12792 - Methods in Nanobiotechnology Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12792
Module Title:Methods in Nanobiotechnology
  Methoden der Nanobiotechnology
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Mirsky, Vladimir
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every summer semester
Credits: 8
Learning Outcome:Experimental techniques and general manipulation with surfaces and nanodispersed systems are very different from other techniques in biotechnology. During the laboratory course the students have to understand this difference, to study a work with thoroughly purified surfaces and finally get experience in the main experimental approaches used in nanobiotechnology: surface characterization and modification, formation and characterization of nanoparticles and liposomes, visualization and characterization of monomolecular layers, application of plasmonic effects to study interaction of biomolecules, operation with model lipid systems.

The students work with different information sources thus training their methodical competence. During the course the students are initiated to participate in scientific discussions, this is important for training of not only professional but also social competence.
Contents:During the lab course the students learn a number of the mostly important methods of nanobiotechnology. During the introductary seminar the main principles of experimental work in nanobiotechnology and lab safety rules are discussed. Then the students make independent scientific work in actual topics of nanobiotechnology, for example:
  • (i) preparation and characterization of plasmonic nanoparticles. The work includes experimental testing of different approaches for synthesis of nanoparticles, purification of nanoparticles by centrifugation and dialysis, characterization of nanoparticles by UV-spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The students make modification of surface of nanoparticles and apply measurements of hydrodynamic size and z-potential to prove this modification.
  • (ii) preparation of different types of liposomes, liposome treatment by extrusion, characterization of liposomes by light scattering, investigation of transport through liposome membrane.
  • (iii) formation of self-assembled monolayers and biosensors based on these structures. The formed structures are characterized by contact angle measurements, SPR (surface plasmon resonance) - imaging and FT IRRAS (Fourier transform infrared reflected attenuated spectroscopy).
  • (iv) covalent immobilization of antibodies and SPR-investigation of antigen-antibody interaction. The students evaluate the limiting kinetic step of the process, measure binding constant and kinetic constant of adsorption; comparison of obtained values with that measured by isothermal titration calorimetry.
  • (v) formation of planar lipid bilayers, measurements of electrical and mechanical properties of this model lipid system, investigation of ion transport, influence of nanomaterials on planar lipid bilayers. The scientific results obtained by students are presented and intensively discussed at the end of each week at scientific seminar of the group of Nanobiotechnology.
Recommended Prerequisites:Knoledge in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering Sciences.
Mandatory Prerequisites:Only applies to the Master Biotechnology PO 2018 with 4 semesters standard period of study:
Successfull completion of module
  • 12739 - Research Internship
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Laboratory training / 7 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 1 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Because there is still no student book on Nanobiotechnology, the students are advised to work with scientific reviews, original scientific publications, as well as with protocols and application notes of manufactures of the devices, with lectures scripts and with information from Internet.
Some particular topics are presented in the books:
  • C. Mirkin, C. Niemeyer (eds.), Nanobiotechnology I, II, Wiley; 2004, 2007;
  • J. Homola (ed.) Surface Plasmon Resonance Based Sensors, Springer; 2006;
  • V. M. Mirsky (ed) Artificial Receptors for Chemical Sensors, Wiley 2010;
  • D. K. Martin (ed). Nanobiotechnology of Biomimetic Membranes, Springer 2007.
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:1. Presentation of a scientific topic (will be announced at the beginning oft he lab course) (20%)
2. Presentation of a scientific topic (will be announced at the beginning oft he lab course) (20%)
3. written test 60 min (20%)
4. protocol (20%), 10-12 pages
5. experimental work (preparation of experemint, perfomrance, discussion, time management) (20%)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:8
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Master (applied) / Biotechnology / PO 2018
  • Master (applied) - Extended Semester / Biotechnology / PO 2018
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Environmental and Resource Management / keine PO
Remarks:The module takes place as a 6 week block course.
Module Components:
  • Lab Course "Methods in Nanobiotechnology"
  • Seminar "Methods in Nanobiotechnology"
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: