C9531 - PRINCIPI DI CHIMICA FISICA PER COMPOSTI NATURALI

Learning outcomes

The knowledge acquired by students at the end of the course concerns the thermodynamics and kinetics of molecules, solutions, and colloidal systems of natural compounds, along with the principles of techniques for characterizing and separating the various components of a system. In particular, students will understand the principles and will be able to: • derive the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of a system of natural compounds; • understand the chemical-physical processes underlying the separation of a mixture of compounds; • evaluate the redox properties of a molecular system or a material of natural substances, including for the determination of possible antioxidant processes; • rationalize the rheological properties of liquids and colloidal systems

Course contents

1. Molecular Thermodynamics of Natural Compounds
Principles of solution thermodynamics. Chemical potential, Gibbs free energy, equilibrium, activity and activity coefficients. Intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, electrostatic, van der Waals and π–π interactions), solubility, partition coefficients and structure–property relationships, with representative examples including wine constituents, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes and carotenoids.
2. Electrochemistry of Natural Products
Electrochemical thermodynamics, the Nernst equation, electrode potentials, redox equilibria and electron-transfer kinetics. Electrochemical properties of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins and other natural antioxidants. Relationship between redox properties and antioxidant activity. Evaluation of the oxidative stability of formulations. Electroanalytical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Integrated interpretation of electrochemical data.
3. Transport Phenomena and Stability of Natural Products
Diffusion, Fick's laws, mass transport and permeability. Chemical kinetics, rate laws, oxidation, hydrolysis and photodegradation. Accelerated stability studies, shelf-life prediction and controlled-release systems for natural products.
4. Self-Assembly, Interfaces and Colloidal Systems
Surface and interfacial thermodynamics. Adsorption, surfactants, micellization and supramolecular self-assembly. Emulsions, nanoemulsions, liposomes and lipid nanoparticles. Colloidal stability, zeta potential and aggregation phenomena.

Readings/Bibliography

P.W Atkins, J. De Paula, J. Keeler Chimica Fisica, VI ed. it., Zanichelli (2020)

oppure

P.W Atkins, J. De Paula, J Chimica Fisica, V ed. it., Zanichelli (2012)

lecture notes (distribuite su Virtuale)

Handouts and slides presented in class.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be aimed at the theoretical understanding and practical use of tools to solve problems of physical chemistry. The lessons will be accompanied by numerical exercises that will provide students with the opportunity to face real problems both individually and in small groups.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires the performance of all the students of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and the participation in Module 3 of specific training on safety and health in places of study:

https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/it/corsi-di-formazione/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute-per-svolgimento-di-tirocinio-tesi-laboratorio

Information on dates and methods of attendance of Module 3 can be consulted in the specific section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

Oral exam 

The assessment test consists of an oral exam, in which students will be asked to answer two or three open-ended questions on the theoretical part of the course. The grade will be awarded based on the quality of the open-ended answers, particularly evaluating the ability to analyze and explore the proposed topic in depth, as well as clarity of presentation and appropriate use of language. Students have the right to refuse to have a positive grade recorded once (according to the University Academic Regulations, ART. 16, paragraph 5).

Regarding learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: Please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will be responsible for suggesting any accommodations to the affected students. These accommodations must be submitted 15 days in advance to the instructor for approval, who will assess their suitability, including in light of the course's learning objectives.

Students with recognized "student worker" status: Please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/it/studiare/guida-alla-scelta-del-corso/conciliare-studio-e-lavoro ) to request their status and the measures available.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, projector, educational laboratories (informatic and experimental)

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Paolucci

See the website of Stefania Rapino