66224 - Analytic Techniques for Nano/Biosciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, and based on the knowledge acquired, students will be able to select the most appropriate technical and methodological platforms for addressing analytical challenges in the emerging field of Nano/Biosciences.

In particular, students will develop:

• A solid understanding of separation-based analytical techniques for samples relevant to nano/biotechnologies, and their multidimensional coupling with mass spectrometry;

• Foundational knowledge of the physicochemical properties of nanometer-scale, multiphase systems;

• Competence in the use of analytical techniques for morphological, dimensional, and spectroscopic characterization, with a focus on structured multifunctional nanomaterials.

Course contents

Prerequisites:

To fully benefit from the lectures and perform successfully on the final exam, students are expected to have a solid understanding of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry at the undergraduate (Bachelor’s) level, as well as prior knowledge of Mass Spectrometry acquired during the first semester of this Chemistry Degree (6752) program .

For non-native Italian speakers, a C1 level proficiency in Italian is recommended to fully benefit from the course.

Course Format:

The course is delivered entirely in-class through face-to-face lectures.

Course Contents:

Nanomaterials: Principles and Analytical Techniques for Size-Based Analysis

• Dispersed systems: classification and properties. Colloids: historical perspective and key features. Surface free energy of colloids.

• Particle–particle interactions in colloids: attractive electrostatic forces, surface electrostatic potential, electric double layer.

• Kinetic properties of colloids: Brownian motion and diffusion. Zeta potential, electrophoresis, and electroosmotic flow.

• Optical properties of colloids: electromagnetic radiation scattering. Types of scattering: Rayleigh scattering, Rayleigh–Gans–Debye (RGD), Mie scattering, quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS), low-angle neutron scattering (LANS).

• Colloid formation: self-assembling colloids. Micelles: critical micelle concentration (CMC), surfactants, micellization mechanisms.

• Size distribution analysis of dispersed systems: defining “size” of a dispersed analyte. Sphere-equivalent diameter, Stokes diameter, radius of gyration.

• Particle Size Distribution (PSD) functions and analytical methods for PSD characterization.

• Direct methods for PSD analysis: electron microscopy and image analysis.

• Electron microscopy techniques: scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) principles.

• Optical methods for PSD analysis: turbidimetry, Fraunhofer diffraction, multi-angle laser light scattering (MALS), dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Separation-Based Analytical Techniques for Nano/Bio Systems

• Classification of separation techniques in analytical chemistry.

• Electrophoresis: principles, planar electrophoresis, DNA electrophoresis, Southern blotting. Protein electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, Western blotting. Capillary electrophoresis: fundamentals, electrophoretic and electroosmotic mobility, detector systems.

• Hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) and Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF).

• FFF: elution modes and sub-techniques. Flow FFF (F4): applications in protein analysis; coupling of F4-MALS and F4-MALS-FLD for the characterization of multifunctional structured nanomaterials. Hollow Fiber Flow FFF (HF5): principles and applications of HF5 coupled with mass spectrometry for protein analysis.

Hyphenated and Coupled Techniques

• Principles of orthogonality, multidimensionality, tandem configurations, and hyphenated techniques.

• Application of coupled analytical platforms in proteomics: types of proteomic approaches and analytical workflows in proteomic studies.

Readings/Bibliography

• J.C. Giddings, Unified Separation Science , J. Wiley&Sons (*)
• Holler, Skoog, Crouch. Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6th Edition, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2007 (°)
• K.A. Rubinson, J.F. Rubinson, Contemporary Instrumental Analysis, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2000 (°)
• D.H. Everett, Basic Principles of Colloid Science, Royal Society of Chemistry, 1988 (*)
• H.G. Barth Ed., Modern Methods of Particle Size Analysis, John Wiley&Sons, Inc., 1984 (^)
• M.E. Schimpf, K.D. Caldwell, J.C. Giddings Eds., Field-Flow Fractionation Handbook, Wiley-Interscience, 2000 (*)
  

(*) Required: includes essential content that must be studied to pass the exam.
(^) Recommended: includes selected sections that are helpful for exam preparation.
(°) Supplementary: not required for the exam, but useful for further exploration and in-depth understanding.

All texts are available at the University Library.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 56 in-person classroom lectures. All lectures are recorded via Panopto and made available on the Virtuale platform. Online attendance is permitted only in cases of emergency and must be authorized by the University or the Department.

The use of instructional materials presented during lectures is essential. These materials are uploaded to the Virtuale platform prior to the start of the course, and students are notified through the Announcements section on Virtuale.

Throughout the course, multimedia resources from the web may also be shared via the Microsoft Teams platform.

Assessment methods

To successfully pass the final exam, it is essential that students have attended the lectures, preferably in person or, alternatively, by viewing the recorded sessions.

The final examination consists of an oral exam covering all topics included in the course syllabus, and is designed to assess the depth and accuracy of the student’s understanding.

Candidates are examined in pairs by a two-member examination Committee. Each candidate is individually assessed for approximately 15–20 minutes by each committee Member, for a total examination duration of 30–40 minutes per candidate.

If either committee Member determines that a Candidate's preparation is inadequate, the Candidate may be invited to withdraw from the exam session.

Upon completion of the oral assessments, the Committee convenes to assign a grade on a 30-point scale (30/30), based on the following evaluation criteria:

• 18–23 points: barely sufficient to sufficient understanding of the subject matter; may include several serious errors.

• 24–26 points: fair to good understanding; may include some minor errors.

• 27–29 points: good to very good understanding; may present minor imperfections or issues in clarity of explanation.

• 30–30 ("cum laude"): excellent to outstanding understanding; comprehensive and articulate responses with minimal or no imperfections. "Cum laude" is awarded for oustanding and clearly above the average performances.

Following the grade proposal, the Committee may request Candidates to self-evaluate their performance. In such cases, and if deemed necessary, the committee may engage in a brief discussion with the candidates regarding discrepancies between the proposed grade and the student’s self-assessment.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by a PC with projector and large screen display. Microsoft PowerPoint slides are made available on the Virtuale platform. Microsoft Teams may be used for remote teaching when authorized by the University or the Department. All lectures are recorded via Panopto and uploaded to Virtuale for student access.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the University’s Disability and SLD Services Office in a timely manner: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it . The office will provide personalized support and propose any necessary accommodations.

Any proposed accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days in advance for approval. The instructor will evaluate each request with respect to the Learning Objectives of the Course.

Office hours

See the website of Pierluigi Reschiglian