Learning objectives
The goals of the course are
Knowing the bases of the chemistry of natural and sysntetic polymers , on their behaviour in solution and in biological fluids.
Knowing analytical techniques for the characterization of polymers
Knowing formulation strategies for the design of tridimensional polymeric structures for cell growth and drug delivery.
Using appropriate terms in the description of polymer behavior in solid state or in solution
Being able to suggest a formulation strategy for the design and the realization of polymeric structures, constituted of polymers 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.
Identifying kinetics of drug release from scaffolds/matrices in order to be able to optimize the drug release rate.
Reading and understanding a scientific publication, identifying methods of formulation and their relation with the characteristics of the material.
Prerequisites
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 and on fabrication of ATMPs.
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 (gels).
• 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.
• Basics of production of ATMPs
Bibliography
Martin's Physical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fifth Edition P. J. Sinko Editor, Lippincot Williams & Wilkins, Phildelpia, 2006; recent publications on the topic
Teaching methods
The course will be held through lectures to Students in the classroom. In case of lasting sanitary emergency, lessons will be held on Teams platform.
Lectures will be supported by slide presentations, which will be available to students on the Elly platform (https://elly.medicina.unipr.it).
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
In case of the persistence of the health emergency, the exams will be conducted remotely, as follows:
remote oral questions, through the Teams platform (guide http://selma.unipr.it/).
Students with SLD / BSE must first contact Le Eli-che: support for students with disabilities, D.S.A., B.E.S. (https://sea.unipr.it/it/servizi/le-eli-che-supporto-studenti-con-disabilita-dsa-bes)
Oral exam will consisting in three questions aiming at verifying that students
Have learnt bases of polymers chemistry
Can apply acquired knowledge to formulation cases
Are able to read, understand and comment a scientific publication
The results will be expressed in 30th.
Overall evaluation will be the mean of notes obtained in all modules of the course.
Other information
The first part of the course will be dedicated to providing fundamentals of polymer chemistry, solid state chemistry and polymers’ behaviour in solution.
In the second part of the course examples of application of the concepts presented in the first one will be presented about manipulation of the polymers for the preparation of hydrogels and tridimensional structures for tissue repair.
