The course deals with the study of complex molecular structures that can be naturally found in biological systems or assembled in hybrid architectures using surface science techniques. Specific characterization tools will be introduced including NMR, EPR, cryoEM, biophysical techniques for biological samples as well as STM, LEED, XPS, UPS, SIMS, XAS and transport measurements for hybrid nanomaterials. Laboratory activity will be focused on the multi-technique characterization of these systems.
D. Phil Woodruff “Modern Techniques of Surface Science 3rd Ed.” 2016
Slides and material provided by the teachers
Learning Objectives
The course aims at providing the student with the necessary abilities to harness the functional properties resulting from the organization in complex architectures. The student will gain a multidisciplinary experience by applying the concepts of hierarchical organization and multifunctional design in the investigation of biomolecules and hybrid molecular-inorganic architectures.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
32 hours of lectures (4CFU) and 24 (2 CFU) hours of laboratory practice based on the use of the proper instrumentation, the acquisition of experimental datasets and the critical analysis of the collected data.
Further information
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Type of Assessment
Oral test including the discussion of the experimental data collected and analyzed
Course program
Non-covalent interactions in life sciences: description of the nature of non-covalent and weak interactions in biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Forces that determine their folding and their tridimensional structure. Molecular recognition and transient interactions. Factors determining partner selectivity. Kinetic and thermodynamics aspects. Metal-dependent protein-protein interactions and transfer. Assembly of large molecular machines and their interaction with substrates and their mode of action. Techniques for their study (NMR, EPR, cryo EM, biophysical techniques).
Hybrid architectures in material sciences: Definition of the components of a complex architecture. Classes of solid substrates (insulating, semiconducting, metallic, magnetic, etc.). Growth modes, epitaxy and surface reconstruction. Deposition of functional molecules through physical and chemical methods: vapor deposition, electron-spray deposition, self-assembly from solution and other wet chemistry approaches. Surface mediated coordination chemistry and reactivity. Structural, chemical, and electronic characterization of surfaces and hybrid architectures through STM, LEED, XPS-UPS, SIMS, XAS, local and averaged conductivity measurements.
Laboratory practice:
- Life sciences (12 h): Characterization of some protein-protein interaction and of a metal transfer process as followed by heteronuclear NMR titrations. Determination of structural models of protein complexes, through experimental data and structural modeling.
- Material sciences (12 h): Preparation of surfaces via PVD and sputtering techniques. Self-assembly of a molecular monolayer. Morphological characterization through STM. XPS characterization. Analysis of morphological and spectroscopic data.