Recentemente, a dopagem de semicondutores (envolvendo compostos II-VI, IV-VI, III-V, e do grupo-IV) com espécies magnéticas tem sido extensivamente investigada em função do seu potencial em spintrônica. Neste contexto, semicondutores magnéticos baseados no Si e no Ge são atraentes devido à sua compatibilidade com a indústria de semicondutores existente. Entretanto, a solubilidade das espécies magnéticas nestes materiais em forma cristalina é muito baixa e, consequentemente, sua atividade magnética é limitada. Este não é o caso para o silício amorfo (a-Si) e o germânio amorfo (a-Ge), que podem conter elementos magnéticos além do limite de solubilidade de seus análogos cristalinos, e apresentar propriedades magnéticas notáveis. Motivado por estes fatos, este trabalho apresenta uma investigação abrangente de filmes finos de Si e Ge contendo diferentes quantidades de Mn e Co, trazendo informações úteis no entendimento das propriedades desta classe de materiais. As amostras foram preparadas por co-sputtering, e possuíram concentrações de Mn na faixa de ~ 0.1-24 at.%, e de Co na faixa de ~ 1-10 at.%. Após a deposição, os filmes foram submetidos a tratamentos térmicos cumulativos até 900 oC, e foram investigados por: espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios-x (EDS); espalhamento Raman; difração de raios-x; transmissão óptica; microscopias eletrônica de varredura (SEM), de força atômica (AFM) e de força magnética (MFM); magnetometria SQUID; método de van der Pauw; etc. Para fins comparativos, amostras puras também foram preparadas, tratadas e caracterizadas de forma similar. Os presentes resultados indicam que os átomos de Mn e Co foram incorporados de forma efetiva e homogênea nas matrizes amorfas. Além disso, os filmes sem tratamento (puros ou contendo impurezas) são essencialmente amorfos. Ao contrário, tratamentos em altas temperaturas induzem a cristalização das amostras, e alterações em suas demais características, dependentes da introdução de dopantes. Desta forma: suas propriedades estruturais, ópticas, morfológicas, elétricas, e magnéticas, são notadamente afetadas pela inserção de Mn e Co, e pela temperatura de tratamento térmico. Estas observações foram sistematicamente investigadas e serão apresentadas e discutidas em detalhe. / Along the last few years, the doping of semiconductors (either II-VI, IV-VI, III-V, and group-IV compounds) with magnetic species have been extensively studied due to their potential applications in spintronics. Among them, Si- and Ge-based magnetic semiconductors are very attractive because of their total compatibility with the well-established current semiconductor technology. In the crystalline form, however, these materials exhibit a low solubility limit to magnetic species and, consequently, limited magnetic activity. This is not the case for amorphous (a-)Si and a-Ge, which can contain magnetic elements beyond the solubility limit of their crystalline counterparts, and present improved magnetic properties. Motivated by these facts, this work contains a comprehensive investigation of Si and Ge thin films containing different amounts of Mn and Co, providing useful information concerning the properties of this class of materials. The samples were prepared by co-sputtering, rendering Mn concentrations in the ~ 0.1-24 at.% range, and Co contents in the ~ 1-10 at.% range. After deposition, the films were submitted to isochronal thermal annealing treatments up to 900 oC and investigated by: energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS); Raman scattering spectroscopy; x-ray diffraction; optical transmission measurements; scanning electron (SEM), atomic force (AFM) and magnetic force (MFM) microscopy techniques; SQUID magnetometry; van der Pauw technique; etc. For comparison purposes, pure samples were also prepared, annealed and characterized in a similar way. The present experimental results indicate that the Mn and Co atoms were effectively and homogenously incorporated into the amorphous hosts. Moreover, the as-deposited films (either pure or doped) are essentially amorphous. On the contrary, thermal annealing at increasing temperatures induces the crystallization of the samples, and changes in their further characteristics, that are dependent of the doping. In this way: their structural, optical, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties, etc., are notably affected by the insertion of Mn and Co, and by the temperature of thermal annealing. These experimental observations were systematically studied and will be presented and discussed in detail.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar por meio da análise elementar (C, N, H, S, O), Ressonância Paramagnética Eletrônica (RPE), e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) às características dos ácidos húmicos (AHs) extraídos do solo do manguezal de Pai Matos (Cananéia-SP-BR) sob diferentes tipos de vegetação (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Spartina alterniflora) e condições de redução, bem como às características dos AHs extraídos do solo de marismas espanholas também sob diferentes tipos de vegetação (Galícia: Spartina maritima, Juncus maritimus e Phragmites australis; Valência: Phragmites australis e Scirpus maritimus) e condições de redução; e 2) avaliar por meio da Pirólise-associada à cromatografia gasosa/espectrometria de massas (Pi-CG/EM) às características da matéria orgânica (MO) extraída do solo destes ecossistemas sob os mesmos tipos de vegetação e condições e redução. O carbono orgânico total, o nitrogênio total, o enxofre total e os valores de Eh e pH dos solos estudados também foram analisados. Os resultados mostraram que o ambiente predominantemente redutor dos solos estudados ocasionou uma maior incorporação de N e S e uma menor concentração de radicais livres semiquinona (CRLS) em relação aos AHs derivados de solos de ecossistemas terrestres, sugerindo desta forma, a presença de uma matéria orgânica (MO) menos humificada no solo das áreas de estudo; entretanto, somente os AHs extraídos do solo do manguezal apresentaram uma maior razão atômica H/C e O/C em relação aos AHs derivados de solos terrestres. A CRLS também foi maior nos AHs das camadas subsuperficiais dos solos estudados, sugerindo que o ambiente mais anóxico ocasionou um maior grau de humificação da MOS destas camadas, entretanto, como os manguezais e as marismas são ambientes de sedimentação, a contribuição de uma matéria orgânica mais humificada de origem terrestre previamente depositada nas áreas de estudo também pode ter ocasionado este resultado. Entre as diferentes vegetações estudadas, foi observada uma maior relação C/N e CRLS dos AHs extraídos do solo sob Rhizophora e Avicennia (manguezal) e uma maior relação C/N dos AHs extraídos do solo da marisma de Valência-ES, sugerindo uma maior recalcitrância da MOS sob estas vegetações. Os espectros de FTIR não permitiram verificar variações significativas na composição química e estrutural dos AHs obtidos dos solos sob as diferentes vegetações e condições de redução; entretanto, observo-se através da Pi-CG/EM uma maior concentração de compostos lignificados na MO extraída do solo sob Avicennia e Rhizophora (manguezal) e da marisma de Valência-ES, também sugerindo uma maior recalcitrância e menor humificação da MOS destas áreas de estudo. Além disso, observou-se que a maior decomposição da MOS ocasionou o decréscimo no conteúdo de lignina com o acréscimo relativo de compostos alifáticos; o acréscimo dos compostos alifáticos de cadeia curta em detrimento ao acúmulo dos de cadeia longa; a perda da dominância dos alcanos/alquenos de cadeias ímpares em relação aos de cadeias pares; e o acréscimo de compostos orgânicos de origem microbiana nos solos estudados. / The goals of this study were: 1) evaluate by elemental analysis (C, N, H, S, O), Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) the characteristics of the humic acids (HA) extracted from the soil of Pai Matos mangrove forest (Cananéia, SP, BR) under different vegetation types (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Spartina alterniflora) and soil reduction conditions, as well as the HA extracted from Spanish salt marsh soils (Galícia and Valência) under different vegetation types (Galicia: Spartina maritima, Juncus maritimus, and Phragmites australis; Valencia: Phragmites australis e Scirpus maritimus) and soil reduction conditions; and 2) evaluate by Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) technique the characteristics of the SOM extracted from the these study areas under the same vegetation types and reduction condition. The total organic carbon, the total nitrogen, the total sulfur, and the soil pH and Eh in the field also were analyzed. The results showed that the predominantly anoxic soil condition caused the higher N and S content in the HA of both study areas than the HA derived from terrestrial soils and marine environments, and that the studied HA also showed a lower semiquinone-type free radical (SFR) content than terrestrial soils, thus suggesting a lower humification degree of the SOM derived from the study areas; however, only the HA derived from de mangrove forest soil showed a higher H/C and O/C atomic ratio than the HA derived from the terrestrial soils and marine environments. In addition, the SFR content also was lower in the surface soil layers, suggesting the input of a fresh and labile plant-derived organic matter as responsible by the lower humification degree of the SOM derived from these layers; however, as mangroves and salt marshes are sedimentation environments, it is likely that besides the more anoxic soil condition, a more humified organic matter (OM) derived from terrestrial soils also may cause the highest SFR content observed in the subsurface soil layers. Among the different vegetation types, also was observed a higher C/N ratio of the soil and HA derived from Valencian salt marsh, as well as both a higher C/N ratio and SFR content in the HA extracted from the soil under Rizhophora and Avicennia (mangrove), suggesting a more recalcitrant SOM in these sites. The FTIR spectras did not show significant variation among vegetation types and soil depths, and finally, by the Py-GC/MS technique was observed that the OM derived from the Valencian salt marsh soils and from the soil under Avicennia and Rhizophora (mangrove) showed a more recalcitrant SOM (higher lignin content) than the SOM derived from the soil under the other vegetation types studied. In addition, it was also observed that the SOM decomposition caused a decrease in lignin contents and a relative increase in aliphatics; an increase in short-chain aliphatics at the expense of longer ones; a loss of odd-over-even dominance in the n-alkanes and n-alkenes; and an increase in microbial products in the studied soils.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar por meio da análise elementar (C, N, H, S, O), Ressonância Paramagnética Eletrônica (RPE), e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) às características dos ácidos húmicos (AHs) extraídos do solo do manguezal de Pai Matos (Cananéia-SP-BR) sob diferentes tipos de vegetação (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Spartina alterniflora) e condições de redução, bem como às características dos AHs extraídos do solo de marismas espanholas também sob diferentes tipos de vegetação (Galícia: Spartina maritima, Juncus maritimus e Phragmites australis; Valência: Phragmites australis e Scirpus maritimus) e condições de redução; e 2) avaliar por meio da Pirólise-associada à cromatografia gasosa/espectrometria de massas (Pi-CG/EM) às características da matéria orgânica (MO) extraída do solo destes ecossistemas sob os mesmos tipos de vegetação e condições e redução. O carbono orgânico total, o nitrogênio total, o enxofre total e os valores de Eh e pH dos solos estudados também foram analisados. Os resultados mostraram que o ambiente predominantemente redutor dos solos estudados ocasionou uma maior incorporação de N e S e uma menor concentração de radicais livres semiquinona (CRLS) em relação aos AHs derivados de solos de ecossistemas terrestres, sugerindo desta forma, a presença de uma matéria orgânica (MO) menos humificada no solo das áreas de estudo; entretanto, somente os AHs extraídos do solo do manguezal apresentaram uma maior razão atômica H/C e O/C em relação aos AHs derivados de solos terrestres. A CRLS também foi maior nos AHs das camadas subsuperficiais dos solos estudados, sugerindo que o ambiente mais anóxico ocasionou um maior grau de humificação da MOS destas camadas, entretanto, como os manguezais e as marismas são ambientes de sedimentação, a contribuição de uma matéria orgânica mais humificada de origem terrestre previamente depositada nas áreas de estudo também pode ter ocasionado este resultado. Entre as diferentes vegetações estudadas, foi observada uma maior relação C/N e CRLS dos AHs extraídos do solo sob Rhizophora e Avicennia (manguezal) e uma maior relação C/N dos AHs extraídos do solo da marisma de Valência-ES, sugerindo uma maior recalcitrância da MOS sob estas vegetações. Os espectros de FTIR não permitiram verificar variações significativas na composição química e estrutural dos AHs obtidos dos solos sob as diferentes vegetações e condições de redução; entretanto, observo-se através da Pi-CG/EM uma maior concentração de compostos lignificados na MO extraída do solo sob Avicennia e Rhizophora (manguezal) e da marisma de Valência-ES, também sugerindo uma maior recalcitrância e menor humificação da MOS destas áreas de estudo. Além disso, observou-se que a maior decomposição da MOS ocasionou o decréscimo no conteúdo de lignina com o acréscimo relativo de compostos alifáticos; o acréscimo dos compostos alifáticos de cadeia curta em detrimento ao acúmulo dos de cadeia longa; a perda da dominância dos alcanos/alquenos de cadeias ímpares em relação aos de cadeias pares; e o acréscimo de compostos orgânicos de origem microbiana nos solos estudados. / The goals of this study were: 1) evaluate by elemental analysis (C, N, H, S, O), Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) the characteristics of the humic acids (HA) extracted from the soil of Pai Matos mangrove forest (Cananéia, SP, BR) under different vegetation types (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia schaueriana, Laguncularia racemosa, Spartina alterniflora) and soil reduction conditions, as well as the HA extracted from Spanish salt marsh soils (Galícia and Valência) under different vegetation types (Galicia: Spartina maritima, Juncus maritimus, and Phragmites australis; Valencia: Phragmites australis e Scirpus maritimus) and soil reduction conditions; and 2) evaluate by Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) technique the characteristics of the SOM extracted from the these study areas under the same vegetation types and reduction condition. The total organic carbon, the total nitrogen, the total sulfur, and the soil pH and Eh in the field also were analyzed. The results showed that the predominantly anoxic soil condition caused the higher N and S content in the HA of both study areas than the HA derived from terrestrial soils and marine environments, and that the studied HA also showed a lower semiquinone-type free radical (SFR) content than terrestrial soils, thus suggesting a lower humification degree of the SOM derived from the study areas; however, only the HA derived from de mangrove forest soil showed a higher H/C and O/C atomic ratio than the HA derived from the terrestrial soils and marine environments. In addition, the SFR content also was lower in the surface soil layers, suggesting the input of a fresh and labile plant-derived organic matter as responsible by the lower humification degree of the SOM derived from these layers; however, as mangroves and salt marshes are sedimentation environments, it is likely that besides the more anoxic soil condition, a more humified organic matter (OM) derived from terrestrial soils also may cause the highest SFR content observed in the subsurface soil layers. Among the different vegetation types, also was observed a higher C/N ratio of the soil and HA derived from Valencian salt marsh, as well as both a higher C/N ratio and SFR content in the HA extracted from the soil under Rizhophora and Avicennia (mangrove), suggesting a more recalcitrant SOM in these sites. The FTIR spectras did not show significant variation among vegetation types and soil depths, and finally, by the Py-GC/MS technique was observed that the OM derived from the Valencian salt marsh soils and from the soil under Avicennia and Rhizophora (mangrove) showed a more recalcitrant SOM (higher lignin content) than the SOM derived from the soil under the other vegetation types studied. In addition, it was also observed that the SOM decomposition caused a decrease in lignin contents and a relative increase in aliphatics; an increase in short-chain aliphatics at the expense of longer ones; a loss of odd-over-even dominance in the n-alkanes and n-alkenes; and an increase in microbial products in the studied soils.

Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2018-11-14T17:13:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2013 - Celeste Queiroz Rossi.pdf: 1977299 bytes, checksum: ce171e08be0a2a7e0cf26ac08f9fbd2f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-14T17:13:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2013 - Celeste Queiroz Rossi.pdf: 1977299 bytes, checksum: ce171e08be0a2a7e0cf26ac08f9fbd2f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-26 / CAPES / The accelerated growth of agriculture produces a demand for opening and exploration of new areas. Through government incentives, the migration of sugar cane production reached the Cerrado biome, and this occupation provides a gradual vegetation coverage change. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sugar cane burning prior to harvesting in the soil organic matter and organic phosphorus in the Goias State Cerrado region. This study was conducted in a chronosequence of 1, 5, 10 and 20 years with straw burning, and application of vinasse in the 20 years area, compared to native vegetation (Cerrado) and pasture areas. The study areas were located in Decal industrial plant in Rio Verde municipality, Goi?s State (Brazil). The soil was classified as an Oxisol with sandy loam texture. Soil samples were taken in pits up to 0.6 m depth. Total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), soil organic matter (SOM) physical and chemical fractionation, and isotopes 13C and 15N were analyzed. Phosphorus chemical fractionation, extracted with NaHCO3, H2SO4 and NaOH, spectroscopic carbon (13C NMR, UV-vis and FTIR) and phosporus (31P NMR) characterization were evaluated. The area with lowest usage time of straw burning had highest Ca and Mg and lowest P and K values. The smallest TOC stocks were observed at the 0-10 cm layer in the sugar cane systems with 1 and 5 years. In general, the highest values of 13C and 15N were observed in the pasture and the lowest values in the Cerrado, with intermediate values in the sugar cane systems. Land use change from Cerrado original vegetation to sugar cane systems resulted in 13C changes, promoting an accumulation of C4 derived carbon plants. Spectroscopic analysis of carbon (13C RMN, UV-vis and infrared) from humic acids carbon showed the same functional groups independent of cane burning harvesting time. At the 0-5 cm depth layer, the aliphatic and carboxylic compounds had the largest contribution compared to the aromatic compounds. The 31P NMR spectroscopy results showed that in the studied areas, the humic acids constitute a readily available source of organic P important for plant uptake, especially in the area that received vinasse. In the areas with 1 and 5 years of harvesting burning sugar cane, the decrease in the accumulation of recalcitrant organic P in the humic acids indicates the usage of the labile-P in the humic substances. / O crescimento acelerado da agricultura gera a necessidade da abertura e explora??o de novas fronteiras agr?colas. Com incentivos governamentais, essa migra??o do setor sucroalcooleiro atingiu o Cerrado, e esta ocupa??o proporciona uma gradativa mudan?a na cobertura vegetal. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da queima pr?via para a colheita da cana-de-a??car na mat?ria org?nica e f?sforo org?nico do solo no Cerrado goiano. Foi utilizada uma cronossequ?ncia de 1, 5,10 anos com queima e 20 com queima da palhada e aplica??o de vinha?a, ?rea sob vegeta??o nativa (Cerrado) e pastagem. As ?reas de estudo localizam-se na Usina Decal, em Rio Verde, estado de Goi?s. O solo foi classificado como Latossolo Vermelho Distr?fico de textura franco arenosa. As amostras foram retiradas mediante a abertura de trincheiras at? 60 cm de profundidade. Foram analisados o carbono org?nico total (COT), nitrog?nio total (NT), fracionamento qu?mico e granulom?trico da MOS, 13C e 15N is?topos. A quantifica??o das fra??es de f?sforo foi obtida empregando-se extra??es com NaHCO3, H2SO4 e NaOH, al?m da caracteriza??o espectrosc?pica de carbono (RMN 13C, UV-vis?vel e infravermelho) e f?sforo (RMN 31P). O menor tempo de uso da queima da palhada acarretou em maiores teores de Ca e Mg e menores teores de P e K. Os menores estoques de COT foram verificados na camada de 0-10 cm nos sistemas de cana de 1 e 5 anos. De maneira geral, os maiores valores de 13C e 15N foram verificados na ?rea de pastagem e os menores na ?rea de Cerrado, com valores intermedi?rios para as ?reas de cana. A substitui??o da vegeta??o original de Cerrado para implanta??o de ?reas cultivadas com cana-de-a??car acarretou em mudan?as do 13C, promovendo um ac?mulo de carbono de plantas com ciclo fotossint?tico C4. As an?lises espectrosc?picas de carbono (RMN 13C, UV-v?sivel e infravermelho) dos ?cidos h?micos mostraram os mesmos grupos funcionais independente do tempo de colheita queimada da cana. Na camada de 0-5 cm, a maior contribui??o foi dos compostos alif?ticos e carbox?licos em rela??o aos compostos arom?ticos. Os resultados da espectroscopia de RMN 31P mostram que nas ?reas estudadas os ?cidos h?micos constituem uma reserva importante de P org?nico prontamente dispon?vel e fonte importante para nutri??o das plantas, principalmente na ?rea que recebeu vinha?a. J?, nas ?reas de 1 e 5 anos de cana queimada, a diminui??o do ac?mulo de P org?nico recalcitrante nos ?cidos h?micos indica utiliza??o do P-l?bil das subst?ncias h?micas.

Spectroscopic techniques allow for studies of materials and organisms on the atomic and molecular level. Examples of such techniques are nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy—one of the principal techniques to obtain physical, chemical, electronic and structural information about molecules—and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—an important medical imaging technique for, e.g., visualization of the internal structure of the human body. The less well-known spectroscopic technique of nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) is related to NMR and MRI but with the difference that no external magnetic field is needed. NQR has found applications in, e.g., detection of explosives and narcotics. The first part of this thesis is focused on detection and identification of solid and liquid explosives using both NQR and NMR data. Methods allowing for uncertainties in the assumed signal amplitudes are proposed, as well as methods for estimation of model parameters that allow for non-uniform sampling of the data. The second part treats two medical applications. Firstly, new, fast methods for parameter estimation in MRI data are presented. MRI can be used for, e.g., the diagnosis of anomalies in the skin or in the brain. The presented methods allow for a significant decrease in computational complexity without loss in performance. Secondly, the estimation of blood flow velo-city using medical ultrasound scanners is addressed. Information about anomalies in the blood flow dynamics is an important tool for the diagnosis of, for example, stenosis and atherosclerosis. The presented methods make no assumption on the sampling schemes, allowing for duplex mode transmissions where B-mode images are interleaved with the Doppler emissions.

[ES] Esta tesis se ha centrado en el modelado, diseño y demostración experimental de un sensor espectroscópico integrado basado en un AWG (del inglés Arrayed Waveguide Grating). El dispositivo ha sido diseñado y fabricado en una nueva plataforma de nitruro de silico (Si3N4) en oxido de silico (SiO2) desarrollada en España. El trabajo realizado en esta tesis se puede dividir en dos secciones principalmente. En la primera parte, se describe el panorama general de las plataformas de Si3N4 existentes y su estado del arte, junto con la descripción de los procesos de fabricación y caracterización de nuestra plataforma de Si3N4 con 300 nm de altura en la capa de guiado. En la segunda parte, se presenta el dispositivo bautizado como Integrated Optical Spectroscopic Sensor (IOSS). El IOSS consiste en un AWG cuyo conjunto de guías de onda está dividido en dos subgupos diseñados para replicar los canales del AWG. Las guías de uno de los subgrupos contienen ventanas de sensado, que están definidas por secciones en las que el núcleo de las guías está al descubierto y, por tanto, en contacto con el medio que las rodea. De esta manera, el sensado se lleva a cabo mediante la interacción del campo evanescente con la muestra depositada. Las guías del segundo subconjunto permanecen inalteradas. Por lo tanto, el dispositivo proporciona al mismo tiempo los espectros de sensado y de referencia. El modelo matemático del IOSS, su procedimiento de diseño y la prueba de concepto del sensor configurado para espectroscopía de absorción se describen en esta tesis. / [CAT] La present tesi s'ha centrat en el modelatge, disseny i demostració experimental d'un sensor espectroscòpic integrat basat en un AWG (de l'anglès Arrayed Waveguide Grating). El dispositiu ha sigut dissenyat i fabricat en una nova plataforma de nitrur de silici (Si3N4) en òxid de silici (SiO2) desenvolupada a Espanya. El treball realitzat en aquesta tesi es pot dividir en dues seccions principalment. En la primera part, es descriu el panorama general de les plataformes de Si3N4 existents i el seu estat de l'art, juntament amb la descripció dels processos de fabricació i caracterització de la nostra plataforma de Si3N4 amb 300 nm d'altura en la capa de guiat. En la segona part, es presenta el dispositiu batejat com Integrated Optical Spectroscopic Sensor (IOSS). El IOSS consisteix en un AWG en el que el seu conjunt de guies d'ona està dividit en dos subgrups dissenyats per a replicar els canals del AWG. Les guies d'un dels subgrups conté finestres de detecció, que estan definides per seccions en les quals el nucli de les guies d'ona està al descobert i en contacte amb el mitjà que li envolta. D'aquesta manera, la detecció es duu a terme mitjançant la interacció del camp evanescent amb la mostra depositada. Les guies del segon subconjunt romanen inalterades. Per tant, el dispositiu proporciona al mateix temps els espectres de detecció de referència. El model matemàtic del IOSS, el seu procediment de disseny i la prova de concepte del sensor configurat per a espectroscopia d'absorció es descriuen en aquesta tesi. / [EN] This thesis is focused on the model, design and experimental demonstration of an integrated spectroscopic sensor based on a modified Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG). The device has been designed and fabricated in a new silicon nitride (Si3N4) on silicon oxide (SiO2) platform developed in Spain. The work performed for this thesis can be then divided into two main sections. In the first part, an overview of the existing Si3N4 platforms and their state of art is described, alongside the report on the fabrication and characterization of our 300 nm guiding film height Si3N4 platform. On the second part, the device named Integrated Optical Spectroscopic Sensor (IOSS) is presented. The IOSS consists of an AWG which arrayed waveguides are divided into two sub-sets engineered to replicate the AWG channels. The waveguides of one of the sub-sets contain sensing windows, defined as waveguides sections which core is in contact with the surrounding media. Thus, the sensing is performed through evanescent field interaction with the sample deposited. The waveguides from the second sub-set remain isolated. Therefore, the device provides both sensing and reference spectra. The IOSS mathematical model, design procedure and proof of concept configured for absorption spectroscopy are reported in this thesis. / Micó Cabanes, G. (2020). Integrated Spectroscopic Sensor fabricated in a novel Si3N4 platform [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/159381 / TESIS

La déstabilisation de l’ordre antiferromagnétique de Néel au profit de nouvelles phases quantiques à température nulle à deux dimensions est envisageable grâce au phénomène de frustration magnétique. Le modèle théorique de spins Heisenberg S=1/2 répartis sur le réseau bidimensionnel frustré kagome, constitué de triangles joints uniquement par leurs sommets, est susceptible de stabiliser des phases quantiques originales de liquides de spin, qui ne présentent aucune brisure de symétrie à T = 0. Cette thèse a été consacrée à l’étude expérimentale de deux types de composés de spins S=1/2 (Cu2+) à géométrie kagome à l’aide de techniques spectroscopiques locales, la RMN et la μSR, ainsi que de mesures thermodynamiques (susceptibilité magnétique, chaleur spécifique). Dans Mg-herbertsmithite, la frustration est générée par une interaction d’échange premiers voisins antiferromagnétique J et est responsable d’un comportement liquide de spin jusqu’à des températures de l’ordre de J/10000. Par rapport au composé isostructural antérieur, Zn-herbertsmithite, nous avons montré qu’il possédait des propriétés physiques similaires tout en permettant une caractérisation fine du taux de défauts de substitutions Cu/Mg. Nos expériences réalisées à partir d’échantillons contrôlés permettent d’étudier finement l’origine des plateaux de relaxation observés en μSR à basse température en lien avec l’existence des défauts de spins interplans. La kapellasite et l’haydéite possèdent des interactions ferromagnétiques (J1) et antiferromagnétiques (Jd), offrant la possibilité d’explorer le diagramme de phases générées par la compétition de ces interactions sur le réseau kagome. Pour la kapellasite, nos mesures de μSR démontrent le caractère liquide de spin jusqu’à T ≈ J1/1000. La dépendance en température de la susceptibilité magnétique sondée par RMN du 35Cl ainsi que de la chaleur spécifique permettent d’évaluer le rapport Jd/J1 = 0.85, qui localise classiquement son fondamental au sein d’une phase originale de spins non coplanaires à 12 sous-réseaux appelée cuboc2. Les interactions présentes dans l’haydéite localisent son fondamental au sein de la phase ferromagnétique, en bon accord avec nos mesures qui indiquent une transition partielle à caractère ferromagnétique à T = 4 K. Cette étude confirme la pertinence du réseau kagome frustré pour la stabilisation de phases quantiques originales et démontre l’existence d’une nouvelle phase liquide de spin sur ce réseau, distincte de celle attendue pour des spins couplés antiferromagnétiquement. / Magnetic frustration helps destabilizing conventional Néel order at T = 0 in dimensions 2, and therefore allows the emergence of new original quantum phases. The S=1/2 Heisenberg Hamiltonian on the highly frustrated kagome lattice, which is made of corner-sharing triangles, is expected to stabilize such quantum states, including the spin liquid ones which do not break any symmetry even at T = 0. This thesis work focuses on the experimental study of two kinds of S=1/2 (Cu2+) kagome compounds using NMR and μSR local probes as well as thermodynamic measurements (magnetic susceptibility, specific heat).In Mg-herbertsmithite magnetic frustration occurs thanks to a first nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic interaction J and is responsible for the spin liquid behavior observed down to T = J/10000. In comparison with the formerly known isostructural counterpart Zn-herbertsmithite, we showed that it shares similar physical magnetic properties while allowing sensitive structural refinements and therefore a control of the level of Cu/Mg substitutions defects. Our experiments performed on such well controlled materials allow us to investigate the origin of the dynamical relaxation in these compounds in relation with the existence of interplane spins defects. Kapellasite and haydeite possess both ferromagnetic (J1) and antiferromagnetic (Jd) interactions. They offer the possibility to explore the phase diagram generated by such competing interactions on the kagome lattice. For kapellasite, our μSR experiments evidenced a spin liquid character down to T ≈ J1/1000. We tracked the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility probed by 35Cl-NMR as well as of the specific heat, from which the ratio Jd/J1 = 0.85 can be evaluated. This ratio locates the ground-state of kapellasite to be within an original non-coplanar spin phase described by 12 magnetic sublattices and called cuboc2. Magnetic exchanges in haydeite locate its ground-state within the ferromagnetic phase. Both our local and thermodynamic measurements point to a partial ferromagnetic transition at T = 4 K. This study confirms the relevance of the frustrated quantum kagome lattice to stabilize original quantum phases and suggests the existence of a new spin liquid phase, distinct from the one expected for antiferromagnetically coupled spins.

O mecanismo de ação da Histatina-5 (Hst-5), um peptídeo antimicrobiano da saliva humana com ação fungicida, não está esclarecido. Dicroísmo circular (CD), fluorescência e ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) foram empregados para examinar as propriedades conformacionais de Hst-5 e seu análogo contendo o aminoácido paramagnético TOAC N-terminal (TOAC0-Hst-5) em solução aquosa, em função do pH, de TFE, e de íons metálicos, e em presença de membranas modelo de composição. Foi examinada a atividade dos dois peptídeos em membranas lipídicas planas, na permeabilização de membranas modelo e frente o fungo Candida albicans e eritrócitos humanos, com o objetivo de estabelecer correlações entre a atividade e a estrutura dos peptídeos. Estudos de fluorescência mostraram a capacidade de TOAC de suprimir a fluorescência e que o pK dos resíduos de Tyr foram deslocados. Espectros de CD mostraram pequenas flutuações conformacionais, mas foram mantidas estruturas ao acaso. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 mostraram a coexistência de duas populações, protonada e desprotonada, em troca lenta. A partir de medidas de desdobramento hiperfino (aN), foram calculados pKs de TOAC; a relação de altura dos picos de campo central e alto também foi sensível à titulação do peptídeo. Em TFE os peptídeos adotaram conformação α-helicoidal (CD). Espectros de fluorescência de Hst-5 mostraram aumento da fluorescência, e os de TOAC0-Hst-5 mostraram supressão, indicando aproximação de TOAC dos resíduos de Tyr. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 também refletiram as mudanças conformacionais. Estudos de fluorescência mostraram a interação de Hst-5 e TOAC0-Hst-5 com Cu2+, Mn2+ e Zn2+, permitindo o cálculo de constantes de ligação. Espectros de CD refletiram pequenas variações conformacionais, sem aquisição de estrutura secundária. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 na presença dos íons paramagnéticos Cu2+ e Mn2+ indicaram interações spin-spin, permitindo o cálculo das distâncias metal-nitróxido. Curvas de tempo de correlação rotacional em função da concentração dos íons permitiram calcular constantes de ligação da mesma ordem de grandeza daquelas obtidas por fluorescência. Hst-5 e TOAC0-Hst-5 ligaram-se em maior extensão a micelas negativas do que a zwitteriônicas num processo pH-dependente. Estudos de supressão de fluorescência por acrilamida confirmaram esses resultados, indicando a modulação por interações eletrostáticas. Espectros de CD mostraram que os peptídeos adotam conformação em dobra β tipo I. Estudos de RPE da interação de TOAC0-Hst-5 com vesículas de composição lipídica mimetizando membranas de E. coli e C. albicans (carga líquida negativa) e eritrócitos (carga líquida zero) confirmaram essa modulaçao. Na presença das membranas negativamente carregadas os espectros apresentaram extremos externos e internos, indicando que o eixo z do nitróxido orienta-se paralelamente à normal à bicamada. Estudos funcionais utilizando bicamadas lipídicas planas mostraram que TOAC0-Hst-5, mas não Hst-5, forma poros. Também, TOAC0-Hst-5, mas não Hst-5, permeabiliza vesículas carregadas negativamente. Ainda, a atividade fungicida de TOAC0-Hst-5 foi maior do que a de Hst-5 na ausência de íons, porém foi a mesma na presença de Mn2+ e Zn2+. Finalmente, TOAC0-Hst-5 mostrou maior atividade hemolítica que Hst-5. Esses resultados sugerem uma possível diferença nos mecanismos de ação de Hst-5 e seu análogo marcado, apesar da semelhança no comportamento conformacional dos peptídeos. / The mechanism of action of histatin-5 (Hst-5), an antifungal antimicrobial peptide from human saliva is not completely clarified. Circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) were used to examine the conformational behavior of Hst-5 and its analogue containing the paramagnetic amino acid TOAC at the N-terminus (TOAC0-Hst-5). Conformational properties were investigated in aqueous solution, as a function of pH, TFE, and addition of metal ions, and in the presence of model membranes of variable lipid composition. The activity of both peptides was examined in planar lipid membranes and with regard to permeabilization of model membranes. Activity was also tested towards the fungus Candida albicans and human erythrocytes, with the scope of establishing structure-function correlations. Fluorescence studies showed that TOAC0-Hst-5 is able to quench the peptide fluorescence and that the pK of the Tyr residues was shifted to lower values. CD spectra indicated that small conformational fluctuations occurred with increasing pH, but the overall unordered structure of the peptides was kept. EPR spectra of TOAC0-Hst-5 showed the coexistence of two populations, one protonated and one unprotonated, in slow exchange. The pK of TOAC was calculated from measurements of the isotropic hyperfine splitting (aN); the ratios of heights of the mid-field line and the high-field line were also sensitive to the peptide titration. In TFE, the peptides acquired -helical conformation (CD). Fluorescence spectra of Hst-5 showed an increase of fluorescence, while those of TOAC0-Hst-5 revealed quenching, indicating that, on the average, the TOAC residue becomes closer to the Tyr residues as a consequence of the peptide acquiring α-helical conformation. EPR spectra also reflected the conformational changes undergone by the peptide. Fluorescence studies indicated that Hst-5 and its spin labeled analogue interacted with Cu2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ ions, allowing the calculation of binding constants. CD spectra reflected the occurrence of small conformational fluctuations, without acquisition of stable secondary structure. EPR spectra of TOAC0-Hst-5 in the presence of the paramagnetic ions Cu2+ and Mn2+ evinced the occurrence of spin-spin interactions, allowing the calculation of metal-nitroxide distances. Curves of rotational correlation times as a function of ion concentration yielded values for the binding constants of the same order of magnitude as those calculated from fluorescence measurements. Hst-5 and TOAC0-Hst-5 bound to a larger extent to negatively charged than to zwitterionic micelles, in a pH-dependent process. Studies of fluorescence quenching by water soluble acrylamide confirmed these results, pointing to the fact that binding is largely modulated by electrostatic interactions. CD spectra indicated that, upon binding to micelles, the peptides acquire a type I β-turn conformation. EPR studies of the interaction between TOAC0-Hst-5 and lipid vesicles whose composition mimicked those of E. coli and C. albicans (both with net negative surface charge) and erythrocytes (net zero surface charge) confirmed this modulation. In the presence of negatively charged membranes, the spectra presented outer and inner extrema, indicating that the nitroxide z axis is oriented parallel to the bilayer normal. Functional studies with planar lipid bilayers showed that TOAC0-Hst-5, but not the native peptide, forms pores. Also, TOAC0-Hst-5, but not Hst-5, permeabilizes negatively charged vesicles. Moreover, the fungicidal activity of TOAC0-Hst-5 was greater than that of Hst-5 in the absence of metal ions. However, in contrast with the native peptide, whose activity increased in the presence of Zn2+ and Mn2+, that of the analogue was the same in the absence and presence of the ions. Finally, TOAC0-Hst-5 had a more pronounced hemolytic activity than Hst-5. These results suggest a possible difference in the mechanisms of action of Hst-5 and its spin labeled analogue, in spite of the similarity of their conformational behavior.

Η παρούσα Διπλωματική Εργασία επικεντρώνεται σε προσπάθειες σύνθεσης και χαρακτηρισμού νέων συμπλόκων ενώσεων του In(III) με τη χρήση 2-πυρίδυλο οξιμών, αζολίων, 2-ακετυλοπυριδίνης υδραζόνης, δι-2-πυρίδυλο κετόνης και βάσεων Schiff ως υποκαταστάτες. Μελετήθηκε η επίδραση αρκετών συνθετικών παραμέτρων στη χημική και δομική ταυτότητα των προϊόντων. Οι οργανικοί υποκαταστάτες που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν και οδήγησαν σε αποτελέσματα παρουσιάζονται στο Σχήμα Ι. Σχήμα Ι. Οι συντακτικοί τύποι και οι συντομογραφίες των υποκαταστατών που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν στην παρούσα Διπλωματική Εργασία. Χρησιμοποιώντας ως ανόργανη πηγή Ιn(III) το InCl3 παρασκευάστηκαν τα ακόλουθα σύμπλοκα: [InCl3(H2O)(Mebta)2].Η2Ο (1.Η2Ο), (2-ΜeImH2)6{[InCl4(2-MeImH)2]}3[InCl6] (2), [InCl3(ΕtOH)(MepaoH)] (3), [CH3C(NH2)2][InCl4(NH2paoH].0.5MeCN (4.0.5MeCN), [InCl3{(py)2C(OEt)(OH)}].EtOH (5.EtOH), [InCl3{(py)2C(OH)2}].2MeCN (6.2MeCN), [InCl2(aphz)2][InCl4(aphz)]. Η2Ο (7.Η2Ο) και [In2Cl(saph)2(saphH)]. Et2O.EtOH (8.Et2O.EtOH). Οι δομές των ενώσεων 1-8 προσδιορίσθηκαν με κρυσταλλογραφία ακτίνων Χ μονοκρυστάλλου. Όλα τα σύμπλοκα χαρακτηρίσθηκαν με φασματοσκοπία IR, και επιλεγμένες ενώσεις με τεχνικές Raman, p-XRD, 1H NMR και Θερμοσταθμική Ανάλυση (TG). Τα φασματοσκοπικά δεδομένα εξετάζονται σε σχέση με τις γνωστές δομές των ενώσεων και τους τρόπους ένταξης των υποκαταστατών. Τα κέντρα InIII στις ενώσεις είναι 6- ενταγμένα με οκταεδρική γεωμετρία. Οι υποκαταστάτες Μebta και 2-ΜeImH συμπεριφέρονται ως μονοδοντικοί Ν- δότες, οι υποκαταστάτες MepaoH και NH2paoH ως Ν(2-πυρίδυλο), Ν(οξιμικό)- διδοντικοί χηλικοί και τα μόρια (py)2C(OEt)(OH) και (py)2C(OH)2 ως Ν,Ο,Ν΄- τριδοντικοί χηλικοί υποκαταστάτες. Ο υποκαταστάτης aphz συμπεριφέρεται ως Ν(2-πυρίδυλο), Ν(ιμινικό)- διδοντικός χηλικός, το ιόν saphH- ως Ο,Ν,Ο΄- τριδοντικός χηλικός και οι διδοντικοί υποκαταστάτες saphH2- γεφυρώνουν δύο κέντρα InIII μέσω δύο διαφορετικών αποπρωτονιωμένων ατόμων οξυγόνου. Πιστεύουμε ότι τα αποτελέσματα που παρουσιάζονται στη Διπλωματική Εργασία συνιστούν συνεισφορά στη χημεία ένταξης του ινδίου(ΙΙΙ), καθώς επίσης και στη χημεία ένταξης των οργανικών υποκαταστατών που φαίνονται στο Σχήμα Ι. / Our Diploma Work focused on the synthesis and characterization of new complexes of In(III) using 2-pyridyl oximes, azoles, 2-acetylpyridine hydrazone, di-2-pyridyl ketone and Schiff bases as ligands. The effect of several synthetic parameters on the chemical and structural identities of the products has been studied. The organic ligands used are shown in Scheme I. Scheme I. The structural formule and abbreviations of the ligands used in this Diploma Work. Using InCl3 as a source of inorganic ln(III), following complexes hve been prepared: [InCl3(H2O)(Mebta)2].Η2Ο (1.Η2Ο), (2-ΜeImH2)6{[InCl4(2-MeImH)2]}3[InCl6] (2), [InCl3(ΕtOH)(MepaoH)] (3), [CH3C(NH2)2][InCl4(NH2paoH].0.5MeCN (4.0.5MeCN), [InCl3{(py)2C(OEt)(OH)}].EtOH (5.EtOH), [InCl3{(py)2C(OH)2}].2MeCN (6.2MeCN), [InCl2(aphz)2][InCl4(aphz)]. Η2Ο (7.Η2Ο) και [In2Cl(saph)2(saphH)]. Et2O.EtOH (8.Et2O.EtOH). The structures of compounds 1-8 were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. All the complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy, and selected compounds by Raman, p- XRD, 1H NMR and thermogravimetric (TG) techniques . The spectroscopic data are discussed in terms of the known structures of the compounds and the coordination modes of the ligands. The InIII centers in the complexes are all 6- coordinate with an octahedral geometry. Mebta and 2- MeImH behave as monodentate N- donors, MepaoH and NH2paoH as N(2-pyridyl), N(oxime)-bidentate chelating ligands and (py)2C(OEt)(OH) and (py)2C(OH)2 as N,O,N΄- tridentate chelating ligands. The aphz molecule acts as a N(2-pyridyl), N(imino)- bidentate chelating ligand, the saphH- anion as an O,N,O΄- tridentate chelating ligand and each saph2- ligand bridges two InIII centers through a (different in each case) deprotonated oxygen atom. We believe that our results contribute into the chemistry of indium(III) and into the coordination chemistry of the ligands shown in Scheme I.

O mecanismo de ação da Histatina-5 (Hst-5), um peptídeo antimicrobiano da saliva humana com ação fungicida, não está esclarecido. Dicroísmo circular (CD), fluorescência e ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) foram empregados para examinar as propriedades conformacionais de Hst-5 e seu análogo contendo o aminoácido paramagnético TOAC N-terminal (TOAC0-Hst-5) em solução aquosa, em função do pH, de TFE, e de íons metálicos, e em presença de membranas modelo de composição. Foi examinada a atividade dos dois peptídeos em membranas lipídicas planas, na permeabilização de membranas modelo e frente o fungo Candida albicans e eritrócitos humanos, com o objetivo de estabelecer correlações entre a atividade e a estrutura dos peptídeos. Estudos de fluorescência mostraram a capacidade de TOAC de suprimir a fluorescência e que o pK dos resíduos de Tyr foram deslocados. Espectros de CD mostraram pequenas flutuações conformacionais, mas foram mantidas estruturas ao acaso. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 mostraram a coexistência de duas populações, protonada e desprotonada, em troca lenta. A partir de medidas de desdobramento hiperfino (aN), foram calculados pKs de TOAC; a relação de altura dos picos de campo central e alto também foi sensível à titulação do peptídeo. Em TFE os peptídeos adotaram conformação α-helicoidal (CD). Espectros de fluorescência de Hst-5 mostraram aumento da fluorescência, e os de TOAC0-Hst-5 mostraram supressão, indicando aproximação de TOAC dos resíduos de Tyr. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 também refletiram as mudanças conformacionais. Estudos de fluorescência mostraram a interação de Hst-5 e TOAC0-Hst-5 com Cu2+, Mn2+ e Zn2+, permitindo o cálculo de constantes de ligação. Espectros de CD refletiram pequenas variações conformacionais, sem aquisição de estrutura secundária. Espectros de RPE de TOAC0-Hst-5 na presença dos íons paramagnéticos Cu2+ e Mn2+ indicaram interações spin-spin, permitindo o cálculo das distâncias metal-nitróxido. Curvas de tempo de correlação rotacional em função da concentração dos íons permitiram calcular constantes de ligação da mesma ordem de grandeza daquelas obtidas por fluorescência. Hst-5 e TOAC0-Hst-5 ligaram-se em maior extensão a micelas negativas do que a zwitteriônicas num processo pH-dependente. Estudos de supressão de fluorescência por acrilamida confirmaram esses resultados, indicando a modulação por interações eletrostáticas. Espectros de CD mostraram que os peptídeos adotam conformação em dobra β tipo I. Estudos de RPE da interação de TOAC0-Hst-5 com vesículas de composição lipídica mimetizando membranas de E. coli e C. albicans (carga líquida negativa) e eritrócitos (carga líquida zero) confirmaram essa modulaçao. Na presença das membranas negativamente carregadas os espectros apresentaram extremos externos e internos, indicando que o eixo z do nitróxido orienta-se paralelamente à normal à bicamada. Estudos funcionais utilizando bicamadas lipídicas planas mostraram que TOAC0-Hst-5, mas não Hst-5, forma poros. Também, TOAC0-Hst-5, mas não Hst-5, permeabiliza vesículas carregadas negativamente. Ainda, a atividade fungicida de TOAC0-Hst-5 foi maior do que a de Hst-5 na ausência de íons, porém foi a mesma na presença de Mn2+ e Zn2+. Finalmente, TOAC0-Hst-5 mostrou maior atividade hemolítica que Hst-5. Esses resultados sugerem uma possível diferença nos mecanismos de ação de Hst-5 e seu análogo marcado, apesar da semelhança no comportamento conformacional dos peptídeos. / The mechanism of action of histatin-5 (Hst-5), an antifungal antimicrobial peptide from human saliva is not completely clarified. Circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) were used to examine the conformational behavior of Hst-5 and its analogue containing the paramagnetic amino acid TOAC at the N-terminus (TOAC0-Hst-5). Conformational properties were investigated in aqueous solution, as a function of pH, TFE, and addition of metal ions, and in the presence of model membranes of variable lipid composition. The activity of both peptides was examined in planar lipid membranes and with regard to permeabilization of model membranes. Activity was also tested towards the fungus Candida albicans and human erythrocytes, with the scope of establishing structure-function correlations. Fluorescence studies showed that TOAC0-Hst-5 is able to quench the peptide fluorescence and that the pK of the Tyr residues was shifted to lower values. CD spectra indicated that small conformational fluctuations occurred with increasing pH, but the overall unordered structure of the peptides was kept. EPR spectra of TOAC0-Hst-5 showed the coexistence of two populations, one protonated and one unprotonated, in slow exchange. The pK of TOAC was calculated from measurements of the isotropic hyperfine splitting (aN); the ratios of heights of the mid-field line and the high-field line were also sensitive to the peptide titration. In TFE, the peptides acquired -helical conformation (CD). Fluorescence spectra of Hst-5 showed an increase of fluorescence, while those of TOAC0-Hst-5 revealed quenching, indicating that, on the average, the TOAC residue becomes closer to the Tyr residues as a consequence of the peptide acquiring α-helical conformation. EPR spectra also reflected the conformational changes undergone by the peptide. Fluorescence studies indicated that Hst-5 and its spin labeled analogue interacted with Cu2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ ions, allowing the calculation of binding constants. CD spectra reflected the occurrence of small conformational fluctuations, without acquisition of stable secondary structure. EPR spectra of TOAC0-Hst-5 in the presence of the paramagnetic ions Cu2+ and Mn2+ evinced the occurrence of spin-spin interactions, allowing the calculation of metal-nitroxide distances. Curves of rotational correlation times as a function of ion concentration yielded values for the binding constants of the same order of magnitude as those calculated from fluorescence measurements. Hst-5 and TOAC0-Hst-5 bound to a larger extent to negatively charged than to zwitterionic micelles, in a pH-dependent process. Studies of fluorescence quenching by water soluble acrylamide confirmed these results, pointing to the fact that binding is largely modulated by electrostatic interactions. CD spectra indicated that, upon binding to micelles, the peptides acquire a type I β-turn conformation. EPR studies of the interaction between TOAC0-Hst-5 and lipid vesicles whose composition mimicked those of E. coli and C. albicans (both with net negative surface charge) and erythrocytes (net zero surface charge) confirmed this modulation. In the presence of negatively charged membranes, the spectra presented outer and inner extrema, indicating that the nitroxide z axis is oriented parallel to the bilayer normal. Functional studies with planar lipid bilayers showed that TOAC0-Hst-5, but not the native peptide, forms pores. Also, TOAC0-Hst-5, but not Hst-5, permeabilizes negatively charged vesicles. Moreover, the fungicidal activity of TOAC0-Hst-5 was greater than that of Hst-5 in the absence of metal ions. However, in contrast with the native peptide, whose activity increased in the presence of Zn2+ and Mn2+, that of the analogue was the same in the absence and presence of the ions. Finally, TOAC0-Hst-5 had a more pronounced hemolytic activity than Hst-5. These results suggest a possible difference in the mechanisms of action of Hst-5 and its spin labeled analogue, in spite of the similarity of their conformational behavior.