pela biomimetização das MCOs foi então depositado pela técnica de screen printing sobre um substrato cerâmico preparado para servir como uma cerâmica solar baseada nas DSSCs. A preparação da base de uma DSSC sobre uma placa cerâmica foi possível pela deposição de uma camada metálica, produzida por aspersão térmica sobre o substrato cerâmico, e pela deposição de uma fina camada de ZnO por serigrafia. A aspersão térmica se mostrou uma técnica eficiente, obtendo uma boa ancoragem do metal aspergido sobre o substrato cerâmico esmaltado, demonstrado por análise EDS que ocorre difusão do metal depositado na camada esmaltada significando inclusive uma ancoragem química. A deposição por serigrafia da camada de ZnO porosa mostrou-se um método simples e barato obtendo-se camadas com morfologia razoável para a aplicação em DSSCs. Um melhor controle do tamanho dos poros pode ser obtido, otimizando-se ainda mais a pasta e a calcinação da peça. / This doctoral thesis dealt about the obtaining and characterization of ZnO semiconductor obtained by biomimetization of eggshell membranes (ESMs) and its application as photovoltaic collector in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the synthesis of ZnO, the ESMs were submerged in a solution containing the precursor ions of Zn. The membranes acted as a biotemplate, serving as basis for the ZnO had their nucleation and growth in the form of nanocrystals. We investigated two different precursors of Zn (zinc nitrate hexahydrate and zinc acetate dihydrate) and verified the influence of thermal treatment on the formation of ZnO. The materials were characterized according to their morphology, surface area, porosity and optical properties, as a function of the thermal treatment practiced. For comparison, TiO2 was obtained by biomimetization of ESM, and ZnO by precipitation process. The samples that were prepared using the biotemplate presented as characteristics small crystallite size and large surface area in comparison to the samples prepared by precipitation of ZnO. The optical properties and crystallinity presented by ZnO obtained by biomimetization are comparable to those of anatase phase of TiO2 and therefore compatible with the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC - Dye sensitized solar cells). ZnO obtained by biomimetization of ESMs was then used with the screen printing technique to form a thin porous film on a ceramic substrate, prepared to serve as a solar ceramic based on DSSCs. The preparation of a DSSC basis on a ceramic substrate was possible by the deposition of a metal layer by thermal spray on the ceramic substrate, and the deposition of a thin layer of ZnO by screen printing. The thermal spray proved to be an effective technique, getting a good anchoring of the metal sprayed on the glazed ceramic substrate, demonstrated byEDS analysis that diffusion occurs of the metal into the glazed ceramic substrate meaning chemical anchoring. The deposition by screen printing of the porous ZnO layer has shown to be a simple and inexpensive method yielding layers with reasonable morphology for use in DSSCs. A better control of pore size can be obtained by optimizing even more the paste and calcination of the samples.

Esta tese de doutorado versou sobre a obtenção e caracterização do semicondutor ZnO obtido por biomimetização de membranas da cascas de ovos (MCOs) e a sua aplicação como coletor fotovoltaico do tipo sensibilizado por corante. Na síntese do ZnO, as MCOs foram submergidas em uma solução contendo os íons precursores de Zn. As membranas atuaram como um biotemplate, servindo como base para que o ZnO tivesse sua nucleação e crescimento na forma de nanocristais. Foram investigados dois diferentes precursores de Zn (nitrato de zinco hexahidratado e acetato de zinco dihidratado) e verificou-se a influência do tratamento térmico na formação do ZnO. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua morfologia, área superficial, porosidade e propriedades óticas em função do tratamento térmico praticado. Para efeito de comparação, foi obtido TiO2 por biomimetização de cascas de ovos, além de ZnO por processo de precipitação. As amostras que foram preparadas utilizando o biotemplate apresentaram como características, pequeno tamanho de domínio cristalino e larga área superficial em comparação com as amostras de ZnO preparadas por precipitação. As propriedades óticas e cristalinidade apresentadas pelo ZnO obtido por biomimetização são comparáveis às da fase anatase do TiO2 e portanto compatíveis com a aplicação em células fotovoltaicas sensibilizadas por corante (DSSC – Dye sensitized solar cells). Para a formação de um filme fino e poroso, o ZnO obtido pela biomimetização das MCOs foi então depositado pela técnica de screen printing sobre um substrato cerâmico preparado para servir como uma cerâmica solar baseada nas DSSCs. A preparação da base de uma DSSC sobre uma placa cerâmica foi possível pela deposição de uma camada metálica, produzida por aspersão térmica sobre o substrato cerâmico, e pela deposição de uma fina camada de ZnO por serigrafia. A aspersão térmica se mostrou uma técnica eficiente, obtendo uma boa ancoragem do metal aspergido sobre o substrato cerâmico esmaltado, demonstrado por análise EDS que ocorre difusão do metal depositado na camada esmaltada significando inclusive uma ancoragem química. A deposição por serigrafia da camada de ZnO porosa mostrou-se um método simples e barato obtendo-se camadas com morfologia razoável para a aplicação em DSSCs. Um melhor controle do tamanho dos poros pode ser obtido, otimizando-se ainda mais a pasta e a calcinação da peça. / This doctoral thesis dealt about the obtaining and characterization of ZnO semiconductor obtained by biomimetization of eggshell membranes (ESMs) and its application as photovoltaic collector in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the synthesis of ZnO, the ESMs were submerged in a solution containing the precursor ions of Zn. The membranes acted as a biotemplate, serving as basis for the ZnO had their nucleation and growth in the form of nanocrystals. We investigated two different precursors of Zn (zinc nitrate hexahydrate and zinc acetate dihydrate) and verified the influence of thermal treatment on the formation of ZnO. The materials were characterized according to their morphology, surface area, porosity and optical properties, as a function of the thermal treatment practiced. For comparison, TiO2 was obtained by biomimetization of ESM, and ZnO by precipitation process. The samples that were prepared using the biotemplate presented as characteristics small crystallite size and large surface area in comparison to the samples prepared by precipitation of ZnO. The optical properties and crystallinity presented by ZnO obtained by biomimetization are comparable to those of anatase phase of TiO2 and therefore compatible with the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC - Dye sensitized solar cells). ZnO obtained by biomimetization of ESMs was then used with the screen printing technique to form a thin porous film on a ceramic substrate, prepared to serve as a solar ceramic based on DSSCs. The preparation of a DSSC basis on a ceramic substrate was possible by the deposition of a metal layer by thermal spray on the ceramic substrate, and the deposition of a thin layer of ZnO by screen printing. The thermal spray proved to be an effective technique, getting a good anchoring of the metal sprayed on the glazed ceramic substrate, demonstrated byEDS analysis that diffusion occurs of the metal into the glazed ceramic substrate meaning chemical anchoring. The deposition by screen printing of the porous ZnO layer has shown to be a simple and inexpensive method yielding layers with reasonable morphology for use in DSSCs. A better control of pore size can be obtained by optimizing even more the paste and calcination of the samples.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Glycerol is a by-product of the biodiesel obtaining process and is highlighted due to its availability in the market and its high chemical functionality, presenting itself as a possible forerunner of a number of value-added compounds, e.g., their oligomers (di- and triglycerol). The characteristics of heterogeneous catalysts favor the transformation of glycerol valorization processes in even more sustainable routes. In this context, this paper proposes to evaluate the use of dolomite and eggshell as heterogeneous catalysts in the solventless oligomerization of glycerol. The materials were tested as catalysts in natural and calcined forms. The thermal process has modified the structure and morphology of the materials and their textural properties. Calcination was effective in increasing their catalytic activity. The calcined dolomite showed better catalytic performance, being capable of producing glycerol conversion around 97% with selectivity to diglycerol about 6,7% by reactions with a catalyst/glycerol mass ratio of 0,02; at 220  C, nitrogen flow and 24 hours. Using eggshells the best conditions were catalyst/glycerol mass ratio of 0,01 at 220  C and 24 hours, obtaining a conversion of approximately 75% and selectivity of 10,9 %. In both cases, there was formation of a high molecular weight product with non-newtonian and pseudoplastic fluid rheological behavior. Dolomite reusing tests pointed to its dissolution in the reaction product with consequent appearance of Ca and Mg in the samples, detected by ICP. There was a significant change in conversion and selectivity to diglycerol with two reuse cycles. The reaction conditions found are less severe than those reported in the literature with the use of synthetic catalysts, which added to the low cost of the material make its utilization promising in the glycerol oligomerization process. / O glicerol, subproduto do processo de obtenÃÃo do biodiesel, encontra-se em evidÃncia dada sua alta disponibilidade no mercado e por possuir alta funcionalidade quÃmica, apresentando-se como possÃvel precursor de uma sÃrie de compostos de valor agregado, por exemplo, seus oligÃmeros (di e triglicerol). As caracterÃsticas dos catalisadores heterogÃneos favorecem a transformaÃÃo dos processos de valorizaÃÃo do glicerol em rotas ainda mais sustentÃveis. Neste contexto, este trabalho propÃe-se a avaliar o uso da dolomita e da casca de ovo como catalisadores bÃsicos heterogÃneos na oligomerizaÃÃo do glicerol na ausÃncia de solvente. Os materiais foram testados como catalisadores nas formas natural e calcinada. O processo tÃrmico modificou a estrutura e a morfologia dos materiais bem como suas propriedades texturais. A calcinaÃÃo foi efetiva no aumento da atividade catalÃtica dos mesmos. A dolomita calcinada mostrou melhor desempenho catalÃtico permitindo a obtenÃÃo de conversÃo do glicerol em torno de 97 % com seletividade ao diglicerol de cerca de 6,7 %, em reaÃÃes com 2 % de catalisador, 220 ÂC, fluxo de nitrogÃnio e 24 horas de duraÃÃo. Quanto à casca de ovo as melhores condiÃÃes foram: carga de catalisador de 1 %, 220 ÂC e 24 horas, obtendo-se uma conversÃo de aproximadamente 75 % e seletividade de 10,9 %. Em ambos casos, houve a formaÃÃo de um produto de elevada massa molecular e comportamento reolÃgico nÃo-newtoniano e pseudoplÃstico. Os testes de reuso da dolomita apontaram para a dissoluÃÃo da mesma no produto reacional, com consequente aparecimento de teores de Ca e Mg nas amostras, detectados por ICP. Houve significativa alteraÃÃo da conversÃo e da seletividade ao diglicerol com 2 ciclos de reuso. As condiÃÃes reacionais encontradas sÃo menos severas que as reportadas na literatura com o uso de catalisadores sintÃticos, o que somado ao baixo custo do material tornam promissora sua aplicaÃÃo no processo de oligomerizaÃÃo do glicerol.

Esta tese de doutorado versou sobre a obtenção e caracterização do semicondutor ZnO obtido por biomimetização de membranas da cascas de ovos (MCOs) e a sua aplicação como coletor fotovoltaico do tipo sensibilizado por corante. Na síntese do ZnO, as MCOs foram submergidas em uma solução contendo os íons precursores de Zn. As membranas atuaram como um biotemplate, servindo como base para que o ZnO tivesse sua nucleação e crescimento na forma de nanocristais. Foram investigados dois diferentes precursores de Zn (nitrato de zinco hexahidratado e acetato de zinco dihidratado) e verificou-se a influência do tratamento térmico na formação do ZnO. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à sua morfologia, área superficial, porosidade e propriedades óticas em função do tratamento térmico praticado. Para efeito de comparação, foi obtido TiO2 por biomimetização de cascas de ovos, além de ZnO por processo de precipitação. As amostras que foram preparadas utilizando o biotemplate apresentaram como características, pequeno tamanho de domínio cristalino e larga área superficial em comparação com as amostras de ZnO preparadas por precipitação. As propriedades óticas e cristalinidade apresentadas pelo ZnO obtido por biomimetização são comparáveis às da fase anatase do TiO2 e portanto compatíveis com a aplicação em células fotovoltaicas sensibilizadas por corante (DSSC – Dye sensitized solar cells). Para a formação de um filme fino e poroso, o ZnO obtido pela biomimetização das MCOs foi então depositado pela técnica de screen printing sobre um substrato cerâmico preparado para servir como uma cerâmica solar baseada nas DSSCs. A preparação da base de uma DSSC sobre uma placa cerâmica foi possível pela deposição de uma camada metálica, produzida por aspersão térmica sobre o substrato cerâmico, e pela deposição de uma fina camada de ZnO por serigrafia. A aspersão térmica se mostrou uma técnica eficiente, obtendo uma boa ancoragem do metal aspergido sobre o substrato cerâmico esmaltado, demonstrado por análise EDS que ocorre difusão do metal depositado na camada esmaltada significando inclusive uma ancoragem química. A deposição por serigrafia da camada de ZnO porosa mostrou-se um método simples e barato obtendo-se camadas com morfologia razoável para a aplicação em DSSCs. Um melhor controle do tamanho dos poros pode ser obtido, otimizando-se ainda mais a pasta e a calcinação da peça. / This doctoral thesis dealt about the obtaining and characterization of ZnO semiconductor obtained by biomimetization of eggshell membranes (ESMs) and its application as photovoltaic collector in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the synthesis of ZnO, the ESMs were submerged in a solution containing the precursor ions of Zn. The membranes acted as a biotemplate, serving as basis for the ZnO had their nucleation and growth in the form of nanocrystals. We investigated two different precursors of Zn (zinc nitrate hexahydrate and zinc acetate dihydrate) and verified the influence of thermal treatment on the formation of ZnO. The materials were characterized according to their morphology, surface area, porosity and optical properties, as a function of the thermal treatment practiced. For comparison, TiO2 was obtained by biomimetization of ESM, and ZnO by precipitation process. The samples that were prepared using the biotemplate presented as characteristics small crystallite size and large surface area in comparison to the samples prepared by precipitation of ZnO. The optical properties and crystallinity presented by ZnO obtained by biomimetization are comparable to those of anatase phase of TiO2 and therefore compatible with the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC - Dye sensitized solar cells). ZnO obtained by biomimetization of ESMs was then used with the screen printing technique to form a thin porous film on a ceramic substrate, prepared to serve as a solar ceramic based on DSSCs. The preparation of a DSSC basis on a ceramic substrate was possible by the deposition of a metal layer by thermal spray on the ceramic substrate, and the deposition of a thin layer of ZnO by screen printing. The thermal spray proved to be an effective technique, getting a good anchoring of the metal sprayed on the glazed ceramic substrate, demonstrated byEDS analysis that diffusion occurs of the metal into the glazed ceramic substrate meaning chemical anchoring. The deposition by screen printing of the porous ZnO layer has shown to be a simple and inexpensive method yielding layers with reasonable morphology for use in DSSCs. A better control of pore size can be obtained by optimizing even more the paste and calcination of the samples.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da granulometria do calcÃrio e do uso da luz artificial para poedeiras comerciais no segundo ciclo de postura. Foram utilizadas 240 poedeiras Hisex White com 82 semanas de idade, distribuÃdas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, resultando em 10 tratamentos com 4 repetiÃÃes de 6 aves. Os fatores estudados foram 5 granulometrias obtidas pelo aumento da proporÃÃo de calcÃrio grosso (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) em relaÃÃo ao fino e 2 tipos de iluminaÃÃo, com e sem luz artificial. A granulometria do calcÃrio e a luz nÃo influenciaram o desempenho e qualidade dos ovos. Entretanto, observaram-se mudanÃas no horÃrio de alimentaÃÃo das aves ao longo do dia em resposta ao programa de luz. No tocante a qualidade Ãssea, observou-se que a densidade e matÃria mineral da tÃbia nÃo foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos, entretanto, houve efeito quadrÃtico da granulometria do calcÃrio sobre a deformidade e a resistÃncia Ãssea, obtendo-se pontos de mÃxima inclusÃo de 63% e 59% de calcÃrio grosso, respectivamente. Conclui-se que, embora o programa de luz possa modificar o comportamento da ingestÃo de raÃÃo ao longo do dia, o uso de luz artificial e a granulometria do calcÃrio nÃo influÃncia o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras no segundo ciclo de produÃÃo, criadas a uma latitude 3Â43â02â sul e 38Â32â35â de longitude oeste. Entretanto, o uso de calcÃrio com maior granulometria se justifica para manter a qualidade Ãssea dessas aves. / The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of particle size of limestone and the use of artificial light for laying hens in the second laying cycle. It was used 240 Hisex White laying hens with 82 weeks of age in a completely randomized design in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, resulting in 10 treatments with 4 replicates of 6 birds. The variables were the five particle sizes obtained by increasing the proportion of thick limestone (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) compared thin limestone and two types of lighting, with and without artificial light. The particle size of limestone and the light did not affect the performance and egg quality. However, there were changes in the schedule of the birds feeding throughout the day in response to the lighting program. With respect to bone quality, it was observed that the density and mineral content of the tibia were not affected by the treatments, however, there was a quadratic effect of particle size of limestone on the deformity and bone strength, obtaining maximum inclusion points with 63% 59% of thick limestone, respectively. It is concluded that, although the lighting program may modify the behavior of intake throughout the day, the use of artificial light and the particle size of limestone does not influence the performance and egg quality of laying hens in the second production cycle, created at latitude 3Â43â02â South and 38Â32â35â west longitude. However, the use of limestone with higher granulate size is justified to maintain bone quality of these birds.

Bacteria are one of the largest causes of human disease, with millions of deaths every year attributed to bacterial infections, and they have become more difficult to tackle with the widespread emergence of antibiotic resistance. In this thesis, I describe my studies that pursued two approaches: one focus was on using antimicrobial histones as an alternative to treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria; in another approach the recombinant version of an eggshell cuticle protein was expressed and purified for testing against food-safety pathogens. One major pathogen that is contributing to this challenge of antibiotic resistance is Staphylococcus aureus. The methicillin-resistant strain of S. aureus leads to increased hospital stays and increased mortality in patients. The impact of such pathogens is worsened when bacteria form surface-attached aggregates known as biofilms. Development of new approaches to eradicate antibiotic- resistant biofilms will benefit human health. This study looked at an alternative method to eradicate bacteria compared to traditional antibiotics. Histones with antimicrobial activity were extracted from chicken blood and tested against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm (MSSA and MRSA). The histone mixture completely eradicated both strains in biofilm form at relatively low concentrations. In addition, the histone mixture also displayed fast kill kinetics against planktonic forms of the two strains. Finally, the interaction of the histone mixture with the bacterial membrane in MRSA biofilms was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacteria treated with the histone mixture showed clear morphological changes, including pore formation and cell collapse. Therefore, the histone mixture purified from chicken red blood cells could prove to be a good alternative to traditional antibiotics for protection against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in their planktonic and biofilm forms. Reduction of food-borne illness is another important aspect in the promotion of human health. A significant contributor to food-borne illness is contaminated table eggs. The unfertilized egg can be contaminated by a variety of pathogens including Salmonella spp. and Bacillus spp. The egg is protected by the eggshell which is traversed by respiratory pores that are normally covered by a cuticle plug to restrict pathogen entry. This cuticle consists of several proteins including ovocaxlyin-32 (OCX-32). OCX-32 has a large number of naturally occurring haplotypes due non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In this study, the goal was to express five of the most common haplotypes of OCX-32 in Escherichia coli and purify the recombinant protein for assay of its antimicrobial activity. Five constructs that contain the cDNA of common OCX-32 haplotypes (A, B, C, D, and O) with a histidine tag at the C-terminus were generated. The constructs were subcloned into pGEX4T-1 vector which encodes Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) upstream of the multiple cloning site. My study developed methods to optimize the expression conditions, and to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein. Various expression strains of E. coli and solubility buffers were tested. In addition, the construct was subcloned into a plasmid containing the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) fusion tag; the solubility of the new SUMO-OCX-32 haplotype A recombinant fusion protein was evaluated. The best results were obtained by slow dialysis refolding of denatured SUMO-OCX-32 fusion protein. This recombinant protein showed almost complete solubility with minimal precipitation and was tested against the egg-related pathogen, Bacillus cereus. Unfortunately, the SUMO-OCX-32 recombinant protein did not inhibit growth of B. cereus. In my studies reported in this thesis, two very different approaches were taken. A histone mixture was isolated from an abundant starting material, which proved to be highly effective and promising in the eradication of S. aureus biofilms at relatively low concentrations. Alternatively, expression of a soluble recombinant protein for functional activity assay was very challenging and required the optimization of a number of methods to prepare soluble protein for testing. One of the methods tested proved effective in obtaining large amounts of soluble protein. However, further developmental work will be essential to determine if this approach is a viable strategy in acquiring functional protein.

L’objectif principal de cette thèse était d’identifier et de quantifier les protéines de la matrice organique qui contrôlent le type polymorphique et la morphologie des cristaux présents dans la coquille d’oeuf de poule à différents stades du processus de minéralisation afin de mettre en évidence les composants impliqués dans la calcification à chacun de ces stades. Au total, 64 et 175 protéines différentiellement abondantes durant le processus de minéralisation ont été identifiées dans le milieu de formation (fluide utérin) et la matrice organique. Parmi celles-ci, les fonctions de 24 protéines du fluide utérin et de 77 issues de la coquille sont potentiellement reliées au processus de minéralisation. Nous décrivons plus particulièrement 20 protéines du fait de leur abondance et de leurs fonctions directe ou indirecte sur le processus de calcification. Des études complémentaires sur ces candidats permettront de confirmer leur implication dans la minéralisation de la coquille d’oeuf. / The aim of this PhD was to identify and quantify eggshell organic matrix proteins which control polymorphic type and morphology of crystals at different time points of the eggshell mineralization process in order to highlight particular components involved in calcification at each calcification stage. A total of 64 and 175 proteins differentially abundant during mineralization process were identified in the forming milieu (uterine fluid) and in the eggshell organic matrix respectively. Out of them, 24 uterine fluid and 77 eggshell proteins are functionally related to the mineralization process. We paid particular attention to 20 overabundant proteins with direct or indirect functional evidences related to calcification. Further studies will be necessary to confirm their involvement in the chicken eggshell mineralization.

Both during the ovogenesis and immediately after the laying is a bird egg exposed to strong pressure from the microorganisms which are able to penetrate the egg through eggshell pores and infect its inner structures. With regard to the proved negative effects on hatchability, viability and phenotype of offspring, a cascade of obstacles has evolved which are able to minimize the risk of bacterial infection. The deposition of antimicrobial components into the eggshell and the egg white is considered to be one of them. A whole group of egg white proteins belong to them, among which lysozyme and ovotransferrin, which are also partially deposited into the eggshell and cuticular layer of the eggshell, dominate with their antimicrobial effect. The implication of the newest studies is that the microbial protection of the egg can be also performed by the eggshell pigments - biliverdin and protoporphyrin, which protect the egg from being colonized by microorganisms with an increased UV light and regulation of conductivity and water vapour condensation on the egg surface. Even though the presence of these antimicrobial components in different structures of the egg has been proved, there is no known comparative study which addresses the relation between deposition of selected antimicrobial components into...

Embryos of oviparous Reptilia (=turtles, lepidosaurs, crocodilians and birds) extract calcium for growth and development from reserves in the yolk and eggshell. Yolk provides most of the calcium to embryos of lizards and snakes. In contrast, the eggshell supplies most of the calcium for embryonic development of turtles, crocodilians and birds. The yolk sac and chorioallantoic membrane of birds recover and transport calcium from the yolk and eggshell and homologous membranes of squamates (lizards and snakes) probably transport calcium from these two sources as well. We studied calcium mobilization by embryos of the snake Pantherophis guttatus during the interval of greatest embryonic growth and found that the pattern of calcium transfer was similar to other snakes. Calcium recovery from the yolk is relatively low until the penultimate embryonic stage. Calcium removal from the eggshell begins during the same embryonic stage and total eggshell calcium drops in each of the final 2 weeks prior to hatching. The eggshell supplies 28% of the calcium of hatchlings. The timing of calcium transport from the yolk and eggshell is coincident with the timing of growth of the yolk sac and chorioallantoic membrane and expression of the calcium binding protein, calbindin-D28K, in these tissues as reported in previous studies. In the context of earlier work, our findings suggest that the timing and mechanism of calcium transport from the yolk sac of P. guttatus is similar to birds, but that both the timing and mechanism of calcium transport by the chorioallantoic membrane differs. Based on the coincident timing of eggshell calcium loss and embryonic calcium accumulation, we also conclude that recovery of eggshell calcium in P. guttatus is regulated by the embryo.