ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR BIOMOLECULES - MOD. 1

The teaching course of Analytical Technique for Biomolecules is an activity characterizing the curriculum of Biomolecular Chemistry of the master's degree in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies. The course is divided into two modules (named Module 1 and Module 2), each one divided into theory lectures and laboratory activities. The two modules have the common goal of introducing the principles and the main applications of the most important advanced techniques of the bio-analytical field. In particular:
- to understand the basic principles of the main bio-analytical techniques;
- to acquire the ability in proposing, setting up and managing new analytical approaches for the analysis of biomolecules, to solve complex problems related to the qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical species of interest in real matrices;
- to develop skills in the extraction of analytical information from the experimental data with full awareness of the limits and uncertainties associated with defined techniques, application methods, analytes, specific matrices and purposes;
- to develop skills and adaptability in the use of software tools for the management of advanced instrumentation, and for the processing of analytical data.
The expected results are defined according to the specific contents of the two modules in which the Analytical Techniques for Biomolecules course is divided.

The course aims at providing the knowledge and the methodological bases necessary for the development and the 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
- Knowledge of the fundamental principles and terminologies of the advanced analytical techniques.
- Knowledge of the problems connected with the collection and storage of a representative sample for the analysis
- Knowledge, planification and application of the methodologies for the preparation of samples aimed at the determination of biomolecules in complex matrices.
- Knowledge of the operational principles of the hardware and the management of software of advanced analytical instrumentations.
- Knowledge of the main features of the elaboration of data collected with advanced analytical techniques

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- To know how to correctly understand and use the technical-scientific terminology of advanced bio-analytical methodologies. To know how to identify the analytical technique and methodology most suitable for the qualitative/quantitative determination of the target analyte. To know how to identify the ideal combination of advanced bio-analytical techniques to obtain complete and integrated information according to the objective.
- To know how to identify and plan the most appropriate sampling procedures for collecting a representative sample and for its conservation before the analysis.
- To know how to identify and plan the most appropriate pre-analytical procedures for the determination of biomolecules based on the 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 how to set up the use of advanced bio-analytical instrumentation within a framework of adaptability to new configurations.
- To know how to interpret experimental data to accurately define the concentration of the analyte in a complex matrix.

Judgment skills
- Ability to express a judgment concerning the applicability of a given analytical technique in a specific context.
- Ability to be fully aware of the quality and interpretative value of the analytical data obtained / obtainable to answer specific and complex application questions or problems.
- Ability to recognize any errors through a critical analysis of the applied method

Communication skills
To know how to communicate to any level of users (general public, non-specialized customers and decision makers, technicians, experts) and with a proper technical language, the experimental plan, the instrumental operations and settings, and the results obtained from the use of advanced analytical techniques and of the methods for the determination of biomolecules in complex matrices.

Learning ability
To know how to use the scientific method as a working tool both for the continuation of the training, and for the professional activities.
To know how to identify and use the most suitable advanced analytical methodologies to solve specific analytical questions.

Basic knowledge of fundamental and of instrumental analytical chemistry acquired in teaching activities of the bachelor degree in chemistry (L27).

The analytical process for the analysis of biomolecules in complex matrices: sampling strategies, preservation of the analytical sample, adaptation of the sample to the constrain of the analysis, approaches for the removal of interference, instrumental analytical techniques applied to the analysis of biomolecules.
Rapid tests for the analysis of biomolecules. Portable analytical systems. Analysis of biomolecules through chemical sensors: operating principles of sensors characterized by different transduction mechanisms, immobilization of the recognition element, definition of the sensor performance, application of sensors for the analysis of complex matrices.

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 of the techniques and methodologies for the analysis of biomolecules
- Technical knowledge in in approaching the solution of an analytical problem
- Theoretical-technical knowledge in the treatment and evaluation of analytical data.
The final evaluation of the Analytical Techniques for Biomolecules course will correspond to the arithmetic average of the individual marks achieved in the two modules.

Class lectures and laboratory activities (3 sessions)

English

The lectures will be performed in English

oral