PCC-31303 Research Methods Soft Matter

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Colloid Science PCC-20806 and /or Advanced Soft Matter PCC-31806.

Contents:

In the practical course Research Methods Soft Matter some modern advanced techniques in the field of (bio) interfacial chemistry & soft matter science are introduced: such as dynamic light scattering (study of particle sizes & dynamics), static light scattering (study of microscopic structure), atomic force microscopy (single-molecule force measurements) and confocal laser scanning microscopy & quantitative image analysis. The course is particularly meant for students Molecular Life 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 successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain and apply the basic principles of;
- optical microscopy, including confocal microscopy;
- image filtering & quantitative image analysis;
- the basic principles of static light scattering;
- the basic principles of dynamic light scattering;
- independently perform and judge;
- dynamic light scattering measurements and analyse correlation functions manually and using CONTIN analysis;
- static light-scattering experiments and extract quantitative data through fitting with theoretical models, to extract particles sizes, molecular weights, and sample microstructure;
- single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments and analyse the results to extract (bio)molecule stiffness and adhesion;
- quantitative confocal microscopy experiments, and judge image quality in terms of dynamic range, contrast and noise levels, and to enhance image quality and extract quantitative data using image filtering methods.

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 based on:
- experimental performance (50%, minimum mark 5.5);
- written report with oral defence (50%, minimum mark 5.5).
Interim marks remain valid for three years.

Literature:

JHB Sprakel and RG Fokkink. Syllabus Research methods Soft Matter, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, last version.
See also Blackboard.