Biotechnological and Chemical Sciences in Diagnostics

Spectroscopy and nanomaterial interactions

Spectroscopy and nanomaterial interactions

Academic year 2024/2025

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Program
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Support activities
• Suggested readings and bibliography
• Notes
• Teaching tools
• Course card

Course objectives

The objectives proposed to students in this module are based on the following achievements:

• Understanding of the fundamental physico-chemical properties that characterize nanomaterials, with specific focus on their applications in diagnostics
• Understanding of the fundamental aspects that characterize the interactions of the surface of nanomaterials with (bio)molecules
• Understanding the theoretical and practical basis of spectroscopies for applications in diagnostics
• Ability to handle and critically analyze experimental data

Results of learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire a thorough understanding of the fundamental physico-chemical properties that characterize nanomaterials, with a specific focus on their applications in diagnostics. They will also understand the theoretical aspects that define the interactions between the surfaces of nanomaterials and (bio)molecules, as well as the theoretical and practical foundations of spectroscopies used in diagnostic applications.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will develop the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to handle nanomaterials and critically analyze experimental data related to their interactions with (bio)molecules and their spectroscopic properties.

Making Judgements

Students will be capable of making independent judgments based on their understanding of the interactions between the surfaces of nanomaterials and (bio)molecules and their relevance to diagnostic applications, critically evaluating experimental data and recognizing the importance of innovative approaches in diagnostics.

Communication Skills
 Students will develop the ability to effectively communicate the results and implications of their analyses on nanomaterials and their diagnostic applications, using appropriate scientific language and advanced communication tools.

Learning Skills
Students will demonstrate a high capacity for autonomous learning, acquiring and integrating advanced knowledge about nanomaterials, their interactions with (bio)molecules, and spectroscopic diagnostic techniques, preparing for further studies and research in these fields.

Program

The module aims at providing the fundamental knowledge about electronic and vibrational spectroscopies, and about the properties of matter at the nanoscale with a specific focus on the surface and its interaction with (bio)molecules.

FRONTAL LESSONS

OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPIES (prof. V. Crocellà)

Light-matter interaction. Basis of electron spectroscopy in absorption and emission. Basis of vibrational spectroscopy.  The Franck-Condon principle. The Solvatochromism. Solvent-solute interactions. Hyperchromism and Hypochromism. Hyperchromicity in DNA denaturation. Secondary structure of proteins. Electronic spectroscopy of biomolecules. Biomolecules containing metal ions - Coordination compounds. Ligand Field Theory. Photoluminescence. Sensitivity of photoluminescence. The Quantum Yield.  Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Sensors for CO₂ and glucose. 

... (prof. M. Corno)

Introduction on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. Nanotechnologies and biotechnologies: nanobiotechnologies. The interface between nanomaterials and the biological world. 

Intermolecular interactions: Coulomb interactions; dipole moment; permanent dipoles and induced dipoles; polarizability; dipole/dipole interactions; dipole/charge interactions; solvation; dispersive interactions (London); hydrogen bond. 

The surface of a material. Adsorption models. Adhesion. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity.

LABORATORY

• Application of UV-Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy for studying different organic chromophores and fluorophores. UV-Vis spectra of coordination compounds in diffuse reflectance. (prof. v. Crocellà)
• ....(prof. M. Corno)

Course delivery

The module will be delivered through lessons (40 hours) and lab activities (6 hours), focusing on methodological aspects. Participation in the lab activities is compulsory.

The module will be structured as follows.

• Advanced spectroscopy (16 hours, in presence), Prof. V. Crocellà
• Nanomaterials, surfaces and intermolecular interactions (24 hours online), Prof. M. Corno
• Lab activity and data analysis (6 hours), (prof. V Crocellà and prof. M. Corno)

Learning assessment methods

The exam is devoted to assessing the knowledge and related understanding of the expected learning outcomes. Moreover, the acquisition and understanding of basic knowledge in Chemistry and Biochemistry in relation to the program will be evaluated if necessary, as well as the use of proper scientific/technical language.

Modality and forms of the exams

The examination is carried out in oral form. Both prof Crocellà and Corno will examine each student. The exam will focus on the topics developed in the frontal lessons of the course. Further questions concerning the laboratory activities will be possible.

The mark for this module is expressed in thirtieths and will depend on both the parts (prof. Crocellà and prof. Corno). 

The final mark of the whole course will be expressed in thirtieths, and will be computed as follows:

"Bioanalytical methods" module: weight in the final grade = 15/30

"Spectroscopy and nanomaterial interactions" module: weight in the final grade = 15/30

Support activities

During the lab, the students will be divided in small groups, and will have the possibility to discuss together with the teachers the experimental results, trying to make connections with the theoretical concepts explained during the frontal lessons, in order to clarify doubts.

In addition, the teachers can be contacted through e-mail to discuss and clarify any concept explained during the lessons.

Prof. Valentina Crocellà: valentina.crocella@unito.it

Prof. Marta Corno: marta.corno@unito.it

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Notes

• Teaching material
• Exams and finals
• Class schedule
• Go to Moodle
• Register for the course
• Enrolled students
• Invia email agli studenti registrati
• Export table