Molecular BioInterfaces

Code:

EBE0216

Acronym:

BMOL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Molecular Biotechnology

Instance: 2018/2019 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Molecular Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Bioengineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIB	31	Syllabus	3	-	6	42	162

Teaching language

English

Objectives

The main aim of the course is to provide scientific tools required to understand various types of interactions that take place between cells and their natural and artificial microenvironments.

The interfaces between cells and extra-cellular matrix (ECM), and cells/ECM with biomaterial surfaces are a focus of this course.

Chemical composition, topography (micro and nano), and mechanical properties of biomaterial surfaces influence decisively the behaviour of various types of cells, including stem cells. This is of great relevance in the application of biomaterials, including in Regenerative Medicine.

Proteins adsorbed onto a surface, namely from serum and the ECM, play a critical role in the biological behaviour of biomaterials.

Surface characterization, namely at the molecular level, is crucial to understand the interaction of surfaces with proteins and cells.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that the students will acquire the following skills: Develop knowledge and capacities in principles, concepts and methods applicable to explain, evaluate and modify the interplay between natural and artificial surfaces/substrates and their biological environment.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Basic aspects of cell-protein-biomaterial interactions.


2. Surface Properties of Biomaterials. Surface modification and characterization


3. Protein adsorption on biomaterials – Phenomena and characterization techniques


4. Cell-biomaterial surface interactions.

Mandatory literature

Johnna S. Temenoff, Antonios G. Mikos; 1. Biomaterials, The Intersection of Biology and Materials Science, Pearson Prentice Hall Bioengineering, 2008. ISBN: 978-0130097101
P Ducheyne (Editor in Chief); Comprehensive Biomaterials , 2011. ISBN: 978-0-08-055294-1
Martins MCL, Sousa SR, Antunes JC and Barbosa MA.; Protein Adsorption Characterization. In Methods in Molecular Biology, “Nanotechnology in Regenerative Medicine: Methods and Protocols” edited by Josep A. Planell and Melba Navarro., Human Press (Springer Science & Business Media) USA Academic Press Inc., San Diego, CA, USA, 2012
Dee, Kay C., Puleo David A., Bizios Rena; An Introduction to Tissue-­‐Biomaterial Interactions, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002
Puleo, David A., Bizios, Rena.; Biological Interactions on Materials Surfaces. Understanding and controlling protein, cell and tissue response, Springer Science + Business Media, LLC, 2009

Teaching methods and learning activities

The key aspects of each topic will be presented by the lecturer, followed by discussion with the students.

Experiments relevant to this course will be carried out in dedicated lab sessions.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Trabalho escrito	10,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	120,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Mark equal or above 10 in the laboratory work

Calculation formula of final grade

Final = Exam x 0.70 + written report x 0.10 + lab work x 0.20