Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a vital role in many biological processes. Although they are viewed as of high biological interest they prove difficult to explore as potential targets for drug discovery. Numerous studies have shown α- helical peptides 'locked' in their respective bioactive structure can greatly increase their performance by increasing their target affinity, resistance to proteolysis as well as facilitating cellular uptake. A striking feature of literature to date is how few studies utilise different stapling techniques when developing inhibitors for PPIs. Current methods generally exploit ruthenium catalysed ring closing metathesis (RCM) or copper catalysed alkyne/azide click (CuAAC) chemistry to generate geometrically constrained peptides. Even though these methods have shown great potential they both share a fundamental limitation as the chemistry can only be employed on small synthetic peptides and cannot be extended to larger proteins. Thiol-ene coupling (TEC) chemistry (Chapter 1) which is often described as a 'click' reaction due to its fast reaction rates, high yields, wide functional group tolerance and insensitivity to ambient oxygen and water has the potential to solve this challenge. Thiol-ene chemistry was investigated as an alternative stapling strategy by employing the naturally occurring amino acid L-cysteine (Cys) as a source of the thiyl radical and L-homoallylglycine (Hag), a non-natural amino acid shown to act as a methionine surrogate in protein synthesis to act as a source of an alkene functionality to form a potentially expressible thioether tether in Chapter 2. However, due to unsatisfactory results from the intramolecular thiol-ene cyclisation at the molar concentrations required for peptide or protein modification, and a promising new lead, the closely related thiol-yne reaction was investigated as an alternative in Chapter 3. Using a small library of peptides (14 mers) derived from α-Synuclein (αSyn), a protein mainly found in the presynaptic terminals in the brain and is believed to be key to the pathological progress of Parkinson's disease, a successful macrocyclisation was achieved between the side chains of cysteine (Cys) and homopropargylglycine (Hpg). Although the vinyl-thioether tether did not confer any helical conformation on the stapled peptides, the results clearly demonstrate a potential route for the development of expressible staples. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in combination with site-directed spin labelling (SDSL) of biomolecules has become a powerful tool for studying the structure and conformational dynamics of biomolecules. Typically, proteins are modified in a site-specific manner by utilising the side chains of cysteine residues to form disulphide bonds with spin active compounds, however, this strategy has its limitations. In Chapter 3 thiol-ene chemistry was investigated as an alternative biorthogonal method to spin label proteins and peptides. The newly synthesised sulfhydryl bearing nitroxide spin label was found to degrade upon exposure to radical promoting conditions, however, an alternative strategy was explored using more classical thiol-Michael chemistry to spin label dehydroalanine (Dha) modified peptides giving the desired spin labelled complex.

Amostras de vidros aluminoboratos de bário contendo impureza de cromo, apresentando proporções de íons Cr POT. 3+, Cr POT 5+ e Cr POT. 6+, determinadas pelas condições oxidantes ou redutoras de fusão, foram preparadas e caracterizadas pelas técnicas de absorção óptica (AO), fluorescência e de ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE). As condições redutoras necessárias para favorecer a obtenção de vidros contendo majoritariamente íons de Cr POT. 3+ foram satisfeitas com a adição de 0,6% em peso de Sb IND. 2 O IND. 3. Nos vidros contendo antimônio, a banda 4 ANTIPOT. T IND. 2 do Cr POT. 3+ aparece ligeiramente deslocada para comprimentos de onda maiores e mais alargada, em relação ao vidro contendo apenas cromo como impureza adicional. O parâmetro de Racah B e a intensidade de campo ligante Ll foram determinados, obtendo-se os valores B = 759 cm-1 e = 15800 cm-1 para o vidro com cromo e antimônio e B = 736 cm-1 e = 16150 cm-1 para o vidro contendo apenas a adição de cromo. Foram observadas antirressonâncias de Fano nos espectros de AO, mais definidas nas amostras sem antimônio. Os espectros de RPE indicam que os íons Cr POT. 3+ isolados estão preferencialmente localizados em sítios distorcidos de simetria octaédrica, apresentando uma linha de absorção em g = 5,15, notando-se também a presença de pares de Cr POT 3+ caracterizados por uma componente da linha em g = 2,0. Com a adição de neodímio, os espectros de AO e de RPE do Cr POT. 3- não sofreram alterações, mas o espectro de fluorescência, com o máximo localizado em 776 nm, foi bastante modificado, mostrando uma diminuição da intensidade em regiões do espectro características da absorção do Nd POT. 3+, indicando a ocorrência de um processo de transferência de energia dos íons Cr POT. 3+ para os íons Nd POT. 3+ nos vidros aluminoboratos de bário, à temperatura ambiente. Os espectros de fluorescência e excitação dos vidros duplamente dopados com cromo e neodímio mostraram o efeito de antiressonâncias de Fano, com o deslocamento de Lamb dos vales associados ao neodímio sobre do Cr POT. 3+. / Barium aluminoborate glass samples containing chromium impurities, presenting Cr3- , Cr5- e Cr6+ íon amounts determined by the oxidizing or reducing melting conditions, have been prepared and characterized by Optical Absorption (OA), fluorescence and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) techniques. The reducing conditions necessary to obtain glasses having mainly Cr3+ íons were satisfied with the addition of 0.6 wt% of Sb2 O3 to the batch. In glasses containing antimony, the 4T2 band is wider and shifted towards the higher wavelengths in relation to glass containing only chromium as additional impurity. The Racah parameter B and the ligand field intensity L1 were determined, yielding B = 759 cm-1 and L1 = 15800 cm-1 for the chromium- and antimony-doped glass, and B = 736 cm-1 and L1 = 16150 cm-1 for glass containing only chromium impurity. Fano antiresonances were observed in the OA spectra, better defined in the samples without antimony. The RPE spectra show that the Cr3- ions are preferentially located at distorted octahedral sites. An absorption line was observed at g = 5. 15 and it has been noted also the presence of Cr3+ pairs characterized by a line component at g = 2.0. With the addition of neodymium, the OA and EPR spectra of Cr3+ did not change, but the fluorescence spectrum observed at 776 nm was considerably modified, indicating the occurrence of an energy transfer process from Cr3+ to Nd3- íons in barium aluminoborate glasses at room temperature. The fluorescence and excitation spectra of glasses doped with chromium and neodymium have shown the Fano antiresonance effect, with the Lamb shift of the valleys associated to neodymium over the emission bands ofCr3+.

Amostras de vidros aluminoboratos de bário contendo impureza de cromo, apresentando proporções de íons Cr POT. 3+, Cr POT 5+ e Cr POT. 6+, determinadas pelas condições oxidantes ou redutoras de fusão, foram preparadas e caracterizadas pelas técnicas de absorção óptica (AO), fluorescência e de ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE). As condições redutoras necessárias para favorecer a obtenção de vidros contendo majoritariamente íons de Cr POT. 3+ foram satisfeitas com a adição de 0,6% em peso de Sb IND. 2 O IND. 3. Nos vidros contendo antimônio, a banda 4 ANTIPOT. T IND. 2 do Cr POT. 3+ aparece ligeiramente deslocada para comprimentos de onda maiores e mais alargada, em relação ao vidro contendo apenas cromo como impureza adicional. O parâmetro de Racah B e a intensidade de campo ligante Ll foram determinados, obtendo-se os valores B = 759 cm-1 e = 15800 cm-1 para o vidro com cromo e antimônio e B = 736 cm-1 e = 16150 cm-1 para o vidro contendo apenas a adição de cromo. Foram observadas antirressonâncias de Fano nos espectros de AO, mais definidas nas amostras sem antimônio. Os espectros de RPE indicam que os íons Cr POT. 3+ isolados estão preferencialmente localizados em sítios distorcidos de simetria octaédrica, apresentando uma linha de absorção em g = 5,15, notando-se também a presença de pares de Cr POT 3+ caracterizados por uma componente da linha em g = 2,0. Com a adição de neodímio, os espectros de AO e de RPE do Cr POT. 3- não sofreram alterações, mas o espectro de fluorescência, com o máximo localizado em 776 nm, foi bastante modificado, mostrando uma diminuição da intensidade em regiões do espectro características da absorção do Nd POT. 3+, indicando a ocorrência de um processo de transferência de energia dos íons Cr POT. 3+ para os íons Nd POT. 3+ nos vidros aluminoboratos de bário, à temperatura ambiente. Os espectros de fluorescência e excitação dos vidros duplamente dopados com cromo e neodímio mostraram o efeito de antiressonâncias de Fano, com o deslocamento de Lamb dos vales associados ao neodímio sobre do Cr POT. 3+. / Barium aluminoborate glass samples containing chromium impurities, presenting Cr3- , Cr5- e Cr6+ íon amounts determined by the oxidizing or reducing melting conditions, have been prepared and characterized by Optical Absorption (OA), fluorescence and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) techniques. The reducing conditions necessary to obtain glasses having mainly Cr3+ íons were satisfied with the addition of 0.6 wt% of Sb2 O3 to the batch. In glasses containing antimony, the 4T2 band is wider and shifted towards the higher wavelengths in relation to glass containing only chromium as additional impurity. The Racah parameter B and the ligand field intensity L1 were determined, yielding B = 759 cm-1 and L1 = 15800 cm-1 for the chromium- and antimony-doped glass, and B = 736 cm-1 and L1 = 16150 cm-1 for glass containing only chromium impurity. Fano antiresonances were observed in the OA spectra, better defined in the samples without antimony. The RPE spectra show that the Cr3- ions are preferentially located at distorted octahedral sites. An absorption line was observed at g = 5. 15 and it has been noted also the presence of Cr3+ pairs characterized by a line component at g = 2.0. With the addition of neodymium, the OA and EPR spectra of Cr3+ did not change, but the fluorescence spectrum observed at 776 nm was considerably modified, indicating the occurrence of an energy transfer process from Cr3+ to Nd3- íons in barium aluminoborate glasses at room temperature. The fluorescence and excitation spectra of glasses doped with chromium and neodymium have shown the Fano antiresonance effect, with the Lamb shift of the valleys associated to neodymium over the emission bands ofCr3+.

Neste trabalho, é analisada a estrutura de materiais híbridos contendo poliânions de ácido 12-tungstofosfórico (H3PW12O40, HPW) inseridos em uma matriz de silicatos orgânico-inorgânica (ormosil). Estes materiais apresentam propriedade reversível de fotocromismo na faixa do UV (200-400nm), sendo cogitados como possíveis candidatos para aplicação como dosímetros pessoais UV. A metodologia sol-gel possibilita a obtenção destes compostos por vias relativamente simples e de baixo custo para a combinação dos componentes orgânicos e inorgânicos formadores da matriz ormosil. As propriedades do efeito fotocrômico, como intensidade e tempo de vida, ser alteradas variando-se a concentração e a natureza dos grupos presentes na matriz ormosil. Outras propriedades também podem ser ajustadas, como porosidade, adesão dos filmes, resistência mecânica, homogeneidade e transparência. No entanto uma correlação clara entre o processo de fotocromismo e a estrutura local ao redor do poliânion ainda não foi estabelecida. O objetivo geral da pesquisa é a caracterização estrutural e dinâmica destes compostos, a fim de se avançar no entendimento do processo fotocrômico e na otimização de métodos de preparação para o controle das propriedades fotocrômicas. Resultados preliminares mostram que o ambiente de coordenação do HPW nos ormosils é complexo, envolvendo diversas espécies de prótons, e os níveis de hidratação parecem desempenhar importante papel estrutural. Portanto, o objetivo específico deste trabalho é obter uma descrição da estrutura/dinâmica das espécies no ambiente de coordenação do poliânion, como espécies de hidratação e/ou grupos da matriz ormosil, e da interação entre estas espécies e o HPW. Para tal, foram utilizadas técnicas de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) para analisar amostras de composição simplificada, como uma amostra modelo HPW n6H2O e xerogeis contendo tetraetilortosilicato (TEOS) e no máximo dois organosilanos na composição, dentro do conjunto: 3-aminopropiltrietóxisilano (APTS), butironitrilatrietoxisilano (BUT) e 3 glicidoxipropilltrimetóxisilano (GLYMO). Embora a estrutura do HPW n6H2O seja extensamente discutida na literatura, ainda existem questões estruturais a serem discutidas, para as quais as técnicas de RMN podem fornecer importante contribuição. Diferentes tratamentos térmicos sobre o HPW nH2O foram testados para a obtenção do HPW n6H2O, e os resultados de RMN mostram que o controle de atmosfera durante o processo de secagem é determinante para a estrutura final das espécies de hidratação. No caso dos xerogeis, diferentes atmosferas foram testadas durante o preparo, estudando-se o efeito desta variável sobre a estrutura das espécies no ambiente de coordenação do HPW. Adicionalmente, tratamentos térmicos para a secagem das amostras também foram realizados. Após a irradiação das amostras com luz UV é formado um centro paramagnético WV no poliânion, que foi estudado por ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE). A técnica de 31P permitiu avaliar a estrutura no ambiente mais local da molécula de HPW. Utilizando técnicas de 1H RMN, polarização cruzada (CP) {1H}-31P, correlação heteronuclear (HETCOR) {1H}-31P, {1H}-29Si e {1H}-13C, e medidas de tempos de relaxação spin-rede de 1H no sistema rotante (T1&rho;), foi constatado que o ambiente de coordenação do HPW nos xerogeis é basicamente constituído de espécies de hidratação, como H2O, H3O+, H5O2+ e H+(H2O)n, e espécies OH, que provavelmente pertencem a grupos na matriz de ormosil. Os experimentos de RPE permitiram identificar a existência de uma processo termicamente ativado, em que o elétron excitado realiza saltos entre os diferentes sítios WO6. Dois tipos de centros paramagnéticos WO6, ambos com simetria ortorrômbica, foram resolvidos em 20K. Um deles pôde ser atribuído a sítios WO6 interagindo fortemente com H2O, com a elongação da ligação W=O em WO6. Este sítio é dominante para amostras mais hidratadas. Além deste, outro sítio é observado em amostras mais secas, atribuído a centros WO6 interagindo mais fracamente com os H no ambiente do HPW. Estes resultados mostram que as espécies de hidratação desempenham um importante papel no processo de fotocromismo. / The local structure of hybrid organic-inorganic (ormosils) materials based on 12-phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40, HPW) was analyzed. These materials have reversible photochromic response in the range of ultraviolet (200 - 400 nm), and may found application in personal UV dosimeters. These ormosils can be prepared in a simple way using the sol-gel method, allowing the possibility of film depositions. It is known that properties such as the intensity of the photochromic response and the life-time in this state can be controlled changing the organic functional groups in the silane precursors. Other general properties can be also adjusted with these organic functionalities, such as film adhesion, mechanical response, homogeneity and transparency. However, the relation between the photochromic response, the chemical species (including water molecules) around the polyanion, and the local structure is still an open problem. The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of the preparation conditions of the ormosils (composition, atmosphere and thermal treatments) on the chemical environment around the polyanion and their possible influence in the photochromic response. The analysis of the interaction between the polyanion and the chemical species in the ormosil network and hydration species was carried out using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in the solid-state for 1H, 31P, 13C, and 29Si. A set of simple photochromic ormosils were considered in this study, prepared with tetraethilorthosilicate (TEOS) and a maximum of two organosilane precursors from the set aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), butyronitriletriethoxysilane (BUT) and 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO). Also, the HPW hexahydrate (HPW 6H2O) was analyzed as a model system to test the response of the NMR technique to the structural and dynamical process known in this crystal. The effects of thermal treatments and atmosphere in the preparation of the hexahydrate were analyzed. New information concerning the H dynamics and the thermal transformations observed in this system was gathered in this study. For the photochromic ormosils, preparations under three different atmospheres (uncontrolled ambient, N2 flow, and Ar glove-box) were carried out, as well thermal treatments to remove loosely bound water. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments were carried out in UV-irradiated ormosils, were paramagnetic centers in WV, related with the photochromic process, were observed. The chemical environment around the polyanion was probed using the techniques of 1H-NMR, {1H}-31P cross-polarization, heteronuclear correlations {1H}-31P, {1H}-29Sie {1H}-13C, and the measurement of the proton spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1&rho;). The results revealed the presence of close hydration species such as H2O, H3O+</sup), H5O2+ and H+(H2O)n, and OH groups from the ormosil network. No evidence of interaction between the polyanion and the organic functionalities was found. In the irradiated samples, the EPR experiments revealed a thermally activated hopping process for the excited unpaired electron between WO6 octahedra. Two kinds of paramagnetic sites at the WO6 octahedra, both with orthorrombic symmetry, were resolved at 20K. One of them corresponds to WO6 strongly interacting with water species, with an elongated W=O bond length. This site is dominant for higher hydrated samples. The other site corresponds to WO6 with a weak interaction with protons in the polyanion environment and is observed in higher amounts in less hydrated samples. These results show that the hydrate species in the polyanion coordination environment plays an important role in the photochromic process.

A arqueometria é uma área consolidada, com ampla utilização de métodos analíticos nucleares destrutivos e não destrutivos para caracterização, proteção e restauração de peças arqueológicas. O presente projeto teve como objetivo estudar a composição química elementar de amostras de fragmentos cerâmicos encontradas no sítio arqueológico São Paulo II localizado na calha do rio Solimões, próximo ao município de Coari na Amazônia Brasileira. Realizou-se a caracterização das amostras pela determinação de Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Sb, Sm, Rb, Sc, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb and Zn por meio da análise por ativação com nêutrons (NAA). A partir da composição química da cerâmica, foi possível definir o agrupamento de amostras em função da similaridade/dissimilaridade da composição química presente no material cerâmico. O agrupamento foi interpretado por métodos estatísticos multivariados como análise de cluster, análise de componentes principais e análise de discriminante. Foram selecionadas, a partir da formação dos grupos, 7 cerâmicas com o objetivo de elaborar o horizonte temporal do sítio, realizado por termoluminescência (TL) e ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (EPR). A temperatura de queima da cerâmica foi determinada em 6 fragmentos por meio da técnica de EPR. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho podem contribuir com os estudos arqueológicos sobre a dinâmica da ocupação da Amazônia Central anterior à colonização Brasileira. / Archaeometry is currently a well established field in the archaeological sciences. The nuclear method for analysis of chemical elements is one of the important instruments for the characterization of the archaeological materials and has influences on the preservation and restoration. From the chemical and physical analyses it is possible to infer technical processes in ceramics manufacture and tools used by ancient people. Therefore, it contributes to the typology and to understand the roles of materials available in the archaeological sites, such as clays and lythic sources. Evidently, all the archaeological materials and sites are related to people that lived there a long time ago, and studies, as outlined above, reconstruct at least partially the history of such a population. This project aimed at studying the elementary chemical composition of 70 ceramic fragments samples from São Paulo II archaeological site, located along the Solimões River channel, next to Coari city, in Brazilian Amazon. The characterization of samples was performed by neutron activation analysis (NAA). By the determination of 22 elements in the ceramic fragments ( Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Sb, Sm, Rb, Sc, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb and Zn), it was possible to define groups of samples regarding the similarity/dissimilarity in elementary chemical composition. For such a task, the multivariate statistical methods employed were cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA). Afterwards, seven ceramic fragments have been selected to elaborate the site temporal horizon using thermoluminescence (TL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dating results. The EPR technique was also used to find the average firing temperature to produce the ceramics. The results of this research may contribute to the study on the occupation dynamics in the pre-colonial Brazilian Amazon.

Neste trabalho, é analisada a estrutura de materiais híbridos contendo poliânions de ácido 12-tungstofosfórico (H3PW12O40, HPW) inseridos em uma matriz de silicatos orgânico-inorgânica (ormosil). Estes materiais apresentam propriedade reversível de fotocromismo na faixa do UV (200-400nm), sendo cogitados como possíveis candidatos para aplicação como dosímetros pessoais UV. A metodologia sol-gel possibilita a obtenção destes compostos por vias relativamente simples e de baixo custo para a combinação dos componentes orgânicos e inorgânicos formadores da matriz ormosil. As propriedades do efeito fotocrômico, como intensidade e tempo de vida, ser alteradas variando-se a concentração e a natureza dos grupos presentes na matriz ormosil. Outras propriedades também podem ser ajustadas, como porosidade, adesão dos filmes, resistência mecânica, homogeneidade e transparência. No entanto uma correlação clara entre o processo de fotocromismo e a estrutura local ao redor do poliânion ainda não foi estabelecida. O objetivo geral da pesquisa é a caracterização estrutural e dinâmica destes compostos, a fim de se avançar no entendimento do processo fotocrômico e na otimização de métodos de preparação para o controle das propriedades fotocrômicas. Resultados preliminares mostram que o ambiente de coordenação do HPW nos ormosils é complexo, envolvendo diversas espécies de prótons, e os níveis de hidratação parecem desempenhar importante papel estrutural. Portanto, o objetivo específico deste trabalho é obter uma descrição da estrutura/dinâmica das espécies no ambiente de coordenação do poliânion, como espécies de hidratação e/ou grupos da matriz ormosil, e da interação entre estas espécies e o HPW. Para tal, foram utilizadas técnicas de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) para analisar amostras de composição simplificada, como uma amostra modelo HPW n6H2O e xerogeis contendo tetraetilortosilicato (TEOS) e no máximo dois organosilanos na composição, dentro do conjunto: 3-aminopropiltrietóxisilano (APTS), butironitrilatrietoxisilano (BUT) e 3 glicidoxipropilltrimetóxisilano (GLYMO). Embora a estrutura do HPW n6H2O seja extensamente discutida na literatura, ainda existem questões estruturais a serem discutidas, para as quais as técnicas de RMN podem fornecer importante contribuição. Diferentes tratamentos térmicos sobre o HPW nH2O foram testados para a obtenção do HPW n6H2O, e os resultados de RMN mostram que o controle de atmosfera durante o processo de secagem é determinante para a estrutura final das espécies de hidratação. No caso dos xerogeis, diferentes atmosferas foram testadas durante o preparo, estudando-se o efeito desta variável sobre a estrutura das espécies no ambiente de coordenação do HPW. Adicionalmente, tratamentos térmicos para a secagem das amostras também foram realizados. Após a irradiação das amostras com luz UV é formado um centro paramagnético WV no poliânion, que foi estudado por ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE). A técnica de 31P permitiu avaliar a estrutura no ambiente mais local da molécula de HPW. Utilizando técnicas de 1H RMN, polarização cruzada (CP) {1H}-31P, correlação heteronuclear (HETCOR) {1H}-31P, {1H}-29Si e {1H}-13C, e medidas de tempos de relaxação spin-rede de 1H no sistema rotante (T1&rho;), foi constatado que o ambiente de coordenação do HPW nos xerogeis é basicamente constituído de espécies de hidratação, como H2O, H3O+, H5O2+ e H+(H2O)n, e espécies OH, que provavelmente pertencem a grupos na matriz de ormosil. Os experimentos de RPE permitiram identificar a existência de uma processo termicamente ativado, em que o elétron excitado realiza saltos entre os diferentes sítios WO6. Dois tipos de centros paramagnéticos WO6, ambos com simetria ortorrômbica, foram resolvidos em 20K. Um deles pôde ser atribuído a sítios WO6 interagindo fortemente com H2O, com a elongação da ligação W=O em WO6. Este sítio é dominante para amostras mais hidratadas. Além deste, outro sítio é observado em amostras mais secas, atribuído a centros WO6 interagindo mais fracamente com os H no ambiente do HPW. Estes resultados mostram que as espécies de hidratação desempenham um importante papel no processo de fotocromismo. / The local structure of hybrid organic-inorganic (ormosils) materials based on 12-phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40, HPW) was analyzed. These materials have reversible photochromic response in the range of ultraviolet (200 - 400 nm), and may found application in personal UV dosimeters. These ormosils can be prepared in a simple way using the sol-gel method, allowing the possibility of film depositions. It is known that properties such as the intensity of the photochromic response and the life-time in this state can be controlled changing the organic functional groups in the silane precursors. Other general properties can be also adjusted with these organic functionalities, such as film adhesion, mechanical response, homogeneity and transparency. However, the relation between the photochromic response, the chemical species (including water molecules) around the polyanion, and the local structure is still an open problem. The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of the preparation conditions of the ormosils (composition, atmosphere and thermal treatments) on the chemical environment around the polyanion and their possible influence in the photochromic response. The analysis of the interaction between the polyanion and the chemical species in the ormosil network and hydration species was carried out using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in the solid-state for 1H, 31P, 13C, and 29Si. A set of simple photochromic ormosils were considered in this study, prepared with tetraethilorthosilicate (TEOS) and a maximum of two organosilane precursors from the set aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), butyronitriletriethoxysilane (BUT) and 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO). Also, the HPW hexahydrate (HPW 6H2O) was analyzed as a model system to test the response of the NMR technique to the structural and dynamical process known in this crystal. The effects of thermal treatments and atmosphere in the preparation of the hexahydrate were analyzed. New information concerning the H dynamics and the thermal transformations observed in this system was gathered in this study. For the photochromic ormosils, preparations under three different atmospheres (uncontrolled ambient, N2 flow, and Ar glove-box) were carried out, as well thermal treatments to remove loosely bound water. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments were carried out in UV-irradiated ormosils, were paramagnetic centers in WV, related with the photochromic process, were observed. The chemical environment around the polyanion was probed using the techniques of 1H-NMR, {1H}-31P cross-polarization, heteronuclear correlations {1H}-31P, {1H}-29Sie {1H}-13C, and the measurement of the proton spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1&rho;). The results revealed the presence of close hydration species such as H2O, H3O+</sup), H5O2+ and H+(H2O)n, and OH groups from the ormosil network. No evidence of interaction between the polyanion and the organic functionalities was found. In the irradiated samples, the EPR experiments revealed a thermally activated hopping process for the excited unpaired electron between WO6 octahedra. Two kinds of paramagnetic sites at the WO6 octahedra, both with orthorrombic symmetry, were resolved at 20K. One of them corresponds to WO6 strongly interacting with water species, with an elongated W=O bond length. This site is dominant for higher hydrated samples. The other site corresponds to WO6 with a weak interaction with protons in the polyanion environment and is observed in higher amounts in less hydrated samples. These results show that the hydrate species in the polyanion coordination environment plays an important role in the photochromic process.

Primarily concerned with manipulation and study of matter at the nanoscale, the concept of nanoscience encompasses ideas such as nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and applications to modern scientific and societal problems. These problems encompass a broad range of issues such as energy storage and conversion, medical diagnostics and treatment, environmental remediation and detection, carbon economy and as well as many others. Silica nanoparticles of porous morphology have broad application to many of these issues. In particular, the utility of silica nanoparticles is facilitated by their large intrinsic surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and synthetic variability in both their size and morphology. This facilitates applications to these problems. However, extensive characterization and deeper understanding is needed before full implementation in key applications can be realized. The work described in this thesis aims to explore fundamental and applied characterization of silica nanoparticles that might be used in biomedical and environmental applications. Fundamental studies of functionalized nanomaterials using NMR spectroscopy reveal complex, dynamic phenomena related to-and ultimately deriving from-the intrinsic and/or modified surface chemistry. Applied studies of nanomaterial-biological interfaces demonstrate free radical chemistry as dominating the toxic response of the materials when exposed to biological systems of interest. Characterization of protein adsorbed on the interface reinforces the ubiquitous nature of protein adsorption on nanomaterial surface in biological and environmental media. Overall, this work illuminates and highlights complex changes that take place in aqueous solution for silica nanoparticles of varied morphology and surface chemistry.

<p>The dose distribution around brachytherapy (BT) sources is characterized by steep dose gradients and an energy spectrum varying rapidly with depth in water around the source. These two properties make experimental verification of the dose distribution difficult, and put high demands on the dosimetry system in use regarding precision, size and energy dependence. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recommends lithium fluoride (LiF) thermo-luminescence dosimetry (TLD) to be used for verification measurements, as it is the only dosimetry system meeting the requirements, but still the total combined uncertainty in dose-rate determination is as high as 7-9 % (1 σ). Lithium formate is a new dosimetry material that is less energy dependent than LiF, but more sensitive than the most common EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) dosimetry material, alanine. In order to evaluate lithium formate EPR for BT dosimetry, dosimeters were produced for experimental dose determination around BT source 192Ir. The dosimeters were calibrated against an ionization chamber in a high energy photon beam. Dose to water was determined at 1, 3 and 5 cm radial distance from the source, which was stepped along a straight line in a PMMA phantom. The experiments were performed twice using 4 dosimeters per distance and experiment. Methods to correct for energy dependence were developed and evaluated. The uncertainty in measured dose was estimated. The experimental dose values agreed with the values from the treatment planning system with a maximum deviation of 3.3 %, and an average 1 σ uncertainty of 3 % at 3 and 5 cm and 5 % at 1cm. Uncertainty in radial distance from the source as well as source calibration were the dominating contributions to the total combined uncertainty. Lithium formate EPR has been shown to be a promising alternative to LiF TLD for BT dosimetry.</p>

The dose distribution around brachytherapy (BT) sources is characterized by steep dose gradients and an energy spectrum varying rapidly with depth in water around the source. These two properties make experimental verification of the dose distribution difficult, and put high demands on the dosimetry system in use regarding precision, size and energy dependence. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recommends lithium fluoride (LiF) thermo-luminescence dosimetry (TLD) to be used for verification measurements, as it is the only dosimetry system meeting the requirements, but still the total combined uncertainty in dose-rate determination is as high as 7-9 % (1 σ). Lithium formate is a new dosimetry material that is less energy dependent than LiF, but more sensitive than the most common EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) dosimetry material, alanine. In order to evaluate lithium formate EPR for BT dosimetry, dosimeters were produced for experimental dose determination around BT source 192Ir. The dosimeters were calibrated against an ionization chamber in a high energy photon beam. Dose to water was determined at 1, 3 and 5 cm radial distance from the source, which was stepped along a straight line in a PMMA phantom. The experiments were performed twice using 4 dosimeters per distance and experiment. Methods to correct for energy dependence were developed and evaluated. The uncertainty in measured dose was estimated. The experimental dose values agreed with the values from the treatment planning system with a maximum deviation of 3.3 %, and an average 1 σ uncertainty of 3 % at 3 and 5 cm and 5 % at 1cm. Uncertainty in radial distance from the source as well as source calibration were the dominating contributions to the total combined uncertainty. Lithium formate EPR has been shown to be a promising alternative to LiF TLD for BT dosimetry.

This thesis encloses quantum chemical calculations performed in the framework of density functional response theory for evaluating electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin Hamiltonian parameters of various spin-labels in different environments. These parameters are the well known electronic g-tensor and the nitrogen hyperfine coupling constants, which are extensively explored in this work for various systems. A special attention was devoted to the relationships that form between the structural and spectroscopic properties that can be accounted for as an environmental inuence. Such environmental effects were addressed either within a fully quantum mechanical formalism, involving simplified model structures that still capture the physical properties of the extended system, or by employing a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach. The latter implies that the nitroxide spin label is treated quantum mechanically, while the environment is treated in a classical discrete manner, with appropriate force fields employed for its description. The state-of- the art techniques employed in this work allow for an optimum accounting of the environmental effects that play an important role for the behaviour of EPR properties of nitroxides spin labels. One achievement presented in this thesis includes the first theoretical con_rmation of an empirical assumption that is usually made for inter-molecular distance measurement experiments in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), involving pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR) and site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) techniques. This refers to the fact that the EPR parameters of the spin-labels are not affected by their interaction with the nucleobases from which DNA is constituted. Another important result presented deals with the inuence of a supramolecular complex on the EPR properties of an encapsulated nitroxide spin-label. The enclusion complex affects the hydrogen bonding topology that forms around the R2NO moiety of the nitroxide. This, on the other hand has a major impact on its structure which further on governs the magnitude of the spectroscopic properties. The projects and results presented in this thesis offer an example of successful usage of modern quantum chemistry techniques for the investigation of EPR parameters of spin-labels in complex systems. / <p>QC 20130318</p>