Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to provide the fundamental knowledge on the chemistry of natural and sysntetic polymers , on their behaviour in solution and in the biological fluids.
Further goal is to provide the bases for the design of tridimensional polymeric structures for the cell growth and drug delivery.
At the end of the course the student should be able to apply the acquired knowledge to the design and realization of polymeric structures, constituted of polymers of natural origin or synthetic, for the preparation of tridimensional scaffolds or films devoted to the controlled release of substance and able to act as support for cell colonisation and growth.
The student will learn also the method for studying the kinetics of drug release from scaffolds/matrices in order to be able to optimize the drug release rate.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Chemistry of natural and synthetic polymers used in biomedical applications, in particular for the production of tridimensional biocompatible systems.
The course provides also theoretical knowledge on drug release mechanisms of biologically active substances from polymeric matrices.
Full programme
• Polymer definition and classification.
• Linear and crosslinked polymers, method of polymerisation and crosslinking.
• Polymer molecular weight and its determination.
• Solid state of polymers, crystalline and amorphous structure.
• Glassy and rubbery state, transition temperature.
• Polymers in solution.
• Natural and synthetic polymers used in biomedicine.
• Tridimensional structure of polymeric scaffolds.
• Chemical modification of polymers.
• Solid state manipulation.
• Physico-chemical characterisation of tridimesional polymeric structures, and films.
• Polymeric scaffolds as drug delivery systems.
• Drug release kinetics from matrix systems.
Bibliography
Martin's Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fifth Edition P. J. Sinko Editor, Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, Phildelpia, 2006
Teaching methods
The course will be carried out through frontal lessons in which the fundamentals of polymer chemistry will be presented and discussed, as well as well as the solid state chemistry and the behaviour in solution.
In the second part of the course the concepts presented in the first one will be applied to the manipulation of the polymers, mostly of natural origin, for the preparation of hydrogels and tridimensional structures for tissue repair.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam consisting in questions aiming at verifying the comprehension of the studied topics and the competences acquired. The results will be expressed in 30th.
Other information
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