46332 - Nanobiotechnology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the class, the student has a general knowldege of nanotechnology and its applications in the industry. He is aware of the application of nanostructures and bionanostructures in different fields. He has knowledge of nanobiotechnological characterization techniques for biological macromolecules (including ultramicroscopy and single-molecule techniques) and knows how to choose amongst them. S/he knows how to design, realize and characterize different strategies of self-assembly. S/he knows how to exploit the nanoscale properties of nucleic acids and how to prepare nanoparticles and derivatize them with biological molecules.

Course contents

Introduction to nanotechnologies. Organization of the class. Test for the assessment of class awareness. Intro to class topics: the nanoscale, structure in the nanoscale, nanofabrication and nanoassembly, characterization in the nanoscale, applications in nanomedicine (4-6 hours).

Self-assembly and nanoparticles and the characterization of nanoparticles (2 hours). Basic concepts. Physics and chemistry of molecular self-assembly. Examples from chemistry, examples from biological macromolecules. Nanoparticles: general principles, differences of particles amongst the different scales, applications. Nanosystems and food. Nanozymes. (4 hours).

Characterization techniques for nanotechnologies. Optical techniques (fluorescence and plasmonic resonance). Examples in bioanalytics and diagnostics. Single-molecule fluorescence (6 hours).

Optical and electron microscopy in the nanoscale. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Superresolution techniues. Image reconstruction. Electron microscopy and cryoelectron microscopy (6 hours).

Probe microscopies. Principles of STM and AFM. Forces in chemistry and biology and their use. Magnetic and optical tweezers. Nanopores for studying biological molecules and sequeng (6 hours).

DNA nanotechnology (8 hours)

 Nucleic acids and DNA nanotechnologies. Revival on the chemistry and structures of nucleic acids. Nucleic acids analogues. Characterization techniques for nucleic acids. Aptamers and nanomedicine applications. Self-assembly of nucleic acids. Structural DNA nanotechnology. (8 hours)

Experimental Design and microfluidics (4 hours or less): If lecture timings will allow, we will cover some notions on (statistical) experimental design with examples on (nano)biotech. Additionally and depending on students' interest I will present some concepts in microfludics and lab-on-chip. 

 

Practical Lab.

In case of students' interest: Use of freeware software for rational design of nanostructures (2-3 hours).

Preparation and characterization of metal nanoparticles (5 hours)

Derivatization and use of nanoparticles as biosensors (5 hours)

Use of nanoparticles as nanozymes  (potentially as a joint initiative with the Biocatalysis course) and use of oligonucleotide self-assembly for biosening (5 hours).

Readings/Bibliography

Scientific scholarly papers will be made available, used and discussed in class. There is not a single textbook for the class, but some will be listed for personal reference, if needed. Slides will be made available.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and lab. Lectures delivered by guests from other universities will be available as recorded contributions or in streaming. Discussion of lab results and guided writing of a lab report.

 

All students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Modules 1 and 2 online e-learning [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in presence/online at a specific date. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

Students will have to submit a lab report according to agreed upon procedures.

The final exam will be multiple-choice test then, if successful, followed by an oral discussion of the lab report and of the related course contents.

 

Course evaluation

18-25: general comprehension and knowledge of course materials. Limited effort in lab and lab reports. 

25-28: good comprehension and knowledge of course materials. Good efforts for lab and lab report.

28-30: optimal comprehension and knowledge of course materials. Proficient lab report showing a good critical approach. Effective presentation and discussion of data, including other students' data.

30 cum laude: optimal comprehension and knowledge of course materials. Proficient lab report showing a very good critical approach, high effectiveness in the presentation and discussion of data, including other students' data. Capability of detailed discussion of source course materials. 

 

 

 

Teaching tools

Class lectures. Guest lectures (recorded or live). Class website. Lecture slides and selected scientific papers. Web links and online materials for independent study and self-assessment tests.  

Office hours

See the website of Giampaolo Zuccheri