Esta tese descreve a fabricação, caracterização e possíveis aplicações de compósitos poliméricos nanoestruturados obtidos pela técnica de automontagem. Três sistemas distintos foram analisados: i) nanocompósitos contendo azopolímeros e azocorantes, ii) nanocompósitos contendo compostos de coordenação macrocíclicos (ftalocianinas), e iii) nanocompósitos contendo materiais do tipo doador-receptor, à base de poli(p-fenileno vinileno) (PPV) e azocorantes. Nos compósitos contendo azobenzeno, exploramos as propriedades de birrefringência e a formação de grades de relevo fotoinduzidas. Dois compostos contendo azobenzeno foram utilizados: um copolímero com cromóforos de azobenzeno ligados covalentemente à cadeia principal (Ma-co-DR13) e um azocorante comercial de baixo peso molecular, Brilliant Yellow (BY). Verificou-se através de experimentos de armazenamento óptico que o tempo de escrita até a saturação é muito maior (cerca de 30 min.) que em filmes de azopolímeros produzidos por outras técnicas como casting, em que este tempo é da ordem de dezenas de segundos. O longo tempo foi atribuído às fortes interações eletrostáticas entre as camadas dos filmes automontados, restringindo o processo de reorientação molecular, necessário à indução da birrefringência. Verificamos também que a presença de água entre as camadas do filme exerce influência significativa sobre o tempo de escrita. O tempo característico de escrita diminui de 8 min. para um filme seco para 2 min. após imersão em água. Este efeito é completamente reversível, ou seja, o tempo característico volta a aumentar se o filme for mantido em dessecador durante alguns dias. Grades de relevo foram inscritas nos filmes de BY e analisadas com micro-espectroscopia Raman. Os resultados mostraram um grau variável de fotodegradação no processo de inscrição das grades, dependendo do policátion ou dos parâmetros de fabricação dos filmes, como o pH das soluções. Qualitativamente, a menor ocorrência de fotodegradação foi observada em filmes de poli(alilamina hidroclorada) (P AH) e BY, preparados em soluções de pH = 10. Para os filmes fabricados com ftalocianina tetrasulfonada de ferro (FeTsPc), a combinação das técnicas de espectroscopia no UV-VIS. e no infavermelho (modos transmissão e reflexão) revelou a existência de ligações não-usuais específicas entre o átomo central de ferro da FeTsPc e os grupos não ionizados (NH2) da PAH, usada como policátion. A existência dessas interações ainda não havia sido relatada na literatura e é devida à estrutura de camadas extremamente finas de PAH e FeTsPc. A espessura média de uma bicamada de PAHlFeTsPc foi estimada em cerca de 10 \'Angstron\'. No terceiro tópico abordado, estudamos o processo de transferência de energia entre camadas automontadas de poli(p-fenileno vinileno) (PPV) e do azocorante BY. A transferência de energia pôde ser controlada não só pela variação da distância entre doador e receptor, mas principalmente pelo foto alinhamento das moléculas do BY (receptor) numa direção perpendicular à direção preferencial de emissão do PPV. Esse fotoalinhamento diminui a transferência de energia entre PPV e BY, resultando em um aumento de até 4 vezes na intensidade da fotoluminescência do filme. / This thesis describes the fabrication and possible applications of layer-by-Iayer (LBL) nanostructured films for three distinct systems comprising i) azopolymers and azodyes, ii) organometallic molecules (phthalocyanines) and iii) luminescent polymers and azodyes. Optically induced birefringence and surface relief gratings (SRGs) were studied in the azobenzene-containing composites, using a side-chain azopolymer (Ma-co-DR13) and a commercially available azodye, viz. Brilliant Yellow (BY). Optical storage experiments showed that the writing time required to induce birefringence (up to the saturation) in LBL films of Ma-co-DR13 is ca. 30 min, which is considerably longer than the times required in cast films of azopolymers (tens of seconds). The long writing time was attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the layers in the LBL film, which preclude photoisomerization or the reorientational processes for the azobenzene molecules.ln addition, entrained water in the films was found to affect the writing time. For example, the characteristic writing time decreases from 8 min. for a dry film to ca.2 min. for a film immersed for some minutes in water. This effect was completely reversible. Surface relief gratings were inscribed on LBL films from BY and analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra revealed that the process for SRG inscription is not entirely light-driven, with the occurrence of photodegradation. Such photodegradation can be minimized upon the appropriate choice of the polycations as well as the experimental conditions used for film fabrication. The lowest level of photodegradation was observed for films of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and BY fabricated from pH 10 solutions. Organometallic supramolecular composites were built using iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (FeTsPc) and P AH as polycation. The combination of electronic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques showed the presence of unusual specific interactions between the central atom of FeTsPc and non-protonated groups from P AH (NH2). These interactions are believed to occur due to the intimate contact between the materials in the very thin PAH/FeTsPc LBL films, whose thickness was 10 ?Angstron? per bilayer. In the poly(p-fenilene vinylene) (PPV) (donor) and BY (acceptor) system, the resonant energy transfer process was exploited to control luminescence. The quenching in luminescence could be controlled by varying the distance between the PPV and BY layers, similarly to what has been reported in the literature. The novelty in this work, however, was the fine-tuning of luminescence achieved with the photoalignment of the acceptor molecules (BY). For example, the intensity of the photoluminescence increased 4 times upon the photoalignment for 10 min. of the BY chromophores.

As doenças associadas ao circovírus suíno (DACS) causam impacto econômico negativo nos sistemas de criação de suínos no mundo todo. As perdas incluem tratamento da doença, mortalidade, bem como diminuição no desempenho dos animais. Uma das manifestações mais relevantes das DACS é a síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS). O principal agente patogênico na causa da SMDS é o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), no entanto, estudos observacionais e experimentais demonstraram que outros agentes estão envolvidos na patogênese e manifestação dos sinais clínicos. O sequenciamento de alto desempenho aliado a metagenômica são ferramentas que tornam possível a identificação da microbiota total de uma determinada amostra, independentemente de cultivo dos microrganismos. Visando contribuir para o conhecimento dos possíveis vírus envolvidos na SMDS, o presente trabalho realizou o sequenciamento genético de alto desempenho de soros de suínos e posterior análise do metagenoma resultante. Foram utilizadas amostras de soro coletadas em 2008, de 16 suínos com sinais clínicos da SMDS, entre 80 e 100 dias de idade, em uma granja no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados revelaram sequências virais de PCV2, parvovírus suíno tipo 1 a 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno vírus de suínos (TTSuV) tipo 1b, k2a e k2b e vírus de DNA circular de fita simples codificador de proteína associada a replicação (CRESS). A ocorrência de PCV2, PPV1-5 e TTSuV já foi descrita em suínos com SMDS, portanto este estudo reforça resultados anteriores. O PPV6 foi recentemente descrito na China, Europa e Estados Unidos, e os estudos não relacionaram o vírus com nenhuma doença específica de suínos. Os CRESS já foram identificados em todos os continentes, em vários tipos de amostras, incluindo fezes de suínos, mas sem nenhuma conexão com doenças de animais. Portanto, este é o primeiro relato de PPV6 e CRESS em suínos apresentando sinais de SMDS. Porém estudos posteriores são necessários para poder atribuir relação entre PPV6 e CRESS no desenvolvimento da SMDS. / Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) is one of the causes of negative economic impact on pig farming systems described worldwide. Losses include expenditures with treatment, increased mortality rates, and decreased productivity. One of the most relevant manifestations of PCVAD is the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The main pathogen present in PMWS is porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). However, observational and experimental studies have shown that other agents may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation. High-throughput sequencing combined with metagenomics analyses make it possible to identify the total microbiota in a given sample, regardless of microorganism culture. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the viruses involved in PMWS, the present study carried out the high-throughput sequencing of swine sera and subsequent analysis of the resulting metagenome. Sixteen serum samples collected in 2008 on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, from 80 and 100 days old pigs with clinical signs of PMWS, were examined. Data revealed viral sequences of PCV2, porcine parvovirus type 1 through 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) types 1b, k2a and k2b and circular replication-associated protein (Rep) encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. The occurrences of PCV2, PPV1-5 and TTSuV have already been described in pigs with PMWS, so this study reinforces previous results. PPV6 was recently described in China, Europe and the United States, and the studies did not correlate the virus to any specific disease. CRESS DNA viruses have been identified on all continents in various types of samples, including swine feces, but without any connection to animal diseases. The present study is the first report of PPV6 and CRESS in pigs presenting PMWS signals. However, further studies are necessary to be able to attribute the relationship between PPV6 and CRESS in the development of SMDS.

As doenças associadas ao circovírus suíno (DACS) causam impacto econômico negativo nos sistemas de criação de suínos no mundo todo. As perdas incluem tratamento da doença, mortalidade, bem como diminuição no desempenho dos animais. Uma das manifestações mais relevantes das DACS é a síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS). O principal agente patogênico na causa da SMDS é o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), no entanto, estudos observacionais e experimentais demonstraram que outros agentes estão envolvidos na patogênese e manifestação dos sinais clínicos. O sequenciamento de alto desempenho aliado a metagenômica são ferramentas que tornam possível a identificação da microbiota total de uma determinada amostra, independentemente de cultivo dos microrganismos. Visando contribuir para o conhecimento dos possíveis vírus envolvidos na SMDS, o presente trabalho realizou o sequenciamento genético de alto desempenho de soros de suínos e posterior análise do metagenoma resultante. Foram utilizadas amostras de soro coletadas em 2008, de 16 suínos com sinais clínicos da SMDS, entre 80 e 100 dias de idade, em uma granja no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados revelaram sequências virais de PCV2, parvovírus suíno tipo 1 a 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno vírus de suínos (TTSuV) tipo 1b, k2a e k2b e vírus de DNA circular de fita simples codificador de proteína associada a replicação (CRESS). A ocorrência de PCV2, PPV1-5 e TTSuV já foi descrita em suínos com SMDS, portanto este estudo reforça resultados anteriores. O PPV6 foi recentemente descrito na China, Europa e Estados Unidos, e os estudos não relacionaram o vírus com nenhuma doença específica de suínos. Os CRESS já foram identificados em todos os continentes, em vários tipos de amostras, incluindo fezes de suínos, mas sem nenhuma conexão com doenças de animais. Portanto, este é o primeiro relato de PPV6 e CRESS em suínos apresentando sinais de SMDS. Porém estudos posteriores são necessários para poder atribuir relação entre PPV6 e CRESS no desenvolvimento da SMDS. / Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) is one of the causes of negative economic impact on pig farming systems described worldwide. Losses include expenditures with treatment, increased mortality rates, and decreased productivity. One of the most relevant manifestations of PCVAD is the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The main pathogen present in PMWS is porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). However, observational and experimental studies have shown that other agents may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation. High-throughput sequencing combined with metagenomics analyses make it possible to identify the total microbiota in a given sample, regardless of microorganism culture. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the viruses involved in PMWS, the present study carried out the high-throughput sequencing of swine sera and subsequent analysis of the resulting metagenome. Sixteen serum samples collected in 2008 on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, from 80 and 100 days old pigs with clinical signs of PMWS, were examined. Data revealed viral sequences of PCV2, porcine parvovirus type 1 through 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) types 1b, k2a and k2b and circular replication-associated protein (Rep) encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. The occurrences of PCV2, PPV1-5 and TTSuV have already been described in pigs with PMWS, so this study reinforces previous results. PPV6 was recently described in China, Europe and the United States, and the studies did not correlate the virus to any specific disease. CRESS DNA viruses have been identified on all continents in various types of samples, including swine feces, but without any connection to animal diseases. The present study is the first report of PPV6 and CRESS in pigs presenting PMWS signals. However, further studies are necessary to be able to attribute the relationship between PPV6 and CRESS in the development of SMDS.

As doenças associadas ao circovírus suíno (DACS) causam impacto econômico negativo nos sistemas de criação de suínos no mundo todo. As perdas incluem tratamento da doença, mortalidade, bem como diminuição no desempenho dos animais. Uma das manifestações mais relevantes das DACS é a síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS). O principal agente patogênico na causa da SMDS é o circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2), no entanto, estudos observacionais e experimentais demonstraram que outros agentes estão envolvidos na patogênese e manifestação dos sinais clínicos. O sequenciamento de alto desempenho aliado a metagenômica são ferramentas que tornam possível a identificação da microbiota total de uma determinada amostra, independentemente de cultivo dos microrganismos. Visando contribuir para o conhecimento dos possíveis vírus envolvidos na SMDS, o presente trabalho realizou o sequenciamento genético de alto desempenho de soros de suínos e posterior análise do metagenoma resultante. Foram utilizadas amostras de soro coletadas em 2008, de 16 suínos com sinais clínicos da SMDS, entre 80 e 100 dias de idade, em uma granja no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados revelaram sequências virais de PCV2, parvovírus suíno tipo 1 a 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno vírus de suínos (TTSuV) tipo 1b, k2a e k2b e vírus de DNA circular de fita simples codificador de proteína associada a replicação (CRESS). A ocorrência de PCV2, PPV1-5 e TTSuV já foi descrita em suínos com SMDS, portanto este estudo reforça resultados anteriores. O PPV6 foi recentemente descrito na China, Europa e Estados Unidos, e os estudos não relacionaram o vírus com nenhuma doença específica de suínos. Os CRESS já foram identificados em todos os continentes, em vários tipos de amostras, incluindo fezes de suínos, mas sem nenhuma conexão com doenças de animais. Portanto, este é o primeiro relato de PPV6 e CRESS em suínos apresentando sinais de SMDS. Porém estudos posteriores são necessários para poder atribuir relação entre PPV6 e CRESS no desenvolvimento da SMDS. / Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) is one of the causes of negative economic impact on pig farming systems described worldwide. Losses include expenditures with treatment, increased mortality rates, and decreased productivity. One of the most relevant manifestations of PCVAD is the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The main pathogen present in PMWS is porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). However, observational and experimental studies have shown that other agents may be involved in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestation. High-throughput sequencing combined with metagenomics analyses make it possible to identify the total microbiota in a given sample, regardless of microorganism culture. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the viruses involved in PMWS, the present study carried out the high-throughput sequencing of swine sera and subsequent analysis of the resulting metagenome. Sixteen serum samples collected in 2008 on a farm in Rio Grande do Sul, from 80 and 100 days old pigs with clinical signs of PMWS, were examined. Data revealed viral sequences of PCV2, porcine parvovirus type 1 through 6 (PPV1-6), torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) types 1b, k2a and k2b and circular replication-associated protein (Rep) encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. The occurrences of PCV2, PPV1-5 and TTSuV have already been described in pigs with PMWS, so this study reinforces previous results. PPV6 was recently described in China, Europe and the United States, and the studies did not correlate the virus to any specific disease. CRESS DNA viruses have been identified on all continents in various types of samples, including swine feces, but without any connection to animal diseases. The present study is the first report of PPV6 and CRESS in pigs presenting PMWS signals. However, further studies are necessary to be able to attribute the relationship between PPV6 and CRESS in the development of SMDS.

Esta tese descreve a fabricação, caracterização e possíveis aplicações de compósitos poliméricos nanoestruturados obtidos pela técnica de automontagem. Três sistemas distintos foram analisados: i) nanocompósitos contendo azopolímeros e azocorantes, ii) nanocompósitos contendo compostos de coordenação macrocíclicos (ftalocianinas), e iii) nanocompósitos contendo materiais do tipo doador-receptor, à base de poli(p-fenileno vinileno) (PPV) e azocorantes. Nos compósitos contendo azobenzeno, exploramos as propriedades de birrefringência e a formação de grades de relevo fotoinduzidas. Dois compostos contendo azobenzeno foram utilizados: um copolímero com cromóforos de azobenzeno ligados covalentemente à cadeia principal (Ma-co-DR13) e um azocorante comercial de baixo peso molecular, Brilliant Yellow (BY). Verificou-se através de experimentos de armazenamento óptico que o tempo de escrita até a saturação é muito maior (cerca de 30 min.) que em filmes de azopolímeros produzidos por outras técnicas como casting, em que este tempo é da ordem de dezenas de segundos. O longo tempo foi atribuído às fortes interações eletrostáticas entre as camadas dos filmes automontados, restringindo o processo de reorientação molecular, necessário à indução da birrefringência. Verificamos também que a presença de água entre as camadas do filme exerce influência significativa sobre o tempo de escrita. O tempo característico de escrita diminui de 8 min. para um filme seco para 2 min. após imersão em água. Este efeito é completamente reversível, ou seja, o tempo característico volta a aumentar se o filme for mantido em dessecador durante alguns dias. Grades de relevo foram inscritas nos filmes de BY e analisadas com micro-espectroscopia Raman. Os resultados mostraram um grau variável de fotodegradação no processo de inscrição das grades, dependendo do policátion ou dos parâmetros de fabricação dos filmes, como o pH das soluções. Qualitativamente, a menor ocorrência de fotodegradação foi observada em filmes de poli(alilamina hidroclorada) (P AH) e BY, preparados em soluções de pH = 10. Para os filmes fabricados com ftalocianina tetrasulfonada de ferro (FeTsPc), a combinação das técnicas de espectroscopia no UV-VIS. e no infavermelho (modos transmissão e reflexão) revelou a existência de ligações não-usuais específicas entre o átomo central de ferro da FeTsPc e os grupos não ionizados (NH2) da PAH, usada como policátion. A existência dessas interações ainda não havia sido relatada na literatura e é devida à estrutura de camadas extremamente finas de PAH e FeTsPc. A espessura média de uma bicamada de PAHlFeTsPc foi estimada em cerca de 10 \'Angstron\'. No terceiro tópico abordado, estudamos o processo de transferência de energia entre camadas automontadas de poli(p-fenileno vinileno) (PPV) e do azocorante BY. A transferência de energia pôde ser controlada não só pela variação da distância entre doador e receptor, mas principalmente pelo foto alinhamento das moléculas do BY (receptor) numa direção perpendicular à direção preferencial de emissão do PPV. Esse fotoalinhamento diminui a transferência de energia entre PPV e BY, resultando em um aumento de até 4 vezes na intensidade da fotoluminescência do filme. / This thesis describes the fabrication and possible applications of layer-by-Iayer (LBL) nanostructured films for three distinct systems comprising i) azopolymers and azodyes, ii) organometallic molecules (phthalocyanines) and iii) luminescent polymers and azodyes. Optically induced birefringence and surface relief gratings (SRGs) were studied in the azobenzene-containing composites, using a side-chain azopolymer (Ma-co-DR13) and a commercially available azodye, viz. Brilliant Yellow (BY). Optical storage experiments showed that the writing time required to induce birefringence (up to the saturation) in LBL films of Ma-co-DR13 is ca. 30 min, which is considerably longer than the times required in cast films of azopolymers (tens of seconds). The long writing time was attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the layers in the LBL film, which preclude photoisomerization or the reorientational processes for the azobenzene molecules.ln addition, entrained water in the films was found to affect the writing time. For example, the characteristic writing time decreases from 8 min. for a dry film to ca.2 min. for a film immersed for some minutes in water. This effect was completely reversible. Surface relief gratings were inscribed on LBL films from BY and analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra revealed that the process for SRG inscription is not entirely light-driven, with the occurrence of photodegradation. Such photodegradation can be minimized upon the appropriate choice of the polycations as well as the experimental conditions used for film fabrication. The lowest level of photodegradation was observed for films of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and BY fabricated from pH 10 solutions. Organometallic supramolecular composites were built using iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (FeTsPc) and P AH as polycation. The combination of electronic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques showed the presence of unusual specific interactions between the central atom of FeTsPc and non-protonated groups from P AH (NH2). These interactions are believed to occur due to the intimate contact between the materials in the very thin PAH/FeTsPc LBL films, whose thickness was 10 ?Angstron? per bilayer. In the poly(p-fenilene vinylene) (PPV) (donor) and BY (acceptor) system, the resonant energy transfer process was exploited to control luminescence. The quenching in luminescence could be controlled by varying the distance between the PPV and BY layers, similarly to what has been reported in the literature. The novelty in this work, however, was the fine-tuning of luminescence achieved with the photoalignment of the acceptor molecules (BY). For example, the intensity of the photoluminescence increased 4 times upon the photoalignment for 10 min. of the BY chromophores.

(1) Background: Antibody testing is commonly used to assess a dog’s immune status. For detection of antibodies against canine adenoviruses (CAVs), one point-of-care (POC) test is available. This study assessed the POC test´s performance. (2) Methods: Sera of 198 privately owned dogs and 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs were included. The reference standard for detection of anti-CAV antibodies was virus neutralization (VN) using CAV-1 and CAV-2 antigens. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) of the POC test were assessed. Specificity was considered most important. (3) Results: Prevalence of CAV-1 neutralizing antibodies (≥10) was 76% (182/238) in all dogs, 92% (182/198) in the subgroup of privately owned dogs, and 0% (0/40) in SPF dogs. Prevalence of CAV-2 neutralizing antibodies (≥10) was 76% (181/238) in all dogs, 91% (181/198) in privately owned dogs, and 0% (0/40) in SPF dogs. Specificity for detection of CAV-1 antibodies was lower (overall dogs, 88%; privately owned dogs, 56%; SPF dogs, 100%) compared with specificity for detection of CAV-2 antibodies (overall dogs, 90%; privately owned dogs, 65%; SPF dogs, 100%). (4) Conclusions: Since false positive results will lead to potentially unprotected dogs not being vaccinated, specificity should be improved to reliably detect anti-CAV antibodies that prevent infectious canine hepatitis in dogs.

Measuring antibodies to evaluate dogs’ immunity against canine parvovirus (CPV) is useful to avoid unnecessary re-vaccinations. The study aimed to evaluate the quality and practicability of four point-of-care (POC) tests for detection of anti-CPV antibodies. The sera of 198 client-owned and 43 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs were included; virus neutralization was the reference method. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) were calculated. Specificity was considered to be the most important indicator for POC test performance. Differences between specificity and sensitivity of POC tests in the sera of all dogs were determined by McNemar, agreement by Cohen’s kappa. Prevalence of anti-CPV antibodies in all dogs was 80% (192/241); in the subgroup of client-owned dogs, it was 97% (192/198); and in the subgroup of SPF dogs, it was 0% (0/43). FASTest® and CanTiCheck® were easiest to perform. Specificity was highest in the CanTiCheck® (overall dogs, 98%; client-owned dogs, 83%; SPF dogs, 100%) and the TiterCHEK® (overall dogs, 96%; client-owned dogs, 67%; SPF dogs, 100%); no significant differences in specificity were observed between the ImmunoComb®, the TiterCHEK®, and the CanTiCheck®. Sensitivity was highest in the FASTest® (overall dogs, 95%; client-owned dogs, 95%) and the CanTiCheck® (overall dogs, 80%; client-owned dogs, 80%); sensitivity of the FASTest® was significantly higher compared to the one of the other three tests (McNemars p-value in each comparison: <0.001). CanTiCheck® would be the POC test of choice when considering specificity and practicability. However, differences in the number of false positive results between CanTiCheck®, TiterCHEK®, and ImmunoComb® were minimal.

No description available.

Conjugated organic polymers have attracted immense interest for use in the active layer of photovoltaic cells, electroluminescent displays and diagnostic sensors. Precise control of the chemical structure of these conjugated materials is essential to achieve better device performance and certain structural aspects which have received minimal investigation include; the nature of the end groups, the precise control of the molecular weight and the formation of novel polymer topologies. Absolute control of these factors, in particular the end groups, has the potential to further tune the electro-optical properties, eliminate charge trapping and reactive sites, and facilitate block copolymer formation. The ring opening metathesis polymerisation of highly strained cyclophanediene monomers has proven to be an advantageous route to obtain soluble poly(p-phenylenevinylene)s (PPVs). In an extension of this previous work PPVs with both a pristine polymer backbone microstructure and a range of well-defined functional end groups have been prepared. These polymers exhibited excellent degrees of functionality, relatively narrow unimodal distributions and degrees of polymerisation much higher than those attainable by alternate routes. In particular the incorporation of an α-bromoester end group directly resulted in PPVs which were effective macroinitiators in the atom transfer radical polymerisation of methyl methacrylate. The diblock copolymers prepared by this route were isolated with narrow polydispersities, unimodal distributions and were free from homopolymer impurities. This method of preparing rod-b-coil diblock copolymers, where the properties of the two segments can readily be modified, provides access to materials which are of interest for both their self-assembly ability and for the development of a much required phase diagram in this area. Cyclic PPVs are of synthetic interest both for the absence of any end groups and for an infinitely long π-conjugated backbone, both of which are expected to contribute to unique electro-optical properties. The preparation of these target polymers was investigated by the ring expansion metathesis polymerisation of the cyclophanediene monomers. The formation of purely cyclic, low molecular weight PPVs was found to be highly dependent on both the reaction conditions used and the nature of the solubilising substituents. For example the preparation of purely cyclic PPVs with alkoxy side chains was unsuccessful, however the incorporation of alkyl side chains allowed for the successful isolation of the desired cyclic polymers.

Ce travail de thèse comporte un volet Matériaux qui s'insère dans une thématique Nanomatériaux/ Nanocomposites et un volet propriétés optiques relevant de la Nanophysique. Nous avons adressé les effets de nanostructuration d'un polymère conjugué semi-conducteur sur ses propriétés d'émission optique : le poly(p-phénylène vinylène) (PPV). Deux types de nanostructuration sont mis en oeuvre : l'élaboration de films minces nanocomposites polymère / nanotubes de carbone (NTC) ; l'élaboration de nanofibres. Les films minces nanocomposites PPV/NTC sont préparés par “drop-casting” pour diverses concentrations de NTC et dilutions du précurseur du PPV. Leurs propriétés optiques se trouvent fortement modifiées par ces différents paramètres. L'effet sur la photoluminescence de l'interaction entre chaînes de polymère et les NTC est discuté. Les nanofibres de PPV sont élaborées par une méthode d'imprégnation de membranes nanoporeuses. Selon les conditions de synthèse, deux types de morphologie sont obtenus : nanofils ou nanotubes. Des propriétés de photoluminescence très différentes selon la morphologie nanofil-nanotube sont mises en évidence. Ainsi, pour les nanotubes de PPV, le rendement quantique d'émission est fortement renforcé et une nouvelle bande d'émission proche de 450 nm apparaît, présentant un déclin très lent. L'ensemble des résultats de photoluminescence est interprété et discuté à l'aide d'un travail théorique visant à décrire la structure moléculaire et supramoléculaire de ces nanostructures en terme de distribution de segments conjugués (effets intrachaîne/interchaîne, taille des segments). Il s'appuie sur un modèle phénoménologique et sur des calculs de chimie quantique moléculaire.