29623 - Nanobiotechnology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has: - a global understanding of nano(bio)technologies; - a knowledge of the methods for the preparation of nanostructures using top-down and bottom-up approaches, with examples focused on nanoparticles and on the self-assembly of nucleic acids; - a knowledge of the tools and methodologies for the characterization of nano (bio) structures. In addition, the student acquires the skills to choose the set of techniques suitable for the characterization of nano (bio) systems of interest and to interpret the resulting data.

Course contents

Introduction to nanotechnology: Class overview and availability of teaching materials. Assessment of students’ knowledge at the beginning of class. Introduction to nanotechnology: nanoscale phenomena, structure in the nanoscale, nanofabrication and self-assembly, characterization techniques in the nanoscale. Application examples in nanomedicine (diagnostics, therapy, theranostics). Notes on ethics in nanotechnology (4 hours).

Self-assembly and nanoparticles: Fundamental aspects. Physical-chemical aspects of molecular self-assembly. Principles and examples of self-assembly of biological molecules. Nanoparticles: general concepts, synthesis, characterization, applications. nanoenzymes and applications. (4 hours).

Nucleic acids and DNA nanotechnologies: Stability of nucleic acids. Techniques for the structural characterization of nucleic acids. Principles of nucleic acids self-assembly. Nucleic acids nanostructures without structural control. Structural DNA nanotechnology. The characterization of DNA nanostructures (4 ore).

Characterization techniques in nanobiotechnology:

Techniques that exploit nanostructures (nanopores and (L)SPR) the characterization of biological systems. The phenomenon of plasmonic resonance: applications on nanostructures. Examples in analytics and diagnostics.Techniques using nanopores (4 hours).

Optical and electronic microscopy in the nanoscale: The fluorescence microscope. The confocal microscope. Advanced microscopy techniques (superresolution, selective illumination). Reconstruction techniques. Principles and applications of electronic microscopy (6 hours).

Probe microscopies: principles and functioning of STM and AFM and related techniques. Nanomanipulation techniques and measurement of forces. Techniques based on AFM. ( hours).

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 exams (quiz and/or open questions) to access the oral exam. Exams for the parts of the integrated course are to be sustained the same day.

 

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 or other if advantageous) 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