The sensitivity of biological studies performed between 190 and 650 nm is greatly reduced due to the autofluorescence of biomolecules and impurities in this region. Therefore, the enhanced signal-to-noise ratios encountered at longer wavelengths makes biological analysis within the near infrared (NIR) region from 650 nm to 1100 nm far more advantageous. This dissertation describes the noncovalent binding interactions of near-infrared (NIR) carbocyanine dyes with human serum albumin (HSA) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) using UV-Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence detected circular dichroism (FDCD). The optical spectroscopy methods used in this work are described in detail in Chapter 1. The various applications of NIR dyes in protein analysis are introduced in Chapter 2. In general, the sensitivity of cyanines to the polarity of their local environment makes them quite suitable for protein labeling schemes. In aqueous media, cyanines have a high propensity for self-association. Yet in the hydrophobic binding sites of globular proteins, these aggregates often dissipate. Absorption and emission spectroscopy can be utilized to observe the differential spectral properties of monomer, intra-molecular and intermolecular aggregates. In Chapter 3, the photophysical properties of bis(cyanine) NIR dyes containing di-, tri-, and tetraethylene glycol linkers were each examined in the presence of HSA are discussed. Variations in chain length as well as probe flexibility were demonstrated through distinct differences in absorption and emission spectra. The observed changes in the spectral properties of the NIR dyes in the presence and absence of HSA were correlated to the physical parameters of the probes' local environment (i.e., protein binding sites and self-association). All three bis-cyanines examined exhibited enhanced fluorescence in the presence of HSA. The bis-cyanine dye containing the tri(ethylene glycol) spacer allowed for a complete overlap of the benzene rings, to form π-π interactions which were observed as intra-molecular H-aggregate bands. The dye exhibited no fluorescence in buffer, owing to the H-aggregation observed in the absorption data. In the presence of HSA, the intra-molecular dimers were disrupted and fluorescence was then detected. The "cut-on" fluorescence displayed by the dye in the presence of HSA made it ideal for noncovalent labeling applications. The utility of several NIR dyes for use as secondary structural probes was investigated in Chapter 4. NIR dyes were screened thoroughly using UV-Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy dyes with spectral properties which were sensitive to protein secondary structure models of such as PLL in basic solution. Two NIR dyes were found to be quite sensitive to the structural features of uncharged α- and β-PLL. The chiral discrimination of these probes for basic protein secondary structures was also evaluated through CD measurements within the NIR probes' absorption bands.

<p> Cell encapsulation aims at the delivery of a therapeutic protein to a patient from transplanted cells. Conventional approaches involve immune-isolating cell lines that have been genetically modified to express a therapeutic protein, in alginate-based microcapsules. The long-term success of this approach hinges on the structural stability of the microcapsules, as well as their ability to maintain an environment suitable for the long-term survival of encapsulated cells. The most commonly studied type of microcapsule is the alginate-poly-Llysine-alginate (APA) microcapsule. However, the main concern with AP A microcapsules is the Joss of structural integrity during long-term implantation due to the exchange of calcium ions with other physiological ions, as well as the loss of the polyelectrolyte overcoats. </p> <p> In order to increase the structural stability of the microcapsules, we developed and characterized a number of synthetic polyelectrolytes that undergo phase separation upon complexation, and which are capable of forming covalent cross-links. These reactive polyelectrolytes are designed to take the place of poly-L-lysine and the outer alginate layer. We also explored combining cross-linkable synthetic polyanions with sodium alginate to strengthen the Ca Alginate core, by forming a core cross-linked network extending throughout the microcapsules. The polyelectrolyte complexes, encapsulation processes and microcapsule properties were studied in detail using extensive characterization techniques, including collaborative work on cell viability and host-immune response. </p> <p> Overall, this thesis describes a novel approach and prom1smg materials for cell encapsulations that offer enhanced microcapsule resistance to chemical and mechanical stresses, while preserving the desired biocompatibility. These materials may ultimately be useful for clinical immunosuppressive therapies. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T14:13:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Daiane Cristine Mirante.pdf: 2726451 bytes, checksum: 032734e58cd5a2dc0e010068ceda3d38 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The development of antimicrobial agents is one of the most important advances in the therapeutic area due to microbial resistance, causing problems to public health, with serious economic, social and political implications. Thus, this study aimed to the technological development of microparticles of biopolymer poly-L-lysine (PLL) and polymeric nanocapsules containing essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel uncoated or coated with PLL. The microparticles were obtained by the spray drying technique with a yield of 42.4%. The nanocapsules were prepared by interfacial deposition technique of a preformed polymer. The nanocapsules showed average nanometer diameter (160-200 nm), polydispersity index of less than 0.25 and negative zeta potential for nanocapsules poly(caprolactone) (PCL) (-39.8 mV) and positive for the nanocapsules of PLL (+17, 75 mV), indicating that there was an electrostatic adsorption interaction between PCL and PLL. An analytical method was developed and validated by UV-vis pectrophotometry in order to enable a reliable determination of encapsulation efficiency (EE). This method showed specificity, linearity, precision, detection and quantification satisfactory limits according to current recommendations. The EE was 99.86%. The antimicrobial activity of micro systems and nanocapsules was evaluated, containing PLL against the microorganisms, E. coli S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of the essential oil of M. alternifolia in the nanostructured system developed has been able to increase their antibacterial activity. The microparticles and nanocapsules, can, in the future, be promising antimicrobial agents, promoting the development of an effective therapeutic alternative and more effective at lower doses. / O desenvolvimento de agentes antimicrobianos representa um dos mais importantes avanços na área terapêutica, devido à resistência microbiana acarretar problemas para a saúde pública, com sérias implicações econômicas, sociais e políticas. Visto isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de micropartículas do biopolímero -poli-L-Lisina (PLL) e de nanocápsulas poliméricas contendo óleo essencial de Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel, revestidas ou não -PLL. As micropartículas foram obtidas pela técnica de secagem por aspersão com rendimento de 42,4 %. As nanocápsulas foram preparadas pela técnica de deposição interfacial de um polímero pré-formado. As nanocápsulas apresentaram diâmetro médio nanométrico (160-200 nm), índice de polidispersão inferior a 0,25 e potencial zeta negativo para as nanocápsulas de poli(-caprolactona) (PCL) (-39,8 mV) e positivo para as nanocápsulas de PLL (+17,75 mV), demonstrando que houve o processo de adsorção por interação eletrostática entre a PCL e a PLL. Foi desenvolvido e validado um método analítico por espectrofotometria de UV-Vis com a finalidade de permitir uma determinação confiável da eficiência de encapsulação (EE). Este método apresentou especificidade, linearidade, precisão, limites de detecção e quantificação satisfatórios de acordo com as recomendações vigentes. A EE foi de 99,86%. Foi avaliada a atividade antimicrobiana dos sistemas micro e nanoencapsulados contendo PLL contra os micro-organismos E. coli, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa e C.albicans. Os resultados demonstram que a incorporação do óleo essencial de M. alternifolia no sistema nanoestruturado desenvolvido foi capaz de aumentar a sua atividade antibacteriana. As micropartículas e as nanocápsulas, podem futuramente ser agentes antimicrobianos promissores, promovendo o desenvolvimento de uma alternativa terapêutica eficaz com doses menores e mais efetivas.

L'alcool polyvinylique a été fonctionnalisé avec des aldéhydes et des acides boroniques dans le but d'obtenir des polymères pouvant apporter de la brillance tout en étant solubles dans les formulations de rouges à lèvres ou de vernis à ongles. De bons taux de fonctionnalisation ont été obtenus permettant d'avoir une bibliothèque de poly(vinyl acétals) et de poly(vinyl esters boroniques) d'une cinquantaine de polymères. Une multi-fonctionnalisation du PVA a été effectuée pour obtenir des polymères alliant ces deux propriétés. Cinq poly(vinyl acétals) ont ainsi permis d'apporter une forte brillance à des rouges à lèvres. La E-poly-L-lysine a également été fonctionnalisée avec diverses cétones afin d'obtenir de nouvelles poly-4-imidazolidinones. Ces polymères sont prometteurs pour des applications dans des produits cosmétiques tels que des soins. Ils ont également été utilisés en catalyse organique asymétrique.

L’alcool polyvinylique a été fonctionnalisé avec des aldéhydes et des acides boroniques dans le but d’obtenir des polymères pouvant apporter de la brillance tout en étant solubles dans les formulations de rouges à lèvres ou de vernis à ongles. De bons taux de fonctionnalisation ont été obtenus permettant d’avoir une bibliothèque de poly(vinyl acétals) et de poly(vinyl esters boroniques) d’une cinquantaine de polymères. Une multi-fonctionnalisation du PVA a été effectuée pour obtenir des polymères alliant ces deux propriétés. Cinq poly(vinyl acétals) ont ainsi permis d’apporter une forte brillance à des rouges à lèvres. La E-poly-L-lysine a également été fonctionnalisée avec diverses cétones afin d’obtenir de nouvelles poly-4-imidazolidinones. Ces polymères sont prometteurs pour des applications dans des produits cosmétiques tels que des soins. Ils ont également été utilisés en catalyse organique asymétrique. / Poly(vinyl alcohol) has been functionalized with aldehydes and boronic acids to obtain polymers with high shining and being soluble in cosmetic formulations as lipsticks or nail polishes. Good grafting rates have been obtained permitting to have a library of about fifty poly(vinyl acetals) and poly(vinyl boronic esters). Multi-functionalization has been developped to obtain polymers having these both properties. Five polymers gave strong shining to lipsticks. E-poly-L-lysine was also functionalized with several ketones to obtain new poly-4-imidazolidinones. These polymers are promising for cosmetic applications as skincare products. They were also used for organocatalysis.

Le repliement des protéines est principalement gouverné par les interactions spécifiques des structures secondaires. 1, 2 Toutefois, il existe expérimentalement peu d’informations sur les propriétés mécaniques fondamentales des hélices α et des feuillets β isolées. Les recherches antérieures sur l'étude du déploiement des hélices sont peu concluantes 3-5 et à notre connaissance l'étude des propriétés mécaniques d'un feuillet β isolé, intramoléculaire est sans précédent. Les copolymères PEG114-b-poly(L-lysine)134-(2-pyridyl disulfure),PEG114-b-poly(L-lysine)-b-PEG114 et poly(L-acide glutamique)85-b-(2-pyridyldisulfure) été synthétisés et utilisés comme systèmes modèles pour tester les propriétés mécaniques des motifs secondaires de type hélice α et feuillet β. Les résultats obtenus se sont révélés être en bon accord avec les résultats théoriques obtenus en utilisant un modèle statistique basé sur AGAGIR 6. La différence de force de déroulement comparant les hélices de poly(L-Lysine) ≈ 30 pN et de poly(L-acide glutamique) ≈ 20 pN des copolymères diblocs a été attribuée à l'hydrophobicité différente des chaînes latérales. La plus grande hydrophobie dumotif lysine conduit à de plus grandes interactions entre les chaînes latérales qui empêchent les fluctuations aléatoires au sein de l’hélice, et conduisent à une stabilité supérieure de l'hélice α. Lorsque les expériences ont été conduites dans des conditions favorisant la solubilité des chaînes latérales de lysine, les interactions ont diminué à une force de ≈ 20 pN, similaire à la force des interactions observées pour le poly(L-acide glutamique). Nous supposons qu'un minimum de ≈ 20 pN est nécessaire pour rompre la liaison hydrogène en maintenant l'hélice α, car cette force a été obtenue dans des conditions où les interactions de la chaîne latérale étaient minimisées. La présence de plateaux de force constants et d'inflexions correspondantes démontre une force de dépliement indépendante de la longueur, qui supporte un mécanisme de déroulement tour-par-tour pour l'hélice. De plus, la plus grande hydrophobie des chaînes latérales a été suggérée non seulement pour stabiliser la structure en hélice, mais également pour inhiber la formation d'une structure de type β-turn métastable intermédiaire lorsque les forces entropiques dominent. Des études préliminaires ont été effectuées sur le système de PEG114-bpoly(L-Lysine)134-(2-pyridyl disulfure) après induction d’une transition - β par un traitement thermique dans des conditions basiques. Une inflexion à une force≈ 70 pN a été obtenue, ce qui suggère la formation d'une interaction de type feuillet β. Une stratégie bottom-up a ainsi été proposée avec succès, démontrant le potentiel d'utilisation de tels systèmes artificiels pour simplifier et modéliser des systèmes biologiques réels. La compréhension de ces modèles isolés plus simples aidera sans doute la compréhension de systèmes plus complexes. / Proteins fold by the initial, preferential folding of secondarystructures 1, 2, however surprisingly little is known about the basic mechanicalproperties of isolated α-helices and β-sheets from an experimental standpoint.Previous investigations into studying the generic unfolding behaviour of α-heliceshave proved inconclusive 3-5, and to our knowledge the study of an isolated,intramolecular β-sheet is unprecedented.Bioinspired PEG114-b-poly(L-glutamic acid)85-(2-pyridyl disulphide),PEG114-b-poly(L-lysine)134-(2-pyridyl disulphide) and PEG114-b-poly(Llysine)134–b-PEG114 were designed, synthesized and utilized as model systems toprobe the mechanical properties of α-helix and β-sheet secondary motifs. Theobtained results were shown to be in good agreement with theoretical resultsobtained by utilizing a AGAGIR-based statistical mechanical model 6. Thedifference in unravelling force comparing the helices of poly(L-Lysine) ≈30 pNand poly(L-glutamic acid) ≈20 pN diblock copolymers was attributed to thediffering hydrophobicity of the side chains. The greater hydrophobicity of thelysine allowed greater interactions between the side chains and sterically hinderedrandom helix-coil fluctuations, which lead to a superior α-helix stability. Whenexperiments were conducted in conditions promoting the solubility of the lysineside chains, the interactions decreased to a force of ≈20 pN, similar to the force ofinteractions observed for the poly(L-glutamic acid). We infer that a minimum of≈20 pN is needed to rupture the hydrogen bonding maintaining the α-helix as thisforce was obtained in conditions where the side chain interactions wereminimized.The presence of constant force plateaus and corresponding inflectionsdemonstrates a length independent unfolding force, which supports a turn-by-turnunfolding mechanism for the α-helix.In addition, the greater hydrophobicity of the side chains was suggestedto not only stabilize the α-helix structure, but also to inhibit the formation of anintermediate metastable β-hairpin-like structure when entropic forces dominate.Preliminary studies were also conducted on the PEG114-b-poly(LLysine)134-(2-pyridyl disulphide) system after a α-β transition had been inducedby heat in basic conditions, where an inflection at a much higher force of ≈ 70 pNwas obtained suggesting the formation of a β-sheet interaction.A bottom-up, investigative strategy has thus been successfully proposeddemonstrating the potential of utilizing such artificial systems to simplify andexemplify real biological systems. The comprehension of these simpler isolatedmodels will no doubt aid the understanding of more complex systems.

Des revêtements polymères basés sur la physisorption de copolymères en peigne, dérivés du (Poly-L-Lysine)-g-poly(N Isopropylacrylamide) noté PLL-g-PNIPAM, ont été développés afin de contrôler réversiblement l'adhésion cellulaire. La préparation de ces revêtements repose sur l'adsorption spontanée de la poly(lysine) sur la plupart des substrats anioniques usuels en biologie, aisément mis en oeuvre par le non-spécialiste : une simple immersion du substrat dans une solution de PLL-g-PNIPAM donne une monocouche résistante au rinçage et dense en chaines poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) thermosensibles.L'adsorption de copolymères en peigne dérivés de la PLL et portant des chaînes latérales de natures variées permet d'ajuster à souhait les propriétés du revêtement. Notre attention s'est portée particulièrement sur l'étude de couchesthermosensibles poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-coligand), où le ligand est soit un groupe biotine, soit un peptide d'adhésion.Une voie de synthèse générique de dérivés PLL-g- PNIPAM est décrite. Elle se fonde sur la polymérisation RAFT du N-acryloxysuccinimide et la post-modification des unités de répétition puis des extrémités de chaînes. Des mesures de la température de transition soluble/insoluble en solution et des caractérisations par AFM et QCM-d de l'extension des chaînes en surface ont permis de démontrer que la transition au sein des revêtements s'opère à une température proche de celle en solution. La stabilité en termes de composition et d'épaisseur des revêtements suite à des cycles de transitions thermiques a été vérifiée. Une étude de l'adsorption de particules décorées par des protéines comme l'avidine a permis de montrer la capacité des couches adsorbée à exposer/masquer la biotine, et à réguler la formation de liaisons spécifiques par simple changement de température. Pour s'assurer de la possibilité d'ajustement du contraste d'accessibilité de ligands, cette étude a été complétée par des mesures sur des couches mixtes contenant des mélanges de chaînes fonctionnelles ou non fonctionnalisées. Enfin, en utilisant un peptide d'adhésion (RGD) comme ligand, il a été montré que l'interaction avec la surface de cellules HeLA peut être réversiblement contrôlée via une variation de température de quelques degrés, moyennant d'optimiser la densité en peptides et la présence de chaînes répulsives en surface.Un control local par stimulation lumineuse a été envisagé. Des poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) contenant des azobenzenes furent synthétisés mais ne montrent qu'une faible réponse lumineuse. / Polymer coatings based on the physorption of comb-like polymers, (Poly-L-Lysine)-g-poly(NIsopropylacrylamide)derivatives (PLL-g-PNIPAM), have been developed to reversibly modulate specific cell adhesion on demand.This technique of coating relies on the spontaneous adsorption of PLL on typical anionic substrates used in biology: a simple bath application of substrates in solution of PLLg-PNIPAM affords a stable polymer adlayer with dense and thermoresponsive poly(NIsopropylacrylamide) brushes. Adsorption of comb-like polymers with different strands enables to easily modulate properties of the coatings. We focused on thermoresponsive poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide-co-ligand) brusheswhere ligand is Biotin or a peptide of adhesion.A versatile synthesis of PLL-g-PNIPAM is presented. This synthesis is based on RAFT polymerization of N-acryloxysuccinimide and post-modifications of both the backbone and the polymer ends. Detection of the transition soluble/insoluble in solution and AFM/QCM-d studies of PNIPAM adlayers demonstrate that the critical temperature in adlayers are close to the one in solution. Stability in terms of composition and thickness has been checked after temperature cycles. The study of the adsorption of Avidin-coated particles suggests that these adlayers can expose/mask Biotin, and so regulate specific interaction by simple change in temperature. To optimize the thermal contrast of ligand accessibility, this study includes measurements on mixed adlayers with functionalized/unfunctionalized brushes. Finally, specific adhesion of HeLa cells can be thermally modulated on adlayers presenting repellent brushes and with controlled densities of adhesive peptides (RGD).A local control has been considered on such coatings by using light stimulus. In this context, azobenzene-containing Poly(NIsopropylacrylamide) were synthesized but they shown only a weak light-response.

Targeted delivery aids in minimizing most of the drug-originated systemic toxic effects as well as improving the pharmacokinetic properties of anticancer therapeutics. Tumor targeting using hyaluronic acid (HA) as the targeting ligand has attracted a great deal of interest among a host of strategies developed to target the overexpressed tumor specific receptors. HA is an endogenous molecule that possesses a lot of biological functions in the human body. The role of HA synthases, HA degrading enzymes and the interaction of HA with its primary receptor CD44 in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis is really complex and controversial to date. However, overexpression of CD44receptors on tumor surface has been well studied, which have been utilized to direct tumor targeted drugs. Most of the HA based targeting systems were HA drug conjugates and surface modified colloidal carriers which required covalent modification. The lack of accurate structural characterization of these systems resulted in modification of HA binding sites that could affect the efficient cellular uptake. LbL technique is a simple and facile method to incorporate several materials into polyelectrolyte assemblies for drug delivery applications. HA being a negatively charged polysaccharide can be easily incorporated into such systems without any covalent modification. Although HA based polyelectrolyte multilayer films and microcapsules have been reported in combination with polycations like PAH, PLL and chitosan, their application as targeted drug delivery systems have not yet been explored. Herein, two LbL architectures with HA as the terminal layer have been investigated as targeted drug carriers, which can recognize overexpressed CD44 receptors in metastatic breast cancer cells. In the first part of the thesis, a novel polyelectrolyte nanocapsule system composed of biopolymers HA and protamine sulphate (PR) as the wall components was prepared and characterized. These pH and enzyme responsive nanocapsules were then utilized for efficient loading and release of anticancer drug doxorubicin (dox). Higher drug release was observed in simulated intracellular conditions like acidic pH and presence of hyaluronidase enzyme as compared to physiological pH. In the second part of the thesis, dox incorporated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles modified with HA-Poly(l-Lysine) multilayers were developed and characterized. The drug release pattern of the dox loaded BSA nanoparticles was found to depend on the presence of a protease enzyme trypsin than pH variations. Both of these drug delivery systems were then evaluated for their cell targeting efficiency and cytotoxicity in CD44+ positive metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA MB 231. The final layer HA facilitated targeted delivery of these drug carriers via CD44 receptor mediated endocytosis. The enhanced cellular uptake followed by sustained delivery of dox by virtue of slow intracellular enzymatic degradation of the drug carriers resulted in their improved cytotoxicity as compared to free dox. Further in vitro biodistribution and tumor suppression efficiency of both the systems were studied in breast cancer xenograft models using BALB/c nude mice. Enhance accumulation of dox in the tumor tissue and significant tumor reduction were observed when treated with encapsulated dox using the HA based nanocarriers as opposed to free dox.

No description available.