<p>The aims of this study are to first immobilize positively charged gold nanorods to negatively charged cell culture surfaces. Second, to use polyelectrolytes for controlling the distance between gold nanorods and fluorophores. This is used to optimally determine the distance, of which maximum fluorescence enhancement is achieved, between gold nanorods and fluorophores. In order to approach these aims, we use UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry. The results show that we could control the immobilization of gold nanorods on plastic microwell plates and create reproducible polyelectrolyte layers, in order to control the distance between the gold nanorods and fluorophores. In addition, the localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength red shifted as the PELs increased. In conclusion, we found that the maximum fluorescence enhancement of the fluorophores (Cy7) is about 2.3 times at a fluorophores-nanoparticles separation of approximately 9-12 nm. This work contributes some research information towards the design of optical biochip platforms based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence.</p>

In dieser Arbeit wird die Beschichtung von kolloidalen Templaten mit Hilfe der Layer-by-layer Technik beschrieben. Mit ihr ist es möglich, die Oberfläche der Template mit sehr dünnen und gut definierten Filmen zu versehen. Durch Auflösung der Template werden Kapseln hergestellt, die je nach Zusammensetzung der Beschichtung unterschiedliche Eigenschaften aufweisen. / In this thesis the coating of colloid templates using the layer-by-layer technique is described. The surface of the templates is modified with thin, well defined films. After dissolving the templates, hollow capsules with different properties are obtained.

The aims of this study are to first immobilize positively charged gold nanorods to negatively charged cell culture surfaces. Second, to use polyelectrolytes for controlling the distance between gold nanorods and fluorophores. This is used to optimally determine the distance, of which maximum fluorescence enhancement is achieved, between gold nanorods and fluorophores. In order to approach these aims, we use UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry. The results show that we could control the immobilization of gold nanorods on plastic microwell plates and create reproducible polyelectrolyte layers, in order to control the distance between the gold nanorods and fluorophores. In addition, the localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength red shifted as the PELs increased. In conclusion, we found that the maximum fluorescence enhancement of the fluorophores (Cy7) is about 2.3 times at a fluorophores-nanoparticles separation of approximately 9-12 nm. This work contributes some research information towards the design of optical biochip platforms based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence.

In this study, we introduce novel, truly non-ionic hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (LbL) coatings for cell surface engineering capable of long-term support of cell function. Utilizing the LbL technique imparts the ability to tailor membrane permeability, which is of particular importance for encapsulation of living cells as cell viability critically depends on the diffusion of nutrients through the artificial polymer membrane. Ultrathin, permeable polymer membranes are constructed on living cells without a cationic pre-layer, which is usually employed to increase the stability of LbL coatings. In the absence of the cytotoxic PEI pre-layer, viability of encapsulated cells drastically increases to 94%, as compared to 20-50% in electrostatically-bonded shells. Engineering surfaces of living cells with natural or synthetic compounds can mediate intercellular communication, render the cells less sensitive to environmental changes, and provide a protective barrier from hostile agents. Surface engineered cells show great potential for biomedical applications, including biomimetics, biosensing, enhancing biocompatibility of implantable materials, and may represent an important step toward construction of an artificial cell.

A challenge exists for understanding the origin of color for structurally colored, 3-dimensional bioorganic nanostructures, such as the scales of butterflies, beetles, and moths. Complex, hierarchical structures found within such scales create the overall scale appearance. The controlled alteration of color through material deposition and the addition of new optical functionalities to such structures are other areas of scientific interest. This dissertation addresses these challenges with a first-of-its-kind, systematic isolation (deconstruction) of scale component nanostructures, followed by evaluation of optical property/structure correlations. The additive deposition (constructive alteration) of emissive materials to structurally-colored templates complements this deconstructive approach towards understanding the origin of color in butterfly scales. Discoveries made through this work may help advance the bioinspired design of synthetic optical structures and subsequent color control through the addition of multilayered, emissive optical components.

Oral mucositis is a painful and debilitating chronic inflammatory condition that can result from chemo and/or radiotherapy. While current treatment strategies which provide temporary relief exist, there is still an unmet clinical need for a robust long active barrier strategy which can simultaneously provide protection and release drug to enhance the wound healing response. It is proposed that an affinity based layer-by-layer self-assembled barrier administered as a series of mouth rinses can allow for wound specific drug delivery, providing an effective regenerative therapy. In this work, biotinylated poly(acrylic acid) is used to develop LBL assemblies based upon biotin-streptavidin affinity interactions. To explore the ability of developed LBL assemblies to resist the harsh intraoral environment, in vitro chemical and ex vivo mechanical tests are performed. The stability results demonstrate significant LBL barrier stability with wear resistance. From principal component regression analysis, factors such as polymer MW and number of layers in assemblies contributed significantly to chemical barrier stability. Also it is observed that the extent of biotin conjugation plays a significant role in LBL development and in mechanical stability. Thus, the proposed affinity based multilayered assemblies with their excellent barrier properties offer a modular treatment approach in oral mucosal injuries.

Ce projet s’inscrit dans la contribution à l’élaboration de tenues de protection vis-à-vis d’agents chimiques de guerre : les combinaisons actuelles ont un rôle de barrière, qui stoppent le contaminant sans le dégrader, conduisant à un risque de contamination croisée accru. L’idée novatrice est de recouvrir ces textiles avec une couche intelligente multifonctionnelle et transparent associant un composé actif (TiO2, capable de photo-oxyder les composés toxiques sous irradiation à température ambiante) à un composé passif (nanostructures carbonées, permettant de stocker temporairement les produits de réaction ou le contaminant en cas de manque de lumière ou de pic de contamination). L’étude a commencé sur surfaces modèles afin d’optimiser l’association par assemblages par la méthode Layer-by-Layer (LbL) des différents éléments à savoir, TiO2 à un polymère (PDDA), à du graphène, à du charbon actif ou encore à des nanodiamants. L’efficacité photocatalytique de cette couche sur la dégradation d’un simulant gazeux du gaz moutarde a été testée. Les meilleures revêtements ont ensuite été transférés sur textile et leur efficacité évaluée sur un simulant liquide du gaz Sarin. Des études plus spécifiques ont également été menées pour comprendre l’influence des différents constituants et de l’épaisseur sur l’efficacité photocatalytique du film. Le renforcement de ces textiles fonctionnels contre des contraintes d’abrasion et de lavage a aussi été étudié, ainsi que sa régénération après tests photocatalytiques. / This project is focused on the elaboration of protective suits against Chemical Warfare Agents. Indeed, the suits currently used mainly act as physical barriers, without any degradation of the toxic molecules, thus increasing cross-contamination risks.The original idea is to functionalise textile fibers with a multifunctional, multicomponent and transparent smart layer, combining active components (TiO2, for photo-oxidation of toxic agents under irradiation at room temperature) to passive components (carbon nanostructures, in order to temporary stock the reaction products or the contaminant in case of lack of irradiation or of high contamination level). The study begins on model surfaces, in order to optimise Layer-by-Layer (LbL) association of TiO2 with polymer, graphene, activated carbon, or nanodiamonds. The photocatalytic efficiency of the layer was evaluated towards the degradation of a gaseous mustard gas simulant. The best functionalisations were then transferred to textile and their photocatalytic efficiency were evaluated towards the degradation of a liquid simulant of Sarin gaz. Some detailed results were obtained in order to understand the impact of the different components and of the thickness of the films on the activity. Textiles reinforcement against abrasion and washing were also studied, as well as their regeneration after photocatalytic tests.

Orientador: Carlos José Leopoldo Constantino / Banca: Aldo Eloizo Job / Banca: Patrícia Alexandra Antunes / Banca: Neri Alves / O Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais, PosMat, tem caráter institucional e integra as atividades de pesquisa em materiais de diversos campi da Unesp / Resumo: Esta dissertação apresenta o estudo do crescimento (em escala nanométrica) e morfológica (em escala micrométrica) de filmes finos fabricados segundo a técnica Layer-by-Layer (LbL) contendo ftalocianina tetrasulfonada de níquel, polímeros condutores, o polímero poli(alilamina hidroclorada) (PAH), e gomas naturais. Três sistemas foram investigados: i) filmes LbL de NiTsPc e PAH; ii) filme LbL de NiTsPc, PAH e gomas naturais e iii) filmes LbL dos polímeros condutores polianilina (PANI) e poli(o-metoxianilina) (POMA) com gomas naturais. As gomas utilizadas neste trabalho foram extraídas das árvores cajueiro (Anacardium occidentale), chichá (Sterculia striata), caraia (Sterculia urens) e angico (Anadenanthera macrocarpa Benth). As caracterizações destes filmes foram realizadas por meio das técnicas de espectroscopia eletrônica utilizando absorção na região do ultravioleta-visível (UV-vis), espectroscopia vibracional por espalhamento micro-Raman e por absorção na região do infravermelho (IV) com transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Os resultados deste trabalho mostraram que, somente os filmes de NiTsPc e PAH em pH 8,5 e os filmes de NiTsPc, PAH e gomas naturais apresentaram crescimento controlado, uniformidade morfológica e química. / Abstract: This dissertation presents the study of growth (in nano-scale thickness) and morphology (micrometric scale) of thin films produced using the Layer-by-Layer technique (LbL) containing nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine, conducting polymers, the polymer poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), and natural gums. Three systems were investigated: i) LbL films of NiTsPc and PAH; ii) LbL films of NiTsPc, PAH and natural gums and iii) LbL films of the conducting polymers polyaniline (PANI) and poly (o-methoxyaniline) (POMA) with natural gums. The gums used in this work were obtained from the cashew (Anacardium occidentale), chicha (Sterculia striata), caraia (Sterculia urens) and angico (Anadenanthera macrocarpa Benth) trees. The characterizations of the LbL films were made using the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy through micro-Raman scattering and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) absorption. The results showed that only the LbL films of NiTsPc and PAH at pH 8.5 and the LbL films of NiTsPc, PAH and natural gums present controlled growth and morphological and chemical uniformity. / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissFTS.pdf: 2833638 bytes, checksum: 674f7848802feac6027a9471c4dcc7e0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-05-19 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / In this work, the electrochemical characterization of a self-assembled film containing two conductive polymers, poly(o-methoxyanilina)(POMA) and poly(3- thiophene acetic acid)(PTAA), is presented. The technique that allows to obtain these films is known as layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition. It consists in a spontaneous adsorption of species with opposite charges. The technique used for the electrochemical characterization was cyclic voltammetry coupled with mass variation using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), which allows the characterization of the LBL film mass/charge transport during the redox process. Electroacoustic impedance experiments of the LBL films with different number of bilayers show that the viscoelastic and mechanic tension properties do not change significantly in the potential range studied. Therefore, allowing the use of the Sauerbrey equation for converting the frequency values in mass values. The charge compensation mechanism was determined using the species flux (ions+solvent molecules) compared with POMA those casting films. The POMA-PTAA LBL film presents a charge compensation mechanism due to simultaneous intercalation of cations and anions. This behavior suggests the existence of a pseudo-self-doping mechanism related to carboxilic lateral groups interactions through the alternating layers structure of POMA-PTAA. The charge in the deprotonated carboxilic groups neutralize the charge generation of the imina groups present in the POMA backbone, which gives a decrease of the total mass change of the film. In this sense, the LBL technique could be an alternative method to prepare conducting polymer films modifying their electrochemistry properties. / Este trabalho tem como objetivo a caracterização dos processos eletroquímicos em filmes automontados contendo dois polímeros condutores, a poli (o-metoxianilina)(POMA) e o poli(ácido-3-tiofeno acético)(PTAA). A técnica que permite a obtenção destes filme é conhecida como layer by layer (LBL) e consiste na adsorção espontânea de espécies carregadas com cargas espaciais opostas. A caracterização eletroquímica foi realizada utilizando a técnica de voltametria cíclica acoplada à microbalança de cristal de quartzo eletroquímica (MCQE). Através dela foi possível analisar os processos de transferência de massa e carga que ocorrem nos filmes LBL durante o processo redox. Além disso, medidas de impedância eletroacústica revelaram que os filmes LBL com diferente número de multicamadas não apresentam variações consideráveis em suas propriedades viscoelásticas e mecânicas, justificando o uso da Equação de Sauerbrey. As espécies que participam do mecanismo de compensação de carga puderam ser determinadas com o auxílio das curvas de fluxo de espécies (íons+moléculas do solvente), permitindo a comparação com filmes de poli(o-metoxianilina) obtidos por evaporação do solvente. O filme LBL de POMA-PTAA apresentou um mecanismo de compensação de carga diferente do observado em filme de POMA obtido por evaporação do solvente. Neste caso, o mecanismo de compensação de carga no filme LBL apresentou uma participação simultânea de espécies catiônicas e aniônicas durante o processo redox. Este comportamento sugere a presença de uma pseudo-autodopagem relacionada com as interações dos grupos carboxílcos laterais através da estrutura das multicamadas alternadas de POMA-PTAA. A carga presente nos grupos carboxilatos auxiliam na compensação de cargas geradas nos grupos imina da POMA, proporcionando uma diminuição da massa transportada da solução para manter a condição de eletroneutralidade. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a técnica de automontagem pode ser um método alternativo na fabricação de filmes de polímeros condutores com modificações em suas propriedades eletroquímicas.

La technique d'auto-assemblage couche par couche de polyélectrolytes, permettant de construire des films appelés « multicouches », s'est grandement développée au cours des deux dernières décennies. Cette technique permet non seulement de modifier des surfaces de matériaux mais également d'élaborer des membranes auto-supportées. Dans cette thèse, j'ai étudié la croissance de deux systèmes multicouches assemblés dans des conditions extrêmes de pH pour accélérer leur croissance. Les films à base de poly(ethylene imine) et d'acide poly(acrylique) ont été utilisés pour réaliser, d'une part, des membranes possédant une capacité à répondre à l'humidité, et d'autre part, des membranes asymétriques présentant des propriétés anti-bactériennes. Les films à base de poly(L-lysine) et de hyaluronane ont été réalisé par croissance amplifiée par le pH, et l'effet du poids moléculaire du HA sur la croissance et les propriétés interne des films a été étudié. Ces films ont servi de réservoir pour le piégeage de précurseurs métalliques, qui ont ensuite été réduit in situ par irradiation UV, afin de former des nanoparticules. Ainsi, des films nanocomposites contenant des particules d'argent et des particules d'or ont été synthétisés. / Layer-by-layer assembly has witnessed great development during the two last decades and has expanded its application from surface modification to membrane construction. In this thesis, I studied the buildup of layer-by-layer films assembled at extreme pH (i.e. pH-amplified). I first focused on the fabrication of free-standing film made of poly(ethylene imine) and poly(acrylic acid). An application was to use these films as humidity sensors and a second one was to load silver ions in the films to create anti-bacterial membranes. Then, I worked on poly(L-lysine)/hyaluronan films and I investigated the effect of HA molecular weight on film growth and internal properties. Finally, nanocomposites were made via in situ synthesis of metal NPs in (PLL/HA) films: silver NP loaded (PLL/HA) free-standing films were constructed and their mechanical properties were tested; well dispersed gold NPs with sizes ranging from ~2 nm to ~9 nm were synthesized in (PLL/HA) films.