We take 5,6,11,12,17,18-hexaaztrinaphthylene and dibenzo[a,c]phenazine as our central core that with dove-tailed side chains. It is shown that the size-related increase of steric interactions among the peripheral side chains substituted to the aromatic core leads to a dramatically lowered isotropization temperature.

The dibenzo[a,c]phenazine dimers with the branched alkoxy chain of disc were synthesized simplely. We now show on the synthesis of this series of compounds which were found to exhibit mesomorphism as determined by polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These materials showed polymeso- morphism and glass formation. In our investigations, we also observed that the effects of branched chains on dibenzo[a,c]phenazine enhanced columnar liquid crystal phase stability indeed.

In this PhD thesis, there are two major motifs: dibenzo[a,c]phenazine- and 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline novel discogens and fluorous polycatenar liquid crystals. The thermo properties of these new compounds were elucidated using optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. In the phenanthroline series (Chapter 2), 1,10-phenanthroline core incorporated into dibenzo[a,c]phenazine structure exhibit columnar mesophases with extremely wide width. X-ray diffraction study pinpoints to that half-shaped mesogens with reduced symmetry has preferential intra-molecular parallel conformation in the mesophase. This molecule has gel ability with different solvents. In dimeric crown ether series (Chapter 3A), 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-based mesogens containing dibenzo-18-crown-6 has hexagonal columnar mesophase with extremely narrow width. Incorporation potassium metal ion into crown moiety dramatically enhanced mesomorphic stability and for metal complexes, as side chain increases, hexagonal mesophases predominate over rectangular mesophases. Furthermore, both in hexagon or rectangle, per columnar slice consist of two molecules. All of prolonged long glassy formation up to one year at room temperature. In monomeric crown ether series (Chapter 3B), metal-free molecules fail to be mesomorphic, but complexation with lithium and sodium metals enhanced thermo stability and rectangular mesophase (C2mm) were found. Also, per columnar slice was comprised of four molecules. Last (Chapter 4), a series of tri- and tetra-catenar mesogens containing various combinations of hydrocarbon and semiperfluorocarbon chains has been prepared to elucidate the fluorophlic-fluorophobic effect on mesomorphism. Tricatenar with one terminal semiperfluoro- and two hydrocarbon chains are aligned into lamellar periodicity driven by the mutual incompatibility of the hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon portions. But unsymmetric tetracatenar mesogens show rectangular mesophase.

Discotic liquid crystals (DLC) have been reported with a large number of discoid cores to improve the degree of intermolecular ordering because the liquid crystals own to self-assembly into columnar stacking and self¡Vhealing ability. In my research, a series of disc-like £k-conjugated molecules based on aromatic rigid cores have been newly synthesized. I focus on the hexaazatrinaphthylene (HATN) and dibenzo-[a,c]- phenazine as aromatic cores, changing different side chains to control the mesomorphic behavior and their supermolecular assembly.

<p>The focus of this study is to synthesize a novel hinged polymer actuator. The linking molecule (hinge) is phenazine with interconnected dipyrrole units.</p>

Magister Scientiae - MSc / The focus of this study is to synthesize a novel hinged polymer actuator. The linking molecule (hinge) is phenazine with interconnected dipyrrole units. / South Africa

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2017-02-20T12:35:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2158020 bytes, checksum: 21163425bf778a5e7dcea450996ed689 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-20T12:35:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2158020 bytes, checksum: 21163425bf778a5e7dcea450996ed689 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen ubiquitous often associated with individuals with pathologies that cause immunodeficiency, such as cystic fibrosis. This pathogen synthetizes a typical greenish-blue pigment, the pyocyanin, which represents its major virulence factor, inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species by host cells, in addition to inflammation in several tissues and neutrophil apoptosis. However, the protocols used to study these effects are distinct from each other and the pyocyanin mechanism of action in acute inflammation processes is unknown. The aim of this work was to understand the interactions between pyocyanin and acute inflammatory processes, evaluating in vitro effect of pyocyanin on cell viability and nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production by lipopolysaccharide-activated mice peritoneal macrophages. In addition, the in vivo effect of pyocyanin on zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice was evaluated. Our results show that pyocyanin 50 or 100 μM induced cell death about 90 and 95 % (p < 0.0001), respectively, while pyocyanin 1, 5, or 10 μM was not able to affect cell viability. The pigment at 5 or 10 μM reduced nitric oxide production about 26 % (p < 0.05) and 51 % (p < 0.0001), respectively, in addition to reducing IL-1β (38 %, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (48 %, p < 0.001) levels in macrophages treated with pyocyanin 5 μM. In the in vivo model, pyocyanin 5 mg/kg has not affect leukocyte migration to the inflammation site. The pyocyanin-induced reduction of nitric oxide, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels may be a pathogen-friendly escape mechanism, reducing the host's immune response at the concentrations evaluated in this work. This effect seems to be independent of interference in cell migration. / A Pseudomonas aeruginosa é um bacilo ubíquo oportunista frequentemente associado à indivíduos portadores de patologias que causam imunodeficiência, como a fibrose cística. Essa bactéria produz um pigmento típico, a piocianina, que representa o seu fator de virulência majoritário, induzindo a geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio por células do hospedeiro, além de induzir a inflamação em vários tecidos e a apoptose em neutrófilos. No entanto, os protocolos utilizados para a observação desses efeitos são distintos entre si e não se conhece o mecanismo de ação da piocianina em processos de inflamação aguda. O objetivo desse trabalho foi compreender as interações entre a piocianina e os processos inflamatórios agudos, avaliando in vitro o efeito da piocianina na viabilidade celular e na produção de óxido nítrico, interleucina (IL)-1β e fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-α por macrófagos peritoneais de camundongo ativados por lipopolissacarídeo. Em adição, foi avaliado in vivo o efeito da piocianina no modelo de peritonite induzida por zimosan em camundongo. A piocianina nas concentrações de 50 ou 100 μM induziu a morte celular em 90 e 95% (p < 0,0001), respectivamente, enquanto a piocianina nas concentrações de 1, 5 ou 10 μM não foi capaz de afetar a viabilidade celular. O pigmento nas concentrações de 5 ou 10 μM reduziu a produção do óxido nítrico em 26 % (p < 0.05) e 51 % (p < 0.0001), respectivamente, além de diminuir os níveis da IL-1β (38 %, p < 0,001) e do TNF-α (48 %, p < 0,001) em macrófagos tratados com a piocianina na concentração de 5 μM. No modelo in vivo, a piocianina na dose de 5 mg/kg não interferiu na migração dos leucócitos para o sítio da inflamação. A redução nos níveis do óxido nítrico, da IL-1β e do TNF-α induzida pela piocianina pode ser um mecanismo de fuga favorável ao patógeno, capaz de reduzir a resposta inflamatória do hospedeiro nas concentrações avaliadas nesse trabalho, e esse efeito parece ser independente da interferência na migração celular.

A produção in vitro (PIV) de embriões tem sido utilizada amplamente no Brasil como ferramenta para acelerar o melhoramento genético do rebanho. Quando associada à criopreservação, a PIV permite maior flexibilidade da biotecnologia e possibilita estabelecer um banco de embriões. Há a possibilidade que a alta sensibilidade à criopreservação dos embriões bovinos seja influenciada principalmente pela grande quantidade de lipídeos intracitoplasmáticos, sendo isso relacionado especialmente às condições de cultivo in vitro. O Etossulfato de Fenazina (PES) consiste em um regulador do metabolismo de lipídeos. Através da oxidação de NADPH, estimula a via da pentose-fosfato e assim inibe a síntese de ácidos graxos, podendo levar a efeitos benéficos na criopreservação de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro. O Fator de transcrição denominado proteína de ligação do elemento regulatório de esterol (SREBP-1c), regula preferencialmente a transcrição de genes da síntese de triacilglicerol e fosfolipídios e, a enzima Estearoil Co-A desaturase (SCD1) promove a síntese de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados, conferindo fluidez às membranas celulares. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a suplementação de diferentes concentrações do etossulfato de fenazina (PES) no meio de cultivo, durante a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos, e verificar o efeito do PES na taxa de gestação, buscando melhorar a qualidade do embrião para a criopreservação através da redução do acúmulo de lipídeos. Foram avaliadas as taxas de desenvolvimento inicial de embriões produzidos in vitro provenientes de ovários de abatedouro, e as taxas de gestação com o uso de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro a partir da Aspiração folicular de vacas Holandesas e vitrificados. A análise da expressão de genes relacionados com biossíntese de triacilglicerol, SCD1 e SREBP-1c, teve como finalidade auxiliar nos conhecimentos básicos dos mecanismos de ação do Etossulfato de Fenazina, e foi realizada através de PCR quantitativo em Tempo Real, utilizando pools de cinco embriões para cada grupo. Para a análise estatística, foi realizada ANOVA seguida de teste de médias, e o teste qui-quadrado para as taxas de gestação. Não houve diferença estatística na taxa de clivagem e blastocisto entre o grupo controle e os grupos tratados com 0,2µM; 0,3µM; 0,5µM de PES no meio de cultivo in vitro. A taxa de gestação, utilizando-se embriões criopreservados, transferidos para receptoras, não foi alterada pelo uso de PES. A expressão tanto do SREBP-1c, quanto da SCD1 manteve níveis similares na presença ou ausência de PES durante o cultivo in vitro. Sendo assim faz-se necessário novos estudos para investigar mais detalhadamente o mecanismo de ação do PES nos genes da via de biossíntese de lipídeos e se é viável sua utilização a campo. / The in vitro production (IVP) of embryos has been widely used in Brazil as a tool to accelerate the genetic breeding. When combined with cryopreservation, the IVP allows greater flexibility of biotechnology and enable to establish a bank of embryos. There is a possibility that the greater sensitivity to cryopreservation of bovine embryos is influenced mainly by the large amount of intracytoplasmic lipids, and that is especially related to in vitro culture conditions. The phenazine ethosulfate (PES) consists of a lipid metabolism regulator. By NADPH oxidation, stimulates the pentose-phosphate pathway and thus inhibits the fatty acids synthesis, leading to beneficial effects on cryopreservation of bovine embryos in vitro produced. The transcription factor called sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP-1c), preferably regulates the gene transcription of phospholipids and triacylglycerol synthesis and the stearoyl-Co A desaturase (SCD1) enzyme promotes the monounsaturated fatty acids synthesis, giving fluidity to cell membranes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of different concentrations of phenazine ethosulfate (PES) in the culture medium during in vitro production of bovine embryos, and determine the effect of PES in the pregnancy rate, aiming to improve the the embryo quality to cryopreservation by reducing the lipids accumulation. We evaluated the early development rates of in vitro produced embryos and pregnancy rates after inovulation of vitrified in vitro produced embryos derived from the Ovum Pick Up of Holstein cows. Expression analysis of triacylglycerol biosynthesis related genes, SCD1 and SREBP-1c, had the purpose to increase the basic knowledge on phenazine ethosulfate mechanisms of action, and was performed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR using pools of five embryos for each group. For statistical analysis, was performed ANOVA followed by mean test, and the chi-square test for pregnancy rates. There was no statistical difference in the cleavage rate and blastocyst rate between the control group and the groups treated with 0,2µM; 0,3µM; 0,5µM of PES in the medium in vitro culture. The pregnancy rate, using cryopreserved embryos transferred to recipient was not altered by the use of PES. The expression of the SREBP-1c as well as SCD1 remained similar in the presence or absence of the PES during in vitro cultivation. Therefore it is necessary further studies to investigate in more details the PES mechanism of action in the genes of lipid biosynthesis pathway and whether it is feasible to use the field.

The primary mode of growth for bacteria in the environment and during infection is as a biofilm–multicellular assemblages encased in a self-produced matrix. Bacteria growing in biofilms must contend with the difficulties of resource limitation and competition in order to reap the benefits of increased protection from external stresses including the antibiotics used against them. With the rise in multi-drug resistance, understanding the interplay of the complicated processes that make this growth style possible will help us develop better treatment options. Cells must maintain redox homeostasis in order to carry out metabolism and avoid death. In the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, oxygen is the preferred terminal electron acceptor used for this purpose. However, oxygen is often scarce under natural growth conditions, where opposing rates of diffusion and consumption lead to the formation of steep gradients. Under conditions of oxygen limitation, the metabolically versatile P. aeruginosa can use two major redox balancing strategies: (i) denitrification (i.e., respiration of exogenous nitrate) and (ii) reduction of endogenous redox-active pigments called phenazines. The work in this thesis describes novel regulatory mechanisms for redox homeostasis with an emphasis on the biofilm lifestyle. Chapter 1 will introduce the necessary background about redox pathways and homeostasis in P. aeruginosa, and how this organism senses chemical cues and transduces this information into physiological adjustments that support metabolic activity and survival. Chapter 2 highlights the remarkable versatility of P. aeruginosa in producing multiple terminal oxidases, particularly the cbb3-type terminal oxidases encoded by partially redundant operons, which have the potential to generate 16 isoforms. The interaction between small-molecule virulence factors, such as cyanide, and the respiratory chain adds complexity to this system. This study uncovers the regulatory role of MpaR, a predicted pyridoxal phosphate-binding transcription factor, in governing expression of a cbb3-type terminal oxidase subunit in response to endogenous cyanide. Chapter 3 demonstrates that pyocyanin, a terminal phenazine product, promotes metabolic activity at a depth in biofilms. However, production of pyocyanin and precursor products is stressful to cells particularly when electron donors are limiting. This work presents the global regulators RpoS and Hfq/Crc as regulators of phenazine production to balance toxicity and metabolic support. Finally, Chapter 4 identifies the first member of the P. aeruginosa phosphotransferase system, PtsP, as an oxygen-independent regulator of phenazine production and denitrification. The research presented in this thesis sheds light on P. aeruginosa’s adaptive tactics for thriving under adverse conditions. Understanding the physiology of this bacterium under conditions relevant to biofilm-based infection provides insights into its strategies for long-term colonization in host environments and opens the door for development of more effective antimicrobials in the face of a world-wide antibiotic crisis.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / A novel monomer (Phenazine-2,3-diimino(pyrrole-2-yl)–PDP) derived from the condensation reaction between 2,3-diaminophenazine and a pyrrole derivative has been synthesized as a hinge molecule in the design of a zig-zag polymer with actuation possibility. The monomer was polymerized chemically and electrochemically to produce the new polymer material – polymerized Phenazine-2,3-diimino(pyrrole-2-yl) PPDP. Two very crucial properties of a good actuator material, relate specifically to its solubility testing and electrical conductivity. The hinged polymer material was studied intensively in terms of its spectroscopy; Fourier Transform Infrared - FTIR, 1H’NMR, thermal properties (Differential Scanning Calorimetry-DSC and Thermogravimetric Analysis-TGA) as well as voltammetry and conductivity. Conductivity was evaluated using three different approaches including; 4 probe measurements, plotting of I/V curves based on potentiostatic measurements and an electrochemical impedance experiment using a dielectric Solartron interface. Electrochemical kinetics of the polymer prepared as a thin film at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was also done and it was clear that the thin film conductivity was vastly different from the compressed pellet conductivity (thick film). The zig-zag polymer was then further modified by homogeneous inclusion of gold nanoparticles to improve conductivity and solubility, in the thick film arrangement. Conductivity of the thin film was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with the relative charge transfer values being determined for unmodified and modified polymer systems. The solubility testing of the material plays an important role as it is required for a wide range of experimental applications. The zig-zag polymer showed great promise for applications; in dye sensitized solar cells and free standing interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), solubility testing and electrical conductivity would need to be improved in order to be used in these applications.