Learning objectives
The goals of the course are
- Knowing the bases of the chemistry of natural and synthetic biomaterials, of their behaviour in solution and in biological fluids. (knowledge and understanding)
- Knowing analytical techniques for the characterization of biomaterials (knowledge and understanding)
- Knowing formulation strategies for the design of tridimensional structures for cell growth and drug delivery (applying knowledge and understanding)
- Using appropriate terms in the description of biomaterial behavior in solid state or in solution (communication skills)
- Being able to suggest a formulation strategy for the design and the realization of 3D structures, constituted of biomaterials of natural origin or synthetic, for the preparation of tridimensional scaffolds or films devoted to controlled release of substances or to support for cell colonisation and growth. (applying knowledge and understanding)
- Identifying kinetics of drug release from scaffolds/matrices in order to be able to optimize the drug release rate. (applying knowledge and understanding)
- Reading and understanding a scientific publication, identifying methods of formulation and their relation with the characteristics of the material. (applying knowledge and understanding)
Prerequisites
It is advisable to have already attended the course on Drug Release and targeting
Course unit content
The course, after a general introduction on biomaterials, their history and their properties, will focus on biomaterials used for drug delivery and regenerative medicine, with a specific focus on polymeric biomaterials. For this purpose, the indispensable characteristics for a good biomaterial will be described and the basics of the chemistry of natural and synthetic polymers will be provided, as will the techniques available for the design and characterization of biomaterials and drug delivery systems, as well as for the creation of biocompatible three-dimensional structures. The discussion will be enriched with examples of delivery systems on the market and medicinal products for advanced therapies based on biomaterials.
Full programme
Definition of biomaterials and the concepts of biocompatibility and biodegradability.
History of biomaterials
Metallic, ceramic and polymeric biomaterials.
Biocompatible metals and ceramics
Nomenclature and classification of polymers.
Polymer production and characterization methods (molecular weight, solid state, solubility)
Three-dimensional structuring of polymeric scaffolds (gels and films).
Requirements for biomaterials to promote cell adhesion: surface and architectural characteristics
Innovative formulations based on biomaterials
Examples of natural and synthetic polymers used in the biomedical field.
Examples of controlled release systems based on biomaterials and related release kinetics
Technologies, structural and legal requirements for the production of advanced therapy medicinal products
Bibliography
All slides and useful materials (scientific papers) will be regularly provided by the teacher on Elly website
Optional textbook: Martin's Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fifth Edition P. J. Sinko Editor, Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, Phildelphia, 2006.
Teaching methods
The course will be held as lectures to Students in the classroom (40 hours).
Lectures will be supported by slide presentations, which will be available to students on the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
Students with SLD / BSE must first contact the “Centro Accoglienza e Inclusione” for support (https://www.cai.unipr.it/it/student-con-dsa-e-con-bes/42/).
Students are asked to prepare a Powerpoint presentation to explain the content of a scientific paper, from which the discussion will start to assess the acquired competences.
The students that pass the exam receive as evaluation the grade "idoneo"
Other information
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