D0031 - TOPICS AND TECHNIQUES IN NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student should: achieve a global understanding of nanomedicine and nano(bio)technology from the point of view of the goals, materials, techniques, relations with other disciplines, lines of development, potentials for applications towards (unmet) medical needs, and innovation in medicine; - have a knowledge of the current methods for the preparation of nanostructures, with a focus on nanoparticles and on the self-assembly of biological macromolecules; - have a comprehension of the tools and methodologies for the characterization of nano(bio)structures and the type of data that can be obtained from these. - be able to sketch an experimental design for nano(bio)structure preparation, use, and characterization, and choose amongst different characterization techniques based on the research or application setting and questions. - be able to understand, analyze, and make judgments on the nanobiotechnological/nanomedicine aspects of the scientific texts.

Course contents

Foundations and Principles: Introduction to nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine; nanoscale science: physical and chemical principles; biological building blocks at the nanoscale; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; classes of nanomaterials in biomedical applications.

Nanobiotechnology/microtechnology Tools and Techniques: Biofunctionalization and surface modification; biosensors and nanodiagnostics; microfabrication, bioprinting and microfluidics.

Imaging and Analytical Techniques in Nanomedicine: Nanoparticle characterization (nanoparticle tracking, DLS, nanopore techniques); Super-resolution optical microscopy; Electron Microscopy; Imaging and non-imaging atomic force microscopy; optical/magnetic tweezers.

Self Assembly of Biomolecules in the Nanoscale: Design and Self-assembly of Protein-based Bionanostructures; DNA Nanotechnology.

Current topics and Applications in Medicine and Biotechnology: Nanoparticles for drug delivery and vaccines; Nanomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering; Nanotoxicology; Regulatory Aspects and Clinical Translation; Open Innovation and the Nanomedicine Industry.

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific papers will be provided and class discussion will also focus on them.

Dedicated textbooks are not available. Some books might be listed during lectures, to be used as a support but will not be required for the class. Papers and slides will be made available during lectures.

A number of web-based resources or demo software tools will be made available as auxiliary material.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, occasionally also delivered by guest researchers from other institutions.

When possible, small demonstrations will be performed by the teacher. Web contents and self-assessment tests will be performed during the classes. Ideally, students should have a web-enabled device of their own available during classes (the lecture hall has the University wi-fi).

Depending on the academic calendar, the size of the student cohort, and the available classroom space, we will also strive to organize discussion sessions and flipped classroom activities.

Assessment methods

written test (quiz+open questions). Potentially, bonus grades for class activities (discussion groups, flipped classroom, ...) 

general guide to the evaluation:

18–25 for: general knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered in the lectures.

25–28 for: good general understanding and knowledge of the topics covered in the lectures, with the ability to reason about the course content and familiarity with the primary sources provided (academic articles).

28–30 for: good to excellent understanding of the topics covered in the lectures, including details, and the ability to make logical connections and discuss the proposed sources (articles or data taken from articles and included in presentations). Demonstration of the ability to critically rework and recontextualize the course content.

With honors for: excellent general understanding of the topics covered in the lectures. Excellent critical skills. Demonstration of excellent ability to understand sources. Possible personal expansion of the course content beyond the lectures.

Teaching tools

class website (on virtuale.unibo.it) with outlinks and self-assessment tests. Slides presented and discussed in class and selected papers from the scientific literature.

Any other material produced in class and from flipped-classroom activities.

Office hours

See the website of Giampaolo Zuccheri