Colloidal and Biological Systems

Year
1
Academic year
2023-2024
Code
02005757
Subject Area
Chemistry
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
5.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended previous approval on the following courses of the 1st cycle: Colloidal Chemistry, Biological Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.  

Teaching Methods

- Interactive lectures given by the teacher(s).

- Seminars, prepared individually by each student in English or Portuguese, appropriately commented by the teacher; followed by session of Q&A opened to all students and discussion of questions posed by the teacher.  

Learning Outcomes

Understanding the physico-chemical bases underlying the intra- and inter-molecular interactions in colloidal and biological systems.

Apply this knowledge to understand the phenomena of self-aggregation and molecular organization in biological systems: biomembranes, polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids.

Understanding the physico-chemical behavior of macromolecules and supramolecular aggregates in biological systems as a basis for research and applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Colloids: definition and classification

2. Intermolecular forces in colloidal and biological systems

3. Self-aggregation, flocculation and coagulation

4. Physical-chemical properties of colloids

5. Phase behavior

6. Biological colloids

7. Structure and dynamics in biological colloids and macromolecules

    7.1 Biomembranes

    7.2 Polysaccharides

    7.3 Proteins

    7.4 Nucleic acids

8. Examples of industrial, technological and pharmaceutical applications of colloids and biological systems.   

Head Lecturer(s)

Rui Manuel Pontes Meireles Ferreira de Brito

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Synthesis work: 50.0%

Bibliography

The Colloidal Domain, Evans, D.F. and H. Wennerström, Wiley-VCH, 2nd  Edn.1999
Intermolecular and Surface Forces, Israelachvili, J., Academic Press, 1991
Interactions of Surfactants with Polymers and Proteins, Goddard, E.D., K.P. Anantapadmanaban(Eds), CRC Press, 1993
Protein-Lipid Interactions, Watts,A. (Ed.), New Compehensive Biochemistry, Vol.25, Elsevier, 1993
Polymers and Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions,Holmeberg, K., B. Jönsson, B. Kronberg, B. Lindman, Wiley, 2003
Proteins: Structures and Molecular Properties, Thomas Creighton (1993)ISBN 071677030X
Structure and Mechanism in Protein Science, Alan Fersht (1999)ISBN 0716732688
Introduction to Protein Structure, Carl Branden and John Tooze, ISBN:978-0815323051
Structure and Dynamics of Membranes, 2 Vols R. Lipowsky, and E. Sackmann, editors(1995)ISBN 0444819754
The Structure of Biological Membranes, Philip L. Yeagle, editor(2005)ISBN 0849314038
Biomembranes: Molecular Structure and Function, R. B. Gennis(1989)ISBN 0387967605