MOLECULAR RECOGNITION AND DESIGN OF BIOACTIVE SYSTEMS FOR LIFE SCIENCES

The course aims to provide the theoretical and practical foundations for understanding the role of clay minerals in the Life Sciences, through an approach that integrates the chemistry of molecular recognition, the physicochemical properties of bioactive systems, and the study of clay materials.

Specifically, the course aims to:

• provide knowledge regarding the principles of molecular recognition and non-covalent interactions in biological systems;

• introduce fundamental concepts concerning the physicochemical properties of bioactive molecules and general criteria for rational design;

• describe the structure, classification, and properties of clay minerals of biological interest, with particular reference to halloysite nanotubes;

• illustrate the modes of interaction between clay materials and biomolecules;

• provide an integrated overview of clay applications in the Life Sciences, particularly in drug delivery and diagnostics.

With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, this course aims to transfer the following transversal skills to the student:

Knowledge and understanding: Inductive and deductive reasoning skills;

Ability to rationalize and predict the reactivity of organic molecules; 

Ability to apply knowledge:

Ability to design a synthetic path suitable for obtaining a precise organic molecule;

Ability to foresee the necessary instrumentation for the realization of the synthesis;

Ability to identify the optimal reaction conditions for a given reaction.

Autonomy of judgment: Critical reasoning skills;

Self-assessment of learning through interactions in the classroom with colleagues and with the teacher.

Communication skills: Ability to describe in oral and written form, with properties of language and terminological rigor, one of the topics covered, using both power point presentations and the blackboard

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

• Introduction to chemometrics as a support for chemical and biological research.

• Structure-property relationships in bioactive compounds.

• Main chemical-physical properties relevant to biological systems (polarity, charge, solubility).

• Qualitative concepts of ADME and their relationship to molecular structure.

• General principles of rational design and structural modulation.

• Application of the concepts to the design of molecules intended to interact with solid surfaces and hybrid materials.