C9533 - CHIMICA ANALITICA AVANZATA PER LE SOSTANZE NATURALI

Learning outcomes

The course provides advanced knowledge and practical skills in analytical chemistry applied to the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds in complex natural matrices. Modern instrumental techniques will be explored in depth, particularly mass spectrometry, including its combination with separation methods such as LC-MS and GC-MS. The main bioanalytical techniques will be introduced, including immunochemical and enzymatic methods, with applications in the characterization and valorization of natural substances in the food, nutraceutical, and industrial sectors. Individual laboratory activities will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge, use advanced analytical instrumentation, and develop autonomy in data management and interpretation.

Course contents

Introduction to the analysis of natural substances

• Application of the analytical process to natural substances.
• Principles of sampling and sample preparation.

  Advanced chromatographic techniques

• HPLC, UHPLC and multidimensional separation techniques.
• Selection of stationary and mobile phases.
• Separation and identification strategies.

  Mass spectrometry

• General principles of mass spectrometry and features of the main ionisation sources: ESI, MALDI, APCI.
• Types of mass analysers: quadrupole, TOF, ion trap, orbitrap and hybrid systems.
• MS/MS techniques: structural analysis, fragmentation and applications in target and untarget methods.
• Coupling with separation techniques: LC-MS, UPLC-MS, GC-MS; advantages for resolving complex mixtures and reducing matrix effects.
• Multidimensional approaches, such as LCxLC-MS, for highly complex natural matrices.
• Qualitative and quantitative applications of mass spectrometry in -omics approaches: proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and non-targeted analysis.

  Bioanalytical methods

• Immunometric methods: principles, advantages and classification as homogeneous/heterogeneous and competitive/non-competitive.
• Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies: characteristics and analytical applications.
• Tracers, immunoenzymatic methods, calibration curves and quantitative parameters.
• Enzymatic methods: principles of enzymatic analysis, enzyme properties and enzymatic activity.
• Enzyme kinetics: velocity/substrate curves and the Michaelis-Menten equation.
• Methods for determining activity and concentration: single-point, multipoint and coupled methods.
• Introduction to gene-based methods.

  Quantification methods and applications

• Calibration curves, detection and quantification limits.
• Multicomponent analysis.
• Analysis of phytocomplexes, quality control of supplements and natural products, stability studies.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested readings for exam preparation:

• Skoog D.A., Holler F.J., Crouch S.R., Chimica analitica strumentale, latest Italian edition, EdiSES, 2024.
• D'Ovidio A., De Grazia M., Chimica analitica clinica, EdiSES.

Additional materials, laboratory handouts, examples and practical instructions will be made available on the Virtuale platform: http://virtuale.unibo.it.

Teaching methods

The course includes classroom lectures with electronic teaching materials, made available on the Virtuale platform: http://virtuale.unibo.it.

Single-station laboratory sessions with tutor support are also planned. Laboratory handouts will be available on the Virtuale platform.

During lectures, course topics will be presented and discussed through theoretical insights and explanatory examples. Laboratory sessions are designed to enable each student to develop practical skills, knowledge of basic analytical techniques and operational competence in a laboratory environment based on quality and safety principles.

Classroom exercises will focus on the application of statistical processing methods to experimental data obtained in the laboratory. Students will process their results and submit an individual written report on the laboratory activities.

Mandatory safety training

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance requires all students, including international incoming students (e.g. ERASMUS), to complete safety training modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and to participate in module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study places. Information on dates and attendance procedures for module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the degree programme website on mandatory health and safety training.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination covering all topics addressed during lectures and the evaluation of individual laboratory reports, to be submitted before the examination date.

The overall assessment evaluates both theoretical knowledge and the operational and interpretative skills developed during laboratory activities. The reports assess the ability to process experimental data, apply appropriate analytical criteria and communicate results in scientific form; the oral examination assesses understanding of principles, command of specific terminology and the ability to critically connect techniques, methods and applications.

AI may be a useful tool to support individual study, for example for further reading, summaries, rephrasing, and self-assessment activities. With regard to assessment, the use of AI is not permitted during the oral examination; for the preparation of laboratory reports, only limited, declared, and non-substantial use is allowed, aimed at linguistic support or formal revision of the text. The use of AI is not permitted for the independent processing of experimental data, the interpretation of results, or the substantial production of content. Any undeclared or improper use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Assessment criteria

• 18-19/30: essential and partial knowledge of the topics, limited analytical ability and generally correct but not always precise use of technical language.
• 20-24/30: adequate knowledge of the main topics, ability to apply concepts to familiar problems and correct use of terminology.
• 25-29/30: broad and well-structured knowledge, autonomous analytical ability, links between techniques and applications, and good command of specialist language.
• 30-30 with honours: complete and exhaustive preparation, critical autonomy, ability to connect and argue, full command of terminology and methodological awareness.

Adjustments for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders are encouraged to contact the relevant University office in good time. Any adjustments must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance; the instructor will assess their suitability in relation to the learning outcomes of the course. Information: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials provided by the instructor and available on the Virtuale platform: http://virtuale.unibo.it.

The tools include slides, laboratory handouts, data-processing materials, possible examples of exam questions or tasks, and operational communications concerning laboratory activities.

The use of digital materials supports content accessibility and enables students to organise their study and request any necessary adjustments in good time.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Zattoni