Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Polysaccharide nanoparticles obtained from Anadenanthera macrocarpa tree exudates (angico gum, AG) and chitosan (CH) were produced by polyelectrolyte complex formation as well as by graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto a AG backbone. The polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were obtained by using AG and its carboxymethylated derivatives with degrees of substitution 0.20 and 0.63 as polianions. Reaction parameters investigated were polymer concentration, molar mass, order of solution addition, charge ratio (n+/n-) and AG degree of substitution of carboxymethylated samples. Data revealed that nanoparticles formed by adding AG to CH (AGCH) are in the range of 17.4 to 41.9 nm. Increasing polyelectrolyte concentration led to a decrease in particle size. Larger sizes were observed for charge ratios (n+/n-) > 1. Regarding the molar mass effect, the higher the chitosan molar mass, the larger are the particle sizes. Atomic Force Spectroscopy revealed that for samples with charge ratio n+/n- = 1, particle sizes were 10 and 14 nm, for high (CHa) and low (CHb) chitosan molar mass, respectively. These figures are lower than those analyzed by light scattering measurements (25.1 and 28.2 nm respectively for AGCHa at n+/n- = 1). Nanoparticles prepared using carboxymethylated AG (CMA) have their sizes strongly dependent on charge ratio; for those samples obtained from CMA with degree of substitution (DS) 0.20 and CHa, size distribution is similar to that of AGCHa samples. For samples synthesized with 0.63 DS, size distribution is dependent on charge ratio: for n+/n-< 0.8 similar distribution is observed as those of AGCHa and CMCHa; for n+/n- > 0.8 larger particles (140 - 636 nm) are produced. CMACHa with 0.63 DS, n+/n- = 4, was used as a matrix for chloroquine encapsulation resulting in a efficiency of encapsulation of 43 %. In vitro release was investigated at pH 5.8 and 7.4, a slower release profile being observed at pH 5.8, whereby only 20 % of drug was released in 22 days. Faster release was observed at pH 7.4, where 84 % of drug was released in 6 h, completion being achieved only after 10 days. Data obtained seem to point out that this system can be used for oral drug administration. AG nanoparticles were also produced by acrylic acid radical polymerization on AG backbone, using cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator and methylene bisacrylamide as crosslinking agent. It was investigated the effects of glycosidic unit/acrylic acid (GU/AA) and AA/CAN molar ratios on particle size. AG/AA nanoparticles were found to have sizes in the range 6.4 â 19.4 nm, according to GU/AA ratio and an average reaction yield of 56.6 %. Decreasing initiator concentration resulted in low particle size and high polidispersity. By inserting AA onto AG backbone, smaller particle size was obtained than homopolymer one (417 nm). No pH response was found for AG/AA nanoparticles. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was doped in AG/AA nanoparticles, with an encapsulation efficiency of 50 % resulting in a low release profile, where 69 % of BSA being released in 30 days. / NanopartÃculas do polissacarÃdeo extraÃdo de exsudatos de Ãrvores da Anadenanthera macrocarpa (goma do angico, GA) foram produzidas utilizando como rotas de sÃnteses a complexaÃÃo polieletrolÃtica (CEP) com quitosana (QT) e a copolimerizaÃÃo por enxertia de Ãcido acrÃlico (AA). Na rota de complexaÃÃo polieletrolÃtica a goma do angico (GA) e seus derivados carboximetilados (CMA) com grau de substituiÃÃo (GS) de 0,20 e 0,63 foram utilizados como poliÃnions. Foram investigados alguns parÃmetros que influenciam o tamanho da nanopartÃcula tais como: concentraÃÃo dos polissacarÃdeos, ordem de adiÃÃo das soluÃÃes polieletrolÃticas, massa molar da quitosana, razÃo de carga dos polieletrÃlitos e grau de substituiÃÃo da goma do angico carboximetilada. NanopartÃculas formadas pela adiÃÃo de GA a quitosana de alta massa molar (QTa) (GAQTA) possuem valores de tamanho variando de 17,4 a 41,9 nm. O aumento da concentraÃÃo dos polieletrÃlitos ocasionou uma diminuiÃÃo nos tamanhos de partÃculas. Maiores valores de tamanho foram observados para nanopartÃculas com razÃo molar de cargas (n+/n-) > 1. Quanto maior a massa molar da quitosana maior o tamanho das nanopartÃculas. A variaÃÃo do tamanho com ordem de adiÃÃo dos polieletrÃlitos depende de outros fatores como razÃo molar de cargas e massa molar da quitosana. A anÃlise por microscopia de forÃa atÃmica das nanopartÃculas de GAQTa e GAQTb na razÃo de carga n+/n- = 1 apresentam partÃculas ovaladas com diÃmetros de 10 a 14 nm respectivamente. Estes valores sÃo inferiores ao obtidos por espalhamento de luz (25,1 e 28,2 nm respectivamente para GAQTa e GAQTb na razÃo de carga n+/n- = 1). O aumento da densidade de carga pela reaÃÃo de carboximetilaÃÃo afeta significantemente o tamanho das partÃculas. NanopartÃcula formadas com CMA GS 0,20 e quitosana de alta massa molar (QTA) apresenta valores similares ao observado para nanopartÃculas de GAQTa (14 a 30 nm). Quando o GS à aumentado para 0,63 as nanopartÃculas exibem comportamento diferente dependendo da razÃo de carga (n+/n-) na qual a nanopartÃculas foi sintetizada. Para valores de n+/n- < 0,8 os tamanhos de partÃculas sÃo similares aos observados para GAQTa e CMA0,20QTa, entretanto para n+/n- > 0,8 partÃculas maiores sÃo produzidas (~ 140 a 636 nm). O estudo de incorporaÃÃo e ensaio in vitro de liberaÃÃo de cloroquina foi realizado utilizando como matriz nanopartÃculas de CMA0,63QTa na razÃo n+/n- igual a 4 (431 nm) devido a esta apresentar maior eficiÃncia de encapsulamento do fÃrmaco. A nanopartÃcula incorporou 43 % de cloroquina. Em pH 5,8 a liberaÃÃo de cloroquina foi lenta, liberando apenas 20 % em 22 dias. Em pH 7,4 foi observado que a liberaÃÃo à mais rÃpida do que em pH 5,8 tendo liberado 84 % em 6 h, contudo a liberaÃÃo sà atinge o equilÃbrio em 10 dias. Analisando o tamanho de partÃcula e o comportamento da liberaÃÃo, observa-se que este sistema à promissor para administraÃÃo via oral deste fÃrmaco. A segunda rota de sÃntese foi via copolimerizaÃÃo radicalar por enxertia de Ãcido acrÃlico. A reaÃÃo foi realizada utilizando nitrato de amÃnio cÃrico (CAN) como iniciador e bis-acrilamida (MBA) como agente reticulante. Foram avaliados os efeitos da razÃo molar de unidade glicosÃdica/Ãcido acrÃlico (UG/AA) e AA/CAN no tamanho de partÃcula. As nanopartÃculas de goma do angico e Ãcido acrÃlico tiveram tamanhos variando de 6,4 a 19,4 nm dependendo da razÃo UG/AA e um rendimento mÃdio de 56,6 %.Diminuindo a quantidade de iniciador observa-se que o diÃmetro diminui, entretanto que a polidispersividade aumenta. NanopartÃculas sà com poli(Ãcido acrÃlico) apresentam tamanho superior aos valores observados em presenÃa de goma do angico (417 nm). Apesar da presenÃa de Ãcido acrÃlico as nanopartÃculas de GA/AA o tamanho da nanopartÃcula nÃo à sensÃvel ao pH do meio. A incorporaÃÃo de BSA em nanopartÃculas de GA/AA foi de 50 % sendo a liberaÃÃo da proteÃna bem lenta, tendo liberado apenas 69 % da BSA em 30 dias.

La synthèse d'inhibiteurs puissants et selectifs de glycosidases, enzymes impliquées dans de nombreux processus biologiques, permet d'accéder à des agents thérapeutiques potentiels. L'objectif de ce travail était de synthétiser de nouveaux analogues du salacinol, un puissant inhibiteur naturel d'alpha - glucosidases possédant une stucture originale zwitterionique, et d'évaluer les propriétés inhibitrices des composes obtenus sur six glycosidases commerciales. Nous avons donc préparé plusieurs iminosucres, analogues de la désoxynojirimycine et de l'acide pipécolique, par une méthode originale basée sur l'utilisation d'isoxazolines. par couplage de ces iminosucres ou de différents thiosucres avec deux sulfares cycliques, nous avons synthétisé six nouveaux analogues azotés et neuf nouveaux analogues soufrés du salacinol. L'un de ces analogues soufrés s'est révélé être un très bon inhibiteur de la béta - glucosidase d'amandes.

Ce travail de thèse décrit la préparation et l'étude des propriétés d'auto-assemblage de nouveaux amphiphiles fonctionnalisés par des sucres. Des glycosides propargyliques du lactose et de la N-acétyl-glucosamine ont été conjugués par chimie click (cycloaddition de Huisgen catalysée par des sels de cuivre) à des dérivés de poly(ethyleneglycol) dont une des extrémités a au préalable été modifiée par une fonction azide et l'autre par un bloc hydrophobe de type polyphénylène ou bien aliphatique. Après une caractérisation par résonance magnétique nucléaire et spectrométrie de masse, les propriétés d'auto-assemblage de ces amphiphiles ont été étudiées par diffusion dynamique de la lumière (DLS), diffraction des rayons-X aux petits angles (SAXS) et microscopie électronique. Il a été montré qu'en phase aqueuse, les systèmes amphiphiles dérivés du PEG 900 s'auto-assemblent pour former de micelles de taille extrêmement régulière dont le diamètre moyen est de l'ordre de 10 nm. La présence et la biodisponibilité des sucres à la surface de ces nanoparticules ont également pu être démontrées par diffusion dynamique de la lumière avec les lectines PNA et WGA. Les interactions spécifiques observées entre les lectines et micelles associées aux propriétés d'encapsulation de ce type de nanoparticules permettent d'imaginer de futures applications pour la délivrance de médicaments ou encore l'imagerie médicale.

Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic human and animal pathogen that is predominantly found in estuarine waters. In aquatic ecosystems, it colonizes filter-feeders, such as oysters, and has been found to form biofilms on the surface of various marine organisms, including plankton, algae, fish, eels, and crustaceans. The bacterium can spontaneously develop a rugose phenotype, which is associated with the production of polysaccharide(s) that impart a raised, wrinkled appearance to cells, copious biofilm formation, and increased stress resistance. Biofilm and rugose colony development, along with pellicle and aggregate formation, are believed to be crucial for the environmental survival and persistence of V. vulnificus. As the biosynthesis of polysaccharide(s) is a key feature linking these physiological processes, the main objectives of this study were to identify polysaccharide loci contributing to survival phenotypes in V. vulnificus and to gain insight into the regulation of these loci. Two polysaccharide loci (brp and rbd) were found to contribute to biofilm formation. The brp locus is regulated by the second messenger c-di-GMP and by at least two transcriptional regulators BrpR and BrpT. Lesions in glycosyltransferases in the locus or in either of the regulators abated the inducing effects of c-di-GMP on biofilm formation. The rbd locus is regulated not by c-di-GMP, but instead by a response regulator (RbdG) belonging to the TCRS family, which is encoded within the locus. The biofilms associated with the expression of the brp and rbd polysaccharides were structurally unique and simultaneous expression of both loci dramatically enhanced pellicle formation. Each locus also provides unique survival characteristics; the development of rugosity and stress resistance could be attributed to brp expression whereas rbd expression augmented aggregate formation. The ability of V. vulnificus to differentially regulate expression of the brp and rbd polysaccharides may allow the bacterium to “fine tune” its biofilm lifestyle to maximally benefit from the characteristics associated with each locus.

The use of polysaccharides as building blocks in the development of drugs and contrast agents delivery systems is rapidly growing. This can be attributed to the outstanding virtues of polysaccharides such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, upgradability, multiple reacting groups and low cost. The focus of this thesis was to develop and characterize novel starch based hydrogels and nanoparticles for delivery of drugs and imaging agents. To this end, two different systems were developed. The first system includes polymer and nanoparticles prepared by graft polymerization of polymethacrylic acid and polysorbate 80 onto starch. This starch based platform nanotechnology was developed using the design principles based on the pathophysiology of breast cancer, with applications in both medical imaging and breast cancer chemotherapy. The nanoparticles exhibited a high degree of doxorubicin loading as well as sustained pH dependent release of the drug. The drug loaded nanoparticles were significantly more effective against multidrug resistant human breast cancer cells compared to free doxorubicin. Systemic administration of the starch based nanoparticles co-loaded with doxorubicin and a near infrared fluorescent probe allowed for non-invasive real time monitoring of the nanoparticles biodistribution, tumor accumulation, and clearance. Systemic administration of the clinically relevant doses of the drug loaded particles to a mouse model of breast cancer significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects compared to free doxorubicin. A novel, starch based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with good in vitro and in vivo tolerability was formulated which exhibited superior signal enhancement in tumor and vasculature. The second system is a co-polymeric hydrogel of starch and xanthan gum with adjustable swelling and permeation properties. The hydrogels exhibited excellent film forming capability, and appeared to be particularly useful in controlled delivery applications of larger molecular size compounds. The starch based hydrogels, polymers and nanoparticles developed in this work have shown great potentials for controlled drug delivery and biomedical imaging applications.

Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic human and animal pathogen that is predominantly found in estuarine waters. In aquatic ecosystems, it colonizes filter-feeders, such as oysters, and has been found to form biofilms on the surface of various marine organisms, including plankton, algae, fish, eels, and crustaceans. The bacterium can spontaneously develop a rugose phenotype, which is associated with the production of polysaccharide(s) that impart a raised, wrinkled appearance to cells, copious biofilm formation, and increased stress resistance. Biofilm and rugose colony development, along with pellicle and aggregate formation, are believed to be crucial for the environmental survival and persistence of V. vulnificus. As the biosynthesis of polysaccharide(s) is a key feature linking these physiological processes, the main objectives of this study were to identify polysaccharide loci contributing to survival phenotypes in V. vulnificus and to gain insight into the regulation of these loci. Two polysaccharide loci (brp and rbd) were found to contribute to biofilm formation. The brp locus is regulated by the second messenger c-di-GMP and by at least two transcriptional regulators BrpR and BrpT. Lesions in glycosyltransferases in the locus or in either of the regulators abated the inducing effects of c-di-GMP on biofilm formation. The rbd locus is regulated not by c-di-GMP, but instead by a response regulator (RbdG) belonging to the TCRS family, which is encoded within the locus. The biofilms associated with the expression of the brp and rbd polysaccharides were structurally unique and simultaneous expression of both loci dramatically enhanced pellicle formation. Each locus also provides unique survival characteristics; the development of rugosity and stress resistance could be attributed to brp expression whereas rbd expression augmented aggregate formation. The ability of V. vulnificus to differentially regulate expression of the brp and rbd polysaccharides may allow the bacterium to “fine tune” its biofilm lifestyle to maximally benefit from the characteristics associated with each locus.

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