PCC-31303 Research Methods Biomolecules and Interfaces

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Practical intensively supervised70
Course coordinator(s)ing. RG Fokkink
Lecturer(s)ing. RG Fokkink
prof. dr. ir. FAM Leermakers
Examiner(s)ing. RG Fokkink
prof. dr. ir. FAM Leermakers

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

In the practical course Research methods Biomolecules and Interfaces some modern advanced techniques in the field of (bio)interfacial chemistry are introduced: such as reflectometry (adsorption kinetics), ellipsometry (layer thickness), dynamical light scattering (determination of particle sizes and layer thicknesses of proteins), microelectrophoresis (zeta-potential), 'differential scanning calorimetry' (DSC) (determination of the conformational transitions of a protein) and atomic force microscopy (topography of a (bio)interface). The course is particularly meant for students Molecular Sciences, Biotechnology, Food Technology and Environmental Sciences, who work with e.g. proteins, bacteria, (bio)polymers, pesticides and surfactants in solution and/or in the presence of interfaces (as e.g. in bioreactors) during a master project. It represents a good introduction to a master project at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science. Often the techniques can also be used by students carrying out a master project in Biotechnology, Food Technology or Environmental Sciences.

Learning outcomes:

After this course students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate detailed understanding of:
*electromagnetic principles of reflection of polarized light on multiple-reflecting interfaces;
* the basic principles of static and dynamic light scattering;
* electrophoretic mobilities and zeta potentials;
* the principles of differential-scanning calorimetry.
- independently carry out and interpret:
* reflectometry and ellipsometry experiments, and calculate the thickness of a coating and adsorbed amounts;
* light-scattering experiments and calculate radii and molecular weights;
* zetasizer measurements and determine the zeta potential;
* DSC measurements on protein denaturation and analyze the denaturation process, write a short report on all the experiments, and integrate the different results to obtain a detailed physical picture.
* to select experimental methods for a study of the adsorption of biomolecules at surfaces.

Activities:

Study of theoretical principles. Independently carry out the different experimental techniques. Process and interpret experimental data and write a short report.

Examination:

The final mark is determined by the execution of the experiments and the report.

Literature:

A de Keizer and RG Fokkink, Syllabus Research methods Biomolecules and Interfaces, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, last version.
See also Blackboard.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MMLMolecular Life SciencesMSc3AF