ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR BIOMOLECULES - MOD.2

The teaching course of Analytical Technique for Biomolecules is a characterizing activity characterizing the Biomolecular Chemistry curriculum of the master's degree course in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies. The course is divided into two modules (named Module 1 and Module 2), each divided into theory lessons (held in the class) and laboratory lessons. The two modules have the common goal of building broad-spectrum skills on the principles and applications of the most important advanced techniques in the bio-analytical field, in particular:
- understanding the principles underlying bio-analytical techniques;
- developing the ability to propose, set up and manage new approaches in the bio-analytical field to solve complex problems related to the qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical species of interest in real matrices;
- develop skills to obtain analytical information from experimental data, and communicate it with full awareness of the potential, limits and uncertainties associated with techniques, application methods, analytes, specific matrices and purposes;
- develop skills and adaptability in the use of software tools for the management of advanced instrumentatio, and for the processing of analytical chimistry data with a focus on automation, networking and big data.

The expected results are defined according to the specific contents of the two modules in which the Analytical Techniques for Biomolecules course is consisting of.

The course aims to provide the knowledge and methodological bases necessary for the development and application of advanced analytical procedures for the qualitative and quantitative determination of biomolecules in complex matrices. The student will acquire a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in the bio-analytical field, which include:

Knowledge and understanding
- Knowing the fundamental principles and terminologies of the advanced analytical techniques.
- Knowing, planning and applying the methodologies for samples preparation aimed at the determination of biomolecules in complex matrices.
- Knowing the operattional principles of the hardware and the software management methods of advanced analytical instrumentation.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- (Knowing the fundamental principles and terminologies of the advanced analytical techniques). Knowing how to correctly understand and use the technical-scientific terminology of advanced bio-analytical methodologies. Knowing how to identify the most suitable technique and methodology for the qualitative/quantitative determination of interest. Knowing how to identify the ideal combination of advanced bio-analytical techniques for obtaining complete and integrated information according to the objective.
- (Knowing, planning and applying the methodologies for samples preparation aimed at the determination of biomolecules in complex matrices). Knowing how to identify and plan the most appropriate pre-analytical procedures for the determination of biomolecules on the basis of analytical objectives and constraints, with particular attention to the preservation of the analytes, to the specificity/selectivity/sensitivity of the analytical technique, and to the contamination.
- (Knowing the operattional principles of the hardware and the software management methods of advanced analytical instrumentation). Knowing how to set up the use of advanced bio-analytical instrumentation as an operator within a framework of adaptability to variable and new configurations.

Judgment skills
Being fully aware of the quality and interpretative value of the analytical data obtained/obtainable to answer specific and complex applicative questions or problems.

Communication skills
Knowing how to communicate orally and in writing to users of all levels (general public, non-specialized customers and decision makers, technicians, experts) with proper technical language the experimental plan, the instrumentation operation and settings, and the results obtained from the usage of advanced analytical techniques and methods for the determination of biomolecules in complex matrices.

Learning ability
Knowing how to use the scientific method as a working toolbox both for the continuation of training with the third cycle, and for professional activity. Knowing how to identify and use advanced analytical methodologies suitable for solving the proposed questions.

Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry.

Sampling procedures and pre-analytical methods for sample preparation in the determination of biomolecules. Principles of mass spectrometry. Soft ionization sources: ESI, MALDI. Low and high resolution mass analyzers: quadrupoles, ion traps, Orbitrap, sector field, time-of-flight, hybrid systems. Acquisition methods in organic mass spectrometry (full-scan, SIM, MS/MS) and interpretation of mass spectra. Coupled mass spectrometry techniques: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography (IC, LC, (U)HPLC). Analytical strategies and applications of mass spectrometry for biomolecules: targeted, untargeted, proteomics, sequencing, metabolomics. Principles of bioimaging. ICP inorganic mass spectrometry for metallomics applications: coupling to HPLC and bio-elemental imaging by laser ablation. Advanced vibrational FTIR, NIR and Raman spectroscopy for microanalysis, coupling to microscopy for biomolecular imaging. Experimental design applied to the determination of biomolecules. Validation of bio-analytical methods, data processing and quality. Applications for bio-pharmaceutical analysis, bio-nanomaterials and micropollutants. Theoretical (presentation and discussion of scientific publications) and experimental (laboratory activities) case studies.

Lecture notes, slides, scientific publications as case studies provided by the teacher.

The exam consists in an oral discussion considering the following aspects:
- theoretical knowledge on advanced bio-analytical techniques and methodologies, both instrumental and pre-analytical.
- Technical knowledge on the usage of advanced analytical instrumentation.
- Technical knowledge in analytical problem solving.
- Theoretical-technical knowledge in the treatment and evaluation of analytical data.

The final mark of the Analytical Techniques for Biomolecules course is single, corresponding to the arithmetic average of the individual marks achieved in the two modules.

Classroom lessons and laboratory activity.

English

oral