Nanotherapeutics and Nanodiagnosis
| Code: | EBE0229 | Acronym: | NN |
| Keywords | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Keyword |
| OFICIAL | Molecular Biotechnology |
Instance: 2019/2020 - 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 | 26 | Syllabus | 5 | - | 6 | 56 | 162 |
Teaching language
PortugueseObs.: Suitable for English-speaking students.
Objectives
This UC aims to apply general knowledge on the fields of Chemistry, Physics and Molecular Biology in the identification of components and processes to be used in the construction of nanomaterials, nanostructures and nanosystems for applications in the area of medicine in both therapeutic and diagnostic fields. For this purpose, several types of nanoparticles will be presented, discussing the advantages and properties of each and allowing a rational choice depending on a specific objective.
Learning outcomes and competences
The student should acquire skills in the area of nanotechnology to propose the design and the development of new controlled release systems for application in transport and targeting of drugs and diagnostic agents. The ability to propose an appropriate surface functionalization of the nanoparticles in order to develop more effective therapies with greater therapeutic margin is also one of the objectives of reach with this UC. The student should reveal the capacity to propose strategies based on nanotechnology for solving pharmacotechnical and pharmacokinetic problems associated with the use of some drugs and even the use of biomarkers to enable the combined application of nanosystems as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools.Working method
PresencialProgram
Introduction
1. General concepts of nanotechnology, biotechnology and nanobiotechnology
2. Role of nanotechnology in the development of associated branches of knowledge: nanomedicine, nano-therapy and diagnosis.
- Requirements of nanoparticles for applications as delivery systems for drugs and bioactive substances, depending on the route of administration.
- Advantages of nanoparticles as release systems. Nanoparticles for the vectorization and controlled release of drugs.
Nanoparticles for the vectorization and controlled release of drugs/ bioactive compounds
- Routes of administration.
- Biological barriers and transport mechanisms.
- Cellular receptors - opportunities for the selective targeting of nanoparticles. Strategies of functionalization and vectorization of nanoparticles. Types of vectorization: active and passive (EPR effect). Release conditioned by biological stimuli.
Production, characterization of nanoparticles and their applications in vectorization and controlled release of drugs / bioactive substances and / or diagnosis - Of the following types of nanoparticles:
- Liposomes
- Lipid nanoparticles (SLN, NLC, lipid conjugates)
- Dendrimers
- Nanotubes: carbon, silica, lipids and peptides
- Magnetic nanoparticles (SPIONS and nanowires)
- Gold and silver nanoparticles (plasmonics)
- Quantum dots
Analysis tools used in nano-therapeutic research and nanodiagnosis and their application
- Physico-chemical characterization:
- Electron microscopy - SEM, TEM; scanning probe microscopy - AFM, STM; fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Basic principles, types of image obtained, advantages/ disadvantages of one type over another, sample preparation.
- Light scattering techniques: DLS, SLS, ELS. Types of measures, principles of operation, methodologies of optimization of results, analysis and treatment of results.
- FTIR and RAMAN. Principles of operation, preparation of samples, type of information that can be obtained with the analysis. Situations in which it should be used.
- Strategies for the optimization of load capacity and encapsulation rate: experimental design tools.
- Permeability of biological barriers.
- In vitro studies for the evaluation of bioactive drug / substance release in simulated biological fluids.
- Cytotoxicity and cell viability studies.
- Cell uptake mechanisms.
Practical classes
- Design, production and characterization of different types of nanoparticles.
Mandatory literature
Kewal. K. Jain; ; The Handbook of NanomedicineTeaching methods and learning activities
Theoretical classes, ministered with audiovisual support.
Practical classes: debate lessons where review articles will be discussed; presentation and discussion of the work carried out by students. The works consists in the design and development of one type of nanoparticle to be used in certain specific situations.
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation with final examAssessment Components
| Designation | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Exame | 70,00 |
| Trabalho escrito | 30,00 |
| Total: | 100,00 |
Amount of time allocated to each course unit
| Designation | Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| Trabalho escrito | 4,00 |
| Total: | 4,00 |
Eligibility for exams
Attendance to practical classes is mandatory, as established in the Evaluation Rules.
Calculation formula of final grade
Final classification calculated according to the mean of the classification obtained in the continuous evaluation and the final writing. Each of these contributes as 30% and 70% respectively.Students that are not, according to the regulations, compelled to attend the classes are required to realize a mandatory writing and oral exam.
The exam involves:
Writing work out: It involves all matters of the programmatic curricula. Final classification is between 0 and 20. A classification higher than 9.5 is required.
Oral work out: It involves all matters of the programmatic curricula.
Examinations or Special Assignments
Students that are not, according to the regulations, compelled to attend the classes are required to realize a mandatory writing and oral exam.Classification improvement
A classification improvement could be carried out, according to the regulations.
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