Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to teach the following concepts:
Knowledge and understanding: the scope of the course is to provide a general overview on polymer science and on the most relevant aspects of the use of polymers in the field of biotechnology.
The following items will be discussed: the first part will introduce the basic concepts of polymer science. The main characteristics and properties of the polymers will be fully described, as well as the main synthetic processes.
In particular the student will learn the definition of glass transition temperature, melting temperature, crystalline and amorphous polymers, Number and Weight Average Molecular Weight, most common characterization techniques (DSC, TGA).
The student will learn polycondensation and polyaddition reactions and principal polymeric materials deriving from these two polymerization reactions. The student will be familiar with the definition of chain-reaction and step-reaction mechanism and he/she will be able to apply them to obtain the desired material. Knowledge about the principal polymerization techniques, like mass, solution emulsion, suspension, will be given to the student. The frontal lessons will be supported by tutorial videos.
Moreover, the student will be introduce to the concept of biopolymers: definition, synthesis, properties and application in biotechnology.
In the second part of the course, the synthesis and the use of the polymers in the biotechnology field will be described. In particular, the use of polymers as scaffold for the tissue engineering, as drug delivery and polymer therapeutics will be discussed.
Applying knowledge and understanding: in parallel to theoretical explanations, the student will be trained in laboratory practice exercises. The lab experiments will be: (i) synthesis of polystyrene (radical reaction); (ii) synthesis of nylon (polycondensation reaction); (iii) Synthesis of flexible, expanded and rigid polyuretane; (iv) synthesis and characterization of polylactic acid; (v) epoxy resin synthesis; (vi) syntheis of silicone; (vii) synthesis of a rigid polyuretane mould. Moreover, during the academic year, one instructional visit will be performed to an industry of the polymer sector. These activities will train the student to apply and reinforce the concepts acquired.
Making judgments: The student will possibly acquire a complete autonomy in the classification of polymers, based on properties and polymerization techniques. The student will be able to autonomously and critically analyze the most suitable polymer and the required properties for a specific application in the biotechnology field.
Communication and lifelong learning skills: the student should be able to properly communicate using the typical scientific terminology. To this aim, during the oral examination the student will present an article or a review connected to the course contents. The student should be able to present in a proper and critical way the selected argument.