NANO-BIOMATERIALS

This course will provide basic and intermediate level knowledge on the fabrication and characterization of nano-biomaterials, focusing on DNA-based nanomaterials.

At the end of the course, students are expected to know the design principles of simple nano-objects made of DNA. Students will know the main techniques for the characterization of such nanostructures and the computer-based tools for structural analysis of DNA nanoastructures. Furthermore, ihe learning objectives of the Nano-Biomaterials course include: 1) Advanced knowledge of the properties, synthesis, and applications of nanomaterials in the biomedical field (knowledge and understanding); 2) Ability to apply this knowledge in the design of new biomaterials for regenerative medicine and diagnostic devices (practical application); 3) Critically assess the effectiveness and safety of nano-biomaterials (judgment autonomy); 4) Effectively communicate scientific results (communication skills); 5) Develop autonomy in continuous learning.

An intermediate-level understanding of the biochemistry of nucleic acids is required.

1- BIOPOLYMERS FOR SELF-ASSEMBLY:

PROTEINS
DNA (ssDNA, dsDNA, TRIPLEX, QUADRUPLEX,HAIRPIN, TILING, Y-SHAPED DNA, TWEEZERS, CATENANES)
RNA


2- COMPOSITE NANOBIOMATERIALS:

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF NANOPARTICLES
CHEMICAL FUNCTIONALIZATION OF CARBON-BASED NANOMATERIALS
SURFACE ADSORPTION OF MOLECULES
NANOPORES LOADING


3- PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF NANOBIOMATERIALS:

MULTIFUNCTIONALITY
MAGNETIC DRIVEABILITY
PHOTO-THERMAL CONVERSION
LSPR
CHIROPLASMONICS
TARGETED DELIVERY
THERANOSTICS


4- SMART NANOBIOMATERIALS:

RECONFIGURABLE MATTER
PROGRAMMABLE MATTER
STIMULI-RESPONSIVE MATTER


5- CASE STUDY:

DNA ORIGAMI
LEGO-LIKE DNA
DNA BOX


6- COMPUTER-ASSISTED MODELING

DNA AND RNA SECONDARY STRUCTURES (NUPACK)
DNA ORIGAMI SEQUENCE DESIGN (CadNano)
3D REPRESENTATION OF ORIGAMI STRUCTURES (CanDo)

Lecture notes and scientific publications provided during lectures.

The final evaluation will consists in a ca. 30 minute oral exam, as reported in the exam calendar. Students are allowed to present an experimental publication of their choice with a slide-assisted talk (15-20 minutes, using a Powerpoint file) accounting for 80% of the final grade, after which some questions pertaining the talk will be asked (accounting for 20% of the final grade). The following will be evaluated: The use of appropriate language (maximum 10 points), the level of depth of the topics (maximum 10 points), and the accuracy of the description (maximum 10 points).

Contents will be presented via lectures. Students will attend a bioinformatics laboratory where they will model a DNA structure and produce the strands necessary to fabricate the nanostructure.

English

oral