Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Nanomedicine
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Normally M-F 10:00-18:00. Please schedule an appointment through email prior to consultation.
Introduction
The application of nanotechnology in the field of biomedicine is an innovative discipline, which is currently booming and seeks to improve the quality of life of living beings.
This course introduces the fundamentals and applications of nanotechnology in the field of biomedical sciences. The agenda will focus on the basic technologies for the preparation of nanomedicines and their most emerging applications. A theoretical basis on nanomedicines and their characterization will be provided, as well as their use in therapy and diagnosis.
Pre-course requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Objectives
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify the different materials used to prepare nanomedicine;
2. Describe their formulation and characterization methods;
3. Outline the different steps in the uptake and biodistribution of nanomedicines; and
4. Categorize the different nanomedicines based on type of material and biomedical use.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CB05 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
- CE19 - To be aware of the principles of biomedical science related to health and learn how to work in any field of Biomedical Sciences (biomedical companies, bioinformatics laboratories, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
- CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental level.
- CG10 - To design, write up and execute projects connected to the field of Biomedical Sciences.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
The student:
- Applies the tools that allow from the correct choice and interpretation of the bibliography to an adequate integration and participation in the activities of a research group.
- Knows and uses adequately the scientific, technical or specific vocabulary, as well as the specific bibliography of the group or company receiving the external practices.
- Demonstrates autonomy and critical sense in the interpretation of information.
- Understands the basics to plan, organize and control the workload assigned to him/her.
- Develops a professional attitude appropriate to the work environment.
Syllabus
1. General concepts associated to nanomedicine
a. What is nanotechnology?
b. What is nanomedicine?
c. History of nanomedicine
2. Characterization of nanomedicines
a. Types of nanomedicine (lipid, polymer, metal, etc)
b. Characterization methods
i. Size and morphology
ii. Surface properties and stability
iii. Zeta potential
iv. Spectral properties
v. Drug loading
c. Quality issues in nanomedicines
3. Biological disposition of nanomedicine
a. Introductory pharmacokinetics of nanomedicine
i. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
ii. Transporters, cells, and transport pathways
iii. The role of BBB, GI tract, kidney, and liver
iv. Bioavailability
v. Experimental models
b. Dissolution and drug release
i. Basics of drug release
ii. Biorelevant media
iii. Methods and apparatus
c. Issues in safety of nanoparticles
4. Nanomedicine in research and the clinic
a. Examples of clinically-approved nanomedicine
b. Therapeutics
c. Vaccines
d. Diagnostics and biosensors
e. Regenerative medicine
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- Lectures: Presentation of a theoretical topic by the professor. Visual aid in PowerPoint format is used to accompany the explanations.
- Problem-based learning: Presentation of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in active interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher actively intervenes and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge. These classes can deal with content that deepens the topics covered in lectures or new topics.
- Review of literature: Students work in small groups to research on specific nanomedicines. They will then present what they have learned to the class with PowerPoint as a visual aid.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1. Evaluation criteria for students in first call:
Problem-based learning: 20 %
Review of literature: 10 %
Short quiz: 20 %
Final exam: 50 %
The teacher reserves up to 5 % of the grade to be awarded for subjective arguments such as: involvement, participation, respect of the basic rules, etc.
2. For students in second or later calls: the grade for the problem-based learning and literature review will be kept and the final exam will represent 70 % of the grade.
3. General points to take into account about the evaluation system:
a. In order to be able to make average in the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained.
b. In addition to the above mentioned, in order to pass the course, the average of all grades must be 5 or higher.
c. The continuous nature of this evaluation makes it impossible to evaluate the course if the student has not participated in 75% of the hours.
d. The improper use of electronic devices (such as the recording and broadcasting of both students and teachers during the different sessions, as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes) may lead to expulsion from class.
e. The quizzes and exams will contain multiple-choice questions (4 answer options).
4. Class attendance:
a. Regular attendance in all classes is recommended.
b. Attendance to lecture classes is not compulsory, but recommended.
c. The expulsion of a student from all classes will have negative repercussions in the continuous evaluations.
d. Attendance to problem-based learning, presentations, and quizzes is mandatory in order to obtain the corresponding grade.
5. In the awarding of Honor Grades, special consideration will be given to the candidates' participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as their respect for the basic rules.
Bibliography and resources
Fruk, L. and Kerbs, A. (2021), Bionanotechnology: Concepts and Applications (Cambridge University Press)
Howard, K. A. et al. eds.(2016), Nanomedicine, Advances in Delivery Science and Technology (Springer)
Øgendal, L. H. (2017), Light Scattering Demystified: Theory and Practice. (University of Copenhagen Press)
Rogers, B. A. et. eds. (2015), Nanotechnology: Understanding Small Systems, 3rd ed. (CRC Press).
Taylor, K. M. G. and Aulton, M. E. eds. (2022), Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines, 6th ed. (Elsevier)
Notes:
- For review of basic concepts: Textbooks on general chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacology
- For further reading: Copies of relevant journal articles will be provided.
Evaluation period
- E1 15/01/2024 A10 14:00h
- R1 24/01/2024 A10 16:00h
- E2 17/06/2024 A06 18:00h