PCC-31303 Research Methods Biomolecules and Interfaces
Course
Credits 3.00
Teaching method | Contact hours |
Practical intensively supervised | 70 |
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.
Programme | Phase | Specialization | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted Optional for: | MML | Molecular Life Sciences | MSc | 3AF |