There is significant sequence homology and anatomical co-distribution between cannabinoid (CB1) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors in the CNS, but potential functional relationships between these lysolipid receptors have not been examined. Therefore, to investigate possible relationships between these two systems at the level of G-protein activation, agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding and autoradiography were conducted. Autoradiographic studies were first performed to localize receptor-mediated G-protein activation in mouse brain. Coronal brain slices were processed for stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding using the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) or SIP. High levels of WIN- and S1P-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding were observed in the caudate putamen, hippocampus, substantia nigra, and cerebellum. To further characterize the relationship between S1P-and CB1-mediated G-protein activation, spinal cords from adult male CB1 receptor knockout mice, CNS-deleted S1Pl receptor knockout mice and wild type C57 mice were collected, and assessed using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding. Results from this experiment revealed that the S1Pl receptor is predominant in mouse spinal cord. To further investigate potential CBl and SIP receptor interactions spinal cords were collected from adult male ICR mice. Additivity studies were preformed using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγs binding. Results showed significantly less than additive stimulation when spinal cord tissue was treated with both WIN and SIP. These results suggest an interaction between the CB1 and S1P receptors in the mouse spinal cord. The effect of cannabinoid antagonists, SR141716A (CB1) and SR144528 (CB2) on S1P-and WIN-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding were also examined in mouse spinal cord homogenates. These results showed that there was no significant difference between S1P-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the presence of SR141716A or SR144528 compared to vehicle control. This shows that S1P produced stimulation independent of the CBl or CB2receptor. In addition WIN-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was not affected by SR144528, but was inhibited by SR141716A, confirming that this action is due to the CB1 receptor. The combined results of this project demonstrate an interaction between CB1 and S1P receptors in certain CNS regions where they are co-distributed, such as the caudate putamen, hippocampus, substantia nigra, cerebellum and spinal cord. These results may be due to convergence on a common pool of G-proteins via dimerization or co-localization in lipid rafts, or a possible direct ligand-receptor interaction.

The bioactive lipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has emerged as a key regulator of a variety of important physiological functions, including cell growth, cell survival, cell motility, angiogenesis, lymphocyte trafficking, and mast cell function. S1P is formed by two different sphingosine kinases (SphKs) and binds to a family of 5 differentially expressed G-protein coupled receptors (S1PRs). The majority of research to date has focused on the activation of these receptors, but there is compelling evidence to suggest that S1P exerts intracellular functions independent of S1PRs. However no bona fide intracellular targets of S1P have been identified. In my dissertation, I have identified a novel intracellular binding protein for S1P. This finding has important implications for the pleiotropic actions of S1P.

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is the cofactor for over 140 vitamin B6 (PLP)-dependent enzymes that are involved in various metabolic and biosynthetic pathways. Pyridoxal kinase (PL kinase) and pyridoxine 5’-phosphate oxidase (PNP oxidase) are the two key enzymes that metabolize nutritional forms of vitamin B6, including pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), and pyridoxamine (PM) to the active cofactor form, PLP. Disruption of the PLP metabolic pathway due to mutations in PNP oxidase or PL kinase result in PLP deficiency, which is implicated in several neurological pathologies. Several ingested compounds are also known to result in PLP deficiency with concomitant neurotoxic effects. How these mutations and compounds affect B6 metabolism is not clearly understood. On the other hand, an emerging health problem is the intake of too much vitamin B6 as high doses of the reactive PLP in the cell exhibits toxic effects, including sensory and motor neuropathies. The overall aim of this research is to understand the catalytic function of PL kinase and the regulatory pathway of PLP metabolism. Using site-directed mutagenesis (Asp235Asn, Asp235Ala), kinetic and structural studies, we have shown that Asp235 may play a catalytic role in PL kinase phosphorylation activity. We also show that human PL kinase binds its substrates, PL and MgATP synergistically, and that the enzyme requires Na+ (or K+) and Mg2+ for its activity. Using kinetic study, we show severe induced MgATP substrate inhibition of PL kinase in the presence of its product, PLP, and we postulate this to be due to the formation of a non-productive ternary complex (Enzyme•PLP•MgATP). Consistently, our crystal structure of human PL kinase (2.1 Å) co-crystallized with MgATP and PLP showed both MgATP and PLP trapped at the active site. Our hypothesis is that this abortive ternary complex might be a physiological process, and that PL kinase uses this mechanism to self-regulate its activity. Our inhibition studies show theophylline, a bronchodilator as a mixed competitive inhibitor of human PL kinase with Ki of 71 μM. Our structural study (2.1 Å) shows theophylline bound at the substrate, PL binding site of human PL kinase. We also identified several potential PL kinase inhibitors from the DrugBank Chemical Compound database. Some of these compounds, including enprofylline, theobromine, caffeine, and lamotrigine, which incidentally exhibit similar neurotoxic effects as theophylline, show significant inhibitory effect on human PL kinase. Further studies are also planned to investigate the effect of these drugs on vitamin B6 metabolism in vivo.

Novel Ca²⁺ signalling pathways in both endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of rat small resistance arteries were investigated using a combination of confocal imaging, isometric tension recordings, and electrophysiology to study freshly isolated arteries and cells. We first examined the hypothesis that hyperpolarization could alter endothelial cell Ca²⁺ events. Hyperpolarization evoked by direct opening of K_ATP channels in the smooth muscle with levcromakalim triggered an increase in the frequency of Ca²⁺ events in the endothelium of rat cremaster arterioles. These Ca²⁺ events were discrete in nature, requiring subcellular regions of interest to reliably identify them. Opening of K_ATP channels indirectly through β-adrenoceptor stimulation with isoprenaline, caused a similar increase in the frequency of endothelial cell Ca²⁺ events in rat mesenteric third order arteries. These events also had a similar, focal profile. Pharmacological investigation suggested that the response to isoprenaline was receptor-mediated, and dependent on Ca²⁺ influx and opening of K_ATP channels. The presence of β-adrenoceptors on endothelial cells was confirmed using fluorescently-tagged β-adrenoceptor ligands, which showed punctate labelling in smooth muscle and endothelial cells of rat mesenteric arteries. Freshly isolated endothelial cells also showed Ca²⁺ increases to isoprenaline, although this was not consistently observed. Following on from the observed endothelial cell Ca²⁺ response to hyperpolarization, we tested the hypothesized involvement of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels using the channel inhibitor, ZD7288. Pre-treatment with ZD7288 (1 μM) reduced both the endothelial cell Ca²⁺ response to isoprenaline (in mesenteric arteries) and levcromakalim (in cremaster arterioles). HCN channel subtypes were identified in cremaster arterioles through immunolabelling. We also observed an interesting effect of higher concentrations of ZD7288 to potentially inhibit K⁺ channels, including endothelial cell KCa channels, since hyperpolarization to isoprenaline, levcromakalim or acetylcholine (ACh) was reduced by 10 μM ZD7288, and relaxation to ACh was partially inhibited. ACh-mediated relaxation was also partially inhibited by the clinically used HCN channel blocker, ivabradine (0.3-30 μM). Finally, we identified an interaction of the Ca²⁺-releasing second messenger nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) with BKCa channels in the smooth muscle. NAADP-mobilised Ca²⁺ has been reported to interact with ryanodine receptors hence we hypothesized an interaction with BK_Ca channels via Ca²⁺ sparks. We found that NAADP-AM relaxed and hyperpolarized rat mesenteric arteries, which was blocked by iberiotoxin (BK_Ca channel inhibitor) and high extracellular [K⁺] (45 mM). Furthermore, NAADP increased paxilline-sensitive K⁺ currents and the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in freshly isolated vascular smooth muscle cells patched in the whole-cell configuration, further supporting an action at BK_Ca channels. All together these data identify novel Ca²⁺ signalling pathways in resistance arteries that are both activated by and promote hyperpolarization, which is a key determinant of vascular tone.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Agronomy / Johanna A. Dille / Kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.), one of the most problematic weeds in the Great Plains of United States, has evolved resistance to some herbicides including glyphosate (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitor) which was first reported in western Kansas in 2007. The objectives of this research were to (1) characterize six kochia populations from western Kansas on the basis of glyphosate resistance or multiple herbicide resistance, (2) determine germination characteristics of the populations and evaluate their growth and fecundity in the field, and (3) determine if EPSPS gene amplification responsible for glyphosate resistance in kochia was associated with growth and fecundity cost in the plants. Six kochia populations were from Scott, Finney, Thomas, Phillips, Wallace, and Wichita counties. Based on shikimate assay for glyphosate and recommended field rates for four tested herbicides, three kochia populations (Scott (SC-R), Finney (FN-R), and Thomas (TH-R)) were grouped into glyphosate-resistant (GR) and three populations (Phillips (PH-S), Wallace (WA-S) and Wichita (WI-S)) were grouped into glyphosate-susceptible (GS). All populations were resistant to dicamba (synthetic auxin) and chlorsulfuron (acetolactate synthase inhibitor), however, atrazine (PS II inhibitor) resistance in FN-R was noted as exceptional among the GR populations. Across the three germination temperatures (5, 10 and 15 C), the GR populations consistently had less total cumulative germination and at 15 C, they consistently required more time to attain 50% of maximum cumulative germination than the GS populations. Both the field study and evaluation of relationship between EPSPS gene amplification and plant performance showed that differences in plant height, biomass accumulation and fecundity among populations were not in respect to glyphosate resistance but rather, differences in their inherent ability to grow and produce seeds in the presence or absence of neighbors. This research suggests that fitness differences between GR and GS kochia populations could be identified in germination characteristics but not in their growth or fecundity.

Camadas de fosfato tricatiônico são largamente utilizadas na indústria automotiva como proteção contra corrosão e adesão de revestimentos orgânicos ao substrato de aço. A combinação do fosfato e revestimento proporciona à superfície metálica, alta durabilidade à corrosão. Porém a camada cristalina obtida com este tipo de fosfato apresenta poros entre os cristais, expondo o substrato metálico ao ambiente corrosivo, tornando importante um tratamento de passivação após fosfatização. O tratamento comercial de fosfatização tricatiônico e subsequente passivação envolvem o uso de elementos tóxicos, tais como níquel e cromo hexavalente, produzindo resíduos que são prejudiciais ao ambiente e seu uso têm sido cada vez mais proibido. O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar o efeito da troca do níquel, no processo de fosfatização, pelo composto de nióbio (oxalato de nióbio e amônio) com relação à resistência à corrosão do aço fosfatizado. Esta investigação foi realizada através de métodos eletroquímicos, utilizando-se principalmente ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmica e técnicas de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE); como também ensaios de névoa salina. Para caracterização superficial das camadas de fosfato foram adotadas, entre outras, as análises por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), espectroscopia de energia dispersiva (EDS) e difração de raios-X. Foram adotados dois tipos de banho de fosfato tricatiônico. Inicialmente utilizou-se uma composição de banho preparada em laboratório baseada em formulação usada por indústria de eletrodomésticos. Posteriormente foi adotado um banho com composição típica da indústria automotiva, especialmente preparado para estudos sem a presença do níquel. Os resultados dos testes eletroquímicos mostraram que a camada de fosfato obtida em solução contendo nióbio (zinco, manganês e nióbio) produziu melhor proteção contra corrosão do substrato, comparativamente àquela obtida em banho contendo níquel (zinco, manganês e níquel). O ensaio de névoa salina, por outro lado, sugeriu um desempenho similar com relação à corrosão para estes dois tipos de camadas de fosfato. O oxalato de nióbio e amônio parece apresentar um efeito de passivação mesmo quando usado em banhos de fosfatização. Mas como agente de passivação para aço carbono fosfatizado, os resultados apontaram para a necessidade de se realizar novas pesquisas. / Tricationic phosphate layers are largely used in the automotive industry for corrosion protection and coatings adhesion to the steel substrate. The combination of phosphate and coating provides to the metallic surface long life protection against corrosion. The crystalline phosphate layer however presents porosities that exposes the metallic substrate to the corrosive environment and, consequently, a passivating treatment subsequent to phosphating is advisable. The commercial treatments of tricationic phosphating and subsequent passivation involve the use of toxic elements, such as nickel and hexavalent chromium, producing residues that are harmful to the environment and their use is being increasingly prohibited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of replacement of nickel in the phosphating process by a niobium compound (ammonium niobium oxalate) on the corrosion resistance of the phosphated steel. The corrosion resistance evaluation of the phosphated steel was investigated by electrochemical methods, mainly polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and salt spray tests. Characterization of the phosphate layer was also carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction. Two types of tricationic phosphate baths were adopted. Initially, a laboratory prepared type based on the composition used in the electro domestic industry was utilized. Subsequently, another bath with a composition typical of the automotive industry, but specially prepared for this study with no nickel, was used. The results from electrochemical tests showed that the phosphate layer obtained in the niobium containing solution (zinc, manganese and niobium) produced better corrosion protection of the substrate comparatively to that produced in the nickel containing one (zinc, manganese and nickel). The salt spray tests, on the other hand, suggested similar corrosion performance for the samples with the two types of phosphate layers. The oxalate of niobium and ammonium seems to present a passivating effect when it is used in the phosphating bath. But to passivating effect the results pointed out to the need to carry out further research on the effect of niobium compound as a passivating agent for phosphated carbon steel.

A fotosensibilidade à radiação dos vidros fosfatos é uma propriedade que tem despertado grande interesse nas últimas décadas12. No presente trabalho, foi realizado um estudo sistemático e comparativo dos fenômenos fotoinduzidos por meio da caracterização de filmes do sistema (Sb(PO3)3)n - Sb2O3 quando dopados com óxido de cobre (CuO). Neste estudo, foram observadas as mudanças fotoestruturais e os efeitos causados por ação dos Raios-X. Os danos causados pela radiação sobre as amostras foram investigados através de medidas de perfilometria, Difração de Raio-X, EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) e SFG (Sum Frequency Generation) para a análise morfológica dos filmes, usadas para a compreensão das mudanças estruturais ocorridas. Além disso, foram realizadas medidas de absorção UV-Vis para a determinação de suas propriedades ópticas. Estudos recentes mostraram que o sistema vítreo (Sb(PO3)3)n - Sb2O3 sofre efeito de fotoclareamento e fotocontração, devido a irradiação com laser UV16. Nossos resultados mostraram que filmes do mesmo sistema vítreo dopados com 3%CuO, quando irradiados com Raio-X, apresentam efeito de fotoescurecimento, que foi observado visivelmente, e fotoexpansão, que foi confirmado por medidas de perfilometria. Ambos os efeitos, fotoescurecimento e fotoexpansão, ocorrem simultaneamente nos filmes irradiados e tem uma evidente dependência com a variação de parâmetros como espessura do filme e tempo de exposição à radiação / The photosensibility to radiation of phosphate glasses is a property that has attracted great interest in the last decades12. In this work, we realized a systematic and comparative study of the photoinduced phenomena through characterization of the doped copper oxide (CuO) (Sb(PO3)3)n-Sb2O3 system films. In this study, we observed the photostructural changes and the effects caused by X-ray. The radiation damage on the samples was investigated by measurements of profilometry, X-ray diffraction, EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) and SFG (Sum Frequency Generation) for morphological analysis, used for the understanding of the structural changes occurred. Besides that, we realized UV-Vis absorption measurements for the determination of its optical properties. Recents studies have shown the (Sb(PO3)3)n-Sb2O3 glassy system has photobleaching and photocontraction effects, when irradiated with UV laser16. Our results have shown that films of the same glassy system doped with 3%CuO, when irradiated with X-ray, show the photodarkening effect, which was visually observed, and photoexpansion, which was confirmed by profilometry measurements. Both effects, photodarkening and photoexpansion, occur simultaneously in the irradiated films and have a evident dependence with the parameters changes, as film thickness and radiation exposure time.

A complexidade de desenvolver novas tecnologias para aplicações em reconstituição óssea se deve à necessidade de combinar várias propriedades químicas e físicas para que o material proporcione o desempenho almejado. Particularmente, em aplicações que visam osteogênese, os enxertos sintéticos devem ser bioativos, possuir porosidade com volume, geometria e interconectividade de poros controlados, além de ter boas propriedades mecânicas, dentro de limites relativamente rígidos. Por essa razão, o recobrimento de materiais bioinertes com cerâmicas bioativas se tornou o foco da presente pesquisa. O objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um novo método de produção de enxertos cerâmicos com macroporosidade funcionalizada, onde a formação e o revestimento dos poros são realizados em uma única etapa. Foi realizado o estudo de recobrimento com vidro bioativo e fosfato de cálcio. Para isso, agentes porogênicos na forma de grânulos (de 600 &#956m a 2 mm de diâmetro) foram sintetizados pelo método da gelificação de uma solução aquosa de alginato de sódio gotejada em solução de nitrato de cálcio (0,5 M), com incorporação de outros elementos para a formação de biovidro ou fosfato de cálcio. Esses grânulos foram conglomerados a um vidro ou alumina em pó, formando um compósito, que foi tratado termicamente para sinterização e formação de poros. No caso da matriz vítrea, a sinterização ocorreu com cristalização simultânea e concorrente. As cerâmicas resultantes foram caracterizadas por microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura, sendo possível observar a formação de macroporos aproximadamente esféricos (de 600 &#956m a 2 mm de diâmetro) revestidos internamente por uma camada de material com possível composição bioativa. / A tough requirement in the manufacture of implants for medicine is to conciliate appropriate mechanical properties and the porosity necessary for bone ingrowth. It is further important to control the fraction, morphology, size, surface to volume ratio and interconnectivity of pores. The difficulty in matching these characteristics is a deterrent for practical applications. High strength materials coated with a bioactive layer can overcome this problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a new method for production of implants with functionalized macro porosity on ceramic. The production of a porous glass-ceramic and the internal coating of the pores with a bioactive material were performed in situ. The bioactive glass coating and calcium phosphate coating were studied. In order to achieve this goal, a porogenic agent in the form of beads (from 600 &#956m to 2 mm diameter) were prepared by the gelation of a water solution of sodium alginate into calcium nitrate solution (0.5 M), and incorporation of other components to yield the Bioglass composition or a calcium phosphate. The beads were further mixed with glass or ceramic powder and the assembly was heat treated for sintering. In the case of glass, the sintering occurred with concurrent crystallization. The obtained ceramics were characterized by optical and scanning electronic microscopy, which indicated that the porogenic beads acted successfully as a sacrificial template to produce functionalized macro pores.

A noção de que o consumo de produtos manufaturados atinge adversamente o suprimento de recursos e a qualidade do meio ambiente fez com que o mercado consumidor exigisse das corporações e dos organismos reguladores medidas mais eficientes quanto a preservação da Natureza. Através de iniciativas como essa renasceu um instrumento de gestão ambiental conhecido por Análise de Ciclo de Vida - ACV. A ACV é uma metodologia criada para identificar aspectos ambientais e quantificar seus impactos associados, ao longo de todo seu ciclo de vida, ou seja, desde a extração de matérias-primas, até a disposição final do produto, novamente no meio natural. Seu uso auxilia na priorização de ações de melhoria visando a prevenção da poluição,permitindo uma alocação mais adequada de recursos materiais, humanos e econômicos. Além disso, estimulariam o aumento da competência e favoreceriam a inovação tecnológica, considerando sempre a relação custo-benefício envolvida. O objetivo desse trabalho é propor um modelo de ACV que seja adaptado às condições brasileiras. Para a comprovação do modelo, foi estudado o caso de produção de um fertilizante fosfatado - superfosfato simples. Verificou-se que por ser a ACV uma metodologia amplamente dependente de dados precisos e confiáveis, a indisponibilidade de bancos de dados genuinamente nacionais limita em muito seu raio de aplicação no país. Entretanto, foi possível constatar também, que mesmo diante dessa limitação,o uso da ACV amplamente aplicável na prática, principalmente no que se refere a hierarquização de ações de melhoria de desempenho ambiental de um produto. Verificou-se ainda que o ciclo de vida de manufatura do superfosfato simples não traz impactos significativos sobre o meio ambiente. Suas maiores contribuições em termos de impactos ambientes são relativas ao Aquecimento Global - dada a predominância de transporte rodoviário np país - a Eutrofização - em função das constantes ) perdas de processo - e a redução do espaço físico, motivada pela elevada geração de resíduos sólidos por ocasião da etapa de beneficiamento da rocha fosfática. / The society is actually convinced that the manufactured products bring problems to the Nature mainly, in terms of resource depletion and environment quality. This posture make the government and the corporations change their ways to deal with environmental management. In this picture, appeared again the life cycle assessment. LCA is a tool used to identify environmental damage, and evaluate it\'s proportion. From the cradle to grave of a product. Besides, LCA can support improvement actions, in the way of the pollution prevention, permitting tha allocation of material, human and economic resources. The goal of this scientific work is to propose a model of life cycle assessment specific to the brasilian condition. To test the model it was studied the manufacturing life cycle from the single superphosphate. The main conclusion\'s were that, even with deep limitation in term of databases extricate from Brazil, limited the use of the methodology to qualitative conclusions. On the other side, the model, even needing some sets, proved being useful in practical studies. In term of superphosphate, the most significative environmental impacts are Global Warming, because of the material transportation in Brazil is basically by road do the Nitrification, because the losses of the process. In general, the single superphosphate has, in reality low environmental profile.

Os solos brasileiros, assim como aqueles localizados em regiões tropicais, possuem elevada capacidade de sorver fósforo (P) devido ao alto grau de intemperismo e consequente composição mineralógica da fração argila. Os fertilizantes solúveis possuem baixa eficiência em função da rápida adsorção aos minerais presentes nestes solos, como também precipitação com cátions em solução. Um componente do solo que pode diminuir a sorção de P é a matéria orgânica que atua na formação de complexos organominerais, inativando os sítios de adsorção dos minerais. Assim, a adição de biocarvão, um composto orgânico recalcitrante, mas que possui grupos reativos de superfície, pode contribuir na redução da sorção de P no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito de diferentes temperaturas de pirólise nas características químicas e adsortivas do biocarvão e disponibilidade e aproveitamento de fósforo do fertilizante aplicado no solo. Os biocarvões foram produzidos por pirólise do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar a 250, 450, 650 ºC e um carvão comercial de eucalipto foi utilizado como controle. Os biocarvões foram caracterizados quimicamente e agitados com soluções contendo diferentes doses de P para verificar o comportamento da adsorção de P (isoterma de adsorção). Após filtragem, os biocarvões retidos no filtro foram submetidos à espectroscopia no infravermelho médio. Foram realizados: (i) Um experimento de incubação, fatorial 4 x 2 x 2 + controle, utilizando um solo contendo 70 g kg-1 de argila, com os tratamentos: 4 tipos de biocarvão aplicados na dose de 10 g kg-1; dois níveis de pH (4,8 e 5,8) e dois níveis de adubação fosfatada (0 e 50 mg kg-1). As análises realizadas no solo foram pH em solução de CaCl2 e SMP, P disponível e P remanescente. (ii) Um experimento em casa-de-vegetação, fatorial 4 x 3 x 4, com cultivo de plantas de feijão avaliando os 4 tipos de biocarvão produzidos, 3 doses de cada biocarvão (0, 450 e 900 mg kg-1) aplicados na linha de semeadura e 4 doses de P (0, 25, 50 e 100 mg kg-1) aplicadas contato com o biocarvão na linha. Não houve adsorção de P pelos biocarvões avaliados. Os espectros de infravermelho e análise química mostram que o aumento da temperatura causa diminuição da acidez total, porém aumenta aromaticidade e superfície específica dos materiais. No experimento de incubação os solos que receberam biocarvões produzidos com bagaço de cana apresentaram maior P disponível e remanescente, por mecanismos diferentes. Enquanto o biocarvão produzido à 250 ºC promove a redução da adsorção por interações promovidas por grupos ácidos, os biocarvões com estruturas aromáticas formam complexos de ligações não covalentes com os minerais. O biocarvão pode ser um material importante na redução da sorção de fósforo e economia de fertilizantes, porém pesquisas adicionais devem ser realizadas a fim de estudar a influência da matéria-prima e forma de produção nas potencialidades de uso do produto obtido. / The Brazilian soils, as those from tropical environment, have high phosphorus (P) sorption capacity as a result of their weathering degree and consequently the mineralogical composition in the clay fraction. Soluble fertilizers have low efficiency since the fast adsorption occurs in mineral surfaces, as well as precipitation with cations in the soil solution. The organic matter acts decreasing P sorption in the soils after form organomineral complexes with minerals, by inactivation of adsorption sites. In this way, biochar that is a recalcitrant organic compost; however, contains surface reactive functional groups, can contribute decreasing soil P sorption. The aim of this work was to study the effect of different pyrolysis temperatures in biochar adsorption characteristics, P availability in the soil and plant P absorption from phosphate fertilizer. Biochars were produced by pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse at 250, 450, 650 ºC and eucalyptus biochar was used as control treatment. Biochars were chemically characterized, and after mixed with solutions containing different P concentrations to study the P sorption behaviour (adsorption isotherm). After filtering, the biochars retained in the filters were undergoing to medium infrared spectroscopy. Were performed: (i) Incubation experiment, factorial 4 x 2 x 2 + control in a soil containing 70 g kg- 1 of clay, with the following treatments: the 4 biochar types cited above, applied at 10 g kg-1 rate; 2 pH levels (4,8 and 5,8) and 2 levels of phosphate fertilizer (0 and 50 mg kg-1). The soil pH (CaCl2 salt and SMP), available and remaining P were analysed. (ii) Greenhouse experiment was performed in 4 x 3 x 4 factorial scheme, with cultivation of common bean plants to evaluate the produced biochars; 3 biochar rates (0, 450 and 900 mg kg-1) were applied at the sowing line and 4 P rates (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg-1) added in the same line. The evaluated biochars do not adsorb P. Infrared spectroscopy and chemical analysis showed that increasing temperature resulted in a decreasing in the total acidity. However, occurred an increase in the aromaticity and specific surface of materials. Incubation experiment revealed that the soils which received biochar produced by sugarcane bagasse have greater available and remaining P, these influenced by different mechanisms. While biochar produced at 250 ºC promote adsorption reduction by interactions between biochar acid functional groups and mineral adsorption sites, biochars produced at high temperatures contain aromatic structures can complex minerals by noncovalent bonding. Biochar can be an important tool to reduce P sorption and increase the economy of fertilizers. However, further researches must be carried out to study the influence of feedstocks and pyrolysis technology in the potentiality of use of each biochar.