Module 8NM: Bionanomaterials (MAT6730)
How organisms organise nano-scale materials, and how we can learn from this example to make new functional biomaterials for medical and technological applications:
Above: Cryogenic transmission electron
micrograph of polymeric vesicles (false colour).
Image by Giuseppe Battaglia, University of Sheffield.
Introduction
Nature has some very smart and capable ways of creating nano-scale structures, exploiting the chemical and physical properties of molecules such as proteins and phospholipids. Cell functions are based on highly engineered structures that are formed at room temperature and pressure from 'smart' molecules.
These molecules are used as templates and the structures are held together by weak bonds - hydrogen bonds, hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions, screened Coulomb interactions.
As a consequence, these structures have the general features of soft matter, and are intrinsically responsive to their environment - generally aqueous at constant temperature.
The cell and its compartments can be viewed as micro-size factories where different processes such as biochemical reactions, chemical separation and even chemical disposal take place.
Outline syllabus
This module will start by introducing basic concepts of cell and molecular biology. Then a range of examples of how biomolecules can be used for designing nano-structures and how nano-structures can be used in bio-application will be illustrated in details.
Students will gain comprehension of the principles of bionanotechnology and an understanding of applications of natural materials in nanotechnology and of nano materials in biology and medicine.
Back to: Bionanotechnology
