Course Identification

Soft matter: self-assembly in biopolymers

Syllabus

The greatest potential for biomolecular soft matter with structural complexity and function lies with self-assembling systems in which supramolecular structure can be programmed. So far, this opportunity is on the horizon with self-assembling biopolymer systems, which will eventually integrate with biomedicine, cosmetic industry and material science (structural and biologically active materials).

This course is focuses on the self-assembly processes in biocompatible polymers, lipids, polysaccharides, polynucleic acids, proteins, peptides and other biologically relevant molecules. The course is particularly suitable for biophysicists, chemists, biochemists and materials scientists interested in soft and biological matter and nanoscience. 

List of topics:

1. Biopolymers: from synthetic systems to natural polymers such as proteins, polysaccharides and poly nucleic acids. Molecular structure, length scales, energetic levels and structural units.
2. Beneficial and disease-associated assemblies in nature: biocompatibility, bioactivity and supramolecular assemblies.
3. Mechanisms of biopolymer self-assembly: kinetics, dynamics, inter- and intramolecular interactions, energies.
4. Role of interfacial properties and solid-liquid interfaces in biopolymer assemblies.
5. Self-assembly in bio-hybrid materials and superstructure formation.
6. Technological approaches to control self-assembly in biopolymers.
7. Applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine.

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Understand the structural parameters and chemical properties of "natural" building blocks.

2. To be familiar with basic principles of self-assembling materials

3. Understand structure-function relationship in self-assembling systems.

4.  To know how nature uses self-assembly phenomenon to form materials with different properties.

5. Know common technique for fabrication of biomaterials.