Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine
4
16413
4
First semester
op
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dr. PARAISO, West Kristian - wkparaiso@uic.es

Mondays to Fridays 9:00-17:00 (except holidays). Schedule an appointment through email prior to consultation: wkparaiso@uic.es. Unannounced visits will NOT be entertained.

Introduction

Nanomedicine is the application of nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology to the biomedical sciences. It is an innovative discipline and the explosive growth in research activities is expanding its applications from cancer treatment to prevention of infectious diseases.

This course on nanomedicine introduces the fundamentals and applications of nanotechnology in the prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and mitigation of various pathologies. We will tackle the different types of nanomedicines and discuss their physicochemical properties, preparation methods, and biomedical applications. An emphasis will be given to nanomedicines that serve as drug delivery platforms or as independent pharmacologic agents.  

In addition, the course encourages the participants to grow as researchers by exposing them to the different methodologies in nanomedicine research through primary and secondary literature published by leading nanomedicine laboratories. 

By addressing key challenges in health through technological innovation and fostering scientific literacy and global research awareness, this course supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Note: In case of discrepancies among the English, Spanish, and Catalan versions of the course guide, the information on the English one will be deemed correct.

Pre-course requirements

There are no official prerequisites for this course. However, students are expected to be able to: 1) perform laboratory calculations such as solution concentration, dilution, and unit conversion through dimensional analysis, 2) recognize and draw simple biomolecular structures, 3) analyze and plot data manually and through Microsoft Excel, and 4) perform basic laboratory skills such as weighing solids, measurement of liquids, etc. In addition, previous lessons from courses such as Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Analysis, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology must be reviewed. The language of instruction is English and it is recommended that the student has a working proficiency in this language.

Objectives

  1. Identify examples of nanomedicines in clinical and non-clinical use;
  2. Explain the applications of nanomedicines in the current biomedical science landscape; 
  3. Classify different nanomedicines types in terms of materials, structure, physicochemical properties, and biomedical applications;
  4. Recognize the different experimental techniques used to characterize nanomedicines; 
  5. Perform several laboratory calculations, data analyses, and laboratory techniques that are pertinent to nanomedicine; and
  6. Outline the pathways and barriers that nanomedicines encounter in the physiological environment

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN14 - Identify the principles of biomedical sciences related to health, as well as the basic concepts and tools that have an impact on Biomedical Sciences and allow them to work in any of its fields (biomedical companies, bioinformatics labs, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
  • CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Upon completing the course, students should be able to:

● Identify the fields in which nanomedicine can be applied.

● Use the terminology specific to the field of nanomedicine correctly.

● Discuss relevant issues in the field of nanomedicine.

● Apply the various techniques of nanomedicine in different contexts.

● Examine the specific literature on advances in nanomedicine.

● Perform calculations relevant to nanomedicine.

Syllabus

Lecture topics:

  1. Introduction to nanomedicines
  2. Polymer-based nanomedicines
  3. Lipid-based nanomedicines
  4. Inorganic nanomedicines
  5. Miscellaneous nanomedicines
  6. Characterization methods of nanomedicines
  7. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of nanomedicines 

Laboratory sessions:

  1. Preparation of polymer- and lipid-based nanoparticles
  2. Characterization of polymer- and lipid-based nanoparticles 

Case discussions:

  1. Laboratory calculations 
  2. Data analysis and visualization 
  3. Selected researches in nanomedicine 

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  1. Lectures – 22 hours: the instructor delivers concepts in the classroom to the whole group of students. Visual support through blackboard/whiteboard writings, videos, PowerPoint presentations, etc. may be used to accompany the explanations.
  2. Case methods – 8 hours: students, working in groups, solve practical cases provided previously by the instructor. In the classroom, students present their conclusions with the active participation of the instructor, who may introduce new concepts whenever necessary.
  3. Laboratory sessions – 8 hours: experimental demonstration in the laboratory on concepts studied in theoretical classes under the supervision of the instructor.
  4. Examinations – 4 hours

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



  1. Evaluation criteria for students in first call:
    • Quizzes: 30%
    • Laboratory performance: 20%
    • Recitation: 10%
    • Preliminary exam: 20%
    • Final exam: 20%
    • TOTAL: 100%
  2. For students in second or later calls: the grade for all course components will be kept and the final exam will represent 20% of the grade. 
  3. General points to take into account about the evaluation system:
    • In order to be able to take the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 in all other components must be obtained.
    • In addition to the above mentioned, in order to pass the course, the average of all grades must be 5 or higher.
    • The continuous nature of this evaluation makes it impossible to evaluate the course if the student has not participated in 90% of the hours.
    • Quizzes will be given EVERY SESSION. The topics include previous lessons or reading assignments.
    • The quizzes and exams will contain all types of questions including, but not limited to: true/false, matching type, fill in blanks, identification, and essay, and calculations.
    • During recitation, students will be called upon to answer questions in front of class.
  4. Class attendance:
    • Regular attendance in all classes is REQUIRED. 
    • The student will merit a grade of ZERO for any missed evaluation during the unexcused absence or lateness.
    • Excused absences include: class schedule conflict (applicable only to exchange students), physical or mental illnesses (a medical note is required), home or family emergencies (a signed letter from the guardian is required), and force majeure. 
    • Any substitute for the missed evaluation will be made at the discretion of the instructor. A maximum of two quizzes may be replaced by providing a special oral report during the last class session. 
    • Electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, smart watches, etc. are NOT ALLOWED in class. These devices need to be TURNED OFF at all times. Unauthorized use will lead to EXPULSION FROM CLASS. Further use 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 will lead to AUTOMATIC FAILURE in this course.
    • Disruption of class due to unnecessary and irrelevant noise and activities will lead to EXPULSION FROM CLASS.
    • The expulsion of a student from a class will result in a grade of ZERO in the activity for the day.
    • Note: For exchange students with scheduling conflicts, the attendance requirement is lifted. 
  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.

 

Classroom rules and regulations
  1. Required materials in class:
    • Notebook
    • Pen with permanent ink
    • Scientific calculator
    • Pencil
    • Ruler
    • In the lab: lab coat, name tag, closed shoes, printed lab guide
  2. The use of generative AI tools is NOT ALLOWED in class. Anyone caught using these tools will automatically be given ZERO in that particular activity.
  3. Mobile phones, laptops, and other smart devices should be TURNED OFF. They are NOT ALLOWED to be used as calculators or timers. Students caught using these devices will be EXPELLED from class.
  4. PowerPoint slides will not be provided. Instead, the references used in the lecture will be uploaded in the moodle page. Students are responsible for taking down notes. 
  5. Be quiet the moment you are inside the class. Close the door when you are the last to enter the room. This is common sense and basic respect for the other participants of this class. unnecessary and irrelevant noise and activities will lead to EXPULSION FROM CLASS.
  6. All deadlines will be strictly observed. Problems with technology, lack of access to a computer lab, and other related issues will not excuse late work.
  7. Observe professor-student boundaries including writing formal and respectful emails. Any written communication received during the holidays and outside the usual working hours of 8:00-18:00 will be DELETED.
  8. Lab coat, name tag, closed shoes, and printed lab guide are required for entry to the laboratory classes.
  9. Students are responsible for keeping the lab neat at all times. Dispose used consumables following the proper waste disposal rules. Return materials to the correct storage after use.
  10. In cases of weather emergencies, strikes, or related events, address all questions regarding class cancellations to the university administration.

Bibliography and resources

Textbooks:

  • Demetzos, C. (2024), Nanotechnology in Therapeutics: Basics and Trends (Wiley)
  • Fruk, L. and Kerbs, A. (2021), Bionanotechnology: Concepts and Applications (Cambridge University Press)
    • Note: this e-book is only available when accessed through UIC wifi
  • Patrick, G.L. (2023), An Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (Oxford University Press)
  • Poma, A. and Rizzello, L. eds (2025), Nanotechnology Tools for Infection Control: Scanning New Horizons on Next-Generation Therapies to Eradicate Pathogens and Fight Drug Resistance (Elsevier)
  • Seidman, L.A. (2021), Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology, 2nd ed. (CRC Press)

Journals (some examples):

  • ACS Nano
  • Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
  • Advanced Therapeutics
  • Angewandte Chemie
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomaterials Science
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics
  • Journal of Controlled Release
  • Molecular Pharmaceutics
  • Nano Letters
  • Nanomedicine (London)
  • Nanoscale Advances
  • Nature Communications
  • Nature Nanotechnology
  • Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
  • Nature Reviews Materials
  • Science Advances
  • WIREs Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology


Notes:

  • For review of basic concepts: Textbooks on chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacology
  • Students are responsible for securing copies of assigned journal articles in class

 

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